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영어

The aim of this study is to explore the social integration and adaptation experiences of migrant businessmen in Korea, who overcame difficulties encountered in the early stage of immigration caused by cultural differences, including language, and went on to settle down as members of Korean society and successfully perform economically in business activities. For this study we conducted in-depth interviews with a total of six Migrant Businessmen, who have resided in Korea for seven years or longer, who have 3 or more years of business experience and who have attained intermediate or higher Korean language skills. We then analyzed our findings according to the four categories of social integration; ‘cultural adaptation’, ‘status granting’ ‘interaction’, and ‘identification or integration’ suggested by Esser (2001). The results of this study showed that during the early cultural adaptation stages upon initial immigration, the Migrant Businessmen acquired knowledge and expertise, including language, and established various forms of human capital. In the status granting stage, they received stable social status, guaranteeing the exercise of legal rights. Even though they utilized social networks in the interaction stage, due to the characteristics of business sector, they were not influenced by community networks, which confirmed the necessity of policy-level work for them. In the identification or integration stage, they had internalized the agreed communal values of Korean society and a sense of citizenship. Additionally, through this study, in relation to the cultural adaptation experiences of migrant businessmen, it may be possible to discuss the future direction of social integration policies that utilize Migrant Businessmen’ transnational networks. Thus, during the process of creating policy for the integration of Migrant Businessmen as members of our society, it will be necessary to realize a coexistent social integration that incorporates continued empathy and respect of diversity.