South Korea is grappling with a population crisis driven by its rapidly declining birth rate, which hit a record low of 0.72 in 2023. With projections showing the population could halve by the end of the century, the country is facing labor shortages and growing concerns about sustaining economic growth and social welfare systems. One potential solution being explored is the immigration of ethnic Koreans, including the Koryoins—descendants of ethnic Koreans who lived in Central Asia, having been forcibly relocated there during the Stalin era.
Koryoins and other ethnic Koreans from China and Russian-speaking countries have been granted residency in South Korea, and their numbers have surged since 2014 when they were allowed to bring their families with them. These immigrants are filling critical labor gaps in the country’s manufacturing and service sectors, especially in regions like Asan, home to many factories. Many of the factories rely heavily on Koryoin workers, with some factories employing more than 80% Koryoins, according to local sources.
However, the integration of these ethnic Koreans has proven challenging. Despite being ethnically Korean, many Koryoins no longer speak the language, having assimilated into Russian or Central Asian cultures over the generations. This creates language barriers and a sense of segregation, particularly in schools where multicultural students struggle to communicate with their Korean peers. In schools like Dunpo Elementary, where nearly 80% of the students are Koryoins or other foreigners, special Korean-language classes have been introduced to help students keep up with lessons. Yet, concerns about the quality of education have led to some local students leaving these schools.
The challenges extend beyond the classroom. Many Koryoins experience social isolation and discrimination from their Korean neighbors, who often move away when Koryoins settle in their neighborhoods. This is a reflection of the broader societal resistance to immigration in South Korea, a nation traditionally seen as ethnically homogenous.
Despite these hurdles, some Koryoin families, like Ni Denis and his family, who moved from Kazakhstan, express satisfaction with their lives in South Korea, citing better living conditions and wages. However, they also acknowledge the difficulties of fitting into Korean society. For Denis’s children, South Korea already feels like home, reflecting the complex realities of immigration and integration in the country.
Experts argue that the population crisis should prompt South Korea to rethink its approach to immigration. While immigrant labor is helping fill economic gaps, there is a lack of long-term settlement policies, with existing immigration laws focused primarily on low-skilled workers and short-term solutions. Analysts emphasize the need for a national immigration plan that supports the integration of immigrant families, ensuring they receive the necessary education and vocational training to fully participate in society.
As South Korea continues to face demographic challenges, it is clear that immigration, while part of the solution, requires a more robust framework to address issues of discrimination, integration, and long-term settlement. Only then can the country fully harness the potential of its growing immigrant population to help solve its labor shortages and demographic crisis.
