Welcome To Yanbian, China’s Flourishing “Third Korea”

[beijingwalker]

Welcome To Yanbian, China’s Flourishing “Third Korea”

Sometimes called the "third Korea," the Yanbian Autonomous Prefecture plays a particular role in the complicated relationship between China and the two Koreas: This Chinese territory in the Jilin province, a bit larger than Belgium, is home to a significant population of Korean origin whose presence dates back to the Qing dynasty. At the end of the 19th century, the empire decided to regulate the colonies of Korean farmers, hoping to block Russian progress. They now represent a major part of the 2 million Chinese of Korean origin. And thanks to their dynamism, they have turned Yabian into one the most urbanized regions in northeast Chinese. More than half of the 800,000 residents of Yanji, the capital of Yanbian, has a Korean background.

A mini Seoul

Since the policy of openness launched by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1979, Yanbian has prospered thanks to its relationship with South Korea. Chinese-Korean families started very early sending their relatives to work in the Yanbian's factories and services, and most of those who live in Seoul’s Chinatown are Chinese people of Korean origin. Korea's economic success in the 1990s and the popularity of South Korean culture in China drove the most dynamic of these migrant workers to return to Yanji and open restaurants and businesses, turning the autonomous region into a mini Seoul on Chinese soil. As for the young Chinese-Korean graduates from Yanbian, major Korean companies with established factories on the Chinese Shandong coast aggressively recruit them.

On the other hand, the proximity with North Korea is a source of frustration and false hopes for Yanbian residents: The border is still a dead end, as there is only a handful of much-regulated frontier posts between China and North Korea. The Tumen River, narrow and shallow, remains the crossing point for most North Korean refugees. Dandong, the large Chinese border city to the west, serves as the main logistical corridor for cross-border business.

But Cui Zhehao, a Chinese-Korean economist from the University of Yanbian, says the special North Korean economic zone of Rajin-Sonbong, on the other side of the border, has suffered less from the deterioration of relations between China and North Korea than the rest of the country. "North Koreans are trying to make Rajin-Sonbong adopt a Chinese model and, for that, they depend on the presence of the Chinese and its economic support," he says. "As for China, it needs an access to the ocean. So, on both sides, there are many reasons to cooperate."

 

[beijingwalker]

Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.

 

[Bussard Ramjet]

I find this very good answer on Quora about Joseonjoks:

Is Korean one of the ethnic minorities of China? - Quora

Just to add to Kaiser Kuo's answer, not only are Koreans, or Joseonjoks, an ethnic minority, they are the one ethnic group who have succeeded most at maintaining their Korean culture, albeit being completely Chinese.

Their ethnic identity doesn't at all contradict their national identity.

Some examples:

Chinese people of Korean descent are comfortable regarding themselves as part of theChinese nation and see no contradiction between their Korean ethnicity and Chinese nationality.[19] However, this dual identity has come into conflict with the Korean ethnic nationalism of South Koreans. In a 2002 poll of 393 South Korean and Korean Chinese university students by Im Gyesun, 86 percent of Korean Chinese answered that they would reject Korean citizenship and would support China in a soccer game between China and South Korea. South Koreans expressed frustration and confusion at the Chaoxianzu's conception of China, rather than Korea, as their joguk (Hangul: 조국; hanja: 祖國, motherland).
Koreans in China | Wikiwand

And mind you, this is 2002, when China was still relatively very poor, and Korean citizenship was a very big monetary incentive. Today, I will bet this figure is greater than 95% simply because the animosities between South Koreans and Joseonjoks have sky rocketed, (especially after a Murder, Anti Chinese-Korean Sentiment on Rise in Wake of Fresh Attack), Chinese Nationalism and Pride has increased, and opportunities have boomed.

The South Korean public was initially inflamed by learning that Joseonjoks, someone who are Koreans, can be pro-Chinese. Today, they have just rescinded to the fact that they are Chinese, and visiting some Korean portals, and general sites, gives me an impression that today Koreans consider them as Chinese.

Yet, there is a kind of special disgust, the kind shown by Chinese towards Gary Locke, where they expect something off you, yet wake up to the rude awakening, that the other person is something different.

Some top Korean comments in their internal discussion blogs;
( from Anti Chinese-Korean Sentiment on Rise in Wake of Fresh Attack)

Let’s not use the word Joseonjok. They’re just illegal Chinese immigrants.

Let’s prevent the immigration of Joseonjoks from now on. They are merely Chinese people who can speak good Korean. Really disgusting, so disgusting.

Joseonjok have had the tendency of being loyal to China, as they fought in the PLA, along side North Koreans, against the "Evil Capitalists."

Joseonjok have been heavily studied among Chinese ethnic groups, for their unique situation, where a modern nation-state, claims to be their "motherland." (The only other case where it is true is Mongolia, and to a lesser extent with Stan states, yet the population of Kazakhs and Tajiks is very minimal in China. Korean in that sense is a major ethnic group.)

Further, if someone remembers, during Beijing Olympics, Chinese Nationalism was at its peak. The torch relay was being met with all kind of protesters, and it was a battle between Chinese and anti-Chinese people.

Except, in Seoul, (and some other places) it turned out to be a mini-riot[1]. The protesters against the torch were overwhelmed, and the sheer number of Chinese supporters was overwhelming. And it turns out, that Joseonjoks were an integral part of that group.

But the biggest rub?

Joseonjok scholars of history in China are at the fore front for the movement to claim the Goguryeo dynasty.

If you visit Korean foreign ministry web page, among the history issues listed are comfort women, Dokdo, World War 2, and surprise surprise... Goguryeo.

Why?

Because Korea won't exist without maintaining a distinct cultural identity from China. Many Chinese already have the tendency to consider Korea as their relatives, or Chinese descendants etc. (Not necessarily part of the modern day territory of China) China has this subsuming culture, especially with regards to fellow cultures that are very similar. Korea hence considers it important to maintain its "perceived history."

Though I agree with the following comment: [2]

There is no doubt that the present-day dispute represents a case of retro-projection of modern identities. The real-life Koguryoans would have been surprised or even offended to learn that, in the future, they would be perceived by Koreans as members of the same community as their bitter enemies from Silla. Describing Koguryo as Chinese or Korean is as misleading as, say, describing medieval Brittany as French or English or Irish.

So history is somewhat complex, and Goguryeo is a different dynasty. Yet, this positionstill helps China, because China has the quality that Korea doesn't. The unifying characteristic of various different groups, with similar culture, and physiological characteristics, under common identity.

So why are Joseonjok scholars happy to advance a Goguryeo as a Chinese dynasty theory?

I suspect, they submit to the Korea as a broadly Chinese state theory.

Han-Joseonjok marriages are common, and there is no social taboo from either side against those.

Overall it is a fascinating group to watch!


Note:

[1]: The New York Times
[2]: Goguryeo controversies | Wikiwand

 

[Jlaw]

LOL. Not sure why China call it Yanbian Korea autonomous region unless maybe in the future Korea can claim this prefecture.

I don't see US calling Oklahoma state Autonomous Indian Region.

 

[beijingwalker]

Yanji， the capital of China’s Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture

Changbai Mountains（Paektu Mountain）Korean sacred Mountain

In Chinese, the mountain itself is known as Chángbáishān ("Ever White Mountain") but the mountain and Heaven Lake taken together are known as Báitóushān("Whitehead Mountain"）
Mount Paektu has been worshipped by the surrounding peoples throughout history. Both the Koreans and Manchus consider it the place of their ancestral origin.

The mountain was considered sacred by Koreans throughout history. According to Korean mythology, it was the birthplace of Dangun, the founder of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon (2333 BC–108 BC), whose parents were said to be Hwanung, the Son of Heaven, and a bear who had been transformed into a woman. Many subsequent kingdoms of Korea, such as Buyeo, Goguryeo, Balhae, Goryeo and Joseon worshipped the mountain.

 

[beijingwalker]

 

[beijingwalker]

The Mountain is known for its skiing resorts

 

[jamahir]

they must fatten up.

The Mountain is known for its skiing resorts

that's a pretty sight, except for the two unspeakables near the ski-chair/sled.

 

[beijingwalker]

 

[Kwame Brown]

Beautiful pictures. Especially of Changbai Mountains.

 

[Dungeness]

I find this very good answer on Quora about Joseonjoks:

Is Korean one of the ethnic minorities of China? - Quora

Just to add to Kaiser Kuo's answer, not only are Koreans, or Joseonjoks, an ethnic minority, they are the one ethnic group who have succeeded most at maintaining their Korean culture, albeit being completely Chinese.

Their ethnic identity doesn't at all contradict their national identity.

Some examples:

Chinese people of Korean descent are comfortable regarding themselves as part of theChinese nation and see no contradiction between their Korean ethnicity and Chinese nationality.[19] However, this dual identity has come into conflict with the Korean ethnic nationalism of South Koreans. In a 2002 poll of 393 South Korean and Korean Chinese university students by Im Gyesun, 86 percent of Korean Chinese answered that they would reject Korean citizenship and would support China in a soccer game between China and South Korea. South Koreans expressed frustration and confusion at the Chaoxianzu's conception of China, rather than Korea, as their joguk (Hangul: 조국; hanja: 祖國, motherland).
Koreans in China | Wikiwand

And mind you, this is 2002, when China was still relatively very poor, and Korean citizenship was a very big monetary incentive. Today, I will bet this figure is greater than 95% simply because the animosities between South Koreans and Joseonjoks have sky rocketed, (especially after a Murder, Anti Chinese-Korean Sentiment on Rise in Wake of Fresh Attack), Chinese Nationalism and Pride has increased, and opportunities have boomed.

The South Korean public was initially inflamed by learning that Joseonjoks, someone who are Koreans, can be pro-Chinese. Today, they have just rescinded to the fact that they are Chinese, and visiting some Korean portals, and general sites, gives me an impression that today Koreans consider them as Chinese.

Yet, there is a kind of special disgust, the kind shown by Chinese towards Gary Locke, where they expect something off you, yet wake up to the rude awakening, that the other person is something different.

Some top Korean comments in their internal discussion blogs;
( from Anti Chinese-Korean Sentiment on Rise in Wake of Fresh Attack)

Let’s not use the word Joseonjok. They’re just illegal Chinese immigrants.

Let’s prevent the immigration of Joseonjoks from now on. They are merely Chinese people who can speak good Korean. Really disgusting, so disgusting.

Joseonjok have had the tendency of being loyal to China, as they fought in the PLA, along side North Koreans, against the "Evil Capitalists."

Joseonjok have been heavily studied among Chinese ethnic groups, for their unique situation, where a modern nation-state, claims to be their "motherland." (The only other case where it is true is Mongolia, and to a lesser extent with Stan states, yet the population of Kazakhs and Tajiks is very minimal in China. Korean in that sense is a major ethnic group.)

Further, if someone remembers, during Beijing Olympics, Chinese Nationalism was at its peak. The torch relay was being met with all kind of protesters, and it was a battle between Chinese and anti-Chinese people.

Except, in Seoul, (and some other places) it turned out to be a mini-riot[1]. The protesters against the torch were overwhelmed, and the sheer number of Chinese supporters was overwhelming. And it turns out, that Joseonjoks were an integral part of that group.

But the biggest rub?

Joseonjok scholars of history in China are at the fore front for the movement to claim the Goguryeo dynasty.

If you visit Korean foreign ministry web page, among the history issues listed are comfort women, Dokdo, World War 2, and surprise surprise... Goguryeo.

Why?

Because Korea won't exist without maintaining a distinct cultural identity from China. Many Chinese already have the tendency to consider Korea as their relatives, or Chinese descendants etc. (Not necessarily part of the modern day territory of China) China has this subsuming culture, especially with regards to fellow cultures that are very similar. Korea hence considers it important to maintain its "perceived history."

Though I agree with the following comment: [2]

There is no doubt that the present-day dispute represents a case of retro-projection of modern identities. The real-life Koguryoans would have been surprised or even offended to learn that, in the future, they would be perceived by Koreans as members of the same community as their bitter enemies from Silla. Describing Koguryo as Chinese or Korean is as misleading as, say, describing medieval Brittany as French or English or Irish.

So history is somewhat complex, and Goguryeo is a different dynasty. Yet, this positionstill helps China, because China has the quality that Korea doesn't. The unifying characteristic of various different groups, with similar culture, and physiological characteristics, under common identity.

So why are Joseonjok scholars happy to advance a Goguryeo as a Chinese dynasty theory?

I suspect, they submit to the Korea as a broadly Chinese state theory.

Han-Joseonjok marriages are common, and there is no social taboo from either side against those.

Overall it is a fascinating group to watch!


Note:

[1]: The New York Times
[2]: Goguryeo controversies | Wikiwand

Thanks for the excellent post. It is very informative. You do have a broad interest in China affair.

 

[Aepsilons]

Beautiful!

 

[Dungeness]

LOL. Not sure why China call it Yanbian Korea autonomous region unless maybe in the future Korea can claim this prefecture.

I don't see US calling Oklahoma state Autonomous Indian Region.

Agree. Just imagine once 2 Korea's are unified, what the "3rd Korea" would do. China should start the process to eliminate all "autonomous" crap. The concept has outlived its usefulness, and became merely a territorial identity that artificially divides Chinese people geographically and psychologically. I think it is a potential thread to China's national integrity.

 

[Jlaw]

Agree. Just imagine once 2 Korea's are unified, what the "3rd Korea" would do. China should start the process to eliminate all "autonomous" crap. The concept has outlived its usefulness, and became merely a territorial identity that artificially divides Chinese people geographically and psychologically.

I nver understood this concept. Why not just use Xinjiang as Xinjiang why add autonomous region? Tibet should just be Western Frontier or Western China.

Yanbi should just be Yanbi, not Korean autonomous region. @TaiShang @Martian2 et al, what is the reason for this stupid naming scheme? By doing so it never unite Chinese. That is why I like American ideology such that when you are born in America you are American and not ethnic minority Chinese, Japanese, Indian, etc. It brings more cohesion.
What's this bs about recognizing 56 ethnic minority group?

 

[Bussard Ramjet]

I nver understood this concept. Why not just use Xinjiang as Xinjiang why add autonomous region? Tibet should just be Western Frontier or Western China.

Yanbi should just be Yanbi, not Korean autonomous region. @TaiShang @Martian2 et al, what is the reason for this stupid naming scheme? By doing so it never unite Chinese. That is why I like American ideology such that when you are born in America you are American and not ethnic minority Chinese, Japanese, Indian, etc. It brings more cohesion.
What's this bs about recognizing 56 ethnic minority group?

It is a legacy of the civil war. The communists wanted as much support as they can, and to gain legitimacy in the eyes of not only domestic people, but international people. All these administrative divisions were created under Mao. And I agree that they have outlived their usefulness.