South Korea Becomes a Multicultural Country Next Year

Reported by Cherevik Irina, Murat Dina, Kim Anastasiya

Edited by Gyung-eun Lim, Cherevik Irina, Murat Dina, Kim Anastasiya

A foreign visitor being captivated by vibrant Korean souvenirs

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - South Korea is becoming the first multicultural country in Asia among OECD Nations by attracting foreigners with various programs and new visas to overcome the low fertility rate and labor shortage.

Seoul's new promotion logo, adorned with colorful pictograms, conveying a sense of worldwide unity

Korea is experiencing a progressive influx of foreigners, emphasizing the diversity of global conditions and the value of multiculturalism. The Korean government is providing new visas and support programs to attract more people all over the globe to protect the country’s economy because of the falling birth rate and labor shortage.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the number of foreigners in Korea will surpass 5% of the total population for the first time next year, entering a "multicultural society". Korea has now become home to foreigners from a total of 118 countries.

Foreigners passing by a Turkish restaurant on Itaewon Street

A pharmacy on Dongdaemun Street providing services in different languages

As a natural progression, foreigners residing in Korea have begun forming communities, establishing businesses that offer their native cuisine, and providing diverse services in multiple languages in banks, pharmacies, shops to enhance adaptation and facilitate a more comfortable lifestyle.

Two foreign men working at the restaurant with Uzbek cuisine in Seoul

A foreign woman working at a store that sells Russian food in Dongdaemun district

Throughout most of its past, South Korea prided itself on its homogeneity, with most of its population comprising ethnic Koreans. However, the country has changed significantly in recent years and has become more diverse. This transformation can be attributed to various factors such as increased globalization, internationalization, and immigration. The growing number of foreign residents, international marriages between Koreans and individuals from other nations, and the influx of migrant workers have all played a significant role in diversifying South Korea's population. 

A foreigner buying K-pop goods at one of the Myeongdong metro stations

Foreigners find Korea appealing for various reasons, such as cultural interest, economic growth, government support, quality of life, and the beauty industry and thriving entertainment industry. “I review a lot of foreign students applications for exchange program or full four years program every semester and by reading their statements I do see that the most popular reasons are k-pop, k-contents, Hallyu (Korean wave)”, professor of Media & Communication Department at Korea University Sun Kyong Lee said. The global success of Korean pop culture has created an international fanbase eager to come to Korea and delve deeper into the origins of this cultural phenomenon. 

A foreign student walking at the campus of Sogang University

The demographics of South Korea have experienced a remarkable change with the growing number of foreigners. As of 2021, this rise is evident, with over 2.5 million foreigners making up approximately 4.8% of the total population. The increase in international marriages, particularly between Korean men and foreign women, has played a significant role in this diversity. In urban centers like Seoul, immigrant communities have thrived with support from the government's commendable policies promoting language education and cultural exchange programs. Moreover, public services, education, and healthcare support are also provided by the Korean government for multicultural families. However, the country is still facing new challenges and opportunities related to multiculturalism and attempting to adapt and implement inclusive policies to embrace its evolving demographic landscape.

 Foreigners receiving services at Sejongno Immigration Center

South Korea is proactively tackling its challenges of a shortage in its labor force and a low fertility rate by actively inviting highly skilled foreign workers to fill vital gaps across a diverse range of industries. Intending to bolster the overall workforce, the country provides employment options and streamlines visa requirements to ease the process of entry and integration for skilled professionals. Furthermore, efforts are being made to support the integration of foreign workers through language training and cultural initiatives, in addition to supporting families to encourage a higher fertility rate. These comprehensive measures aim to fortify the economy of South Korea by addressing demographic challenges and ensuring sustained economic growth.

A specialist from Kazakhstan working at a Korean company that specializes in producing dental implants in Incheon

“For smoother integration, the Korean government even helps illegal immigrants who decide to give birth to children in Korea to become officially registered, so they can receive education and medical services like other citizens,” said Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic in South Korea Aida Ismailova. Illegal immigrants are given the opportunity to obtain valid visas, allowing them to officially work in South Korea.

 Furthermore, active efforts are currently underway to develop bilateral relations between countries, including political, trade-economic, cultural, and humanitarian aspects. Also numerous events have been dedicated to advancing collaboration between Korea and other countries in these areas.

A foreign couple taking picture in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace

To evolve into a more multicultural country smoothly, Korean society, which used to be homogeneous, still needs to learn and adapt to various cultures, embracing the experience of living with people from different parts of the world. “We all have to become interculturally developed, fluent, and more tolerant of other people and ourselves become more sensitive toward cultural differences”, said professor Lee.