Multiculturalism in Korea

By Ranjit Kumar Dhawan

Korea is presently one of the most globalized countries with large number of free trade agreements. People from all over the world can be found in Korea these days. Similarly, Koreans are also moving out of the country and settling in different parts of the planet. This makes Koreans one of the most widespread diaspora in the world.

However, on the issue of multiculturalism Koreans are still hostile to the changes in the ethnic and cultural homogeneity of their country. Recent surveys on this issue suggest that an increasing number of the Korean people are becoming intolerant to immigrants from other countries.

The Korean national identity is basically ethnic in nature. The belief in a common origin of the Korean people does not allow the inclusion of foreigners in the national imagination. For centuries the Korean Peninsula remained isolated from rest of the world and was ruled by long lasting dynasties such as Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910). This played an important role in the development of culture in the country.

The “opening of Korea” happened in the modern period after the Ganghwa treaty of 1876. This was the turning point in the history of the country. The penetration of foreign powers on the Korean Peninsula initiated several social and cultural changes in the country. With the opening of the Peninsula to the outside world it became an arena of rivalry between various powers and led to colonization by Japan in 1910. Foreign powers divided the peninsula in 1945 and fought against each other during the horrific Korean War (1950-53).

The globalization of the Korean economy after the end of the Cold War brought several foreign companies to Korea. In recent years a large number of foreign workers have entered the country who are mainly employed in sectors where there is a lack of Korean workers, such as in the 3D (dirty, difficult and dangerous) jobs or in highly skilled professions. A large number of foreign brides have also become part of Korean society, particularly in the rural areas.

But suspicions of foreigners are still deep seated among Korean people. Foreign workers are criticized for stealing jobs and foreign brides are condemned for destroying the racial purity of the Korean people. However the emerging problems of Korean society, political and economic require that the country need to be more accommodative to a multicultural policy.

Korea has an ageing population and the birthrate in the country has gone down. According to a report by the National Assembly Research Service, the entire population of Korea could become extinct by the year 2750 due to the low birthrate. As a result, Korea needs foreign workers who will fill shortages in the workforce due to the ageing population. Similarly, foreign brides are also needed to save Korean society from extinction.

Korea’s export dependent economy has been witnessing a decline in recent years. The revival of the economy needs scientific innovations and the development of new technologies. The establishment of a “creative economy” and Fourth Industrial Revolution require that Korea should become more culturally inclusive to attract talented people from foreign countries.

Multiculturalism is not only about tolerance to different cultures but also about tolerance to different political ideologies. Despite being culturally homogenous Korea remains a divided country and there are sharp regional differences. Tolerance to different ideologies is needed to unify the Korean Peninsula and bring about national integration.

Therefore, a multicultural policy would be helpful to Korea in many ways and a solution to several problems the country faces.

The author is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India. His e-mail address is rkdhawan13@hotmail.com.