Navigating “Post-Study Work” Pathways: A Qualitative Case Study on the Adaptation Vulnerability of Asian Skilled Migrants in Korea

초록

Skilled migrants, often portrayed as proactive and resourceful agents in shaping their new lives, face overlooked vulnerabilities in host countries. Building on Aleksandra Grzymala-Kazlowska’s social anchoring theory, this study introduces the concept of “adaptation vulnerability” to describe the challenges faced by Asian skilled migrants on “poststudy work” pathways in Korea. The findings reveal that these migrants confront hierarchical, marginalized, and/or racialized vulnerabilities in their workplaces and daily lives, leading to social isolation and psychological insecurity. Despite possessing agency and resources, these migrants encounter significant challenges due to structural barriers such as unequal power dynamics with employers, precarious legal status, minoritized social standing, and prevailing local biases against Asian migrants. In shedding light on the vulnerabilities experienced by Asian skilled migrants in Korea, this study underscores the imperative for targeted policies aimed at mitigating these systematic obstacles and fostering cultural diversity to address their challenges. © 2024, Yonsei Institute for English Studies. All rights reserved.

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