Belonging beyond Borders: The Cultural Integration of Yemeni Refugees in Jeju

Abstract

This article examines the acculturation of Yemeni refugees who arrived in Jeju, South Korea, in 2018 and their adaptation to Korean society five years later in 2023. Based on interviews conducted in 2024 with four Yemeni refugees and five Korean stakeholders, including government and private sector representatives, the article applies Ager and Strang's integration framework to analyse key factors influencing the refugees’ settlement. The findings reveal that state intervention was minimal, while private organisations and individual efforts played a significant role in integration. Factors such as language acquisition, employment, social networks and visa stability were crucial in shaping their adaptation. This article provides insights into how Korea, encountering large-scale refugee arrivals for the first time, managed this challenge and offers recommendations for future refugee policies.