Foreign workforce in tourism: the current status and challenges in South Korea

Foreign workers play an increasingly essential role in South Korea's tourism industry, addressing labor shortages influenced by an aging population and declining birth rates. To investigate the contributions and challenges associated with the employment of foreign workers in South Korea’s tourism sector, this study gathered insights from 11 Korean employers and 11 foreign employees, focusing on key themes such as workforce diversity, intercultural exchange, language proficiency, and professional growth. Findings reveal that foreign employees enhance Korea’s tourism appeal by bringing cultural diversity, language skills, and unique perspectives. However, challenges remain, particularly in visa processing, language barriers, and integration within Korean workplace culture. The study underscores the need for supportive policies, including streamlined immigration processes and targeted language and cultural training. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on tourism workforce dynamics and highlights the importance of foreign labor for sustainable growth in South Korea’s tourism industry.