Leisure and Family Quality of Life in Korean Transnational Split Families

The study investigates the effects of involvement in two types of family leisure activities (virtual and in-person) on family quality of life (QOL) among Korean Transnational Split Families (KTSF) in which fathers remain in Korea and wives and children migrate to the U.S. The study was based on the family systems theory and the core and balance model of family leisure. Twenty individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Korean mothers and fathers residing in the U.S. and in Korea. The findings revealed that leisure played an important role in maintaining the sense of togetherness and improved the family QOL. During separation, the families engaged in core leisure activities by employing technology, such as connecting on social media, watching movies, praying, and playing games. They also engaged in core and balance leisure activities when reunited in the U.S., Korea, or elsewhere. The activities included sports, outdoor recreation, travel, and even “mundane” daily pursuits that began to be perceived as leisure. While family QOL among KTSF was generally high, with the passage of time, we have observed a growing disconnect between fathers and their older children.