A Korean lexicon (also spelled, kyopo) used to define a native Korean who permanently resides in another country or land other than one of the two Koreas. However, if a gyopo returns to Korea, this one will lose his/her gyopo "status."
There are several variations to the lexicon gyopo. For example, by adding the prefix "jemi" indicates that this gyopo resides in the United States. By adding the prefix "jeil" indicates that this gyopo resides in Japan.
Korean-Americans (Koreans born in the U.S.) or any other Korean born in another country or land other than one of the two Koreas, are commonly termed as gyopos. This is incorrect, as gyopos are native Koreans who have left their homeland.
As a result of the Korean War, many gyopos live in America.
by gelidgreen February 9, 2007
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