Analyzing The Integration And Support Systems For Migrant Families In Korea

Analyzing the Integration and Support Systems for Migrant Families in Korea

Ikhtiyor Rasulov

Department of Global Diaspora Studies, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea,

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9010203

Received: 05 January 2025; Accepted: 14 January 2025; Published: 12 February 2025

ABSTRACT

South Korea is undergoing significant demographic change, characterised by a growing foreign resident population and an increase in multicultural families. These changes, driven by an ageing population and declining birth rates, emphasise the urgency of effective migration policies. This study analyses the demographic trends and highlights the increase in the foreign population, multicultural students and regional inequalities. It critically assesses South Korea’s migration policy and identifies gaps in long-term integration, educational equity and community support. Drawing on best practises from countries such as Canada, Germany and Finland, the study proposes actionable reforms including equity-focused education, scalable support systems and skills-based migration pathways. This study offers a comprehensive framework for sustainable and inclusive migration strategies and contributes new insights to the policy discourse in East Asia.

Keywords: migration, diaspora, multiculturalism, social experience, demographic

INTRODUCTION

South Korea, a country historically characterised by its ethnic homogeneity, is experiencing a profound demographic change due to increasing migration and the rise of multicultural families. The foreign resident population will reach 2.46 million in 2023, making up 4.8 % of the total population. This represents a significant change in a society that has traditionally been characterised by a single cultural identity. These changes are fuelled by declining birth rates, an ageing population and a growing need for foreign labour and talent to sustain economic growth (Kim et al., 2022).

While these changes present opportunities for economic development and cultural enrichment, they also pose challenges in terms of social inclusion, educational equity and public policy. Existing research emphasises that migration policies in East Asia often lag behind Western countries when it comes to balancing economic needs with the long-term integration of migrants (Khan et al., 2018). However, there are few comparative analyses that critically evaluate South Korean policies against global best practises to suggest actionable reforms. This study aims to fill this gap.

The content is mainly organised as follows: The findings section provides a detailed analysis of demographic trends, showing a significant increase in foreign residents, multicultural families and students, as well as regional and systemic inequalities. The discussion critically assesses South Korea’s migration policy, drawing on comparative findings from Western countries such as Canada, Germany and Finland to highlight shortcomings and suggest reforms. Finally, the conclusion summarises these findings and emphasises the need for a coherent, justice-oriented migration framework that meets South Korea’s evolving societal needs.

The contribution of this study lies in its comprehensive approach to assessing South Korea’s migration policy, which includes quantitative analysis, comparative perspectives and actionable recommendations.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Migration trends and effects on society

South Korea, which in the past was characterised by its ethnic homogeneity, has experienced profound demographic changes triggered by increased migration and multicultural family formation. These changes are closely linked to the country’s ageing population and declining birth rate. Government data highlights this change with a 6.2% increase in the foreign resident population in 2022, equating to over 1.75 million people. The rise in multicultural families, which have increased by 25.2% since 2017, and the increase in multicultural students, who now make up 3% of the total student body, point to a rapidly diversifying demographic landscape. Measures such as the recruitment of foreign domestic helpers highlight attempts to address labour shortages, particularly in the domestic and care sectors.

The effects of these demographic trends extend across various social dimensions. At an economic level, the influx of migrants offers the opportunity to alleviate labour shortages and stimulate growth. However, social cohesion remains a key challenge. The increase in multicultural households requires a rethink of integration policies, particularly in the areas of education and public services, to meet the needs of diverse communities. South Korea’s late but significant commitment to multiculturalism compared to regional counterparts such as Japan and Singapore provides a unique perspective for examining these transitions. The country’s experience demonstrates the need for a policy framework that balances short-term labour solutions with long-term integration goals.

Multiculturalism and the complex dynamics of migrant families

The concept of multiculturalism in South Korea epitomises the challenges of managing diversity within a historically monolithic culture. Multiculturalism is anchored in a broader global context and encompasses integration, ethnic pluralism and assimilationist approaches. Research shows that managing cultural and religious diversity is of paramount importance for promoting social cohesion and the development of inclusive societies (Nye, 2007). The psychological dimensions of multiculturalism, such as the promotion of openness and inclusion, play an important role in the formation of modern identities and the reduction of prejudice (Rex, 1995).

In South Korea, globalisation and government policies have increased the presence and visibility of multicultural migrant families. These families, often born of cross-border marriages, face particular challenges, such as navigating hierarchical education systems that reinforce social inequalities (Van den Broeck et al., 2015). For example, school practises that are organised along socio-ethnic lines disproportionately affect the academic performance of multicultural children. The mental health of people in these families, particularly in the workplace and educational settings, continues to be an important issue, as evidenced by research linking multicultural experiences to psychological well-being (Liu, 2022).

Globally, multiculturalism serves as a framework for addressing political and societal challenges, although its manifestations vary regionally. Europe, for example, focuses on equality and cultural diversity, while the US grapples with racial equality and separatist ideologies (Khan et al., 2018). These comparative findings shed light on how South Korea can adapt multiculturalism to its unique socio-political context by emphasising education, mental health and systemic inclusivity to better support migrant families.

Support systems for multicultural migrant families

The integration and well-being of multicultural migrant families depends on the availability and effectiveness of formal and informal support systems. Informal networks such as family and community ties play a crucial role in providing culturally relevant and accessible help. Studies categorise this support into levels such as dyadic interventions, mutual aid groups and community-based initiatives (Merry et al., 2019). In South Korea, community resource persons (CRPs) have emerged as key figures who creatively assemble resources to strengthen family ties and overcome the challenges faced by migrants (Aumann & Titzmann, 2019).

Formal support systems, such as state-funded language courses, employment programmes and cultural education, are crucial for promoting integration. These programmes are particularly important for migrant mothers, who often bear the brunt of integration problems. However, systemic barriers, including language barriers and social isolation, make it difficult to access such assistance. Technological solutions, such as foreign language apps, offer promising opportunities to close these gaps and complement traditional programmes (Baig & Chang, 2020).

Education systems play a dual role as places of opportunity and inequality. Multicultural children who find their way in hierarchical school structures often have limited upward mobility, which exacerbates social inequalities. Research emphasises the importance of targeted interventions to support these students, such as culturally responsive curricula and psychological support services (Vindevogel et al., 2023). In addition, the findings of East Asian Métis authors highlight the nuanced identities of multicultural people and deepen our understanding of their integration efforts (Ireland, 2017).

Emerging themes in the literature

Three central themes emerge in the literature: (1) the tension between economic necessity and social cohesion in migration policy, (2) the role of multiculturalism in shaping societal attitudes and institutional practises, and (3) the interplay of formal and informal support systems in addressing the unique needs of multicultural immigrant families. These dynamics underscore the complexity of integrating multicultural identities into the social fabric of South Korea while addressing systemic challenges in the areas of education, labour and community support.

METHODOLOGY

This analysis was conducted using publicly available data, including government statistics and reports from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Statistics Korea. Additionally, existing literature, including peer-reviewed articles and policy documents, was reviewed to contextualize the data. Python was employed to process and visualize the data through figures and plots, enabling a deeper understanding of demographic trends and their implications. The integration of multiple data sources allowed for a comprehensive analysis of migration trends, demographic shifts, and societal impacts in South Korea.

RESULTS

The analysis reveals a rapidly evolving demographic landscape in South Korea, with migration playing a central role in shaping societal dynamics, and our key findings include as follows.

Foreign Resident Population Growth

As of 2022, South Korea’s foreign resident population grew by 6.2% to over 1.75 million. By 2023, this figure increased further to 2.46 million, the highest since such records began in 2006.

Long-term foreign residents (those staying over three months) accounted for 1.94 million, a 10.4% year-over-year increase, representing 4.8% of the national population.

Short-term foreign residents, including tourists and temporary workers, totaled approximately 625,663 in 2023 (Figure 1).

Figure 1. South Korea’s Foreign Resident Population Growth (2022-2023)

Note: This graph illustrates the growth of South Korea’s foreign resident population between 2022 and 2023, highlighting the distinction between long-term and short-term residents in 2023.

Source: Government data on South Korea’s foreign residents, 2023.

Regional Distribution

Over 57.8% of foreign residents live in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, with Gyeonggi Province hosting the largest share (809,801), followed by Seoul (449,014) and Incheon (160,859).

Specific districts such as Ansan (108,033), Hwaseong (76,711), and Siheung (74,653) have become hubs for foreign populations, driven by industrial employment opportunities (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Distribution of Foreign Residents in Seoul Area (2023).

Note: This bar chart shows the concentration of foreign residents in key locations within the Seoul Metropolitan Area, emphasizing the role of industrial hubs like Ansan, Hwaseong, and Siheung.

Source: South Korean local government demographic reports, 2023.

Multicultural Families

Families with at least one foreign member totaled 399,396 in 2022, a 3.7% increase from the previous year.

Multicultural households, as redefined in 2015, now account for a significant share of family structures. In 2023, multicultural families increased by 4.1% to 416,000 households.

The proportion of children born to multicultural families is also growing, representing 5.9% of all births in 2019 (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Growth of Multicultural Families and Birth Rates in Korea (2022-2023).

Note: This visualization highlights the increase in households with at least one foreign member and the consistent proportion of births attributed to multicultural families, reflecting their growing demographic impact.

Source: South Korea Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, 2023.

Multicultural Students

The number of multicultural students has increased dramatically, from 46,000 in 2012 to 160,000 in 2021, comprising approximately 3% of the total student population (Figure 4).

Disparities in academic outcomes for these students persist due to systemic challenges like hierarchical school tracking and limited language support.

Figure 4. Growth of Multicultural Students, Migrant Workers, and Int.l Students in Korea.

Note: This bar chart highlights the notable increase in multicultural students, migrant workers, and international students, demonstrating South Korea’s growing multicultural and education-driven migration landscape.

Source: South Korea Ministry of Education and Labor Reports, 2023.

Migrant Workforce and International Students

The number of migrant workers increased by 16.6% in 2023, reaching 67,111.

International students grew by 8.9% to 16,932, reflecting South Korea’s growing role as a destination for education-driven migration (see Figure 4).

Projected Trends

The foreign resident population is expected to rise steadily, reaching 2.85 million by 2042, accounting for approximately 5.7% of the population. The proportion of foreigners within the working-age group is projected to double to 8.4% in the same period.

The population with a migration background (including naturalized foreigners and their children) is forecast to increase from 4.3% in 2022 to 8.1% in 2042.

Figure 5. Future Demographics of Foreign Residents in Korea.

Source: South Korea Ministry of Education and Labor Reports, 2023.

National Comparison:

Foreign-born residents in South Korea constituted 2.3% of the total population in 2019, which is below the global average but indicative of rapid growth compared to historical norms.

By nationality, the largest groups are Chinese of Korean descent (27.5%), Vietnamese (12.8%), Chinese (11.4%), and Thais (9.9%) (Figure 6).

Figure 6. National Composition of Foreign-Born Residents in South Korea (2019).

Note: This pie chart illustrates the major nationalities among foreign-born residents in South Korea, highlighting the predominance of individuals of Chinese Korean descent, followed by Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai populations.

Source: South Korea Immigration and Census Data, 2019.

Data Analysis and Insights

The consistent increase in foreign residents highlights South Korea’s shift from a historically homogeneous society to a more multicultural one. However, this growth raises critical questions about the nation’s preparedness for large-scale integration.

While the majority of migrants are concentrated in industrial hubs like Gyeonggi Province, disparities in access to resources and integration support exist across regions. Areas with high foreign populations, such as Ansan and Hwaseong, face unique challenges in education, healthcare, and housing.

Multicultural families represent an increasingly typical family structure in South Korea, with implications for education, policy planning, and societal attitudes. The sharp rise in multicultural students underscores the urgency for systemic reforms in the education system, including enhanced language and cultural programs.

Migrant workers and international students contribute significantly to the labor market and higher education landscape. However, their long-term retention and integration into society require targeted policies addressing employment, residency, and social inclusion.

DISCUSSION

South Korea’s migration policies, which aim to tackle demographic problems such as an ageing population and a declining birth rate, are primarily reactive and fragmented. They focus on short-term solutions such as the recruitment of foreign domestic workers, but lack a comprehensive strategy for the long-term integration and inclusion of migrants. This lack of comprehensive policy design and implementation becomes clear when compared to Western migration policies.

Limitations in the policy frameworks

South Korea’s policies focus on the import of labour rather than the broader social integration of migrants. Thus, while the country has seen significant growth in its foreign resident population — 2.46 million by 2023, equivalent to 4.8% of the total population — there is a distinct lack of initiatives to integrate these people into the social fabric. In comparison, Canada’s migration framework combines economic needs with robust support systems such as community-based networks, language courses and pathways to citizenship (Nye, 2007). Germany also takes a dual approach, combining labour market integration with cultural orientation programmes and legal protection against discrimination (Khan et al., 2018).

South Korea’s reliance on temporary visas for labour migrants and limited pathways to permanent residence or citizenship limit long-term engagement and reduce incentives for migrants to invest in the host society. In contrast, Canada’s express entry system and Germany’s education pathways ensure that migrants are not only economically integrated, but also culturally and socially rooted in the community.

Challenges for the education system

The rapid increase in multicultural students from 46,000 in 2012 to 160,000 in 2021 underscores the urgency of systemic reform in education. Currently, South Korea’s hierarchical system perpetuates inequalities by aligning academic expectations with socio-ethnic differences (Van den Broeck et al., 2015). These structural barriers disproportionately affect children from immigrant families and exacerbate their marginalisation.

The Finnish education model, which focuses on equal opportunities, offers a convincing contrast. By eliminating rigid tracking systems and providing individualised support, Finland ensures equitable educational opportunities for all students. South Korea could adopt similar practises, such as culturally responsive curricula, expanded language programmes and targeted mentoring initiatives, to better support multicultural students and mitigate educational inequalities.

Gaps in community support

Community support for migrants in South Korea is largely dependent on informal networks that are culturally accessible but lack scalability and consistency. Formal interventions, such as language courses and cultural orientation programmes, are often difficult to access, leaving many migrant families underserved (Merry et al., 2019). The development of language apps and community resource initiatives has shown promise, but their reach remains limited.

Australia offers a useful model for integrating technology into community services. By offering comprehensive digital platforms that connect migrants to resources, job opportunities and language courses, Australia demonstrates how technology can bridge gaps in formal support systems (Aumann & Titzmann, 2019). South Korea could expand its use of digital tools to complement face-to-face programmes and provide accessible, scalable support to its growing migrant population.

Social attitudes and inclusion

Despite the government’s efforts to promote diversity, social acceptance of multiculturalism in South Korea remains uneven. Multicultural families, which now make up 4.1% of all households, continue to face stigmatisation and discrimination, hindering their full integration into society. Sweden’s public campaigns to promote inclusion and cultural awareness are an example of how targeted efforts can change public attitudes and promote greater acceptance of diversity (Kim et al., 2022).

Public campaigns in South Korea should focus on narratives that emphasise the contribution of migrant families to the economy and society. In addition, partnerships with the media and community leaders could reinforce these messages and dispel misconceptions about multiculturalism.

Exploiting transnational identities

South Korea’s policy makes insufficient use of the transnational identities and skills of its migrants. Migrants bring cultural diversity and professional expertise that can enrich South Korea’s economy and global standing. The US diversity visa programme, for example, attracts strategically skilled individuals and promotes cultural exchange (Lücke et al., 2014).

South Korea could take measures to prioritise skilled immigration and create pathways to long-term residency or citizenship for the highly skilled. Such reforms would not only address labour shortages but also promote innovation and cultural enrichment.

CONCLUSION

This study sheds light on South Korea’s rapidly evolving demographic landscape, fuelled by increasing migration and the rise of multicultural families. The findings highlight that while the country has made progress in addressing immediate labour shortages and absorbing a growing foreign resident population, its policies remain fragmented and reactive. Major gaps remain in areas such as long-term integration, educational equity and systemic support for multicultural communities.

A key contribution of this analysis lies in the comparative perspective that compares South Korea’s approach with the best practises of Western countries.

This study offers practical advice for South Korea to develop a more harmonised migration strategy by looking at effective integration approaches from countries such as Canada, Germany and Finland. In particular, it emphasises the need for equality-focused education reforms, scalable community support systems and public campaigns to promote multicultural acceptance.

This study also offers a new perspective on the use of transnational identities as an underutilised asset in South Korea’s migration strategy. It emphasises the contributions of migrants to the economy and society and argues for policies that prioritise long-term integration and skilled migration.

To summarise, the study not only identifies critical deficits in South Korea’s migration policy, but also provides forward-looking recommendations for remedying them. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on migration policy reform in East Asia and provide a blueprint for inclusive, sustainable and equitable integration strategies.

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