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| Joseon-jok | |
|---|---|
| Group | Joseon-jok |
| Native name | 조선족 |
| Population | est. variable |
| Regions | China, Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture |
| Languages | Korean language, Mandarin Chinese, Korean dialects |
| Religions | Korean Shamanism, Buddhism, Christianity in Korea, Confucianism |
| Related | Koreans, Koryo-saram, Zainichi Korean, South Korea, North Korea |
Joseon-jok is the ethnonym used for ethnic Koreans resident in the People's Republic of China primarily in the northeastern provinces. The community traces roots to migrations during the late Joseon dynasty, the Korean Empire, and the Japanese occupation of Korea. They maintain cultural, linguistic, and institutional links with Korea (region), China, Russia, and diaspora communities such as Zainichi Koreans and Koryo-saram.
The term derives from the Korean endonym for the Korean Peninsula used historically by residents of the Joseon dynasty and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; it contrasts with identifiers used in South Korea and among Korean Americans. Scholarly literature and demographic surveys from institutions like the United Nations and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences employ ethnic designations alongside PRC classifications such as the 56 ethnic groups of China list. Alternative labels appear in publications by Harvard University, Stanford University, and Seoul National University, reflecting debates over transliteration and political recognition after the Treaty of Shimonoseki and treaties following the Russo-Japanese War.
Migration pulses correspond with events including the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, the Japanese occupation of Korea, and land pressures during the Qing dynasty decline. Migrants settled in regions developed by enterprises such as the Chinese Eastern Railway and industries linked to Manchukuo. During the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the People's Republic of China, populations negotiated status under policies influenced by the Chinese Communist Party, leaders like Mao Zedong, and treaties with North Korea and South Korea. Cold War dynamics involving the Soviet Union, United States, and the Korean War also affected repatriation, resettlement, and cross-border family separations. Academic works from Kyoto University, Peking University, and Columbia University analyze these migration flows.
Concentrations appear in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Changchun, Shenyang, Harbin, and border cities adjacent to the Tumen River. Census data coordinated by the National Bureau of Statistics of China and studies by the World Bank and International Organization for Migration document urban migration to metropolitan centers like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Population dynamics intersect with projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative and regional development in Northeast China. Cross-border kinship networks connect residents with communities in North Hamgyong Province, South Hamgyong Province, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon.
Legal categories reflect PRC policies on ethnic minorities codified by instruments influenced by legal scholarship at Peking University Law School and comparative studies referencing the Constitution of the People's Republic of China. Individuals hold citizenship statuses ranging from PRC nationality to dual associations effected by laws in South Korea and documents issued by consulates like those of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China and the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Administrative frameworks such as the Household registration system and autonomous prefectural regulations in Yanbian mediate rights related to mobility, property, and social services, while international law discussions at The Hague and publications from Amnesty International address cross-border statelessness and refugee flows.
Cultural life blends practices from Joseon dynasty heritage, Korean folk religion, and regional Chinese influences mediated through institutions like Yanbian University and cultural centers associated with the Korean People's Army and South Korean NGOs. Linguistic repertoires include varieties of the Korean language (notably Hamgyong dialects), Mandarin Chinese, and literacy in Hangul and Hanja. Traditional arts tie to forms such as Arirang, Pansori, Taekkyeon, and culinary traditions including kimchi alongside regional cuisines of Northeast China. Identity politics features interactions with movements represented by organizations like the Korean Residents Union in Japan, scholarly journals from Yonsei University, and comparative research by the Asia-Pacific Journal.
Economic activities historically centered on agriculture, forestry, and mining in provinces like Jilin and Heilongjiang, later shifting to manufacturing, trade, and services in urban hubs including Dalian and Shenzhen. Labor patterns intersect with labor migration policies promulgated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People's Republic of China and bilateral labor agreements with South Korea. Studies by Asian Development Bank, OECD, and Brookings Institution examine disparities in income, employment, and access to social insurance, comparing outcomes to other groups such as Han Chinese and migrant worker populations in China. Entrepreneurship links include transnational trade networks with Busan, Incheon, Vladivostok, and Hong Kong.
Community institutions operate at municipal and prefectural levels, including cultural associations, educational institutions like Yanbian University, and chambers of commerce connecting to entities such as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency. Political representation occurs within the People's Congress system in the People's Republic of China and through consultative bodies like the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Transnational advocacy and engagement involve consular offices of South Korea and North Korea, NGOs such as Korean American Civic Empowerment-linked networks, and research partnerships with Institute of Korean Studies (Seoul National University) and international foundations.