The Role of Multicultural Festivals in a Society in Transition: From Being Ethnically Homogeneous to Becoming Multicultural

This study explored the role of multicultural festivals in South Korea as a tool for promoting social harmony and integration in societies transitioning from ethnically homogeneous to multicultural. Using a mixed-method approach, the research collected quantitative data from 420 festival visitors and conducted qualitative interviews with 44 participants. Findings indicated that emotional experiences were most common, with transformational benefits being the greatest gain for visitors. The study highlighted the importance of multicultural festivals in enhancing social integration and encouraged policymakers to consider them as a strategy for developing successful multiculturalism. The research also suggested that understanding visitor experiences and benefits could guide future festival planning and implementation.