홈>Communication>Incheon Now>Special Theme > Beyond Borders] Greater ‘US’ Overseas Koreans

Special Theme

Beyond Borders] Greater ‘US’ Overseas Koreans

Views: 37

Greater ‘US’ Overseas Koreans

Throughout history, many Koreans have left their home country for different reasons, including escaping poverty, pursuing their dreams, and fleeing war. Despite their challenges, Koreans demonstrated their indomitable will by exploring different parts of the world and contributing to raising the Republic of Korea to the ranks of developed countries. These Koreans never forgot their homeland and held it close to their hearts.

Incheon recognizes and honors the contributions of these Koreans. Today, Incheon is committed to becoming a global city toward the greater ‘Us’ with 7.5 million overseas Koreans and 3 million citizens of Incheon.

▶ Who are Overseas Koreans?

① Korean nationals who have lived overseas for a long time or obtained permanent residency abroad;

② Koreans of foreign nationality who have Korean ancestry and live in a foreign country.

Incheon, the Place of the First Official Emigration

On December 22, 1902, 121 people left the East- West Development Company. After arriving at Incheon Customs, they passed the immigration and got on small boats that took them to the Hyeonhaetan (Genkaimaru), a steamship belonging to the Japanese company that was staying in the waters of Wolmido Island to leave for Hawaii, USA. After a two-day voyage, they arrived at Nagasaki Port, Japan, on December 24 and had a physical examination. Nineteen people were disqualified, and only 102 people boarded the Gallic and headed to Honolulu, Hawaii. They arrived in Hawaii on January 12, 1903, about 20 days after leaving Incheon. However, 16 people were repatriated due to illness, and only 86 people received final permission to land. This is the story of Korea’s first official emigration. Approximately 7,400 Koreans left for Hawaii through Incheon until the last official emigration on August 8, 1905.

There was also emigration to Mexico. At that time, Koreans made ropes or gunny sacks with the fibers extracted from crushed henequens. Henequen was over 2m tall, and its leaves were 30cm wide. It had sharp thorns, and when pricked by a thorn, they suffered great pain as the wound festered and infected. Some Korean ship engineers left for Germany. Approximately 300 Korean ship engineers played a role in the revival of the local German shipbuilding industry based on their technical skills. They also contributed significantly to the development of Korean shipbuilding technology.

Lives of Overseas Koreans Continue in Incheon

Incheon, embracing Korean emigration history, still has myriads of people coming and going through its port and airport, even after 100 years. In June last year, Incheon and overseas Koreans were reconnected through the Overseas Koreans Agency established in Songdo International City.

Overseas Koreans play essential roles in various fields. First, it is the fields of politics and diplomacy. The political power accumulated in the Korean community is contributing to expanding the influence of the Korean people globally. They also strengthen ties with the country they live in through economic activities. They contribute to the development of the Korean economy through investment in Korea and job creation and by exporting products made in Korea to the country they live. In addition, they make efforts to promote cultural exchange.

Incheon will support overseas Koreans in playing these roles more actively in the future. As part of this, Incheon will open the Overseas Koreans Welcome Center this year, providing customized, comprehensive, one-stop services such as tourism, business, medical care, and education.

+ Learn More Vividly

Films that give a glimpse into the lives of overseas Koreans

⦁ MINARI

It is a film that tells the various stories of a Korean family who settled down in a strange place, Arkansas, America.

Release Date : March 3, 2021

Rating : For ages 12 and above

Director : Jeong Isaac

Cast : Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Yoon Yeo-jeong, Alan Kim, Noel Cho, Will Patton

Plot : A Korean family leaves for an unfamiliar place, America. Jacob, a father who wants to show his family that he can accomplish something, begins to tend his farm, and his wife, Monica, also looks for a job again. Monica’s mother, Sun-ja, lives with them to take care of their children, who are still young. Their mature daughter Ann and her naughty younger brother David are unhappy with Sun-ja, who is unlike any other American grandmother.

⦁ PACHINKO

A drama depicting the lives and dreams of four generations of a Korean immigrant family that left their homeland to pursue survival and prosperity.

Release Date : March 25, 2022

Rating : For ages 15 and older

Channel : Apple TV+

Cast : Yoon Yeo-jeong, Lee Min-ho, Kim Min-ha

Summary : In Busan, under Japanese rule, Seon-ja grows up experiencing the tragedy of being persecuted by the invaders. She meets a man who left Joseon, overcame poverty, and built a new life. She has his child but does not think she can spend her life with a man who already has a wife. At that time, another man appeared, and Seon-ja went to Japan with him, starting a life as a stranger.

+ Learn More Diversely

12th Diaspora Film Festival

Diaspora refers to the lives of Jews who preserved their culture while being scattered around the world in the past. The Diaspora Film Festival, named after this, is a film festival that mainly tells the stories of migrants, refugees, and those marginalized due to discrimination and prejudice. It is Asia's only diaspora-themed film festival, held yearly since 2013. This year marks its 12th anniversary. The film festival is held in Incheon due to its history as a center of migration and emigration.

The film festival is centered around Incheon and intends to share the value of diversity and tolerance with those marginalized due to discrimination and prejudice through films. Every year, it screens works from various countries, such as the ‘Eyes of the Diaspora,’ a session that interprets the works selected by guest programmers in the aspect of diaspora, and the ‘Cinema Picnic,’ which can be viewed with the whole family, in addition to screening feature-length and short films under the given theme. Various programs, such as cultural experience activities, will also be held.

The slogan of this film festival is ‘Future of Diversity, Beginning of Coexistence.’ The poster emphasizes the contrast and harmony of straight lines and curves, and the film festival's initial 'D' is expressed with colorful curves that spread out from a single black straight line. The winding curves are a metaphor for various forms of migration, minority groups that clash and change with established society, and the flow of diasporic life.