ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

This study explores the career experiences of women who immigrated to Korea as adults through international marriage and have worked as tour guides. Among the few jobs in which immigrants’ languages and cultures could be considered essential career competencies, tour guide is among the most under-researched jobs for immigrants, and thus little is known regarding their actual career experiences. Six participants from Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Indonesia and China (Chinese and Korean-Chinese) were interviewed regarding their motives for working in tourism, the qualification process, and the hardships they encountered in the field. The data were analyzed through the constant comparative method. Results showed that they attribute significant meaning to their job, considering themselves to play an important role for home county clients by informing them of Korean history and culture, while being regarded as competent professionals in this field. However, they experience hardships during the qualification process and in the firld, due especially to their status as both women and immigrants. This study suggests that support should be provided to women in this career field during the immigration settlement process in Korea and elaborates several policy implications.

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