Characteristics of the Developmental Stage of Gwangju <Koryein Village> and Limitations

2024 marks the 160th anniversary of the migration of the ‘Koryein’. The history of this Korean diaspora, who called themselves as “Koryo-Saram” since they crossed Tumen River and migrated to Primorsky Krai about 160 years ago, continues to this day. Recently, the number of Koryo-Saram immigrating to South Korea has increased, and they are forming densely populated residential areas within the country. These areas can be categorized into three types: those formed naturally, those established under the government leadership, and those created under the leadership of private NGOs. This article examines the current status of Koryo-Saram migration to South Korea within the broader context of their migration history. In particular, it focuses on the Gwangju <Koryein Village> community, which was established under the private leadership. Specifically, this article explores the activities of the founders and core executives of <Koryein Village>, as well as their community management philosophy. And it analyzes its development over the past 20 years, dividing it into three distinct stages. The first step was to establish an institutional foundation by enacting the ‘Koryein Resident Support Ordinance’ in 2013, a first in the country. The second was marked by the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the forced migration of Koryo-Saram in 2017, fostering mutual understanding with the Gwangju local people. The final step was to provide airline tickets to approximately 900 Koryo-Saram refugees from the Ukrainian war in 2022, bringing them to Gwangju. This was an opportunity to demonstrate the solidarity, human rights awareness, and collective strength of <Koryein Village>. Consequently, the awareness of <Koryein Village> grew, and the community expanded significantly. Despite this progress, the current <Koryein Village> is experiencing economic difficulties such as a lack of job opportunities, discriminatory views of the local people toward the Koryo-Saram, and, most importantly, obstacles to acquiring nationality, that is, institutional difficulties. If these challenges can be resolved well and Gwangju <Koryein Village> can take root as a successful community, it can become a standard for successful settlement not only for Koryo-Saram community but also for other immigrant communities.