Anti-Immigration Attitudes in Korea: Current Status and Implications for the Welfare State

Abstract

This study examined the current status and implications of anti-immigration attitudes in the context of Korea’s welfare state. On a theoretical level, it explored how welfare provision functions as a citizenship right while being closely linked to the boundaries of social membership. On an empirical level, the analysis highlighted how the ethno-cultural notion of nationhood deeply embedded in Korean society can lead to negative perceptions and stereotypes toward those with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and in turn, may be associated with welfare chauvinistic attitudes. The empirical findings revealed a negative correlation between support for welfare and anti-immigration attitudes—particularly, in relation to perceptions of immigrants as threats to employment and public safety. In addition, generational differences were observed in the acceptance of immigrants, with older age groups showing relatively lower levels of multicultural receptiveness compared to younger cohorts. These results underscore the need for future policies that address generational differences in immigrant acceptance, promote evidence-based public discourse and support the design of inclusive welfare systems.