Gyopo, Dongpo, and other labels

What is a Gyopo?

I don’t even remember how I came to know this term (probably from a Korean culture chat forum). But I’ve come to dislike it due to its divisional connotations.

Gyopo is used to describe people of Korean heritage who live in a country other than one of the Koreas. Although there’s some disagreement on this. Some say the term is being misused. And that it really refers only to those who were born in one of the Koreas and then emigrated.

In any case, “gyopo” is often, but not always, used to describe those of Korean heritage who are considered to be out of touch with that heritage.

What is a Dongpo?

And to confuse things even more, there’s another term in this arena – “dongpo.” Dongpo is occasionally used to describe anyone of Korean heritage which is really a reference to all those of Korean ancestry outside of the Koreas.

I much prefer the term dongpo over gyopo because it’s inclusionary referring to a shared heritage anywhere.

This wikipedia page actually breaks things down nicely.

Just In Case

I recently informed my sister about these terms. She had absolutely no clue that there were labels for people like us. And a negative label to boot!

Apparently, gyopos and dongpos stick out like a sore thumb in South Korea (I wouldn’t know about North Korea but assumed anyone who isn’t North Korean would immediately be noticeable!). We dress differently, speak differently, and even walk differently!

I can’t disagree with any of that. However, it’s disheartening to reach out to fellow Koreans in an effort to learn more about this shared heritage only to have the door slammed in your face by a label.

But not all Koreans are so quick to apply the gyopo label. And it is not that commonly used.

However, I just wanted to let readers know that these terms existed. Now if you are of Korean heritage and hear it, you’ll know what it refers to…it’s probably you.

Although it’d be nice if such labels didn’t exist at all, it’s human nature to categorize. Isn’t it?

Some people fully embrace being labeled a “gyopo”! But I know for many others, it hits a sore spot. So, like most things, try not to take it personally. It says a lot more about the person saying it than anything about you.

This is what I intend on telling my kid when he’s old enough to understand such things. Although, I hope by then that it won’t even be necessary because it’ll have died out. And the only labels we use are sales labels! I know that’s a bit idealistic but I can hope! 😉

Had you heard about “gyopo” before? Share in the comments!