Understanding the Push-Pull Factors for Joseonjok (Korean-Chinese) Students Studying in South Korea

The factors motivating Joseonjok (Korean-Chinese) students to choose South Korean universities as their study abroad destination have been understudied. In this study, researchers examined the factors that affect Joseonjok students’ decision to pursue postgraduate education in South Korea by analyzing interview data collected from 15 Joseonjok graduate students studying at Korean universities using a case study approach. The study identified individual-level, family-level, and national-level push and pull factors motivating Joseonjok students to choose South Korea as their graduate study destination. At the individual level, academic achievement and educational barriers served as push factors, while emotional and ethnic solidarity with Koreans acted as pull factors. On the community level, study abroad trends and immigration patterns among the Joseonjok population were identified as push factors, and the presence of families, relatives, and friends in South Korea served as pull factors. At the national level, push factors included educational policies for minorities in China and fierce competition in higher education entrance exams and the job market. Conversely, national-level pull factors encompassed the ‘Study Korea Policy’ and policies for overseas Koreans. The current study has implications for policymakers and universities who are planning to recruit international students and educational practitioners intending to provide career counseling and guidance to minority students. Furthermore, we expect the results of the current study to contribute to the sustainable development of higher education in both China and South Korea.