Unveiling Korean Identity in the U.S. Korean Schools: A Collaborative Autoethnography

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 4:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Cultural Inclusion and Identity With Asian and Asian American Communities (Table 2)

Abstract

We, three doctoral students from South Korea, conducted a collaborative autoethnography (CAE) study to uncover the purpose and reality of Korean school, which is weekly educational programs held at local churches in the U.S., dedicated to teaching the Korean language, culture, and values to Korean and Korean-American students in the U.S. Our CAE revealed three themes: (1) Narrow Notion of Koreanness, (2) Heterotopia of Solidarity, and (3) Intersection of Desire. These findings suggest that more critical consciousness is required for the development of culturally relevant and inclusive practices within these educational settings. By addressing these issues, Korean schools can better support the diverse identities and experiences of their students, contributing to a more just and equitable educational environment.

Authors

• Seunghoon Han, University of Northern Iowa

• Hyelin Kim, University of Georgia

• Naewook Kwon, University of Georgia