Forward-looking Policy
The increasing diversity of South Korean society was even evidenced in the recent general elections. Lee Jasmine, a naturalized Korean citizen, was elected to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea by proportional representation, which indicates that South Korea is indeed embracing foreigners as members of society.
Sejong Cultural Center organized the Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra last year in order to provide music education to children from multicultural families. The 50 members of the orchestra, who recommended by 88 children's centers across Seoul and passed auditions, are growing their dream of becoming musicians. (photo courtesy of Sejong Cultural Center).
Sejong Cultural Center organized the Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra last year in order to provide music education to children from multicultural families. The 50 members of the orchestra, who recommended by 88 children's centers across Seoul and passed auditions, are growing their dream of becoming musicians. (photo courtesy of Sejong Cultural Center).
As more and more foreigners firmly settle down in Korea, the central and local governments formulate new policies to support their children. Children from multicultural families naturally tend to melt into Korean society in a seamless way. Their parents hope they will not lose their own national identities, and this concern is addressed in government policy.
One example is the multicultural school run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government where bilingual education, education in special talents, and education for parents are provided. Children can learn their parents’ mother tongues including Chinese and Mongolian and receive lessons in arts and physical education. Parents can learn how to educate their children at home and how to raise their children bilingually. They can also learn Korean by singing and experiencing Korean culture.
The South Korean government announced a 2012 action plan for policy to help foreigners on January 27 of this year.
The plan shows that the government is keen on bringing in foreign workers to meet the needs of business, run multicultural classes to effectively help foreigners settle in Korea, and have more schools provide courses on multiculturalism.