A Filipino Town Called "Little Manila" in South Korea: An Autoethnographic Study

Abstract

The present study employs autoethnographic research to explore Little Manila in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul, South Korea. As an informal Filipino community located in the capital city, the proponent of the study draws on personal reflections and immersive engagements to capture the narratives of Filipino migrants as they build their communities through identity formation and social structures while being in a foreign land. Socio-cultural dynamics have shaped the transnational space through emerging challenges and experiences faced by Filipinos who have left the Philippines for various reasons. The autoethnographic experience highlights three prominent faces: the space (Little Manila at the End of the Tunnel), the tastes and flavors (Food at the Core of Filipino Gatherings Overseas), and the spirituality (Catholicism and Sundays as Little Manila's Defining Experience). As a vital hub central to cultural preservation, harmonious coexistence, and identity formation, Little Manila also emerges as a space for community support, offering a sense of belonging and familiarity in a foreign country. Ultimately, this study aims to provide insights into the lives of Filipinos in South Korea and contribute to the discussion on Filipino identity, migration, and community support in the contemporary landscape.

Keywords:Filipino communityKoreaenclaveculturemulticulturalismoverseas