Korean Migration and Mobility in the Global South

Korean Migration and Mobility in the Global South argues that current migration studies, largely focused on South-to-North movement, overlook the complex realities of Korean migrants in regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The contributors challenge conventional migration theories by revealing how Koreans in the Global South create new pathways for integration and opportunity in politically and economically distinct environments. Drawing on detailed case studies and empirical evidence, this book demonstrates how these migrants navigate unique socioeconomic landscapes and reconfigure traditional notions of mobility and identity. Ultimately, the volume contends that Korean migration to these regions represents a crucial yet overlooked dimension of global migration flows, requiring new theoretical frameworks that better reflect contemporary mobility patterns.

Yonson Ahn is professor and chair of Korean studies at the Goethe University of Frankfurt.

Jihye Kim is assistant professor in Korean studies at the University of Melbourne.