Research Article

STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION

Volume: 7 Number: 2 April 30, 2025
  • Natalya Yem *
  • Viktoriya Kim
  • Aigerim Belyalova

STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION

Abstract

The contemporary generation of ethnic Koreans in Kazakhstan demonstrates a strong sense of ethnic self-identification, with cultural continuity serving as a central component of this identity. Core elements sustaining this identity include the preservation of language, family and domestic rituals, and the celebration of ethnic holidays. This article examines strategic approaches to the preservation of cultural values among Koreans in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the intergenerational transmission of traditions as a foundational mechanism. A notable dimension of this process is the increasing cultural influence of the Republic of Korea, which functions as a symbolic homeland. However, this influence also introduces tensions, as contemporary South Korean cultural forms may obscure or displace the traditional practices developed by deported Koreans since the 1930s. By drawing on academic literature, narrative interviews, and oral histories, this study seeks to identify effective and contextually grounded strategies for sustaining the distinct ethnocultural identity of the Korean diaspora in Kazakhstan.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study involving human participants has completed and fulfilled the ethical guidelines requirements. The participants provided written informed consent before taking part in the study and were informed about its objectives.

References

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  2. Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan. (2021, October 1). Minutes of the III Republican Forum “AKK Networking”. Archive of the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan.
  3. Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan. (2022, February 11). Minutes of the online meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the APK. Archive of the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan.
  4. Baldanova, D. V. (2014). Strategii akkul’turacii korejcev: kul’turno-istoricheskie osnovaniya [Acculturation strategies of Koreans: Cultural and historical foundations] (Abstract of dissertation, 36 pp.). Chita.
  5. Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology, 46(1), 5–34.
  6. Davenel, Y.-M. (2012). Cultural mobilization in post-Soviet Kazakhstan: Views from the state and from non-titular nationalities compared. Central Asian
  7. Survey, 31(1), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634.937.2012.649583 Diener, A. (2006). Homeland as social construct: Territorialization among Kazakhstan’s Germans and Koreans. Nationalities Papers, 34(2), 201–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/009.059.90600720294
  8. Gorbunova, E. (2020). Korean diaspora in the South Korean media discourse: Changing narrative. Diaspora Studies, 13, 170–188.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Regional Studies

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Natalya Yem * This is me
Kazakhstan

Viktoriya Kim This is me
Japan

Aigerim Belyalova This is me
Kazakhstan

Publication Date

April 30, 2025

Submission Date

April 10, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 29, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 7 Number: 2

APA
Yem, N., Kim, V., & Belyalova, A. (2025). STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION. Eurasian Research Journal, 7(2), 204-222. https://izlik.org/JA38ML24FN
AMA
1.Yem N, Kim V, Belyalova A. STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION. ERJ. 2025;7(2):204-222. https://izlik.org/JA38ML24FN
Chicago
Yem, Natalya, Viktoriya Kim, and Aigerim Belyalova. 2025. “STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION”. Eurasian Research Journal 7 (2): 204-22. https://izlik.org/JA38ML24FN.
EndNote
Yem N, Kim V, Belyalova A (April 1, 2025) STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION. Eurasian Research Journal 7 2 204–222.
IEEE
[1]N. Yem, V. Kim, and A. Belyalova, “STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION”, ERJ, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 204–222, Apr. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA38ML24FN
ISNAD
Yem, Natalya - Kim, Viktoriya - Belyalova, Aigerim. “STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION”. Eurasian Research Journal 7/2 (April 1, 2025): 204-222. https://izlik.org/JA38ML24FN.
JAMA
1.Yem N, Kim V, Belyalova A. STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION. ERJ. 2025;7:204–222.
MLA
Yem, Natalya, et al. “STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION”. Eurasian Research Journal, vol. 7, no. 2, Apr. 2025, pp. 204-22, https://izlik.org/JA38ML24FN.
Vancouver
1.Natalya Yem, Viktoriya Kim, Aigerim Belyalova. STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVING THE CULTURAL VALUES OF KOREANS IN KAZAKHSTAN: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION. ERJ [Internet]. 2025 Apr. 1;7(2):204-22. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA38ML24FN

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