Cultural identity, social capital and immigrant enclave: Meaning making process of the Korean Chinese (Joseonjok) Diaspora in Korea

Abstract

The current study examined how Korean Chinese living in Korea make meaning of the intersection between cultural identity, social capital and immigrant enclave. Through in-depth interviews with 15 Korean Chinese who have different visa statuses and length of residency, the study found that age, visa status, family background and length of stay are changing the ways in which they identify themselves culturally. Moreover, they were found to hold positive attitudes toward their Korean Chinese cultural identity, yet, the identity was double-edged because they were simultaneously being discriminated due to their Korean Chinese background. Many were in the process of learning to hold on to their Korean Chinese cultural identity while adopting Korean identity simultaneously. The study also found that Korean Chinese in Korea have more of bridging than bonding capital as result of their demographic makeup in Garibongdong area. As for the ethnic enclave, although the interviewees were receiving emotional support and sense of belonging, because of limited resources, they were feeling the need to fill the gap with more capital.