Gyeonggi Province announced on April 30 that it is conducting year-round on-site virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered safety training for foreign workers in the province who are exposed to the risk of industrial disasters due to language barriers and limited access to training opportunities.

Foreign workers often find it difficult to receive systematic occupational safety training despite working in high-risk environments. They also face challenges attending external group training sessions during the workweek due to workplace constraints. Moreover, workers of different nationalities face language barriers since the programs are conducted in Korean.

To overcome these limitations, Gyeonggi Province has adopted a customized program that combines on-site training with non-verbal communication methods.

The training incorporates VR devices to allow workers to experience four to five major risk scenarios that could occur at manufacturing sites. Afterward, workers are provided with visual explanations of the causes of accidents and examples of non-compliance with safety regulations to facilitate intuitive understanding without language barriers.

For mandatory lecture-style training, AI-based simultaneous interpretation enables foreign workers to participate in real time in their native languages.

Following the session, a “Call by Name” campaign is conducted to encourage colleagues to address each other by name. Labels bearing workers’ names in Korean are affixed to their safety helmets. This initiative focuses on enhancing foreign workers’ sense of belonging and fostering a culture of mutual respect.

To date, two on-site training sessions have been held, including one at a workplace in Hwaseong City on April 27. Officials from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which oversees the project, were present at the Hwaseong site to assess the project’s performance incorporating VR and AI technologies. One foreign worker who completed the training said it was highly beneficial and that the VR training helped them clearly understand the risks associated with violating safety rules.

Businesses wishing to provide safety training for foreign workers may apply via the website (경기지중해.kr) or email (ggsafety@safety.or.kr). Applicants will receive on-site training on a rolling basis after schedule consultations.
Gyeonggi Province plans to continue expanding its occupational safety policies, including providing intensive support to those vulnerable to serious industrial accidents, such as foreign workers and small-scale workplaces.

On April 28, the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Institute for Lifelong Learning (GILL) held an exchange and cooperation meeting with the Shanghai Municipal Institute for Lifelong Education (SMILE). The two organizations also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the GILL main conference room.

The partnership is aimed at expanding exchange and cooperation between the two organizations, building on connections established during last year’s Gyeonggi Global Lifelong Learning Leadership Conference.

Lifelong learning is a vital policy area that guarantees residents’ right to education throughout their lives and promotes sustainable regional growth.

GILL is engaged in a wide range of initiatives, including support for residents’ lifelong learning, literacy education, democratic citizenship education, and operation of the Gyeonggi Future Education Campus. SMILE, meanwhile, has developed expertise in adult education and regional lifelong learning through research on Chinese lifelong learning policies and academic exchanges.

During this meeting, the two organizations agreed to strengthen the foundation for international cooperation in lifelong learning and discussed ways to expand policy exchanges, such as sharing policy and project experiences between Gyeonggi Province and Shanghai, exchanging experts, holding joint academic conferences, and conducting collaborative research.

At the meeting, GILL introduced its key projects and policies, followed by SMILE’s presentation on its research achievements and educational programs, as well as a Q&A session.

Park Myeong-hye, Acting President of GILL, stated, “This agreement marks the beginning of Gyeonggi Province and Shanghai sharing the values and experiences of lifelong learning and pursuing mutual growth,” adding, “Through expert exchanges, joint research, and academic cooperation, we will ensure that our lifelong learning policies contribute meaningfully to the lives of provincial residents.”

On April 21, the Gyeonggi-do Future Generation Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Suwon Global Youth Dream Center, the Ansan Global Youth Center, and the Hwaseong Global Youth Center at the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building in Paldal-gu, Suwon, to support youth with immigrant backgrounds.

Under the agreement, each organization committed to supporting youth with immigrant backgrounds, operating hands-on activities and capacity-building programs, and promoting cooperation and resource exchange in education and related projects. In addition, the organizations agreed to strengthen the foundation for implementing the “Future Generation Companionship” program.

“Future Generation Companionship” is a program operated by the Gyeonggi-do Youth Center that helps youth with immigrant backgrounds adapt to local communities and explore future career paths. The Gyeonggi-do Future Generation Foundation plans to invite youth from the three centers to participate in the program through three sessions scheduled from June to September.

Kim Hyeon-sam, CEO of the foundation, stated, “This agreement is highly meaningful in that it enhances the effectiveness of support for youth with immigrant backgrounds through regional cooperation,” adding, “Rather than making this a one-time initiative, we will establish a sustainable cooperation system linking local centers and training facilities to support these youth’s social participation and community integration.”

○ Expansion of multilingual job information via social media, expected to improve accessibility for foreign job seekers

On April 15, the Gyeonggido Job Foundation held an inauguration ceremony for the Gyeonggi Global Job Supporters at its Southern Business Headquarters in Suwon City, marking the launch of activities to provide job information for foreign residents and job seekers.

The supporters were selected to provide easy-to-understand guidance on job policies and employment information for foreign nationals. The initiative aims to enhance understanding among foreign residents and support their effective use of related policies.

A total of eight supporters were appointed, representing five countries: Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Brazil. They will produce content covering recruitment news, employment precautions, support programs, and regional job conditions, and disseminate this information in multiple languages through social media and online channels. Through these efforts, the foundation expects to improve convenience for foreign job seekers, expand participation in employment support policies, and contribute to stable regional settlement and better employment support.

At the inauguration ceremony, letters of appointment were presented following the introduction of the supporters, and participants shared opinions on the types of job information needed by foreign residents, effective communication methods, and challenges encountered during the employment process.

Kim Seon-yeong, Head of the Global Center at the Gyeonggido Job Foundation, stated, “The Gyeonggi Global Job Supporters will serve as a communication channel to deliver Gyeonggi Province’s diverse job information from the perspective of residents and job seekers who are foreign nationals,” adding, “We stand committed to providing support so that essential information needed in the field can be communicated effectively.”

○ Providing a springboard for promising startups in future growth sectors, including AI, semiconductors, bio, and smart manufacturing, to grow into unicorn companies

Gyeonggi Province announced that it will collaborate with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to nurture promising startups into “national champion-level” global unicorn companies.

The Gyeonggi Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Korea) stated that it is recruiting participants for the 2026 Korea Frontiers program until April 17, targeting technology-leading companies with strong capabilities for global expansion.

Korea Frontiers is an innovator community program dedicated to startups. It identifies high-potential companies with strong prospects for entering the global stage and supports their growth into next-generation unicorn enterprises. At the Annual Meeting of the Innovator Communities (AMIC), held in New York in December last year, VESSL AI Korea and RECO, the participating Korea Frontiers companies, engaged with global corporations and investors, exploring opportunities for collaboration.

This year, the program will recruit companies leading promising future industries, including AI/semiconductors, smart manufacturing, climate tech, bio, and government technology (GovTech). Eligible applicants must be incorporated companies with cumulative investments of at least KRW 3 billion. In addition, for effective global networking, the CEO or co-founder must be able to communicate and deliver presentations in English.

Selected companies will receive comprehensive support for global expansion through February 2027, including global commercialization consulting, opportunities to participate in the Summer Davos Forum (Dalian, China) and the AMIC (New York, USA), as well as premium membership with access to the WEF’s cutting-edge technology and industry insights.

Companies wishing to participate may apply online through the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal (www.egbiz.or.kr) by 5 PM on April 17. Final participants will be selected in May following document screening and presentation evaluations.

A Gyeonggi Province official stated, “This program goes beyond simple scale-up support, offering opportunities to connect with a global network of more than 20 Centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution worldwide,” adding, “We will actively support promising companies across the country in strengthening their competitiveness in the global market.”

For further information, contact the Innovation Community Team at C4IR Korea (031-776-4511).
 

○ Implementation of field training and internship support programs for international students

Gyeonggi Province announced that it has selected the Gyeonggido Job Foundation as the implementing agency for the 2026 Gyeonggi Global Talent Attraction Project to expand the inflow of foreign talent needed by local industries, and will move forward with the project in earnest.

Key components of the project include: activation of the Gyeonggi Provincial Visa Program; operation of field training and internship programs for international students; and participation in foreign talent recruitment fairs.

The program allows foreign nationals to apply for an E-7 (Special Occupation) visa with a recommendation letter issued by the Governor of Gyeonggi Province. The program covers 12 professional occupations, including 11 in advanced industries such as computer hardware, software, data, information security, and robotics (E-7-1), as well as one in caregiving (E-7-2).

To promote the program, Gyeonggi Province plans to hold briefing sessions for companies seeking to hire foreign talent and conduct outreach through online platforms and social media.

The province will also operate field training and internship programs for international students by linking companies with universities. The program will support approximately 30 participants, including international students currently enrolled in universities within the province and recent graduates, by providing hands-on experience and employment linkage opportunities.

Furthermore, Gyeonggi plans to establish a cooperative framework among the provincial government, universities, and companies to identify workforce demand and continuously expand the foundation for attracting foreign talent.

The provincial government will also participate in the 2026 Global Talent Fair, hosted by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), on June 1 and 2. At the event, the province will operate a recruitment consultation booth for foreign talent and support job matching between local companies and global talent.

Based on the outcomes of this year’s project, Gyeonggi Province plans to develop a model for attracting global talent tailored to its industrial characteristics and incorporate the model into future policies.

Yoon Hyeon-ok, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Immigrant Society Policy Division, stated, “Boosting attraction of global talent will contribute to stabilizing workforce supply and demand for companies in the province,” adding, “We will generate tangible results through employment linkage programs driven by corporate demand.”
 

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.”

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government announced that it has established the Migrant Legal Support Group to assist migrants who face difficulties accessing legal services due to language and institutional barriers, and held an appointment ceremony on March 27 at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Northern Complex.

The Migrant Legal Support Group is the province’s first specialized legal support initiative for migrants. It will operate under a regional system covering southern and northern Gyeonggi as well as the broader Gyeongin region. This year, the group consists of 28 lawyers who will serve through December 31.

Basic rights remedies, including legal consultations and case advisory services across fields such as civil, residency, labor, and family law, will be provided free of charge through the Migrant Integration Support Center. In cases requiring additional assistance from a member of the support group, individual lawyers will proceed by entering into separate representation agreements with clients. To reduce the financial burden on migrants, the province plans to establish recommended legal fee guidelines based on case complexity.

The appointment ceremony included an overview of the legal support group initiative, presentation of appointment certificates, a commemorative photo session, and training on migrants’ legal status and litigation practice. This was followed by a lecture titled “The Field and Practice of Legal Support for Migrants” by Kim Won-gyu, Director of the Immigration Society Bureau, and a presentation of “Practical Case Studies of Migrant Litigation” by Attorney Kim Ye-jin.

Yoon Hyeon-ok, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Immigrant Social Policy Division, stated, “We have established a foundation to ensure that migrants can receive legal protection without barriers related to language and cost,” adding, “We will continue to work with experts to provide practical protection of their rights and interests.”

Gyeonggi Province announced that it has developed eight institutional improvement recommendations aimed at fundamentally preventing the unlawful intervention of brokers exploiting foreign seasonal workers and improving poor housing and working conditions. The recommendations follow a decision made at the fifth Human Rights Commission meeting held on March 10. They are particularly notable for presenting a human rights-based policy direction that integrates domestic laws with international human rights standards, including recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).

The Foreign Seasonal Worker Program allows local governments to legally employ foreign workers for short-term, intensive periods in the agricultural and fisheries sectors during peak seasons, such as planting and harvesting. Gyeonggi first introduced the program in 2021.

Reflecting the on-the-ground human rights conditions of seasonal workers, the recommendations outline eight key tasks: establishing a response system for victims of human trafficking involving brokers; mandating the provision and explanation of standard labor contracts in multiple languages; strengthening the issuance of multilingual wage statements; improving housing conditions; establishing an integrated rights remedy mechanism, including a 24-hour hotline; allocating budget support for human rights education and developing multilingual educational materials; strengthening employer accountability and consulting; and expanding dedicated personnel at the city and county levels.

The full text of the recommendations by the Gyeonggi Provincial Human Rights Commission is available on the Gyeonggi Human Rights Center website (https://www.gg.go.kr/humanrights) under the “Human Rights Violations and Recommendation Cases” section.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted from July to September 2025 by the province’s Human Rights Division and Agricultural Policy Division found that 30.3% of 400 seasonal workers, or 121 individuals, paid unlawful brokerage fees. Such involvement of brokers and the collection of fees under the Foreign Seasonal Worker Program are illegal.

Labor contract issues caused by language barriers were also identified. Although 95.8% (382 of 399) of surveyed workers reported difficulties communicating in Korean, only 48.9% (152 of 311) had received a labor contract translated into their native language. Housing conditions were also found to be inadequate, with 22.8% of respondents (26 out of 114) living in temporary structures, such as prefabricated units installed inside greenhouses. Moreover, 87 respondents who experienced verbal abuse, sexual harassment, or passport confiscation stated that they endured the situation because they did not know how to respond or feared that reporting it would worsen their circumstances.

Choi Hyun-jeong, Human Rights Officer of Gyeonggi Province, stated, “For the seasonal worker program to take root successfully in rural communities, the protection of workers’ human rights must come first,” adding, “We will continue to improve the system and conduct thorough on-site inspections to create a reliable working environment where workers can perform their duties without fear of exploitation and employers can focus on farming with peace of mind.”

Gyeonggi Province is accepting applications from March 16 to April 6 for the “Gyeonggi Trade Crisis Response Package Support Project,” aimed at minimizing damage to export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid external trade risks.

The project is an integrated support program implemented by the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) designed to assist export SMEs facing difficulties due to rapidly shifting global trade conditions. Amid growing uncertainty in the export environment driven by U.S. tariff measures and deteriorating conditions in the Middle East, the program provides comprehensive support across the entire export process—from market research and consulting to overseas marketing and logistics. Most notably, this year, Middle East exporters are eligible for logistical support and increased funding in an effort to help the companies respond to regional instability. The total project budget amounts to KRW 5 billion, with approximately 600 export SMEs in the province expected to benefit.

Eligible applicants are SMEs with headquarters or manufacturing facilities located in Gyeonggi Province, operating in industries vulnerable to trade disruptions, including beauty, food, automotive, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, steel, aluminum, and copper. Participants may apply for a package of up to six support categories, including export consulting, participation in overseas exhibitions, overseas marketing, international certifications and patents, and logistics costs. Each company may receive up to KRW 50 million. For logistics support, general exports are eligible for up to KRW 5 million, while exports to the Middle East are eligible for up to KRW 7 million.

Applications can be submitted via the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal, where applicants may select multiple desired sub-programs. Companies will be selected through a comprehensive assessment conducted by experts, weighing quantitative factors such as location and export readiness, as well as qualitative factors including the need for support and the severity of the crisis.

Through this initiative, Gyeonggi Province expects to support the recovery of export performance among local companies and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. As Gyeonggi Province accounts for more than 40% of the country’s exports in trade-affected industries, the initiative is also anticipated to become a catalyst for regional economic stability.

Further details are available on the GBSA website and the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal (www.egbiz.or.kr).

Park Kyung-seo, Director of the International Trade Division at Gyeonggi Province, stated, “Export companies are struggling even more due to the deteriorating Middle East situation and shifts in global supply chains,” adding, “Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province will move swiftly to implement step-by-step customized support and respond promptly to changes in the trade environment to serve as a strong and reliable partner for our export businesses.”