Muan, Jeollanam-do – As South Korea grapples with an aging population and persistent labor shortages, particularly in its rural areas, the southwestern province of Jeollanam-do (Jeonnam) is proactively enhancing its tailored support programs for its rapidly expanding multicultural population. This initiative aims to facilitate the stable settlement and societal integration of foreign residents, recognizing their crucial role in the province's future.

Official data from Jeonnam Province, released on June 22, indicate a consistent upward trend in the number of marriage immigrants and multicultural family members. In 2021, the province recorded 13,163 marriage immigrants, a figure that steadily rose to 13,432 in 2022 and 13,890 in 2023. Concurrently, the total number of multicultural family members increased from 50,444 in 2021 to 51,131 in 2022, reaching 52,817 by 2023. This growth is largely attributed to the initial influx of marriage immigrants and the subsequent arrival of their family members. Furthermore, the province has witnessed a remarkable 74% increase in registered foreign nationals over the past five years, the highest among all metropolitan governments, with the count reaching 57,373 as of March this year. This demographic shift underscores the increasing diversity of Jeonnam's communities and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive integration strategies.

The burgeoning multicultural population, particularly the rise in school-aged children, necessitates a robust support infrastructure. Currently, Jeonnam's educational institutions accommodate 11,117 multicultural students: 6,003 in elementary schools, 3,161 in middle schools, and 1,945 in high schools. These students, along with their parents, often face significant challenges, including language barriers, cultural adaptation difficulties, and instances of social and workplace discrimination. Research indicates that many marriage immigrants experience mental health vulnerabilities due to socioeconomic precariousness and social isolation, with a substantial percentage reporting discrimination in their workplaces. These hurdles can impede their full participation in society and affect their overall well-being.

In response, Jeonnam Province has adopted a multi-faceted approach, offering customized support tailored to various stages of settlement and growth. For initial integration, the province dispatches 141 specialized instructors to provide home-visit education services, focusing on Korean language and essential living skills for both parents and children. In the first quarter of this year alone, these instructors guided 10,268 individuals. To ensure effective communication, professional interpreters, translators, and counselors are readily available to bridge language gaps and provide vital information.

Beyond initial settlement, Jeonnam's comprehensive programs address a wide array of needs. These include specialized support for marriage immigrant women during pregnancy and childbirth, operation of "multicultural mother schools" to foster community and skill-building, and robust bilingual education initiatives to support children's linguistic development. Financial assistance is also provided for education expenses and the costly process of nationality acquisition. Vocational training and employment support services are crucial components, designed to enhance the economic self-reliance of multicultural families.

Recognizing the importance of mutual understanding and cultural exchange, Jeonnam Province actively fosters communication between multicultural families and local residents. Events such as World Citizen's Day, Multicultural Expos, and Motherland Culture Festivals serve as vital platforms for cultural sharing and social cohesion. Family centers across the province play a pivotal role in delivering these diverse services and creating inclusive community spaces.

A provincial official reiterated Jeonnam's unwavering commitment to its multicultural residents, stating, "We will maintain continuous interest in supporting multicultural families and pursue effective support measures, including regular on-site visits to family centers and holding consultative meetings, to ensure their successful integration and harmonious coexistence within our society." This strategic approach reflects a broader national imperative to embrace diversity and harness the contributions of foreign residents to address demographic challenges and enrich the social fabric of South Korea.