Navigating rural borders

How do multicultural families adapt to life in Korea

Bibliographic Data

ID17544767
AuthorsSunyoung Lee (0009-0001-8010-6571, Dongguk University), Sungyee Yoon (0009-0004-8256-5781, Dongguk University), Taeeun Shim (0000-0002-6000-8296, Hankyong National University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume35
Issue2
Pages182-203
Publication date2026-04-17
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAsian and Pacific migration journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0117-1968 • E-ISSN: 2057-049X
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/01171968261443795
OpenAlexW7154745511
LanguageEN
References cited20

International marriage migration has rapidly transformed South Korea’s rural areas. Using Q methodology, this study examines how multicultural farm families perceive and adapt to rural life amid cultural, social, and economic challenges. Data from 29 participants reveals three adaptation types: (1) Satisfied Settlers, who build belonging through family and community relationships, (2) Cultural Challengers, who face language and economic barriers, and (3) Support Seekers, who rely on external support, particularly for their children’s education. The findings highlight diverse rural multicultural experiences and support a subjectivity-centered approach, with policy implications for more context-sensitive, family-oriented integration across the Asia–Pacific region

Adaptation (eye) · Cultural diversity · Face (sociological concept) · Family life · Multiculturalism · Rural area · Q Methodology Applications · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics · Rural development and sustainability

Tools

Open DOI