다문화 시대 한국어교육의 역할과 기대 = The Role and Expectations of Korean Language Education in the Era of Multiculturalism

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The era of multiculturalism began in the 1990s with the onset of globalization. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China in 1992, the influx of foreign workers and international marriages led to the formation of a multicultural society. Entering the 2000s, the number of international students increased significantly. Due to geographic proximity and shared Confucian cultural values, a large number of Chinese nationals-including ethnic Koreans-entered South Korea, making them the most prominent foreign group not only in terms of population but also in their high settlement rate. Consequently, their influence on Korean society has been substantial. However, in the process of adapting to Korean society, these individuals have faced a variety of challenges, with the language barrier being the most critical.
To become active members of society and develop into skilled professionals who can demonstrate their abilities within institutional frameworks, acquiring Korean language communication skills is essential.
To meet their needs for tailored Korean language education, there must be a continuous cultivation of professionals dedicated to teaching Korean. In this context, the role of Korean language departments is more vital than ever. This study seeks to explore practical strategies for the advancement and future direction of Korean language departments as a means of addressing the issues faced by multicultural individuals in Korea.