From Ethnic Koreatown to Global Community - Changes in Wangjing Shequ, Beijing

Abstract

The thesis aims to expand on the previous study of Wangjing to find its uniqueness, by exploring Wangjing Koreatown formation and transformation and comparing Wangjings characteristics with Koreatowns in Shanghai, Qingdao, and Shenyang. Wangjing is located in one of the core districts in Beijing, Chaoyang District, and is a globalized community with three main groups: Korean, ethnic Korean Chinese (Chaoxianzu), and Han Chinese.

Wangjing underwent remarkable transformation from agrarian region to one of Beijings largest commercial and technological community with contribution by Korean people. The urban development and globalization of Wangjing were on the smooth path and provided prosperity to Wangjing community, while bringing benefits to the Koreans and Chaoxianzus who sought economic opportunities in the region. However, the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the 2016 THAAD incident heavily influenced local Korean residents, as their lives became arduous to overcome economic and social challenges thrown upon themselves. Fortunately, sustenance of Wangjing Koreatown and the continued efforts of local Chinese government bring hope to construction of the global community in the region.

Key Words: China, Wangjing, Koreatown, Chaoxianzu, Globalization