Current Status and Challenges of Early Childhood Multicultural Education Policy: A Focus on Gwangju Metropolitan City

This study analyzes the evolution of Korea’s Multicultural Education Policy and examines the current status of early childhood Multicultural Education in Gwangju Metropolitan City. National policies since 2006 were classified into five stages, and regional implementation was reviewed using local data. Findings show a shift from basic language support to policies emphasizing cultural diversity and inclusiveness, while Gwangju has expanded support through multicultural kindergartens, Korean language classes, and community-based programs. However, challenges persist, including institutional disparities, inconsistent teacher expertise, limited parental participation, and insufficient support for high-risk families. The study suggests tailored Korean language support, concrete guidelines for childcare centers, reducing institutional gaps, and activities that foster multicultural sensitivity, offering foundational insight for inclusive regional policy development.