Living in micro‐networks: Korean migrants' social networking practices in Canadian cities

Abstract

Drawing on qualitative interviews with South Korean (Korean hereinafter) migrants in Western Canada, this study examines the migrants' sense of belonging and social networking practices during their post‐migration settlement and adaptation, including during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study focuses on a relatively recent cohort of Korean labour migrants whose main motivation for migration was to explore flexible and relaxed ways of living in the host society. Through an analysis of these migrants' lived experiences, the study examines how they have managed various forms of social networking and developed particular senses of social belonging. The study reveals the migrants' lack of a sense of social belonging and tendency to pursue individualized micro‐networks, which were particularly challenged during the COVID‐19 pandemic.