The Social Dimensions of Immigration in Korea

Abstract

This article argues that, despite the huge influx of immigrants over the past two decades, immigration and immigrant policies in South Korea are needs-based and ethnicity-based rather than cultural diversity-based; yet South Korea has the potential to become a culturally diverse society. In order to test these arguments, this article analyses the social dimensions of immigration by investigating immigration and immigrant policies along with the realities of immigrant life, and people's perceptions of immigrants from a comparative perspective. The article finds that the needs of the labour market, the embracement of returning ethnic Koreans and the increase in international marriages characterise South Korea's immigration and immigrant policies and outcomes. It also finds that the treatment of immigrants has improved since the implementation of the Employment Permit System in 2003. Finally, the article draws the optimistic conclusion that the future of immigration in Korea will be more ethnically and culturally diverse given that younger generations seem more open regarding racial, religious and language differences.