Qualitative Study on the Difficulties that High Skilled Foreigner Workers Have in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the practical difficulties high-skilled foreign workers experience in Korea to utilize high-skilled foreign workers better and mitigate the labor shortages in Korea due to low birth rates. Method: Ten foreigners, who worked in Korea after receiving their masters or Ph.D. degrees, were selected for in-depth interviews and online surveys using a consensus qualitative analysis method. Results: The results were analyzed based on the frequency of the answers according to 13 areas in three categories and 28 corresponding contents. The psychological/ emotional category areas were relationship difficulties, support system, stress relief, and psychological stability. The areas of the social/economic experience category were discrimination, language, economic activity, cultural differences, recommending a Korean workplace to an acquaintance, and desire to move abroad. The areas of the institutional experience category were visa, legal system, and Korea s lack of development. Conclusion: According to this study, systematic support is required for high skilled foreign workers at the national, corporate, and community level, accommodative attitude towards cultural diversity of the state and enterprises, improved workplace and social environment, immigration system for the settlement of high skilled foreigner workers, and the need for housing support.