It has been revealed that while foreign women residing in Korea are significantly exposed to various crimes, including sexual violence and domestic violence, a considerable number are not receiving adequate protection due to language barriers, anxiety regarding their residency status, and a lack of information. Critics point out that “support blind spots” persist, where systems exist but fail to practically reach victims.

According to a paper published in the Journal of Multicultural Society Research by the Asian Women’s Research Institute at Sookmyung Women’s University in 2022, a survey of 410 female international students found that 47.3% of respondents reported experiencing sexual violence while staying in Korea. The study found that some victims suffered not only physical injuries but also symptoms of depression following the incidents. However, it was found that 71% of the victims received no help from official support systems. This implies that there is a significant gap between the experience of victimization and the utilization of the system.

Complex barriers lie behind the fact that even when sexual violence occurs, it does not lead to reporting. First, there are many cases where victims are unaware of the reporting procedures themselves, and a significant number feel burdened by the process of explaining the incident or giving a statement due to difficulties communicating in Korean. Analysis suggests that many choose to remain silent, compounded by the fear that raising the issue could negatively impact their residency status and concerns about isolation from their families or communities.

The issue of domestic violence is also serious. Related surveys indicate that approximately 19% of women have experienced spousal violence, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse. Marriage migrant women are particularly cited as a relatively more vulnerable group. This is because, within a residency structure tied to their spouses, a breakdown in the relationship can shake the very foundation of their lives in Korea.

Domestic violence has long been dismissed as a “family matter,” perceived as an area where seeking external help is difficult. Foreign victims face a combination of cultural barriers, lack of legal information, housing insecurity, and social isolation. In reality, it is reported that a considerable number of victims give up on reporting the incident because they do not know which agency to contact or what protective measures are available after filing a police report, even if they wish to seek help. Experts point out that the key to protecting foreign victims lies not merely in strengthening punishment, but in establishing an accessible support system. They argue that no matter how well-established the system may be, it is difficult to expect effectiveness if victims are unaware of its existence or find it difficult to utilize.

Currently, public support channels are in operation in Korea for victims of violence, including foreigners. The Women‘s Emergency Hotline 1366 provides 24-hour counseling and connects victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and dating violence with emergency protection. In emergency situations, immediate assistance can be requested via the police hotline 112. The Danuri Call Center (1577-1366) for marriage immigrants and migrant women offers counseling services in 13 languages, while counseling regarding workplace sexual harassment is available through the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s Customer Service Center (1350).

Legally, the same standards apply to both foreigners and Korean nationals without distinction. Sexual violence and domestic violence are subject to criminal punishment under relevant laws, and if the perpetrator is a foreigner, it may lead to a review of their residency status or deportation procedures. Experts unanimously agree that creating an environment that makes reporting easier is the most urgent priority. They point out that foreign women will no longer have to face danger alone outside the system only if measures such as strengthened multilingual promotion, expanded interpretation support, alleviation of concerns regarding residency disadvantages, and improved accessibility to victim protection facilities are implemented in parallel.

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