Policy note: Diversification of the student population and multicultural educational policies in Korea

Abstract

The rising number of marriages between a Korean husband and a foreign wife, the growing influx of foreign migrant workers, and the ongoing entrance of North Korean defectors have diversified the racial and ethnic composition of student populations in South Korea. The increased diversity in student populations presents serious challenges to Korean schools that have long been accustomed to homogeneous population and culture. The current study provides an overview of the current educational conditions of “multicultural students,” encompassing three major groups: children of international-marriage couples, children of foreign workers, and children who are North Korean defectors (or born in South Korea to parents who are North Korean defectors). In particular, current school attendance of children from multicultural families and the educational challenges they face in school and at home are described. Then, this study introduces current policies and programs enacted by various agencies to deal with the diverse needs of those multicultural students and also to increase awareness among citizens of multicultural issues. Finally, this chapter closes by suggesting directions for further policies and efforts to promote multiculturalism in Korean education.

Citation

Cho, Y. (2010), "Policy note: Diversification of the student population and multicultural educational policies in Korea", Hannum, E., Park, H. and Goto Butler, Y. (Ed.) Globalization, Changing Demographics, and Educational Challenges in East Asia (Research in the Sociology of Education, Vol. 17), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 183-198. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3539(2010)0000017009