Most early Korean immigrants arrived with nothing. While a few ginseng merchants had come before the main wave of immigration, they were an extreme minority. Most immigrants were uneducated and could not speak English. Naturally, they took on work that required no special skills, relying on manual labor for their livelihood. They worked on farms, railroads, mines, and fisheries.
They grew various vegetables and sugar beets. Initially, they worked as tenant farmers, receiving a portion of the farm’s income from the landowners. Later, they transitioned to independent farming. Many worked harvesting fruits such as grapes, peaches, and melons. In urban areas, they served in restaurants or took on domestic work in households. By 1916, Korean farming activities expanded, and in Manteca, Northern California, 27 Korean immigrants cultivated 1,400 acres of sugar beets.
Koreans began rice farming in Northern California in areas such as Willows, Colusa, Woodland, and Manteca. By 1918, the rice farming area of Koreans in Willows alone spanned 4,300 acres. The harvest yielded 220,000 sacks of rice, with the fair price for a sack of rice being $4.25 at the time, bringing in $935,000 in total revenue. In 1919, the harvest reached 300,000 sacks, raising significant hopes for rice farming. However, after the war, a sharp decline in rice prices and sudden flooding caused severe crop losses, dealing a fatal blow to the economic stability of Korean farmers. Unable to find alternatives, many were forced to abandon rice farming, go bankrupt, and disperse.
In commerce, Koreans operated small-scale businesses such as restaurants, vegetable stores, tobacco shops, barber shops, laundries, and labor agencies. In the San Francisco area, laundries were particularly common. By around 1929, the Great Depression severely impacted the economy. Farming efforts included potato farming in Stockton, sugar beet farming in Manteca, tenant rice farming in Sacramento, persimmon farming in Santa Clara Valley, and grape, melon, and watermelon farming in Central California.
After World War II, as the economy improved, some Korean immigrants became prominent businesspeople. The improved post-war standard of living in the general population also elevated the living standards of Koreans.
They earned money and donated significant sums to the independence movement. When adjusted for today’s value, the amounts they contributed to the nation were staggering. According to a survey by the Korean National Association, the total value of homes owned by Korean immigrants in the U.S. exceeded $3 million, and some individuals owned businesses worth millions of dollars.
After liberation, many intended to return to Korea with their earnings to establish businesses and spend their remaining years in their homeland. However, during the U.S. military government period after liberation, freedom of entry into Korea was restricted, causing much frustration. After the establishment of the Republic of Korea, returning as immigrants became even more difficult, leading many to abandon their plans to return.
Labor and Economy Through Kongnip Sinbo and Sinhan Minbo
At the time, Sinhan Minbo not only provided Korean immigrants with news and information about their communities but also published numerous editorials and opinion pieces encouraging active labor participation and promoting the importance of creating businesses. By examining articles related to the economic and labor conditions of Korean immigrants through Sinhan Minbo, we gain insight into their struggles and aspirations.
Excerpts from Sinhan Minbo:
- 1908. 7. 22:
“Korean compatriots in America cannot return to their homeland empty-handed. Unless you achieve financial or academic success, do not return.” - 1908. 9. 16:
“In addition to a brief history of Koreans in America, this editorial enlightens readers on the direction of future work. Keep in mind that returning to Korea without foresight is reckless. Build permanent businesses. Do not place one foot in America and another in Korea.” - 1908. 9. 23:
Editorial “Encouragement to Join the Labor Society”
“Why are our laborers treated poorly? Other nations have unions, but we do not have organizations for collective action. Even if you work in manual labor, use your spare time to study.” - 1908. 10. 21:
Editorial “Business Is the Urgent Need of the Day”
“The fall of Korea was due to neglecting business. Korean immigrants in America only focus on daily wages, such as $1.75 per day or $0.25 per hour, without attention to industry development. Engage in business. Everyone must participate.” - 1909. 2. 17:
“Korean immigrants in San Francisco, without work, go to Oakland and fall prey to vices in Chinese enclaves. This is deeply regrettable.” - 1909. 3. 24:
“Keep Your Word”
“Some Korean immigrants in Oakland have behaved recklessly, accepting advances for work at Alaskan fisheries from Chinese agents and then disappearing with the money. Such behavior tarnishes the community’s reputation. Uphold your commitments and do not disgrace your compatriots.” - 1909. 4. 7:
Editorial “Independence or No Homeland”
“Without independence, there is no homeland to return to. Those who think of returning must understand the distinction between having a country and not having one. The time is not yet right. Let us unite and sing the return song with swords in hand: ‘Return, return, Korean compatriots in America… return when independence is achieved.’” - 1909. 5. 5:
“Korean immigrants initiated the Tae Dong Industrial Company in Vladivostok with a capital of 25,000 won. Korean immigrants, show your exceptional talents and make a powerful mark in commerce and industry.” - 1913. 10. 24:
“The livelihood of 700–800 Korean immigrants in California depends on labor. However, with the completion of the Panama Canal and the influx of 170,000 foreign workers this year alone, competition will intensify. Labor is temporary; save money and transition into stable industries like agriculture or commerce.” - 1914. 6. 11:
Editorial “Economic Prospects for Korean Immigrants”
“In this era of survival competition, economic strength is key. Even millionaire Americans and wealthy Japanese did not start with riches. Koreans must also start businesses. With collective efforts, the income from seasonal labor like harvesting oranges, barley, and grapes could amount to thousands of won annually, enough to establish companies each year.” - 1916. 8. 3:
Editorial “A Call to the Labor Community”
“Labor is the lifeline of Korean immigrants. Without labor, there are no businesses, no education, and no way to return to Korea or remain in America. Labor is our hope and happiness. Protect and sustain it.” - 1916. 8. 24:
“Labor issues are worsening due to fraud and lack of solidarity among Korean workers. The North American General Assembly must intervene to establish order and improve the reputation of Korean laborers.” - 1916. 11. 9:
“This year brought unexpected economic opportunities. Labor wages average $2.50 per day. If we fail to accumulate capital during this golden period, such chances may not come again.” - 1916. 11. 23:
“Why can’t Koreans do business? Is it a lack of capital, knowledge, or cooperation? Without collective action, we cannot build a national economy or sustain ourselves globally. Take lessons from the financial power of the Japanese in America.” - 1916. 12. 21:
“Korean immigrants in Northern California should start grocery stores to replace reliance on Japanese shops, which supply over 30,000 won worth of goods to Korean farms annually. Let us establish self-reliance in agriculture and commerce.” - 1918. 5. 30:
“During this golden era, Korean immigrants have earned thousands of won through labor over the past decade. Do not squander this opportunity by returning to the oppressor’s den. Instead, conquer Manchuria economically and lay the foundation for our nation’s future.”
These excerpts highlight the active encouragement of labor, entrepreneurship, and unity among Korean immigrants during the early 20th century. Sinhan Minbo played a vital role in shaping their economic and social perspectives, urging them to seize opportunities and build a foundation for independence and prosperity.
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