Policy Approaches to Security and National Strategy on Domestic Migration of Koryoin: Focusing on the Case of the Koryoin Village in Jecheon

Migration-induced residential mobility brings both benefits and challenges to host countries. Due to this dual nature, host countries face a dilemma: it is difficult to accept immigrants unconditionally, yet equally challenging to completely reject them. South Korea, as one of the world's advanced nations, can also be considered a major host country for immigrants. Factors such as Korea's high wages, education standards, and living conditions act as strong pull factors for people from economically and socially underdeveloped countries. Meanwhile, Korea's declining population, aging society, and subsequent labor shortages serve as internal drivers prompting the government and society to actively consider the influx of foreign migrants. However, like other advanced nations, Korea is not immune to various negative issues associated with the influx of immigrants. These include security threats, an increase in foreign-related crimes, socio-political conflicts, the spread of anti-foreigner sentiments, rising social costs from vulnerable foreigner populations, and the deepening of social issues due to slumification of migrant communities. As a result, Korea faces the dual challenge of embracing and utilizing overseas migrants while simultaneously addressing the negative issues that arise from this influx. It is therefore essential to seek the most optimal policy alternatives that reflect the complex nature of domestic migrant inflows. These policies should contribute to Korea's national interests and future prosperity while minimizing the problems associated with increasing migrant populations. This paper was written with this recognition of the problem in mind. Specifically, it identifies ethnic Koreans from the former Soviet Union (Koryoin) as a case study of migrants entering Korea. By examining the process through which these migrants settle and integrate, particularly in smaller regional cities, the paper aims to propose desirable policy alternatives. These policies should encourage the utilization of migrants for Korea’s national interests and future prosperity while minimizing negative outcomes such as crime, security risks, and socio-political tensions. To achieve this purpose, the study focuses on the city of “Jecheon,” a small regional city in Korea. Through a qualitative case study, the paper explores how Koryoin migrants have formed and developed their migrant community in Jecheon. Additionally, it examines the policy measures undertaken by Jecheon to support the integration of these migrants, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to propose actionable policy recommendations.