Why a Welfare Portal Site for Migrants (withkorea24) Is Necessary
Shin Tae-sik • Chairman, Korea Migrant Employment Support Central Association • Professor, Central Education & Training Institute of the Korea Association of Administrative Agents • Editor-in-Chief & Chief Editorial Writer, Newsin (Fair Journalism) • Ph.D. in Business Administration, Certified Administrative Agent, Essayist
As of the end of 2024, the number of foreign residents in Korea reached 2,650,783, representing a 5.7% increase compared to the previous year. Among them, 566,961 hold employment-related visas, an 8.5% increase, while 202,968 hold permanent residency (F-5), marking a 9.5% increase. Meanwhile, the number of undocumented migrants stands at 397,522, remaining at around 400,000 consistently over the past five years.
By nationality, Chinese nationals (including ethnic Koreans from China) account for 36.2% (958,959 people) of all foreign residents, followed by Vietnam (11.5%, 305,936), Thailand (7.1%, 188,770), the United States (6.4%, 170,251), and Uzbekistan (3.6%, 94,893).
Due to globalization and openness, Korea is rapidly transitioning into a multicultural society. The number of foreign residents continues to rise, and their proportion of the total population is steadily increasing. In particular, migrant workers make up the largest share of immigrants, and Korea is virtually the only country in the world that has accepted over one million migrant workers in just over a decade.
As a result, Korea has swiftly transformed from a single-ethnic nation into a multicultural society, shaped by foreign workers, international marriage migrants, foreign students, and North Korean defectors. In the near future, migrants will comprise 10% of the total population of Korea.
At this point, we must preserve our cultural identity while adopting a relativistic and open attitude that respects and recognizes different cultures, allowing them to coexist harmoniously. To achieve this, more opportunities must be created for all members of society to understand and experience cultural diversity. Such multicultural experiences not only benefit migrants and their children but also enrich the cultural lives of Korean citizens, creating a foundation for resolving social conflicts in a rational and constructive way.
As discussed above, more than one million legal migrant workers and undocumented migrants are currently engaged in Korea’s labor market. Given Korea’s rapidly aging population, migrant labor plays a critical role in sustaining the economy. However, if these individuals remain marginalized, discriminated against, and unable to integrate into society, this will inevitably lead to serious social problems that could hinder national development and social cohesion.
Multicultural families consisting of migrant workers, international marriage migrants, and North Korean defectors are a shared responsibility that Korean society must embrace with respect and care. The unprecedented speed at which Korea is becoming a multicultural, multiethnic society presents a major challenge that we must collectively address.
In response to this historic challenge, the launch of the dedicated migrant welfare portal site “withkorea24” is like warm winter sunlight for multicultural and multiethnic families. Through AI-powered automatic language translation, the platform removes one of the greatest sources of frustration and discrimination—language barriers—allowing migrants to access essential information and legal support with ease.
Furthermore, the system offers 24/7 consultation services by professional administrative agents, providing migrants with a safe space to seek help for issues they often cannot openly discuss. This innovative system truly demonstrates a deep understanding of migrants’ needs and realities.
At last, the approximately three million migrants living in Korea—who have long struggled with linguistic, cultural, and institutional barriers—can now conveniently access Korean policies and legal support in their own languages and through non-face-to-face services via the withkorea24 platform.
On behalf of migrants across the nation, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to making this meaningful platform a reality.
February 2, 2026