Changes and Continuity of

Behavioral Patterns of Korean

Families in the Philippines and
Their Distinct Ways of Maintaining
Their National Identity in the
Philippines
• The family is essential not only
cultural transmission and
preservation but to the entire
development of a certain nation.
Family • In the case of South
Koreans, nation’s
economic development
Traditional
Values Political System

Basic has salient effects

on the family
Socialization
Skills

structures, beliefs
Nation
and values.
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 2
 • This paper studies the South Koreans in
the Philippines, specifically the lifestyle
and coping mechanisms of South Koreans
“kirogi kajoks” residing in San Lorenzo
Village, Makati City
• Although the Koreans are
exposed to Filipino values and
practices for a certain period
of time, they do practice
various behaviors and ways
that aid them in maintaining
their “Koreanness” in a
foreign land
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 3
• Characterize a typical Korean family in
the Philippines, specifically in San
Lorenzo Village, Makati City
• Describe the level of openness of the
Koreans to foreign culture, specifically to
Filipino culture
• Identify the Korean families’
ways of coping in the
Philippine society
• Discuss the ways used by these
Korean families in maintaining
their national identity in the
Philippines
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 4
 Pre – Contact Settlement
contact Mode of
Phase Phase socio –
Phase
cultural
Culture of Influence of adaptation
the host the host
country country
Context
of Characteris
Opportunity •Integration
Migration tics of the
structure of •Assimilation
immigrants
the host
•Isolation
country
•Marginality
Attitudes of
the host Length of
country to
the
residence
(Migrants)
•Win – win
immigrants
situation?
•Mismatch of
interests?
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 5
• Descriptive characterization of Korean Families in
San Lorenzo Village Makati City. Philippines
(purposive sampling - proximity to the researcher)
• 5 기러기 가족 were interviewed with the following
considerations 1.) length of stay in the
Philippines; 2.) residence of the 기러기 가족 3.)
with Filipino maids
• The study is not a representation
of the whole situation of 기러기
가족 in the Philippines.
• FOCUS: How Korean families
maintain their “Koreanness”
amidst the strong possible
assimilation of foreign values?
(Filipino values)
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 6
• Koreanness - maintenance of Korean culture
particularly Korean values, traditions and mores in
the goal of maintaining and preserving their
national identity
• 기러기 가족 – (wild goose; kajok –
family) – the syndrome in Korean
society wherein the father
usually stays in Korea, working
hard for the family and his
wife and children living in
another country to be trained in
Western education and lifestyle
so as to be sure of a greater
opportunity in the future.
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 7
 Families Reasons for Why the Philippines and San Lorenzo? Number of visits of
coming to the the Father in the
Philippines Philippines
Family A (1) Make children Cost of study and life is cheaper than in other Every weekend
(Mother with study English and countries); San Lorenzo was a recommended village
son and work opportunities of a friend and good schools are along Makati area
daughter) (Mother –owns a
spa)
Family B (1) Make children Cost of study and life is cheaper than in other Twice a month
(Mother and 2 study English and countries; San Lorenzo, Makati City is where most
sons) work opportunities foreigners live
(Mother –미장원 )
Family C (1) Make children Cost of study and life is cheaper than in other Not mentioned*
(Mother and 2 study English countries (Mother – full time house wife); San
Daughters) Lorenzo was a recommended village of a friend

Family D (6) Make children Cost of study and life is cheaper than in other Not mentioned
(Mother with study English and countries; San Lorenzo, Makati City is where most
2 daughters) work opportunities foreigners live
(Mother – part –
time jobs)
Family E (7) Make children Cost of study and life is cheaper than in other Not mentioned
(Mother with study English countries(Mother – full time house wife); San
son and Lorenzo, Makati City is where most foreigners live
daughter) 21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 8
Families Adjustments with the separation (Father) Other adjustments
Family A Although there are misunderstandings because of The mothers find it difficult to discipline
(Mother with the increasing expenses the husband treats family the children the Korean way. Language
son and well. Mother and children often spend quality barrier is a difficulty. (Mother also hired a
daughter) time through weekend vacation (playing golf or private tutor to teach her English)
scuba diving)
Family B The father sends or brings gifts to their children The mothers find it difficult to discipline
(Mother and 2 to cope with the separation. They spend quality the children the Korean way. Language
sons) time whenever the children are at home. barrier is a difficulty. (Mother also hired a
private tutor to teach her English)
Family C Father is in good terms with the family but The mothers find it difficult to discipline
(Mother and 2 answers were not elaborated. They spend quality the children the Korean way. Language
Daughters) time whenever the children are at home. barrier is a difficulty. (Mothers asked their
Korean friends to teach them English)
Family D The father sends or brings gifts to their children The mothers find it difficult to discipline
(Mother with 2 to cope with the separation. They spend quality the children the Korean way. Language
daughters) time whenever the children are at home. barrier is a difficulty. (Mothers asked their
Korean friends to teach them English)
Family E Mother will often bring the children to famous The mothers find it difficult to discipline
(Mother with scenic spots in the Philippines the children the Korean way. Language
son and barrier is a difficulty. (Mothers asked their
daughter) Korean friends to teach them English)
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 9
 Social Adjustments With What did they realize about Filipino culture or
Families (Filipino Culture) Filipino the Filipinos?
Maids and Positive Negative
tutor
Language Barrier – YES Very helpful, willing to Late comers during
Family A* Filipino tutors were learn, good cooks appointment (tutor)
hired for the children (maids); patient (tutor);
thoughtful and optimistic
Language Barrier – YES Very helpful, willing to
Family B* Filipino tutors were learn, good cooks
hired for the children (maids); patient (tutor);
thoughtful and optimistic
Language Barrier – YES Very helpful, willing to
Family C * Filipino tutors were learn, good cooks
hired for the children (maids); patient (tutor);
thoughtful and optimistic
Language Barrier – YES Very helpful, willing to Had an experience of a
Family D Filipino tutors were learn, good cooks lazy maid and an
hired for the children (maids); patient (tutor); incident of theft
thoughtful and optimistic
Language Barrier – YES Very helpful, willing to
Family E Filipino tutors were learn, good cooks
hired for the children (maids); patient (tutor);
thoughtful and optimistic
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 10
Families Filipino What were the reactions of Filipinos to Koreans?
Maids and Positive Negative
tutor**
Family A YES (Maids) Their superiors are nice but very Language Barrier (miscommunication);
particular of cleanliness and food taste.* (Tutors) Annoyed with short notices of
Salaries are given on time. tutorial cancellation due to schedule of the
(Tutors) Salaries are given on time. Parents mother
were very professional.
Family B YES (Maids) Their superiors are nice but very Language Barrier (miscommunication);
particular of cleanliness and food taste. extreme naughtiness of the children
Salaries are given on time. (Tutor) Extreme naughtiness and
(Tutor) Salaries are given on time. Parents irresponsibility of the tutees.
were very professional
Family C YES The maids and tutor were not interviewed because they were still on their work hours during
the interview time.
Family D YES (Maids) Their superiors are nice but very Language Barrier (miscommunication); they
particular of cleanliness and punctuality. are required to join religious functions and are
Salaries are given on time. too strict of “day – offs”
(Tutor) Salaries are given on time. Parents
were very professional. The Korean children
she teaches are responsible and very willing
to learn. Very particular of punctuality
Family E YES The maids and tutor were not interviewed because they were still on their work hours during
the interview time.
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 11
Families How do the parents maintain and instill Koreanness in the house?
Family A Speaking of 한국어 at home and with Korean friends; observance of Korean festivals;
wearing of 한복during special occasion; shopping in Korean supermarkets alone; visiting
노래방, 한국 극장 and 한국 교회; watching Korean telenovelas and listening of Korean
music
Family B Speaking of 한국어at home and with Korean friends; observance of Korean festivals; wearing
of 한복during special occasion; they shop in Korean supermarkets though they are open
already to shop in Philippine supermarket selling Korean stuff; Eating Korean food (kimchi);
visiting 노래방, 한국 극장 and 한국 교회; buying of Korean translated English literature

Family C Speaking of 한국어at home and with Korean friends; observance of Korean festivals; wearing
of 한복during special occasion; shopping in Korean supermarkets alone; Eating Korean food
(kimchi); shopping in Korean supermarkets alone; buying of Korean translated English
literature; watching Korean telenovelas and listening of Korean music
Family D Speaking of 한국어at home and with Korean friends; observance of Korean festivals; wearing
of 한복during special occasion; shopping in Korean supermarkets alone; visiting 노래방,
한국 극장 and 한국 교회; watching Korean telenovelas and listening of Korean music

Family E Speaking of 한국어at home and with Korean friends; observance of Korean festivals; wearing
of 한복during special occasion; they shop in Korean supermarkets though they are open
already to shop in Philippine supermarket selling Korean stuff; Eating Korean food (kimchi);
shopping in Korean supermarkets alone; buying of Korean translated English literature

21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 12

• Kirogi kajoks are significantly increasing here in
the Philippines. All of them share the same goal –
to educate their children with good quality but
cheaper English language and to invest on their
children’s education for a brighter tomorrow.
• This paper shows us the lives of five in San Lorenzo
Village, Makati City – their sacrifices, joys and low
moments and their ways of maintaining their
“Koreanness” in the Philippines.
– The first part of the paper shows us the
motivations and challenges that the families face
in coming to the Philippines
– The second part shows us the adjustments that
they have while they are in another country.
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 13
 – In the adjustment period, it is showed that kirogi
kajoks try to assimilate Filipino ways and values
so they can adjust to the mores and norms of the
society. Although they try to assimilate Filipino
values, the fact that they still reinforce Korean
rules and regulations in the house reflect the
desire to maintain “Koreanness” in the house.
(Assimilation – Isolation)
• Third part is on the reaction of the
Filipinos towards Koreans.
– Korean Language Training for some tutors and
helpers to address language barrier
– Information or Welfare assistance for Filipino
tutors and helpers
21 August 2009
(coping assistance)
KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 14
21 August 2009 KPSA Presentation – Philippine Delegation 15