Koreans in China

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Yanbian Univerisity of Science and Technology

Koreans in China are an ethnic group that consists of Chinese citizens of Korean ethnicity. They are one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. The majority of Koreans in China reside in the northeastern provinces of Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang, with a significant population also living in Beijing and other parts of China. The Korean population in China is the largest ethnic Korean population living outside the Korean Peninsula.

History

The history of Koreans in China can be traced back to several different periods. The earliest migrations are believed to have occurred during the Goguryeo and Balhae periods, when parts of what is now modern-day Northeast China were under the control of Korean kingdoms. However, the most significant influx of Koreans into China occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by economic hardship and later by the Japanese occupation of Korea. During the Korean War, another wave of Koreans moved to China, either fleeing the conflict or as part of military operations.

Demographics

As of the latest census, Koreans in China number approximately 2 million, making them one of the smaller ethnic minorities in China. The majority live in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province, which is considered the cultural and economic center of the Korean community in China. The population in Yanbian is bilingual, fluent in both Korean and Mandarin Chinese, and maintains strong cultural ties to Korea, including the celebration of Korean holidays and the preservation of Korean traditions and cuisine.

Culture

Koreans in China have managed to preserve many aspects of their culture, including language, music, dance, and cuisine. Korean language education is provided in schools throughout the Korean autonomous regions, and there are numerous Korean-language newspapers and broadcasting services. Traditional Korean music and dance are also taught and performed, and Korean cuisine is widely available, with dishes like kimchi and bulgogi being particularly popular.

Economic Contributions

Koreans in China have contributed significantly to the local economy, particularly in the Yanbian region. They have been instrumental in the development of agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of rice and the raising of livestock. In recent years, there has been a growth in Korean-owned businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and other service industry ventures. The region has also benefited from investment by South Korean companies, attracted by the cultural and linguistic ties, as well as the lower labor costs.

Challenges

Despite their contributions and integration, Koreans in China face challenges, including issues of identity and discrimination. While they are recognized as an official ethnic minority, which affords them certain rights and privileges, there are still instances of cultural and economic discrimination. Additionally, the younger generation of Koreans in China faces the challenge of balancing their Korean heritage with their Chinese nationality, navigating the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing society.

See Also

• Ethnic minorities in China
• Korean diaspora
• Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture