In this report we provide in depth information on the anthropological study carried out and the distribution of Latin American immigrants and their experiences in Korea. Our research methods include a survey, interview, and participant observation carried out between June and November 2011. Data were gathered with the aim of finding ways for immigrants to develop social networks and to make better adjustments to life in Korea, and furthermore, to make suggestions for institutional aid and programs for immigrants.
This report consists of 6 chapters including the conclusion. Chapters 1 and 2 respectively provide general statistics on Latin American immigrants in Korea and characteristics of their immigration processes. Chapter 3 <The Process of Migration and Sociocultural Relations of Latin American Immigrants> comparatively examines the Japanese case and the Korean case of Latin American immigration. Through this comparison, the study clearly reveals the nature, meanings and impacts of Latin American immigration to Korea and sheds light on the importance of sociocultural factors for understanding the history of immigration, immigration processes, and immigrants' social adjustment in addition to economic factors. Chapter 4 <Latin American Expats' Sociocultural Adjustment in Korea> deals with the ways in which Latin American expats select adjustment strategies. While previous social scientific studies have tended to rely on quantitative analysis of expats' psychological adjustment and to deploy overgeneralized notions of sociocultural adjustment, this study utilizes qualitative methodology in order to pay more attention to the specifics of Latin American expats' experiences in Korea. The result of this study shows that Latin American expats in Korea select from among various strategies to adjust to Korean culture, depending on the nature of their job and where they live. Chapter 5 <An Analysis of Immigration Experience and Immigration Network according to status of sojourn> examined network formation and how it is used, and immigrants' experiences according to their status of sojourn. The result of this study shows that Latin American immigrants utilize different kinds of network and this tendency is visible in the process of immigration to Korea. In addition, Latin American immigration to Korea is characterized in this study as a family-based strategy rather than an individual strategy.
In conclusion, having conducted research on Latin American immigrants from various countries and of various visa types in Korea, we reached an understanding of some of the characteristics of Latin Americans' immigration process in Korea, sociocultural adjustment strategies, and sociocultural relations in Korea. This study contributes to an understanding of Latin American immigrants' statuses and roles in Korea, and aids in predicting their future path in Korea society. We suggest that it is necessary to improve qualitative aspects of immigrants' lives rather than to simply increase the number of immigrants in Korea; we also recommend that the Korean government develop policies to facilitate immigrants' positive experience of the overall process of immigration.