Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center (GMIS) held the first official 2026 forum of the “All Together Healthy Healthcare Network” (Dageon Net) on February 4.

As a cooperative healthcare network for migrants, Dageon Net brings together public institutions, medical providers, civil society organizations, and religious and support groups. The network operates to share cases of migrants in healthcare blind spots and connect them to policy solutions.

The recent increase in medical consultations by migrants has prompted the Province and GMIS to organize the Dageon Net forum to establish a stronger public–private cooperation system aimed at improving the access of migrants to healthcare and ensuring their right to health.

The meeting included the appointment of a new member (Yoo Sang-hyeok, Chair of the Migrant Ministry Committee under the Social Ministry Bureau of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul), sharing of “Safe Hospital–type consultative body” models from other provinces, discussions on a proposed “Gyeonggi Safe Hospital” initiative, review of 2025 cases, and an open discussion session. Participants shared this year’s project implementation plans and discussed ways of further developing a Gyeonggi-style migrant healthcare support model.

Key agendas included the following: improving migrants’ access to healthcare; clarifying roles between medical institutions and support organizations; and establishing a sustainable public–private cooperation framework.

The meeting also introduced major cooperation and referral cases in 2025, including medical expense support for a high-risk migrant mother in partnership with Korea University Ansan Hospital and for 12 migrants in collaboration with the ChildFund Korea Foundation.

In the case of the high-risk mother, complications involving the fetus were found during obstetric treatment at a local hospital, requiring urgent transfer to a university hospital. However, gaps in coordination between medical institutions and the burden of high medical expenses placed her at risk of interrupted treatment. Through cooperation among Dageon Net’s public medical institutions and support organizations, the patient was successfully referred to Korea University Ansan Hospital and was able to receive financial assistance for her medical expenses. This case is a leading example of how a public–private partnership can overcome the limitations of individual institutional responses to resolve a migrant healthcare issue.

Building on accumulated cases, the Province plans to expand the migrant healthcare safety net gradually this year by publishing a Migrants’ Health Rights Case Report, expanding health rights education for medical personnel, and establishing a database of medical institutions capable of treating migrants.

“Guaranteeing migrants’ right to health strengthens the overall public health safety net of Gyeonggi Province,” said Kim Seong-hwan, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigration Society Support Division. “With Dageon Net playing a pivotal role, we will reinforce public–private cooperation to ensure that no migrant is excluded from medical care.”

A delegation composed of officials from the Administration of the President of Kazakhstan and affiliated institutions visited the Gyeonggi Library on February 4.

The visit was part of the benchmarking tour of leading public libraries in Asia by the Kazakh government in its pursuit of the development of new integrated libraries. Composed of six members, the delegation included representatives from institutions under the Office of the President of Kazakhstan, public project implementation agencies, culture and exhibition-related organizations, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Korea.

The delegation toured the Gyeonggi Library, focusing on sections dedicated to climate and environment, AI-based information services, exhibition and integrated cultural functions, and user-centered space operation practices. In particular, the delegation members showed strong interest in spatial design that considers users’ length of stay and overall experience as well as in the Gyeonggi Library’s role as a public cultural facility as evidenced by the members’ in-depth questions about its operational methods.

“Gyeonggi Library is not simply a large-scale library but a space that demonstrates how public architecture can simultaneously consider operational efficiency and user experience,” a delegation member remarked. “What is impressive to me is how the themes of climate and AI have been seamlessly integrated into the spatial design, collection arrangement, and overall facility operations.”

According to Gyeonggi Library Director Yun Myeong-hui, the visit by the Kazakhstan delegation marks a meaningful opportunity to share Gyeonggi Library’s operational experience and policy direction with the international community. “We will continue to expand the value of Gyeonggi Library through exchanges with overseas public institutions and libraries,” she added.
 

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Lieutenant General Joseph Joe Hilbert, the new Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, on February 2 at Dodamso (gubernatorial residence) in Suwon City, where they reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the partnership between Gyeonggi Province and the U.S. Eighth Army as well as the ever-evolving ROK–U.S. alliance.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest including closer coordination and communication regarding the U.S. military bases located in the province.

“As approximately 80 percent of United States Forces Korea personnel are stationed in Gyeonggi Province, the cooperative relationship between our province and the U.S. Eighth Army is crucial to provincial administration,” said Governor Kim. “We will spare no effort in providing the necessary support so that U.S. service members can feel that Gyeonggi Province is their second home.”

He also promised continued efforts to strengthen the ROK–U.S. alliance in order to respond to changes in the international and regional security environment.

Lieutenant General Hilbert assumed command of the U.S. Eighth Army on October 23, 2025. He previously served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division and Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery.

Gyeonggi Province continues to promote a range of Korea–U.S. exchange and cooperation programs for US service members and their families—including Korean language, history, and culture education as well as security and cultural experience programs—to support their adaptation to local communities and enhance their understanding of Korean culture.

Gyeonggi Province will begin in February the full-scale implementation of its Public Verification System for unregistered foreign children who have remained outside the institutional framework.

Unregistered foreign children are those whose births have not been registered, due to issues such as their parents’ immigration status, and who have consequently remained outside administrative systems. Often described as “children in the shadows,” they have been excluded from healthcare and protection systems and placed in circumstances where public intervention has been difficult, even when they are exposed to risks of abuse or neglect.

The Public Verification System enables public institutions to confirm a child’s birth officially. Although it is separate from formal birth registration and it does not grant nationality or residency status, the system is significant since it administratively recognizes the child’s existence and establishes a minimum yet essential starting point for linking the child to healthcare, protection, and support services.

The initiative will first be implemented in 10 cities and counties—Goyang, Hwaseong, Seongnam, Bucheon, Ansan, Siheung, Anseong, Dongducheon, Gwacheon, and Pyeongtaek—with plans to expand it to all 31 municipalities across the province.

When a parent or a legal guardian applies for public verification at the relevant municipal department or a designated center, officials will review the required documentation and issue a “Gyeonggi Province Verification Certificate for Unregistered Foreign Children.” The certificate will include the child’s photograph and personal information such as name and date of birth. Based on this certificate, children will be able to access public services including applications for childcare subsidies for unregistered foreign children. They will also be connected to support from private organizations such as Save the Children, UNICEF, ChildFund Korea, and Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul for assistance with healthcare, childcare, and improvements to housing environments.

The Province adopted a public-private partnership approach to address concerns regarding potential fiscal burdens associated with the introduction of the system. Instead of reallocating existing welfare budgets or introducing new budget expenditures, the Province verifies the child’s identity through its administrative authority. At the same time, substantive support—such as medical expense assistance or housing improvements—is provided through partnerships with private organizations.

Through this approach, the existing welfare system for Korean nationals remains unchanged, while children who had been left outside the system are brought within the scope of public oversight and management. In the long term, the provincial government expects the system to help eliminate human rights blind spots and strengthen community safety nets by proactively preventing social risks such as child neglect, abandonment, and exposure to crime.

According to Kim Seong-hwan, Director of the Gyeonggi Province’s Immigrant Society Support Division, the Public Verification System marks the first case among metropolitan governments in Korea of putting into practice the “right to protection immediately upon birth” as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. “Through close cooperation with the private sector, we will enhance the effectiveness of this policy and foster a community where both Korean nationals and foreign residents can live safely together,” he added.

Gyeonggi Province is recruiting 20 foreign resident ambassadors until February 10.

Originally launched in 2023 as an honorary ambassador initiative to promote a safety culture among foreigners, the program has been expanded and reorganized since then to appoint Foreign Resident Honorary Ambassadors. They represent migrant residents across the province, actively participate in provincial administration, and serve as a key communication channel linking the government and migrant communities.

The term of office for those selected will be from March 2026 to December 2027. As representatives of migrant residents, the ambassadors will engage in the following activities: advising on and monitoring provincial administration and policies related to foreign residents; participating in policy workshops and theme-based capacity-building programs; and drafting policy proposals and taking part in related meetings.

Eligibility is open to adult foreign residents, including naturalized citizens who have resided in Gyeonggi Province for at least one year. Those who are interested in immigration policy and who wish to engage in migrant human rights-related activities within their communities may download the required application documents from the Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center website and submit them via email by 5:00 PM on February 10.

Final candidates will be selected through a two-stage process consisting of document screening and online interviews, with individual notifications provided.

“We expect the newly appointed Foreign Resident Honorary Ambassadors to help develop effective policies by reflecting vivid voices from the field,” said Yun Hyeon-ok, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigration Society Policy Division. “We will provide full support so that they can serve as reliable partners in building ‘A Greater Us, Growing Together Gyeonggi Province.’”

The Gyeonggi Province Migrant Women’s Counseling Center, which opened last August in Gunpo City to support migrant women who are victims of violence, conducted a total of 1,705 consultations in its first 6 months of operation.

The Center operates a comprehensive, step-by-step support system that spans from initial crisis reporting to in-depth native-language counseling, case conferences, referrals to legal, medical, shelter, and administrative institutions, and follow-up monitoring. Rather than providing simple counseling alone, the Center involves professional counselors fluent in clients’ native languages and interpretation and translation support from the outset to accurately assess incidents of violence and ensure that counseling reflects the wishes of the migrant women.

Multilingual services are provided in nine languages: Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, Thai, Uzbek, Spanish, English, Lao, and Russian. The Center offers tailored assistance including legal consultation and litigation support for cases involving domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and dating violence. It also provides consultations regarding residency status issues, referrals for medical and psychological recovery, connections to emergency shelters and protection facilities, and practical information to support settlement in Korean society.

Of the 1,705 consultations conducted over the past 6 months, domestic violence accounted for the largest share (29.4%), followed by general legal consultations (10.9%), divorce-related cases (9.8%), and sexual violence (8.9%). A significant proportion of cases involved violence-related issues including sex trafficking, stalking, and dating violence.

In one case, a Thai national sought counseling in her native language after her marriage broke down due to her spouse’s neglect. She is currently proceeding with divorce litigation with legal aid support and also receiving assistance to extend her residency status to ensure stable legal proceedings. In another case, a Vietnamese woman struggling with psychological issues due to depression and menopause received support through participation in a rest-and-recovery travel program with her children arranged through the Center. Through these diverse cases, the Center is earning trust as a recovery-oriented institution that helps migrant women who have experienced violence or are in need of assistance not only survive crises but also rebuild their lives.

Inquiries to the Migrant Women’s Counseling Center can be made by phone (031-429-7919) or in person on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Detailed information is available on the Center’s website (ggmw.or.kr).

“This year, we will continue to strengthen the community-based integrated support network with the Migrant Women’s Counseling Center at the core of our efforts,” said Kim Won-gyu, Director General of Gyeonggi’s Immigrant Society Bureau. “We remain committed to expanding our native-language counseling capacity and enhancing protection and recovery for migrant women victims of violence. This goal will be achieved through legal consultations by lawyers, operation of a legal support team, and close cooperation with related institutions such as the Women’s Emergency Hotline, Danuri Call Center, shelters, medical institutions, and police.”

Gyeongcheong Stars is a program designed to offer young people in the province hands-on experience at overseas companies and opportunities for career exploration. In 2025, a total of 200 participants took part across 14 cities in 13 countries. Participants engaged in practical language training, on-site internships, mentoring, and visits to overseas exhibitions in countries including the United States, Japan, India, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Canada. The program recorded an average competition rate of 4.9 to 1.

Five outstanding participants who were active in Uzbekistan presented the results of their analysis of the local convenience store market. They proposed the concept of a “K-culture experience convenience store,” which would introduce Korean-style convenience stores while incorporating localized food options. Targeting K-pop and K-wave fans, middle-class office workers, and university students and young adults, the concept envisions a space where customers can enjoy simple Korean meals such as gimbap and bulgogi rice bowls while also experiencing Korean culture-related products, thus offering a strong competitive edge in the market.

An outstanding participant from Taiwan shared that the program helped clarify the goal of becoming a global marketer. Through meetings with local companies and KOTRA officials, the participant gained firsthand insight into the differences in language, culture, and work styles and the competencies required for global roles.

“My experience in Taiwan gave me a realistic sense of what it means to work beyond borders,” the participant said. “What once felt unfamiliar and abstract now feels like a real option I can challenge myself to pursue.”

Five participants who took part in the program in India presented short-form videos showcasing their activities, including visits to game companies, as well as their reflections on the experiences.

Participants also took time to reflect on their journey through interactive booths including a “time capsule” program that revisited letters they had written to themselves, offering a moment to look back on personal growth. Meanwhile, the operator of the YouTube channel “Culture and Arts for You” delivered a special lecture, sharing practical advice and messages of hope for young people on entrepreneurship, challenge, and resilience.

Building on the outcomes of this year’s program, Gyeonggi Province plans to continue providing robust support in 2026 so that more young people can strengthen their capabilities in a global environment. The province will maintain tailored overseas programs for youth while expanding employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

“The achievements made by young people who faced challenges in unfamiliar settings go beyond mere experience and serve as valuable assets that illuminate their future,” said Kim Dae-soon, Second Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs of Gyeonggi Province. “Gyeonggi Province will continue providing young people with opportunities to take on challenges in a wider world.”

The Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters said on January 9 that four Singaporean tourists who got stranded while descending Bukhansan (Mount Bukhan) at night without lighting equipment last November sent a thank-you letter to Goyang Fire Station late last month.

The hikers, who lacked sufficient hiking experience as well as proper clothing and gear, were discovered around 7 PM near the Yaksuam Rest Area on Bukhansan by the Goyang Fire Station mountain rescue team and were able to return home safely.

After returning to Singapore, they expressed their deep appreciation for the Korean rescue team in handwritten notes. In their individually written messages, they thanked the rescuers for helping them in a dangerous moment. They said they would never forget the kindness they received in Korea and wrote, “You are our HERO!” One note also included a halting yet carefully written Korean message that said “Thank you!”

Another rescue story involving Gyeonggi Province firefighters has also circulated online.

A man in his 50s who became stranded during a winter hike on the 1,168-meter-tall Gukmangbong (Gukmang Peak) in Pocheon City was rescued in a dramatic operation on December 30 last year. After receiving an emergency call from the man, whose life was in danger due to hypothermia, the Northern 119 Integrated Situation Room of the Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters decided to deploy a helicopter.

A rescue crew member descended a steep, windy slope by rope to carry out the rescue, after which firefighters from Pocheon Fire Station safely transported the patient to a medical facility.

Following three days of treatment at Pocheon Medical Center, the man shared a message of gratitude on the Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters website. “That day became the day I died but was born again. I want to tell the Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters and the 119 responders who saved my life that they are doing the most meaningful and precious work in the world,” he wrote.

Kang Dae-hoon, Chief of the Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, “I am proud of our firefighters who responded swiftly and with dedication even in critical situations,” adding, “We will continue to do our utmost to protect the lives and safety of our residents.”

Starting in the new year, Gyeonggi Province will be the first in the nation to implement a Childcare Support Program for Undocumented Foreign Children.

Undocumented foreign children refer to children residing in Korea without legal residency status. While Korean children currently receive monthly childcare subsidies ranging from KRW 280,000 to 540,000, and registered foreign children receive KRW 150,000 per month, undocumented foreign children have received no childcare support to date.

In accordance with the Gyeonggi Province Ordinance on the Identification and Support of Undocumented Children Born in Gyeonggi Province, enacted last year, the province planned and developed this childcare support program to address blind spots in childcare and welfare services.

Eligible beneficiaries are undocumented foreign children enrolled in daycare centers within the province. Each child will receive a monthly childcare subsidy of KRW 100,000. To prevent misuse and enhance transparency in budget execution, the subsidy will not be paid in cash to guardians but will instead be provided directly to daycare centers.

After comprehensively considering regional population composition and administrative conditions, the province selected Hwaseong, Anseong, and Icheon as pilot project areas for implementation in 2026. Following system stabilization, the province plans to gradually expand participation to additional cities and counties.

Kim Seong-hwan, Head of the Gyeonggi Province’s Immigration Society Support Division, stated, “This program is significant as it represents the first step toward guaranteeing rights and providing financial support to undocumented foreign children who have long been neglected and marginalized. We will continue to present an integrated rights-guarantee model covering the entire child life cycle—from birth and childcare to education and settlement in the local community.”

Gyeonggi Province also plans to implement the Gyeonggi Province Public Verification System for Undocumented Foreign Children Born in Korea, which will issue verification certificates enabling undocumented foreign children born in Korea and residing in the province to access public services and connect with support programs provided by private organizations.

The province announced on January 1 that the “Gyeonggi Province Ordinance on Support for the Prevention of Industrial Accidents Among Foreign Migrant Workers” was passed at the plenary session of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly on December 26, securing a legal foundation for the systematic promotion of industrial safety policies targeting migrant workers.

A total of around 160,000 foreign workers reside in Gyeonggi Province under the Employment Permit System, 64.6% of whom are participating in high-risk sectors such as manufacturing and construction. Due to language and cultural barriers, however, migrant workers face considerable difficulties in participating in safety training and accessing industrial accident prevention information. Despite the strengthening of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accident Punishment Act, concerns about the lack of on-site, customized support systems for migrant workers persist.

The ordinance includes provisions for the following: establishing and implementing industrial safety and accident prevention plans for migrant workers; developing and distributing multilingual safety education materials; building systems to collect and analyze provincial industrial accident statistics and data; providing safety equipment support for high-risk and small-scale workplaces; and operating incentive programs for employers that promote industrial accident prevention.

In particular, the ordinance establishes the legal basis for the installation and operation of a dedicated Migrant Worker Industrial Safety Support Center. This will enable the systematic delivery of field-oriented safety education and workplace risk assessments.

“Despite being an essential workforce supporting local industries, migrant workers remain in a vulnerable position when it comes to industrial accident prevention policies,” said Heo Young-gil, Director of the Immigration and Social Policy Division of Gyeonggi Province. “With the enactment of this ordinance, we hope to see practical safety support that overcomes language and cultural barriers, and to eliminate blind spots in the prevention of industrial accidents among migrant workers.”