The Feminization of Migration and International Marriage

Rev.Han Kuk-Yom
(President of Women Migrants Human Rights Center)

Introduction

In speaking of the feminization of migration and international marriage, there are both negative and positive sides. On the positive side, there are women from the Third World country, who are married to Korean men and carried on the relatively settled family life. These women have adapted themselves to the new life in Korea and integrated well in the Korean society. On the other hand, there are the harsh realities of migrant women who came to Korea through an international marriage. These women suffer from racism and patriarchal attitudes of Korean husbands who often regard them as maids and show little understanding and disregards of their wives. If women, who cannot stand violence and abuse, get away from of their husbands, they become undocumented and international wanderers who can neither go back to their husbands nor return to their home countries. In an a