The Role of Nongovernmental Organizations in Refugee and Immigrant Integration: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Seoul, South Korea.

For centuries, South Korea has been a largely homogenous society. In recent decades, however, South Korea has experienced an influx of immigrants and refugees, raising the need to understand the needs and challenges facing this vulnerable population and the extent to which nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a role in the integration process. This study explores this issue through a qualitative exploratory study of 20 NGOs in Seoul, South Korea who serve immigrants and refugees. Findings indicate that NGOs play a critical role through a diverse set of services, but their efforts are challenged by lack of support and collaboration from other cross-sector actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]