By Kim Tae-jong
About 64 percent of Koreans are concerned about possible riots or demonstrations by immigrants as their communities grow larger, a survey showed Sunday.
The survey was conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA) on 1,000 people aged over 20 nationwide through telephone interviews to see how Koreans perceive the inflow of immigrants here.
It showed a majority think that the increase is having a negative impact on society, causing social and cultural discord between Koreans and non-Koreans.
About 63.9 percent said they believe that there will be conflict between the children of Korean parents and non-Korean parents amid the increasing number of biracial marriages here.
As the main reasons for conflict between Koreans and foreign nationals, most respondents cited differences in language, culture and skin color.
Such negative views seem to arise from concerns that they have to share limited social resources such as jobs and welfare benefits, KIHASA said.
As of October last year, the total number of foreign residents in Korea reached 1.4 million, and 1.1 million were registered for extended stays, which accounted for 2.2 percent of the total population.
Of them, 35 percent were migrant workers with a work permit visa, while 34 percent came here through marriage. International students accounted for about 7 percent.
In the survey, one out of every two respondents said Koreans will have difficulty in getting jobs due to the increasing number of foreigners here. Some 37 percent also believe their inflow into the job market will result in Korean wages falling.
Such concerns are more prevalent among the elderly. Over 65 percent of respondents aged over 65 think the inflow of foreigners will deprive Koreans of jobs.
About 37 percent of respondents said the increasing number will result in a decrease in welfare benefits for Koreans.
Some 36 percent also said they will cause housing problems to Koreans and 27.7 percent said they will have a negative impact on the nation’s economic growth.
Lee Sam-sik, a KIHASA researcher, said the negative attitude of Koreans toward foreign nationals can be a serious problem that causes social discord.
“The survey indicates that, in the almost homogeneous local society, Koreans may have difficulty living with foreigners and tackling problems,” he said.
He suggested the country considers measures such as a quota for foreign residents and a proper screening system to minimize the side effects from sudden influxes.