Generational Differences in Attitudes Toward Immigrants and Immigration Policy in South Korea

Abstract

This study aims to analyze generational attitudes in South Korea toward immigrant acceptance, immigration policy preferences, and multicultural orientations. These issues are especially salient in a society facing a declining working-age population due to low fertility and aging, alongside a steady increase in immigration. Using data from the 11th Survey on Social Cohesion conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, the study identifies clear generational differences. Young adults showed relatively high acceptance of international students and permanent residents—a trend also observed among middle-aged and older adults in relation to permanent residents. In contrast, acceptance of refugees was consistently low across all generations. Regarding immigration policy, while most respondents agreed on the need to admit foreign labor in industries facing labor shortages, older adults were more likely to support stricter limitations on the number of immigrants. Additionally, individuals with stronger multicultural orientations expressed more inclusive attitudes toward foreign labor, whereas those with stronger assimilationist tendencies favored more restrictive policies. These findings offer valuable insights for designing effective and generation-sensitive social integration policies.