Korea should recalibrate its multiculturalism policy toward a greater acceptance of cultural diversity and broader social integration of ethnic minorities, a senior official said Thursday.

“It is the time to change the policy direction so that Koreans can better embrace differences and accept the identities of ethnic minorities here as part of efforts to create a truly inclusive society,” said Chung Hae-moon, secretary general of ASEAN-Korea Center at an international forum on multiculturalism in Korea held in Seoul.

For this, promoting cultural education nationwide is a must, the official said, adding that such programs would play a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and increasing acceptance toward the differences.

At the forum titled “Multiculturalism in Korea and ASEAN’s contribution,” Chung and other speakers discussed Korea’s transition to a multicultural society and the significance of immigrants from ASEAN countries.

Attendees included Vice Gender Equality Minister Lee Bok-sil and National Assembly member Jasmine Lee. The list of speakers also included Nguyen Thi Hong Xoan, a sociology professor at Vietnam National University, and Jean Encinas Franco, a political science professor at University of the Philippines.

At the forum, Chung said the current immigration policy had been created basically to increase the inflow of foreigners to Korea to alleviate problems associated with the country’s low birthrate and aging population. So it has a limited institutional power to promote social integration of minorities into this traditionally homogenous society, he said.

The secretary general also added that Korea stepping toward a multicultural society could further contribute in strengthening diplomatic ties and socio-cultural partnerships with ASEAN-member countries.

“Korea now has to open itself more to foreign residents from Southeast Asian countries so that they can spread their wings and contribute more to society,” he said.

The number of foreign residents and naturalized citizens coming from ASEAN countries has been rapidly growing in recent years. Of a total of 590,000 foreign workers, those from ASEAN countries account for 27 percent. In addition, 32 percent of foreign spouses are also from the region, according to the government.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)