In 1963, the bilateral "Agreement on Labor Recruitment" between West Germany and South Korea enabled the migration of Korean nurses and miners to Germany, marking a pivotal moment in globalization. Between 1963 and 1977, approximately 18,000 South Koreans entered Germany as guest workers, contributing to Germany’s postwar economic boom while also fostering economic development in South Korea. These workers navigated significant cultural and social adjustments during their sojourn. Upon completing their contracts, many returned to Korea and established a cultural meeting space that preserved and celebrated their shared experiences as migrant workers.
This archival research investigates the collections and artifacts curated by these returnees, housed in a small cultural center in Seoul. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study integrates archival analysis, visual ethnography, and oral history to examine how these materials—photographs, personal items (including labor contracts detailing working conditions), and documentary footage—narrate the experiences of returned miners and nurses. These artifacts offer a nuanced perspective and lens into the complexities of Korean migration history, revealing the intertwined cultural dimensions of Korean and German histories.
By analyzing these artifacts and their presentation, this study highlights the cultural intersections shaped by globalization, emphasizing how returnees contextualized their transnational experiences, including the challenges posed by cultural differences and language barriers. This research advances understanding of transnational identities by contributing to the broader metanarrative of Korean migration, offering valuable insights into the preservation and representation of shared memories and histories. These insights further inform contemporary discussions on migration within a global framework.

Authors:
Kyung Lee Gagum, Midwestern State University Texas, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Kyung Lee Gagum is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Midwestern State University Texas in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

Bookmark