The effect of modernity on Korean sojourners and Korean non-sojourners: Shift in cultural identity and self-construal and reentry adaptation

This study examined the effects of modernity on 68 Korean sojourners' and 68 Korean non-sojourners' value orientation, self-concept, and reentry adaptation in the host and home culture. In this quantitative study, Korean self-report measures were used. These measures included Value Consensus and Diversity Scale, the Self-Construal Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Demographic characteristics. In examining the results of Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analyses, this study found several interesting significant findings that contrasted with some predicted research hypotheses. Specifically, Korean sojourners with an independent self-construal similar to Westerners seem not to experience culture shock or reverse culture shock. For Korean nonsojourners, modernity has had an influence in changing their value and self-concept orientation. However, traditional Confucius values seem to constrain the belief in value diversity because of the predominant role interdependent self-construal in the Korean society. To address Korean sojourners reentry adaptation conflict and Korean non-sojourners plan to stay in North America, predeparture, postdeparture, and postarrival programs could be resourceful for Korean sojourners and non-sojourners to learn about the potential pitfalls in their adaptation process in the host culture and the reentry adaptation in the home culture.