ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

This study explores systematic approaches for introducing foreign care workers to address South Korea's rapidly aging society, increasing care demand, and critical labor shortages. Focusing on countries with established labor export infrastructures like the Philippines, the research employed 13 in-depth Focus Group Interviews (FGI) with domestic and international experts. This identified key conditions, procedures, models, and institutional reforms necessary for effective foreign care worker recruitment and management. Findings suggest crucial conditions include specific qualifications (e.g., NC Ⅱ completion, training hours), valuation of prior experience, appropriate education levels (based on KQF), age ranges, and Korean language proficiency (e.g., TOPIK Level 2 / EPS-TOPIK 120+). A phased introduction (pilot projects, evaluation, gradual expansion) is proposed for policy stability. Diverse recruitment models, such as Government-to-Government (G2G), Business-to-Government (B2G), Business-to-Business (B2B) schemes, and strategies for converting existing foreign residents in Korea (e.g., students), are also examined. Furthermore, essential legal reforms (e.g., immigration, labor, and caregiver-related laws) and sustainable financial support (linking welfare budgets with ODA) are outlined. This research offers practical implications for policymakers, serving as a foundational reference for developing sustainable, tailored “K-Immigration Policies” to navigate South Korea's demographic challenges and the global competition for talent.

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