The Korean Minority in China: The Change of Its Identity

Abstract

This paper examines the identity change of the Korean minority in China. Firstly, it treats the existence of Korean Chine identity or dual identity of the Korean minor - ity: its ethnic and political identity. Secondly, this study shows the changing self-perception of Korean Chinese after their meeting with South Koreans since the late 1980s. Thirdly, the limits of Chinese minority policies and the prospects of the Korean minority in China are indicated. The hypothesis of this research is that the Korean minority in China, during the last decade, has begun a we-feeling that is distinguishable from the Korean-ness which those Koreans on the Peninsula may have. This study explores the processes by which, and the reasons why the Korean minority in China have found themselves as Chinese citizens and a Korean nation.