From Exclusion to Inclusion: The Meaning of Inclusive Tourism Program Experience and Its Policy Implications for Multicultural and Diaspora Families

Abstract

As South Korea rapidly transitions into a multicultural society, multicultural families continue to face social exclusion, psychological withdrawal, and systemic barriers to belonging. This study investigates the role of inclusive, welfare-based tourism programs as a tool for the social integration of multicultural and diaspora families. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, a quantitative survey was administered to 87 families participating in the travel program. Results show that Overall Travel Satisfaction explains 69.9% of the variance in perceived Socio-Cultural Impact; all four attributes were individually significant predictors of Socio-Cultural Impact, with Tour Operator Service and Experiential Program the numerically strongest. A mediation analysis further shows that Socio-Cultural Impact fully mediates the relationship between travel satisfaction and participants’ intention to continue engaging with such programs. Korean-language proficiency and length of residence in Korea—but not gender, age, or nationality—significantly differentiated in perceived Socio-Cultural Impact. A qualitative follow-up using online interviews with four families was then conducted in August and September 2025. Qualitative findings reveal that travel functions as a “cultural bridge”, shifting participants’ identities from outsiders to respected members of Korean society.