In 2012, the Centre for Multicultural Studies, which is under Sookmyung Women’s University’s Research Institute of Asian Women, was selected amongst anchor institutes for the Social Integration Programme run by the Ministry of Justice. Since then, it has been directing and overseeing research centres located in Keumcheon-gu, Youngdeungpo-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Joong-gu. Other than the anchor institutes, the following are also designated as research centres: Keumcheon Global Village Centre, Keumcheon Nuri Social Welfare Centre, Wonkang Digital University, the People Foundation, the Centre for Migration, and the Centre for Multicultural Studies.

The Ministry of Justice’s Social Integration Programme aims to enable immigrants in Korea to systemically attain the minimum language, cultural and social skills and knowledge required to settle and integrate as members of society. By presenting those who complete the required programme with visas, permanent residency and citizenship, and other benefits relating to immigration policy, the sense of achievement for participants is heightened and impact maximised, contributing to a successful integrated policy towards immigrants.