○ 2021 open call for foreign residents and Koryo-saram to provide support for settling in Gyeonggi Province
– 28 out of 33 organizations selected as recipients

○ Classified into 3 areas: foreign resident support, Koryo-saram support, and public awareness of Koryo-saram
– Each project will be granted a subsidy worth up to KRW 40 million
– Various programs will be operated such as Korean language education, cultural events, and consultation services on medical, legal, and labor matters

Gyeonggi Province revealed on May 26 that it selected 28 organizations and agencies from the open call for foreign residents and Koryo-saram to help foreign residents and Koryo-saram settle in their local communities and gain stability in life.

28 out of 33 organizations were selected for 3 areas of the project after a thorough review based on feasibility of plan, plan of operation, and appropriateness budget plan, and so on. The selected organizations will receive a total of KRW 580 million in subsidies.

Specifically, 21 organizations including the Korean Educational Research Association were selected for the foreign resident support, 5 including Neomeo for Koryo-saram support, and 2 including Kant School for public awareness of Koryo-saram.

It is the second year of operation for these projects since their introduction last year after Gyeonggi Province’s establishment of the Foreigner Policy Division (the 7th popular election).

The purpose of these projects are providing opportunities for Koreans and foreign residents to form a mutual understanding and harmony, improving the public perception on foreign residents and Koryo-saram, and helping them settle in their local communities and gain stability in life.

This year, various types of programs including Korean language education, cultural events, consultation services on medical, legal and labor matters, operation of migrant communities and support services, and activities designed to improve the public perception on multiculturalism are going to be conducted through this project.

In particular, the Koryo-saram support program will be designed to reflect their ancestor’s historical significance and legacy during the independence movement, and improve Koryo-saram’s sense of pride and identity so they can settle in Korea as part of Korean society.

However, in consideration of the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, Gyeonggi Province will refrain from hosting large-scale events (meetings and gatherings).

Director Hong Dong-gi of Gyeonggi Province’s Foreign Policy Division said, “We will continue to work hard on devising various programs that can help migrants and other foreign residents, who may easily be alienated in the society, smoothly settle in their local communities.”