Top 5 Countries Preferred by Koreans for Overseas Immigration

introduction

There is a growing trend of Koreans considering immigration in search of a new home with hopes for a better future. Starting in a foreign land brings anticipation and excitement, but at the same time, it requires careful preparation as it brings cultural differences, language barriers, and the challenge of adapting to a new environment.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of the five countries that Koreans consider as the main countries of interest when considering immigration: the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.
We aim to help you make informed, smart decisions by providing a detailed look at each country's unique immigration history, recent immigration policy changes and immigration trends, safety standards, quality of life indicators, and key considerations before deciding to immigrate.
We will provide you with realistic information rather than vague fantasies to help you achieve the goal of ‘successful immigration.’

1. United States

The term “American Dream” still has an alluring appeal for many. With its vast lands, diverse cultures, and endless possibilities for opportunity, the United States has long been a major destination for Korean immigrants.
*First Step to Immigrating to the US: Visa Types Go see

American Immigration History

Korean immigration to the United States dates back to 1903 with the influx of workers from Hawaii's sugar plantations.

The subsequent 1965 immigration law amendments marked a major turning point for Korean immigration to the United States.

As the door to family-sponsored immigration and professional immigration opened, Koreans with high education and skills began to actively enter American society. Currently, the Korean community in the United States is prominent in various fields such as economy, culture, and academia, and is forming a strong community. [Wikipedia: History of Korean Americans]

Number of immigrants in the United States

According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Korean-American population will be approximately 2.6 million peopleThe total number of Korean residents, including international students, is over 2.6 million.
Every year, thousands of Koreans immigrate to the United States through various channels, including student visas, work visas, investment visas, and family sponsorship. There is particularly high interest in EB-5 investment immigration and professional employment visas (H-1B).
Korean Americans are concentrated mainly in California, New York, New Jersey, and Washington state, and Los Angeles and New York in particular are considered representative Korean communities.
The United States has a variety of immigration programs, but increased immigration screening and waiting times in recent years have required a more strategic approach.
Additionally, practical concerns such as gun control, the burden of medical costs, and complex immigration procedures are also important factors to consider.
[US Department of Homeland Security: Immigration Statistics]

safety

The security environment in the United States varies greatly from region to region, as does the vast territory it covers. While certain areas of large cities have high crime rates, smaller cities and suburban areas are relatively safe.
But, since the United States has a population of 330 million, which is more than six times the population of Korea, I think all sorts of things can happen.
When considering immigration, it is essential to carefully check the crime statistics and safety information of the area you wish to reside in. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) provides crime data by area.
[FBI: Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program]

Quality of life and satisfaction

The United States has an open and dynamic social atmosphere as people of various cultural backgrounds live together. It has global competitiveness in various fields such as education, science and technology, and economy, so there are many opportunities to achieve high achievements depending on individual ability and effort. However, it is important to consider that the cost of health insurance is high and the social safety net is weaker than in other advanced countries. [US News & World Report: Best Countries Rankings]

Considerations Regarding Gun Permits

The United States guarantees citizens the right to own guns under the Second Amendment. This leads to frequent gun-related incidents, which is a major concern for many people considering immigrating to the United States. It is necessary to fully understand the gun laws, gun sales, and possession regulations of the area where you live, and to make careful judgments about your personal safety. [Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund]

2. Canada

Canada, which promotes a high quality of life and multiculturalism, is a country that is consistently loved by Koreans due to its stable immigration policy.

Canadian Immigration History

Korean immigration to Canada began in the late 1960s, and has gradually expanded since the 1980s through skilled immigration and family-sponsored immigration. Canada has adopted multiculturalism as a national policy, actively accepting immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds, and is working to provide a stable settlement environment for immigrants.
[IRCC: Facts and figures 2022 – Immigration overview]

Number of immigrants to Canada

As of 2023, approximately 247,000 KoreansThis is Canada, and thousands of new permanent residents are admitted every year. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted more than 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, of which about 7,000 were Korean nationals. IRCC plans to admit a similar number of immigrants in 2024, and operates a variety of immigration programs, including skilled, family, and humanitarian reasons.
[IRCC: Immigrate to Canada]

safety

Canada is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world. The low crime rate and stable social system provide a foundation for immigrants to live in peace. In particular, the violent crime rate remains low compared to other major developed countries. [Statistics Canada: Crime and Justice]

Quality of life and satisfaction

Canada offers a high quality of life based on a high-level education system, universal health insurance, and a clean and beautiful natural environment. It is consistently ranked high in the OECD's quality of life index, and immigrants are particularly satisfied with the country due to its well-developed sense of community and social network. [OECD Better Life Index: Canada]

3. Australia

With its vast nature, warm climate, and diverse job opportunities, Australia has long been a popular immigration destination for Koreans. The social atmosphere that values work-life balance is also an attractive factor.

Australian Immigration History

Korean immigration to Australia began in small numbers in the 1970s, and has steadily increased since the 1990s through the skilled migration program. Australia actively promotes a multicultural society and has policies in place to welcome immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds. In particular, the demand for skilled workers is high, so there are many opportunities for Koreans in related fields.
[Australian Bureau of Statistics: Cultural Diversity in Australia]

Number of Australian immigrants

According to data from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, more than 8,000 Koreans migrated to Australia in the 2022-2023 financial year on various visas (mainly skilled migration and family migration). [Department of Home Affairs, Australia: Migration Program]
Currently in Australia Approximately 160,000 overseas KoreansAustralia is the most popular country for working holiday visas, which suggests that it has a significant Korean community. Working HolidayIt is one of the countries with the most cases of people going there and settling down by obtaining permanent residency.
Since the pandemic, the Australian government has been pursuing a policy of actively expanding the number of immigrants to support economic recovery, and there is a particularly high demand for skilled workers in specific technical fields such as medicine, IT, and engineering.

safety

Australia is generally considered a safe country. Major cities are relatively safe and have low rates of violent crime. However, in densely populated areas, petty crimes (such as pickpocketing) are likely to occur, so caution is advised. [Numbeo: Crime Index in Australia]

Quality of life and satisfaction

Australia boasts a high quality of life with beautiful natural environments, mild climates, and a leisurely lifestyle. Its well-equipped medical system and educational environment are also attractive factors for immigrants. In particular, the culture that values work-life balance is developed, so many immigrants express satisfaction with their lives in Australia. [OECD Better Life Index: Australia]

4. New Zealand

New Zealand, known as the 'hidden gem of the Southern Hemisphere', is a country of immigration that consistently attracts interest from Koreans due to its clean nature, friendly people, and peaceful social atmosphere.

New Zealand Immigration History

Korean immigration to New Zealand began in the late 1980s, and has gradually increased since the 1990s, mainly through educational immigration and technical immigration. New Zealand is implementing policies that attract skilled workers and prefer immigrants who can contribute to economic development.
[NZ History: Korean Migration to New Zealand]

Number of immigrants to New Zealand

According to Immigration New Zealand, New Zealand is actively recruiting immigrants to address the shortage of manpower in certain technical fields. It is estimated that in recent years, about 2,000 Koreans have obtained permanent residency in New Zealand. The main immigration route is skilled migration, with high demand in the medical, engineering and IT fields.
In New Zealand as of 2023 The Korean nationality and overseas Korean population is approximately 31,000 people., and a stable Korean community has formed centered around Auckland.
New Zealand is very popular with those looking to 'redesign their lives' due to its relatively transparent immigration process, high quality of life, and clean natural environment.
However, rising living costs, limited jobs in big cities, and slow visa processing times are factors that should be carefully considered in advance.
[Immigration New Zealand: New Zealand Visas]

safety

New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It has a very low crime rate and maintains a socially stable atmosphere, providing a safe living environment for immigrants. In particular, the rate of violent crime is very low. [Numbeo: Crime Index in New Zealand]

Quality of life and satisfaction

New Zealand offers a high quality of life, with outstanding natural scenery and high-quality education and health systems. It is particularly attractive to those seeking a leisurely life in a nature-friendly environment. It consistently ranks high on the OECD's Quality of Life Index. [OECD Better Life Index: New Zealand]

5. Germany

Germany, the center of Europe and a country with a strong economy, has recently emerged as a new immigration destination for Koreans. It offers many opportunities, especially in the fields of technology and academia.

German Immigration History

Korean immigration to Germany began in the 1960s with the influx of miners and nurses. Since then, there has been a steady influx of international students, researchers, and professionals. Germany has a relatively open immigration policy within Europe, and is particularly active in attracting skilled foreign workers.
[BAMF: Guest Workers in Germany]

Number of German immigrants

According to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), Germany is one of the countries that accepts the most immigrants in Europe. In the case of Korean nationals, hundreds to thousands of people immigrate to Germany every year through various routes such as employment, study abroad, and employment. There is a particularly high demand for professionals in the fields of engineering, IT, and medicine.
Living in Germany as of 2023 There are about 49,000 Koreans, and a high proportion of people live in large cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg.
Germany is an attractive choice for immigrants due to its relatively stable work environment, low university tuition fees and excellent health care system, along with the benefits of free movement within the EU.
However, language barriers, cumbersome bureaucracy, and the complexity of foreign qualification recognition procedures are important variables when considering immigration.
[Destatis: Foreign population by nationality]

safety

Germany is generally considered a safe country. Major cities are well-maintained and the rate of violent crime is relatively low. However, in densely populated areas, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are likely to occur, so caution is required. [Numbeo: Crime Index in Germany]

Quality of life and satisfaction

Germany offers a high quality of life with a high level of education system, comprehensive health insurance, and a stable social welfare system. It also has a rich cultural heritage and a variety of leisure activities, which makes it a popular destination for immigrants. Easy access to other European countries is also a big advantage. [OECD Better Life Index: Germany]

conclusion

So far, we have taken an in-depth look at the five most popular countries for Koreans to immigrate to: the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, taking a closer look at their history, cultural characteristics, current immigration policies, safety levels, and quality of life.
Each country has its own unique charm, and the best choice for you will vary depending on your background, values, and vision for the future.
Therefore, if you are seriously considering immigration, it is essential to carefully compare and analyze objective information about each country along with your own personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the life you want to achieve.
We hope that the in-depth analysis provided in this article will provide you with practical help in choosing the immigration country that best suits you and taking the first step toward a successful settlement based on more realistic and specific information, rather than relying on vague expectations or superficial information.

*Reference: Top 10 Countries with Korean Immigrants (Overseas Koreans) (As of the end of 2023)

*Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (Status of overseas Koreans as of the end of 2023)
https://www.oka.go.kr/web/content.do?menu_cd=000101