Why Do Koreans Want to Live in the USA?

Question

Many Koreans who want to live aboard, said they would prefer to live in the USA. Why America? What is its main attraction? What does it have to offer over other countries?

Answer 1

Having been born & raised in Hawai'i, I was probably more exposed to the movement of Korean people to the USA & their possessions than most people providing answers to this question.

The first influx of Koreans were brought to Hawai'i primarily to work as field laborers in the cane fields in 1903 with many more to follow. Having learned from past experience, the owners of the plantations allowed the men to send for women, these were among the first of the "picture brides" that, in a strange way, has continued to this day because of the Internet.

After the first major wave of workers, the US Government banned the right of all Asians to become naturalized citizens in 1924, a ban that was not lifted until 1965. But by now, the children were being born as US citizens.

Stepping back to the end of World War 11 in August 1945, the USA foolishly gave in to the USSR who had not participated in the war against Japan, having declared war only after the US had dropped the atom bomb. President Truman allowed the USSR to assume influence over what was to become North Korea, with the USA's interests remaining with So. Korea. The government of No. Korea, with the shielded help of both the USSR and Communist China invaded South Korea and that was in 1950. The USA and the United Nations eventually, after a war much bloodier than the present day Iraq war, ended in a stalemate truce which has never been resolved except for the division existing between North and South. The USA, as a protectorate, has maintained forces in South Korea of approximately 50000 troops ever since then and has been instrumental in helping to train, supply and develop the South Korean military. The USA was also instrumental in raising the standard of living of the So. Korean to the highest level of any of the major countries in SE Asia, just as it did with Japan.

Accordingly, the positive influences of the USA have been embraced by South Koreans since the end of WW11 when the USA forces were seen as true liberators and the USA government as responsible parties to their progress.

So it is only to be expected that any country who has dealt on such a positive level with the USA would feel kindly toward them and want to emulate their patterns. Also to be taken into account are the thousand of USA servicemen who married Korean women. Nearly all of them came back to the USA with their husbands. Word gets out pretty quickly that the USA is a pretty great place to live

Moreover, their presence in Hawai'i goes all the way back to the beginning of the 20'th century and they've had that influence working in their view of the USA to look back upon.

It has been 57 years since the Korean War began. It was never formally ended. The USA and So. Korea have remained true to one another ever since.

Now, if we could only get that across to the people in Iraq, what a different world we might have.

Answer 2

Well, the Korean TImes recently reported that over 65% of Koreans who go off to University in the U.S. do not return upon graduation. Notmeaning that htey never return, just htat htey stay there to pursue their careers, at least at first. So it isn't just for the degree.
I think it is more the US, than say Britain, because of our close political history. Koreans identify with us more. Whether or not they are anti-American is a personal belief. There is more anti-American sentiment here, on Korean radio and in Korean universities, than there is amongst Koreans living overseas obviously. Sometimes, once you open your mind and experience another country, you find your old one closed-off and xenophobic. Adn maybe you don't rush back when university is finished. :)

Answer 3

First, Koreatown in Los Angeles has one of the largest Korean-American populations outside of Korea. (Similar to Little Italy in New York and the strong Irish presence in Boston.) If you're coming to a new country, wouldn't you feel more comfortable going to one where the people can help make the adjustment easier?

Also, I agree that, because Koreans are exposed to many things American, they often want to be here to experience it if not for a little while. (The Korean war introduced the Korean people to the American culture. Same for the military personnel who are stationed there. Many often have relatives who've immigrated to the U.S. and have heard the success stories of "making it" here.)

Answer 4

Personally, I don't think it's only Koreans.

It's just that Western American culture is seen everywhere.

And I think the main influence is the same as it was since back in the days. US America is still symbolized as 'the land of the free,' everyone who comes here still has a chance of the 'American dream!'

At least thats probably what most of the people from all over the world that want to go to US America believes.

Answer 5

Hey I am a normal high school student living in korea and I just want to tell ya my opinion.
I could say I prefer to live in USA rather than to live in Korea cuz I dun wanna study in high school for like 16 hours a day as well as compete with other intelligent kids for attedning some good limited colleges in korea.
Almost every kids in korea are insane in stuyding to have a better life later. I mean.. what kind of colleges we attend are very important to get a job later in our life. Although we study every moment in every day, we couldn't get the outcome back. another reason I could say is that in our school we are not as free as the americans, I mean.. we have to wear our uniforms all the time although we are even in public school. And we dont have many rights to do whatever we want.. for example we should cut our hair short, not wear any kind of rings and obey our teacher's rule whatever we think is wrong.

Answer 6

Young Koreans are very much exposed to American isms of every kind.
They watch American Movies, listen to American music, get taught by American 'English' teachers.
It is no surprise that they want to got to America where they can be bad mannered with impunity rather than stay in Korea and have to act within strict parental and cultural guidelines.

Answer 7

Many people come to USA for education They want to attend USA colleges and get USA jobs!

Answer 8

Mostly it's so they can go back to Korea with a degree. Most Koreans dislike America and Americans, but realize that English and American culture is popular outside of the US. A lot of the women look for green card husbands because women are considered to be lower there than anywhere except the Middle East.

Answer 9

I don't know. It's a dirty, unsafe, hazardous and crazy place. I don't know why anyone would want to live there unless they have a good career or a special reason to be there. Europe is much better. US is only for people that have a lot of money to enjoy the nice places.

Answer 10

there is alot of attractions in USA