Funded by The Australian Research Council (Discovery Project)
Funding Amount: $192,795
Project start date: 2022
Researchers
- A/Prof Jay Song (CI), ANU
- Dr Kimin Eom (CI), ANU
Project Description
This project aims to investigate Korean migration to Australia from 1924 to 2024 by utilising undiscovered historical government data and advancing an innovative theory and methodologies for migration studies. The project expects to generate a great deal of new knowledge on early and contemporary Korean immigrants in Australia using archival research, statistical analyses, online surveys and interviews. Expected outcomes include a new public database, theory development and refined methods using technology. This should provide significant benefits such as advancing our knowledge on colonial, post-war and post-Cold War Korean migrants (both North and South) in Australia as well as Australia-Korea relations over the past century.
National Interest Statement
South Korea is Australia’s fourth largest trading partner, and third largest source country for international students. The two countries have maintained a strong diplomatic and strategic relations for 60 years. Koreans are among the fastest growing ethnic minorities in Australia. Yet there is no comprehensive account of Korean migration to Australia since the early arrivals. In-depth knowledge of Korean Australian communities is relatively scarce compared to what is known about other migrant groups. The multidisciplinary team aims to produce the first comprehensive accounts and integrated analyses of Korean migrants in Australia. The project will enhance a better understanding of Korean Australians and their role for Australian economy and society, and strengthen the Australia-Korea relationships. Research outcomes will benefit not only the next generation of academics but also policymakers and civil society actors in immigration, foreign affairs, multiculturalism, business, media and communication.