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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Multicultural acceptance rises among South Korean adults, drops for teens: Survey
Acceptance levels are typically higher among younger adults and students but decline with age. PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - South Korean adults' level of acceptance toward immigrants has increased slightly since 2021, but the reverse is true for middle and high school students, a government survey revealed on June 5. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family released research results measuring Koreans' acceptance of multiculturalism through indicators such as cultural openness, prejudice toward immigrants and willingness to engage in intercultural relations. A total of 11,000 individuals participated in the research: 6,000 adults aged 19 to 74 and 5,000 middle and high school students. The research is conducted every three years as part of the government's efforts to develop effective policies. The 2025 results showed that the average multicultural acceptance score for adults rose to 53.38 out of 100, up from 52.27 in 2021. It is the first increase in nine years, signaling a shift toward more inclusive attitudes. In contrast, youth scores dipped, with middle school students averaging 71 points and high school students 68.52. Acceptance levels are typically higher among younger adults and students but decline with age. Among adults, those in their 20s showed the highest levels of acceptance (55.44), while those aged 60 and above recorded the lowest average score (51.14). The report also highlighted a strong link between direct contact with immigrants and positive attitudes. Respondents who had frequent interactions with people of different cultural backgrounds showed significantly higher acceptance scores. Additionally, the study found that participation in intercultural activities has a greater influence on improving acceptance than formal education. Youth who joined multicultural programs or volunteered with immigrant communities displayed consistently higher scores than those who only received classroom instruction. Public perception regarding the contribution of immigrants to society was largely positive, with over 78 per cent of adults agreeing that the increase in immigrants helps alleviate labor shortages. Over 65 per cent said they would have a positive impact on the general economy, while more than 55 per cent agreed that they would contribute to cultural diversity. The ministry plans to use these findings to improve national social integration policies, focusing on increasing practical opportunities for interaction between citizens and immigrant communities. A government official emphasised that fostering firsthand experiences, rather than passive education, will be key to building a more cohesive and inclusive society. The National Multicultural Acceptance Survey has been conducted every three years since 2012 and is used as foundational data for shaping multicultural and integration policy in South Korea. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Straits Times
South Korea to limit number of times day care centres need to respond to needless parent complaints
According to the new guidelines, the parent or legal guardian of a child can issue a complaint about a disciplinary action against a child within 14 days. PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - The South Korean government plans to set up a guideline for operation of day care centres to prevent actions that may hinder the operations of child care facilities such as parents repeatedly issuing complaints for no good reason. The Ministry of Education reportedly issued an administrative notification ahead of implementing the guideline, with will specify the rights imposed on teachers and management of the day care centers. This follows Education Minister Lee Ju-ho — currently doubling as acting president — pledging in May to set up a criteria distinguishing 'justified guidance from child abuse crimes'. According to the new guidelines, the parent or legal guardian of a child can issue a complaint about a disciplinary action against a child within 14 days. The head of the day care centre is mandated to respond to a complaint within the 14 days it was made. But if the same complaint is made repeatedly without justifiable cause, the day care centre can refuse to reply after responding to the matter twice. The guideline specified that members of the day care centre may implement measures for guidance on a range of issues: matters related to the growth and development of children, those that may inflict health and danger of children or other people, those that infringe justified child care duties of those working for the centre or other children's right to be cared for, along with possession and use of items that can influence the overall atmosphere of the class. As such, teachers and heads of day care centres can guide the child on matters such as manners, use of language and overall communication, conflicts within children, and the attitude towards particularly vulnerable children. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
South Korea's unseasonal temperatures spark rise in heat illnesses
The spike in heat-related illnesses follows a streak of unusually high temperatures that began on May 17. PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - Unseasonal heat in May has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses across South Korea, with 44 patients hospitalised over the past week — a dramatic 22-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024 . According to data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 21 people were treated for heat-related illnesses on May 21 alone. The cases were reported by 517 emergency medical facilities participating in the agency's nationwide heat illness surveillance system. Since the system began operations on May 15 — five days earlier than in 2024 — the cumulative number of heat-related patients reached 44, up from just two during the same week last year. No deaths have been reported so far. The spike in illnesses follows a streak of unusually high temperatures that began on May 17, with daytime highs ranging from 24 deg Celsius to over 30 deg Celsius in some regions. On May 21, many parts of the country also recorded the hottest May morning on record. The highest number of patients on May 21 came from Gyeonggi Province with seven cases, followed by Daegu and Incheon with three each, and Seoul, Gangwon Province, North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province each with two. Men accounted for 34 of the 44 patients. The most affected age groups were people in their 40s and 60s, each with nine, followed by those in their 30s (seven), 50s (six) and 20s (four). Patients aged 65 or older were a quarter of the cases. Most incidents occurred outdoors, with 16 patients collapsing on sidewalks, followed by nine at outdoor workplaces and six in mountainous areas. The most common times for heat-related incidents were between 10am to 11am, and 3pm to 4pm. The KDCA warned that with continued high temperatures forecast through June and even hotter weather expected in July and August, precautions should be taken seriously. Authorities advise checking daily temperatures before going outside, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated, wearing sun protection and taking frequent breaks. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk and should not be left alone in enclosed spaces, especially with windows shut, the agency cautioned. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
