Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo organized an event for foreign workers to reunite with their families. Many foreign workers in the province were in tears after seeing family members for the first time in 2 to 9 years.

On September 4, Gyeonggi Province held the ‘2nd Global Gyeonggi, Hub Asia,’ a family reunion event for foreign workers in the region, in Gamgol Community Hall in Ansan City.

The event was attended by 96 people in total, including 29 foreign workers from 14 countries including Vietnam, Pakistan and Indonesia, 50 family members who arrived in Korea through Incheon International Airport, and 17 workers who had become immigrants through marriage to Korean spouses.

The foreign workers who participated in the event were workers at the Banwoel Shihwa Industrial Complex and with other companies in Gyeonggi Province. The event was sponsored by Gyeonggi Province and Ansan City, and took place over a period of 4 days.

“I have a new family in Korea” said Aliamedkan (36, male) from Pakistan. He greeted his parents in tears and added, “I am living happily in Korea. How have you been?”

Greeting his father, Koemslas (32, male) from Cambodia said through tears “Koreans have treated me very well, and I have made some money here too. When I go back to my home town, I will speak highly of Koreans.”

Monir (36, male) from Bangladesh said “I have not seen my parents, my wife or my daughter for 2 years, and I have missed them so much. I feel like I am at home today.” He added “I don’t know what I can say to thank Gyeonggi Province and the city of Ansan.”

Governor Kim visited the table of every foreign worker and gave them his best wishes and encouragement on behalf of the province.

“I wish to thank all of the workers from overseas who have been working so hard in Gyeonggi Province. I am happy that so many family members have been able to finally see their loved ones, and I would like to ask you all not to worry about your sons and your husbands when you go back home,” said Governor Kim to the workers and their family members in an emotional moment.

“Two families who came here from Sri Lanka had to fly more than 18 hours to see their loved ones. Please enjoy your visit to Korea, and go and see the places where your sons and husbands are working,” added Governor Kim.

After the meeting, workers and their families watched performances by the Ansan Korean Music Orchestra and Folk Performers from Philippines. They then moved to the guesthouse located in Ansan Campus of Hanyang University.

In addition to Governor Kim, Ansan Mayor Park Joo-won, Nepalese Ambassador H.E. Kamal Prasad Koirala, and Bangladeshi Ambassador Mohammad Shahid attended the event and gave their encouragment the workers and their families.

On September 6, the workers and their families will visit the Korean Folk Village in Yongin and the 63 building in Seoul, and will meet with First Lady Kim Yoon-ok.