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| Korean Brazilians | |
|---|---|
| Name | Korean Brazilians |
| Native name | 한국계 브라질인 |
| Population | est. 50,000–150,000 |
| Regions | São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Santa Catarina |
| Languages | Korean, Portuguese |
| Religions | Christianity (Protestantism, Catholicism), Buddhism |
Korean Brazilians are Brazilian citizens and residents of Korean ancestry who trace their origins to the Korean Peninsula and migration waves to Brazil. Migration began in the mid-20th century and expanded through labor, commercial, and professional ties, creating communities that connect to Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gwangju, and diasporic networks in the United States, Argentina, Chile, and Japan. Korean Brazilians maintain transnational links involving businesses with Hyundai, Samsung, LG Corporation, and cultural exchange with institutions such as the Korean Cultural Center.
Early arrivals came after the Korean War veterans era and amid Cold War geopolitics, with individuals moving from South Korea to pursue opportunities alongside migrants from Italy, Japan, and Lebanon. Significant migration waves occurred during the 1960s–1990s amid South Korea's industrialization and Brazil's development projects tied to corporations like Daewoo and Posco. Diplomatic relations between Brazil–South Korea relations deepened after formal recognition, leading to consular services and bilateral treaties influenced by leaders such as Park Chung-hee and Fernando Henrique Cardoso. Later mobility accelerated with globalization, airline links via LATAM Brasil and Korean Air, and educational exchanges involving University of São Paulo and Seoul National University affiliates.
Population estimates vary; census categories in Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics data and community surveys report concentrations mainly in metropolitan regions. Migratory flows include entrepreneurs, students, and professionals connected to companies like Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, and multinational networks including Unilever and Siemens. Age profiles show a mix of first-generation immigrants and second- or third-generation Brazilians with Korean descent who participate in cultural organizations such as the Association of Koreans in Brazil and religious institutions like Igreja Presbiteriana and Roman Catholic Diocese of São Paulo parishes where Korean-language services may be offered.
Major communities form in the City of São Paulo metropolitan area, particularly in neighborhoods with commercial corridors proximate to Rua da Consolação and municipal districts interacting with Liberdade and Bom Retiro markets. Other clusters exist in the state capitals of Curitiba (Paraná) and Joinville (Santa Catarina), and port cities like Rio de Janeiro and Santos. Community centers, Korean-language schools, and restaurants connect to global hubs including Los Angeles, New York City, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Chile, and migration transit points like Tokyo and Manila.
Cultural life blends Korean traditions—celebrations like Chuseok and Seollal—with Brazilian festivals such as Carnival. Religious affiliation often centers on Protestant denominations including Presbyterian Church in Korea-linked congregations, as well as Roman Catholic Church parishes and Buddhist temples influenced by Jogye Order practices. Cultural institutions host K-pop events, film screenings of works by directors like Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook, and culinary exchanges featuring bibimbap, kimchi, and Brazilian dishes influenced by chefs with ties to Fogaça-style gastronomy. Festivals involve collaborations with municipal cultural agencies and organizations such as the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil.
Bilingualism is common: Korean families often use Korean language at home while children attend Portuguese-medium schools such as the University of São Paulo and technical institutes. Supplementary Korean language schools and weekend programs align with curricula used by institutions like King Sejong Institute and engage with exchange programs supported by Ministry of Education (South Korea) partnerships. Educational attainment frequencies include students in fields linked to engineering and medicine who study at universities such as University of Campinas and professional training through vocational centers collaborating with companies like Embraer and Vale.
Economic participation ranges from small-business entrepreneurship—retail, restaurants, import-export trade engaging with ports like Port of Santos—to employment in multinational firms such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and logistics companies like Maersk. Many Korean Brazilian entrepreneurs operate textile, electronics, and beauty supply businesses in commercial districts, interfacing with supply chains involving Alibaba and Mercado Livre. Remittance patterns and investment linkages tie to South Korean financial institutions like Shinhan Bank and Kookmin Bank, while bilateral trade is shaped by agreements negotiated by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (South Korea) and Brazilian counterparts during administrations including Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Michel Temer.
Prominent individuals include business figures, academics, athletes, artists, and religious leaders with cross-links to institutions and events. Examples are entrepreneurs involved with Gyeonggi Province trade missions, scholars affiliated with University of São Paulo and Seoul National University, athletes competing in clubs such as São Paulo FC and Flamengo, musicians performing in festivals alongside artists like Anitta and participating in K-pop collaborations influenced by agencies like JYP Entertainment and SM Entertainment. Religious leaders serve congregations tied to Presbyterian Church in Korea networks, while filmmakers and visual artists exhibit in venues like the São Paulo Museum of Art and festivals such as Festival de Brasília. Journalists and public intellectuals contribute to discourse in media outlets including Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo.
Category:Ethnic groups in Brazil Category:Korean diaspora