Background of Research
This study is an in-depth study on the social cohesion of rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants. Rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants have various socio-cultural backgrounds and they are becoming key factors in the change of Korean rural society in recent years. Therefore, rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants are very important groups in the discussion of rural social cohesion. This study aimed to investigate the current situation of social cohesion of rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants and suggest policy improvement measures.

Method of Research
This study employed several surveys among rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants, focus group interviews, in-depth interviews, a collaborative research, and investigation of existing data. The survey was conducted among 514 rural multi-cultural families and 543 urban-to-rural migrants. Four focus group interviews on the current situation of social cohesion of rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants were conducted. The in-depth interviews were conducted among 22 rural multi-cultural families and 16 urban-to-rural migrants. The collaborative in-depth research with the Korean Women’s Development Institute on the social cohesion of rural multi-cultural families was conducted. Existing related data were collected by searching the data of related research institutes and government organizations.
Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentage, means and t-test, F-test and chi-square test were conducted to elucidate the current situation of social cohesion of rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants. Finally, multiple regression was employed to identify the influential factors for the level of perceived social cohesion.

Research Results and Implications
Social cohesion of rural multi-cultural families and urban-to-rural migrants has been investigated through four aspects: economic aspect, socio-cultural aspect, political aspect, and comprehensive aspect.
Major policy tasks to improve the social cohesion of rural multi-cultural families are as follows: 1) in the economic aspect, ① strengthening job placement and vocational education, ② actively using social economic policies, and ③ prohibiting discrimination against female marriage immigrants in economic activities; 2) in the socio-cultural aspect, ① expanding social exchange between multi-cultural families and ordinary rural residents, ② improving Korean language education, ③ strengthening family education and bilingual education, and ④ strengthening learning support and career guidance for children of multi-cultural families; 3) in the political aspect, ① expanding political participation of multi-cultural families, and ② strengthening prevention and management of discrimination.
Major policy tasks to improve the social cohesion of urban-to-rural migrants are as follows: 1) in the economic aspect, ① activating the social economy with urban-to-rural migrants and indigenous people in the community, ② improving housing purchase and lease support, and ③ providing and arranging job-related information; 2) in the socio-cultural aspect, ① promoting the social exchange between urban-to-rural migrants and indigenous people in the community, ② cultivating community spirit and strengthening mutual understanding education, and ③ activating a mentor system; 3) in the political aspect, ① establishing the democratic and transparent village operation base, ② establishing a conflict mediation system and strengthening prevention and management of social conflict, and ③ promoting support for urban-to-rural migrants.

Researchers: Park Daeshik, An Sok, Kim Namhoon, Lim Jieun
Research period: 2018. 1. ～ 2018. 12.
E-mail address: pds8382@krei.re.kr