Facing multiculturalism’s challenges in Korean education and society

Abstract

Multicultural policy in South Korea faces variants of challenges endemic to multiculturalism.

Understanding the “Other”: Rethinking Multiculturalism in South Korea through Gadamer’s Philosophical Hermeneutics

“…Korean nationalism has worked as an "effective ideological tool for enhancing social cohesion and advancing economic development" (Hong & Halvorsen, 2014, p. 255). Similarly, Olneck (2011) states:…”

“…In response to such changes, the Korean government has undertaken various multicultural policy changes utilizing the concept of multiculturalism, including terms like "awareness" and "understanding" of immigrants and of multiethnic conditions (Olneck, 2011). The goal is to improve the "intercultural sensitivity of the Korean public and reduce prejudice and discrimination against foreign brides and their children" (Oh et al, 2011, p. 25).…”

“…In addition, in March 2008, a "Public Policy to Support for Multicultural Families" was provided to deal with multicultural issues more specifically and efficiently (Choi, 2014). As a result, many multicultural policies and programs have been established, including the promotion of crosscultural education programs, changes to immigration legislation, and the promotion of tolerance and acceptance of people who are non-Koreans living in South Korea (Olneck, 2011;Watson, 2010). In doing so, South Korea has attempted to improve the country's democratic credentials which will allow the country to better compete in the global market (A. Kim, 2009;Olneck, 2011;Watson, 2010).…”

“…As a result, many multicultural policies and programs have been established, including the promotion of crosscultural education programs, changes to immigration legislation, and the promotion of tolerance and acceptance of people who are non-Koreans living in South Korea (Olneck, 2011;Watson, 2010). In doing so, South Korea has attempted to improve the country's democratic credentials which will allow the country to better compete in the global market (A. Kim, 2009;Olneck, 2011;Watson, 2010). It is obvious that the significance of multiculturalism has been recognized at the national policy level in South Korea in response to the global changes that will "define the present and future economic, security and cultural national strength of South Korea" (Watson, 2010, p. 337).…”

The Story of Minh: The Lifeworld of a Marriage-Labor Immigrant Mother

“…Regardless of its initial intention to be non-discriminatory, however, the use of "multicultural families" in Korea has been criticized for being static and secluding the very people the term intended to include (Olneck, 2011). In other words, even though the discourses of multiculturalism and cultural pluralism have become more prevalent (Lim, 2010), the importance of assimilating marriage-labor immigrants into Korean culture has not necessarily diminished.…”