Lost Paradise: The phenomenon of 'Soviet Korean Advanced Kolkhozes' in Central Asia

Abstract

In the history of Soviet kolkhoz (collective-farm) research, the 'advanced kolk hoz (millionaire) phenomenon' remains almost unexplored, although it was a notable social-economic phenomenon. Members of the Korean advanced kolkhozes in Central Asia, which operated from the late 1930s to the 1980s, at first adapted to the kolkhoz system through hard work, but later became very active in creating social-cultural insti tutions within the kolkhoz system for common benefit (not only ethnic Koreans but also natives). Regionally, the overwhelming majority of Korean advanced kolkhozes, includ ing the legendary 'Polar Star' and 'Politotdel', were active in Uzbekistan, followed by Ka zakhstan. Perhaps, Korean advanced kolkhozes in Central Asia reached the peak of the Soviet-style socialist agricultural development in the 1960s - 1970s. These well to-do Korean kolkhozes in Central Asia developed a strong social infrastructure in their community as a basis for the contemporary living culture. Local common assets were formed from their own abundant undivided funds, consumption and cultural funds. However, what is more important is that Korean kolkhozes-millionaires not only built an excellent material and technical foundation in the village based on their high economic performance, but also created harmonious multiethnic communities while enjoying var ious social benefits similar to city life.