[Editorial] In an Era Where 5% of the Population Are Foreigners, Korea Must Strengthen Its Multicultural Embrace

The number of people in Korea with a migration background—including foreigners, naturalized citizens, and second-generation immigrants—surpassed 2.7 million last year. This accounts for 5.2% of the nation’s total population, according to the '2024 Population with Migration Background Statistics' released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics on the 8th. The term refers to individuals who themselves or whose parents have a migration background. This is the first time the government has published such statistics, likely in preparation for Korea’s rapidly diversifying, multiracial, and multicultural society.
The Population with Migration Background increased by approximately 134,000 compared to the previous year. The number of foreigners grew by over 100,000 to about 2.04 million, while the number of Korean nationals with a migration background also rose by nearly 30,000 to 670,000. Notably, about 82% of this population is of working age (15–64 years). Breaking it down further, there are around 660,000 in their 30s, 570,000 in their 20s, and 410,000 in their 40s. This means the core age group is in their 20s to 40s, and they play a crucial role as pillars in small and medium-sized enterprises and local farms facing chronic labor shortages.
There are many regions where the Population with Migration Background forms the backbone of the community. In Yeongam County, for example, they make up more than 20% of the population—one in five residents is either a foreigner, naturalized citizen, or second-generation immigrant. Seventeen cities, counties, or districts nationwide have a ratio exceeding 10%. Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do; Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do; Pocheon; and Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do all surpass 15%, while Geumcheon District, Seoul and Guro District, Seoul are above 10%. These areas are typically near large shipbuilding sites or clusters of small factories. It is said that Vietnamese and Nepali can often be heard on the streets.
Foreigners have become indispensable members of Korean society, taking on vital roles in economic activities. Local farms and fisheries cannot function without them. The government must regularly assess workforce conditions on the ground and develop policies for the Population with Migration Background accordingly. It is essential to create an environment where they can establish roots smoothly. A mature civic consciousness that embraces and considers others is more important than ever.
As Korea faces rapidly accelerating low birth rates and population aging, the value of foreigners continues to grow. The same is true for universities. Without international students, regional universities cannot fill their quotas, and even in the Seoul metropolitan area, the proportion of international students is rising. In some specialized graduate schools in Seoul, foreigners account for 20–30% of students. Last year, the total number of international students increased by about 13% compared to the previous year. With the spread of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), the number of international students is likely to keep rising. Korea must devise strategies to attract students of various nationalities and highly skilled professionals, while also improving visa systems to meet on-the-ground needs.
A multiracial and multicultural society is an undeniable reality. The entire nation must make a concerted effort to ensure that foreigners, naturalized citizens, and immigrants do not experience discomfort or alienation. Discriminatory behavior is something to be ashamed of. It is also important to manage potential conflicts between Koreans and foreigners so that they do not become social issues. Integration and harmony between locals and foreigners must be practiced in everyday life by all citizens.