Migration Network and Identity Reconfiguration: A Case of Gwangju Koryoin Village in Korea

This study employs network theory to examine how advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) reshape migration flows, identity formation, and interactions between migrant and host communities, focusing on Gwangju Koryoin Village. Koryoin—ethnic Koreans settled in the former Soviet Union—faces unique reintegration challenges due to linguistic and cultural disconnections in host society. The paper categorizes the evolution of Gwangju Koryoin Village into four stages, from initial migrant influx to the expansion of migration networks. Central to this process are the migrant mobility and support networks, strategically coordinated by key gatekeepers such as Zoya Shin and Pastor Cheon‐young Lee, transitioning from an individualized model to a bridging model. Findings indicate that the integration of ICT‐facilitated networks with supportive local policies not only enhances socio‐economic dynamism and urban regeneration but also reconfigures othered identities into dual identities. Ultimately, this case challenges conventional “number‐protection” arguments in migration studies by demonstrating that robust, interlinked networks can mitigate identity‐based tensions and promote sustainable integration, enhancing mutual benefits.