해방 이전 쿠바 한인 디아스포라 사회의 성격과 생존전략

Abstract

This paper examines the formation of the Korean diaspora in Cuba before Korea’s liberation in 1945, focusing on the preservation of ethnic identity and participation in the independence movement. The Korean diaspora in Cuba was formed in the 1920s when Koreans, who had initially settled in Mexico, re-migrated due to economic and political instability. Upon arrival in Cuba, Korean immigrants faced numerous challenges, including economic hardships and harsh working conditions on sugarcane plantations. This paper closely analyzes the background of this re-migration and the characteristics of their early settlement. As a small minority, the Korean community in Cuba found it vital to preserve their ethnic identity for survival. The Korean diaspora organized around the Korean National Association (KNA), forming a close-knit community and actively participating in various nationalist movements. Their participation in the independence movement was not only an expression of national pride but also a survival strategy. Through an analysis of articles from the Shinhan Minbo and materials from the Independence Hall of Korea, this paper explores the ways in which Korean immigrants in Cuba resisted Japanese colonial rule while supporting Korea’s independence in the international arena, forging political and diplomatic alliances despite their marginalized status. This study highlights the unique experiences of the Korean diaspora in Cuba, who, despite facing severe economic and social challenges, maintained their ethnic identity and contributed to Korea’s independence movement. By shedding light on the distinct historical experiences of the Korean community in Cuba, this paper emphasizes the need for further research into the Korean diaspora in Cuba and around the world, providing important insights for future diaspora studies.