Despite a rapid increase of both migrant workers and incidence of HIV infection in Korea, little is known about the relation between the two. This paper examines the vulnerability to HIV infection of migrant workers in Korea, highlighting socio‐cultural, political and economic contexts. Major information sources include articles, government reports, archives in migrant‐support and AIDS‐prevention organizations and in‐depth interviews with government officials, NGO representatives and migrant workers. The study reveals migrant workers in Korea face an environment of discrimination and isolation because of their status as foreigners from less developed countries and with jobs characterised by low pay and status. Encountering stress and loneliness and without family support, migrant workers – especially single males, those undocumented and females in the sex industry – engage in risky sexual behaviours such as commercial and casual sex, leaving them vulnerable to HIV infection. Little knowledge of STD/HIV, few STD/HIV prevention programs and easy access to commercial sex compound migrant workers’ vulnerability to HIV infection. The situation is worsening and current government policy, including lack of education, largely contributes to the problem.

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This study assesses the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among migrant workers in Korea and explores key factors contributing to their knowledge. Data were collected from a survey of 1,007 migrant workers from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia in Gyeong-In region. Results showed that a significant proportion of the respondents had a substantial knowledge deficit concerning HIV/AIDS. Higher levels of knowledge were associated with ethnicity, gender, education and information source. The results of this study suggest that targeted interventions could not only increase knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS among migrant workers in Korea but also protect an increasingly vulnerable and socially neglected population against HIV/AIDS infection.

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