Multicultural education through multicultural literature in Korean primary schools

This chapter explores the need for multicultural literature-based multicultural education in a South Korean context. The chapter begins by delineating recent demographic shifts in South Korea and how multicultural education has become one of the most important educational issues facing South Korea’s education system. Following this, the chapter introduces the concept of multicultural literature and its potential contribution to multicultural education through three metaphors: windows, mirrors, and vehicles. It goes on to provide a snapshot of current multicultural education practices and systems in South Korea. In particular, it is argued that there remains a lack of discussion about the use of multicultural literature. The chapter concludes with a discussion of several important prerequisites for successful implementation of multicultural literature-based multicultural education.