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South Korea charts a path toward a cohesive multicultural future
In South Korea, a country long proud of its ethnic homogeneity, the rising number of foreign residents—now 2.11 million, or 4.1% of the population—has brought new challenges and opportunities. As the nation nears official multicultural status, Seoul is actively managing migrant integration through programs like language classes and mentoring, particularly for ethnic Korean children from abroad.
At Gonjiam Middle School near Seoul, Russian-speaking ethnic Korean students from former Soviet republics attend integration sessions to improve their Korean and social skills. These efforts, coordinated by government agencies, reflect a desire to foster social cohesion and equal opportunity for migrant children.
In cities like Ansan, with foreign residents making up 14% of the population and some neighborhoods reaching 84%, local nonprofits and government centers provide language courses, community support, and cultural programs. However, migrants still face significant hurdles.
Many foreign workers are employed under an “employment permit system” that grants employers excessive control, exposing workers to exploitation, harsh conditions, and even violence. High-profile incidents, including a deadly factory fire and documented abuses, have drawn attention to these systemic issues.
Despite growing public acceptance—with over 61% of Koreans now viewing foreign residents as normal—discrimination persists in private life and public services. South Korea lacks comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and integration efforts have been criticized for focusing mainly on educating migrants rather than fostering acceptance among native Koreans.
Experts argue the next crucial step is shifting perceptions to see migrants not just as economic units but as equal community members, enabling a truly shared multicultural future.