User:Lanawin24/Koreans in the Philippines

Migration History

This case of migration can be seen in a unique standpoint. Rather than arriving for purposes such as political safety or financial stability, they are rather coming to the Philippines for vacation, leisurely activities, business ventures, or for schooling. In the past, when we look at global migration patterns, people typically leave their countries for safety or financial purposes. This is one of the rare cases in history where a migration pattern so large is coming from a place of stability.

Tourism

In 2005, the top number of foreign arrivals in the Philippines was 528,493 from the United States. However, in 2006, Koreans soon took the lead with 572,133. As of 2017, there are 1,607,821 Korean arrivals. Since 2006, the number of South Koreans as foreign tourists in the Philippines outranked visitors from countries such as the USA, Japan, China, Australia, and others.

Education

English and Spanish as a second language

South Korea's economic growth is reflected in this trend. For example, middle class families are now beginning to send their children to the Philippines to learn English. In the past, Korean middle class families were unable to pay for ravel and boarding expenses, so studying abroad was off the table. However, because of how South Korea's economy is strengthening, it is becoming more feasible to send their children abroad.

Compared to other countries in East and Southeast Asia, the Philippines boasts high English proficiency. This is due to their history of American occupation from 1898-1946. When the Americans initially arrived, the natives living on the island were mostly illiterate and lacked a unifying language. Though the Spanish had colonized them for over 300 years, little to no effort was made to enforce Spanish as a nationwide written and spoken language. The Spaniards were mostly uninterested in administering or providing public education. Because of this, the Americans felt the need to educate and take the Philippines under their wing. One of their main goals was to provide public and private education. Through this, English became a dominant language and the tongue of education.

Racial Tensions

Racism

Colorism, along with feelings of economic superiority, have played a large part in Korean racism toward Filipinos.

Korean racism toward Filipinos can also be explained by the Orient-Occident Binary. This model traces its origins back to Japan's imperial era, in which Korea became a colony of Japan. Underneath Japan's rule, their ideas of racial purity and superiority trickled down to Korean philosophers and politicians. It should be noted, however, that these ideas did exist in Korea prior to Japanese occupation. The Orient-Occident Binary, essentially, describes Western values as wasteful, materialistic, individualistic, and consumerist. On the other hand, Eastern values are spiritual, communal, and resourceful. This Binary functions by putting the two regions in opposition with one another. The East, acting in opposition to the West, will always be portrayed in a more desirable and favorable light. This is done for the purpose of political and cultural propaganda.

In comparison to other East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines finds itself more closely aligned to the West culturally and historically. When looking at this from the perspective of a country that has culturally accepted the Orient-Occident Binary, it helps to explain the level of animosity South Koreans may have toward Filipinos.This may not always be the case, however.

In Kim Dohye's interview with South Korean retiree Mr. Gong, when asked why he chose to move to the Philippines, he responds with the following: "Koreans typically cower before blue eyes such as Americans, but we don't have to cower before shorter and darker people like the Filipinos. That's why I chose to come here."

Gong's response, rather than aligning Filipinos with the negative aspects of Western culture, chooses to point out their short stature and darker skin. These comments come from a place of colorism and feelings of racial superiority.

Influence on Philippine Society

There has been a recent increase in Korean businesses. For example, KTV Bars, grocery stores, barbershops, internet cafes, and tourist companies. These establishments were created in response to an influx of Korean migrants and visitors. Not only does this help foster community amongst Korean migrants, it also helps to provide a place of comfort and familiarity for tourists, students, businessmen, and visitors.

This has had negative impacts on Philippine society, however. Many Filipinos have expressed anger due to an unprecedented increase in rent. Not only that, but because of an increase in Korean owned businesses, several local businesses were driven out. This has caused some animosity on the Filipino side.