Facilitating Mutual Acculturation: Acculturation Strategies and Challenges Among Korean Immigrants in Australia

This study examines the acculturation of Korean immigrants, a group that has received limited attention, in Australia. Given that acculturation stress can have detrimental effects on the well-being of immigrants, this study aims to evaluate the current acculturation situation of Korean immigrants in Australia, by examining the challenges and influences they face in the acculturation process. As part of this study, an online survey was completed by 143 first-generation Korean immigrants. The findings from the quantitative data supported the notion of integration as the prevailing acculturation strategy, characterised by a high ethnic identity as Korean (M = 3.9) and positive experiences in Australia, which were reflected in a low perception of unfairness (M = 2.4) and discrimination (M = 2.4). However, the responses to our open-ended questions revealed three common challenges—limited English proficiency as a language barrier, instances of discrimination, and a yearning for familial connections in the Korean homeland. This study makes suggestions for better support of the acculturation of Korean immigrants and a process of mutual acculturation involving both Australians (people in the dominant society) and Koreans (a minority group) in Australia. It suggests a need to offer more opportunities to learn and practise Korean language within the formal education system, which would benefit not only Australians but also the younger generations of Koreans.