This article explores the institutional and legal realities of CIS Koreans, or Koryoin (Koryo-saram)—ethnic Koreans who migrated from post-Soviet states, primarily Central Asia—residing in South Korea. Despite historical ties to Korea, Koryoin are governed by standard immigration law, creating a contradiction between symbolic national belonging and legal marginalization. Drawing on community data, government reports, and field experience from the AKRK, the study investigates barriers in legal status, education, labor market access, and community development, introduces the concept of Koryoin villages as an actor in regional revitalization, and offers policy recommendations including citizenship restoration.