1. Rise of Foreigners in Korea: A Growing Global Community
Korea is undergoing a significant transformation as it embraces the concept of a multicultural society. Once regarded as ethnically homogenous, the country has experienced a surge in foreign workers, international students, and marriage immigrants, leading to a greater acceptance and coexistence of diverse cultures. As of 2020, foreigners living in Korea made up around 3.3% of the country’s population, and 46% of them were Chinese International marriages also increased to 7.2% in 2021, resulting in over 1.09 million people living in multicultural families.
2. Multicultural Families Support Act: Nurturing Integration and Inclusion
In response to these changes, Korea introduced the Multicultural Families Support Act in 2008, establishing 230 support centers nationwide. These centers offer various programs to assist marriage immigrants, such as Korean language courses, psychological counseling, and job-finding support, helping them adapt to life in Korea. Additionally, the centers focus on helping children from multicultural families succeed in the Korean public education system, enabling them to become valued members of society.
3. Framework Plan on Cultural Diversity
Aligned with global efforts to promote cultural diversity and understanding, Korea passed the Act on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Diversity in 2014. This led to the designation of May 21 as Cultural Diversity Day and the following week as Cultural Diversity Week, celebrated with diverse programs. Moreover, in 2021, the government announced the Framework Plan on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Diversity, aiming to combat discrimination and hatred during the COVID-19 pandemic and foster the creation of even more creative and inclusive cultures by bringing different communities together.
