"The first ethnic cleansing of the 20th century"

Koryo Saram ("Koryo" meaning Korea and "Saram" meaning person) refers to the ethnic Koreans who reside in the former Soviet Union territories, particularly in Central Asia. The Koryo Saram's ancestors were among the first Korean immigrants to move to Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily to escape poverty and seek better opportunities. Today, the Koryo Saram community maintains a distinct cultural identity, blending Korean heritage with influences from their Central Asian environment.

Early Migration (19th Century)

The origins of the Koryo Saram date back to the late 19th century when significant numbers of Koreans began migrating to Russia's Far East. These migrations were driven by a combination of factors, including economic hardship, famine, and political unrest in Korea, which was under the influence of the declining Joseon Dynasty and increasing Japanese encroachment. By the early 20th century, the Korean population in the Russian Far East had grown substantially, with many Koreans engaging in agriculture, particularly rice farming, and becoming an integral part of the local economy.

Soviet Era and Forced Deportation (1937)

The most significant and traumatic event in the history of the Koryo Saram occurred in 1937, during Joseph Stalin's regime. Amid rising tensions with Japan, which had occupied Korea, Stalin ordered the mass deportation of over 180,000 Koreans from the Russian Far East to Central Asia. This move was part of a broader strategy targeting ethnic minorities that the Soviet government deemed "unreliable" or potentially disloyal. The deportation was carried out under harsh conditions, with Koreans being transported in overcrowded cattle cars over thousands of kilometers. Many suffered from exposure, starvation, and disease during the journey.

"They are neither North Koreans nor South Koreans – they are simply Koryo-sarams." - Svetlana Kim

Upon arrival in Central Asia, the deported Koreans were often left in remote, undeveloped areas with little support. Despite these challenges, they managed to establish new communities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where they played a significant role in the development of agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of rice and cotton. Over time, the Koryo Saram adapted to their new environment, contributing to the social and economic life of the region while retaining aspects of their Korean cultural heritage.

Adaptation and Survival in Central Asia

The experience of deportation and resettlement had a profound impact on the identity and culture of the Koryo Saram. While many Koreans maintained their language, customs, and traditions, the pressures of life in the Soviet Union led to significant changes. The Russian language gradually became dominant, particularly among younger generations, and many traditional Korean practices were lost or adapted to fit the new Soviet context. Nevertheless, the Koryo Saram retained a strong sense of community and cultural identity, blending elements of Korean, Russian, and Central Asian cultures.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 brought new challenges for the Koryo Saram. The economic and political instability in the newly independent Central Asian states, along with rising nationalism, led to renewed questions of identity and belonging for the Koryo Saram. Some chose to emigrate, either returning to South Korea or moving to other countries, while others remained in Central Asia, navigating the complexities of post-Soviet life.

Today

Today, the Koryo Saram are a diaspora with a unique cultural identity, shaped by over a century of migration, adaptation, and survival. While their experiences have led to significant changes in language, culture, and identity, the Koryo Saram have maintained a strong connection to their Korean roots. They continue to contribute to the social, economic, and cultural life of Central Asia, and their history serves as a testament to their resilience in the face of profound challenges.

References

Buttino, M. 2009. “Minorities in Samarkand: A Case Study of the City’s Koreans”. Nationalities Papers 37 (5): 719-742.

Dergacheva , D. (2024, June 24). Koryo-Saram: The long and tragic story of Koreans in Russia. Global Voices. https://globalvoices.org/2024/06/24/koryo-saram-the-long-and-tragic-story-of-koreans-in-russia/

Fumagalli, M. (2016). Growing inter-Asian connections: Links, rivalries, and challenges in South Korean–Central Asian relations. Journal of Eurasian Studies, 7(1), 39-48.

Khan, V., 1998. The Korean minority in Central Asia: National revival and problem of identity. In: International Journal of Central Asian Studies, 3; 66-77.

Kim, S. (2019, August 30). A brief history of the Koryo-Saram diaspora. Kultureller Dialog in Eurasien. https://kulteurasia.org/2019/08/25/the-koryo-saram-diaspora-in-the-post-soviet-states/

Woo, M. J.-E. (2006, October 1). Tracing the steps of Stalin’s unreliable people: Koryo Saram. Journal of the International Institute. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jii/4750978.0014.101/--tracing-the-steps-of-stalins-unreliable-people-koryo-saram?rgn=main%3Bview