○ Foreign population in Gyeonggi increased 14.7-fold, from 46,000 in 2000 to 680,000 as of 2024
○ 13.3% of migrant worker households in rural areas live in “non-residential” accommodations such as vinyl greenhouses
○ Calls for a Gyeonggi-style housing support model, including expanded public dormitories and utilization of vacant homes

As the number of foreign residents in Gyeonggi continues to rise rapidly, improving housing conditions for migrant workers has emerged as a critical policy issue that directly affects the sustainability of the regional economy.

According to a report titled “A Study on Establishing Measures to Improve Housing Conditions for Migrant Workers” published by the Gyeonggi Research Institute, the number of foreign residents in Korea reached approximately 2.04 million as of 2024, of which 680,000, or 33.3%, reside in Gyeonggi. This marks a 14.7-fold increase from approximately 46,000 foreign residents in the province in 2000.

While the number of migrant workers in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing has increased alongside the growth in the foreign population, their housing conditions remain significantly inadequate.

The study found that 13.3% of foreign households in Gyeonggi live in “non-residential” accommodations such as vinyl greenhouses, containers, and dormitories. This figure is about six times higher than that of general households, which stands at 2.2%. In particular, regional disparities were identified, with 42.7% of foreign households in Pocheon living in non-residential accommodations.

Field research conducted in rural areas such as Pocheon and Paju confirmed cases where containers or prefabricated panel structures were installed inside vinyl greenhouses and used as living quarters. In some cases, household appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines were placed inside these structures, indicating their use as long-term living spaces.

The housing conditions of migrant workers are not merely a welfare issue but are closely linked to the regional economy, as they play a vital role in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. The research team noted that establishing stable housing conditions would not only improve workers’ quality of life but also contribute to coexistence with local communities.

To address these challenges, the study proposes several policy measures tailored to Gyeonggi. These include expanding the supply of public dormitories and broadening eligibility beyond seasonal workers to include workers with various visa statuses, such as non-professional employment (E-9) visa holders. The report also suggests renovating vacant houses or existing public facilities for use as dormitories and expanding rental support when private rental housing is utilized as worker accommodation.

In addition, it recommends conducting regular surveys and strengthening oversight systems through joint inspections by relevant agencies to reduce the use of inappropriate housing types such as vinyl greenhouses. The study further emphasizes the need to provide emergency housing support for workers residing in facilities slated for demolition.

Park Ki-deok, a research fellow at the Gyeonggi Research Institute, stated, “Improving migrant workers’ housing conditions is not merely a welfare policy but an investment in the sustainability of the regional economy and community,” adding, “If Gyeonggi takes the lead in implementing practical policy models, such as expanding public dormitories and utilizing vacant housing, it could serve as a significant example for other regions to follow.”