Gyeonggi Province is conducting its first-ever human rights survey of foreign seasonal workers within the province until August 30.

The Foreign Seasonal Worker Program supports the legal short-term employment of foreign workers in agriculture, including matters such as immigration requirements and employee management, to address labor shortages caused by the declining rural population, aging workforce, and rising labor costs. Seasonal workers are eligible to stay in Korea for up to eight months,

The Ministry of Justice allocates foreign seasonal workers based on requests from local governments. Since launching the program in 2021, Gyeonggi Province has seen the number of workers grow annually, from 1,497 in 2023 to 2,877 in 2024 and 5,258 in 2025.

Unlike migrant workers who must pass a Korean language test under the employment permit system, seasonal workers undergo no such procedure, resulting in many who do not speak Korean. This language barrier, coupled with issues like poor working conditions and problematic brokers, increases their risk of human rights violations.

The provincial government has underscored this issue, focusing on the fact that seasonal workers may struggle to report abuses immediately or receive appropriate support.

This survey is jointly conducted by Gyeonggi’s Human Rights Officer, Agricultural Policy Division, and the Gyeonggi Agro-Fisheries Institute, as well as by Hanyang University’s Institute of Globalization and Multicultural Studies. Its purpose is to accurately assess the human rights status of foreign seasonal workers and to inform policy development.

Since June 14, surveyors have visited 115 farms in 19 cities and counties, interviewing 420 foreign seasonal workers about employment contracts, wage arrears, living conditions, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and illegal brokerage.

To facilitate understanding, questionnaires are available in six languages—Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer, Tagalog, Thai, and Nepali. Interpreters also accompany surveyors to address language barriers and hear workers’ concerns, including their Korean proficiency and adaptation to life in Korea.

The Gyeonggi Agro-Fisheries Institute is also distributing heatwave safety posters and prevention kits to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and promote safe farming practices.

Starting in September, the initiative will collect feedback on the seasonal worker program’s status and field-related issues from 100 employers and 30 provincial, city and county officials, as well as Nonghyup staff members, to facilitate institutional improvements.

Survey results will be used to develop sustainable policies for the foreign seasonal worker program and will form the basis of a policy recommendation report to be submitted to the Gyeonggi Human Rights Commission in December.

Choi Hyeon-jeong, Gyeonggi-do’s Human Rights Officer, stated, “We will assess human rights conditions of foreign seasonal workers in the province and establish practical measures to improve them.” She added, “We stand committed to creating an environment in Gyeonggi Province that supports foreign seasonal workers facing challenges in Korea and on the farms that employ them.”

Gyeonggi Province is offering financial support of up to KRW 2 million per company to small and mid-sized cosmetic exporters in the province to assist with product registration costs under the U.S. Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA).

On July 24, Gyeonggi Province announced plans to expand the “2025 Gyeonggi Non-Tariff Barrier Response – MoCRA Registration Support Program” to hone local SMEs’ competitiveness in exports to the U.S.

This program was established in response to the growing protectionist trade stance of the United States and the full implementation of MoCRA in July 2024. MoCRA mandates the registration of all cosmetics distributed in the U.S., along with their manufacturing facilities, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as proof of product safety. Due to its complexity and associated costs, the regulation presents a substantial barrier to market entry for Korean SMEs.

To help businesses strengthen their ability to navigate such non-tariff barriers, Gyeonggi launched the program earlier this year through the Gyeonggi FTA Global Business Center (Gyeonggi FTA Center) and has since supported five companies. The province has now expanded the number of beneficiaries to 50 through a supplementary budget.

Eligible companies must be SMEs in the cosmetics sector with a business site or factory located in Gyeonggi-do, with export earnings of USD 20 million or less in 2024. Up to KRW 2 million will be provided per company to cover MoCRA registration-related expenses, with a total of 50 companies to be selected. The subsidy program will be available until the allocated budget is exhausted.

Interested companies can apply or find detailed information via the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal (www.egbiz.or.kr) or the Gyeonggi FTA Center website (www.ggfta.or.kr). Inquiries may be directed to the Gyeonggi Northwest FTA Center at +82-31-995-7490.

Gyeonggi Province International Trade Director Park Kyung-seo stated, “We are offering support for MoCRA registration to help local businesses maintain export stability amid trade uncertainty stemming from the United States… Building on this support, we will continue to empower companies based in Gyeonggi to proactively respond to regulatory shifts in various countries, as well as the U.S., ultimately enhancing their global competitiveness.”

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan) Governor Kuroiwa Yuji on July 16 at Dodamso, the official gubernatorial residence. In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the twinning agreement between the two regions, the two governors signed a joint declaration aimed at expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

This meeting marked an official return visit following the invitation extended to Governor Kuroiwa by Governor Kim during the latter’s visit to Japan two years ago. The occasion also commemorated 35 years of friendship between Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture.

Governor Kim stated, “Kanagawa Prefecture is the center of economic innovation in Japan, and Gyeonggi Province stands as the economic heart of Korea. The two regions taking the lead in economic cooperation, advanced exchanges, and cultural content development will serve as a powerful catalyst for mutual growth not only between our regions but also between Korea and Japan.” He added, “I hope today’s visit and the joint declaration will help deepen cooperation between Gyeonggi and Kanagawa as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of our partnership. Furthermore, I expect our efforts to contribute to the momentum of cooperation between Korea and Japan in this milestone year marking the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations.”

In tandem with the declaration, Governor Kim proposed the following four action items: invitation of a trade delegation from Kanagawa to G-Fair Korea in October; invitation of Kanagawa experts and officials to the International Clean Air Forum hosted by Gyeonggi in September; regularizing investment cooperation seminars between Gyeonggi and Kanagawa; and jointly addressing the challenges of super-aging societies through collaboration in healthcare and bio-industries.

After offering congratulations on the election of President Lee Jae Myung—a former Gyeonggi Province Governor—Governor Kuroiwa responded positively, stating, “This year marks both the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Korea and Japan, as well as the 35th anniversary of our regional friendship. I hope this visit will further strengthen the amicable exchange between our two regions. We will review Governor Kim’s proposals favorably.”

The two governors also agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling major global challenges based on longstanding achievements in economic, cultural, tourism, and sports cooperation. Notably, they pledged to closely coordinate efforts to respond to fast-evolving issues such as intensifying technological competition and trade disputes, while reinforcing their roles as hubs of advanced industries. Following their talks, the two governors signed the “Joint Declaration Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Gyeonggi-Kanagawa Friendship Agreement,” committing to continued, practical, and sustainable cooperation.

After the meeting, the delegation from Kanagawa Prefecture joined leaders of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly and representatives of key businesses—including Samsung, ULVAC, and TOK—for a luncheon aimed at fostering closer business and regional cooperation.

Kanagawa Prefecture, with a population of 9.23 million—the second-largest in Japan after Tokyo—is an economic powerhouse known for its robust petroleum, chemical, electronics, and heavy industries. It was the first region in Asia to form a twinning relationship with Gyeonggi in 1990. Beyond high-level exchanges, the two regions have a strong track record of meaningful cooperation, including the mutual dispatch of civil servants, performances by local art troupes, and friendly matches between independent baseball teams. More exchange events are scheduled for the second half of this year as well. In August, youths from Gyeonggi Province, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Liaoning Province will participate in a tri-regional sports exchange. In October, various cultural events will take place, including the convening of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat and the participation of the Gyeonggi Art Troupe in the “Korean Citizens’ Exchange Fair” in Japan.

Meanwhile, the two regions will host the “Gyeonggi–Kanagawa Investment Cooperation Seminar” on July 17 at the Novotel Ambassador Suwon Hotel. The seminar aims to bolster inter-regional economic ties, promote joint investment opportunities, and explore shared pathways for growth. Global corporations such as Samsung, ULVAC, and Tokyo Electron will participate to share investment experiences, local market strategies, and best practices in network building. The seminar is expected to catalyze practical business exchanges and synergy between the two regions’ industries.

Gyeonggi-do Province is now accepting applications until August 17 for its Youth Dance Competition, a pre-event leading up to the multicultural and social integration cultural celebration, the 2025 Gyeonggi HOME Festival.

The provincial government designed organized this competition as a precursor to the main festival, offering a performative experience for all teenagers, including those with migrant backgrounds, and promoting the values of cultural diversity and social integration.

Both individuals and groups can apply, and five teams will be selected to advance to the main round based on a comprehensive evaluation of dance skills, stage composition, teamwork, and creativity. The judging panel will consist of experts from the K-pop industry.

The main final round will be heldtake place on the actual main stage during of the “Gyeonggi HOME Festival: Building Harmony, Making Home” event in September.

To participate, applicants should scan the QR code on the official poster to complete the application form and submit an MP4 video or YouTube link containing a team introduction and a cover dance performance lasting of up to four minutes. A total of KRW 4.5 million will be awarded to the winners as follows: KRW 2 million for 1st placethe grand prize (one team), KRW 1 million for 2nd first place (one team), and KRW 500,000 for 3rd second place (3 teams).

Lee Mun-hwan, Head Director of Gyeonggi-do’s Immigration Society Support Division, commented, “In the rapidly advancing transition toward a multicultural society, this youth dance competition is more than just a performance. It is a groundbreaking move toward building an open community that respects and embraces cultural diversity.” He added, “We will continue to expand opportunities for youth-driven cultural communication.”

For further inquiriesinformation, contact Ansan YWCA at +82-31-483-6536.

On the afternoon of July 7, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government held a policy exchange meeting with representatives from Poland’s Lower Silesian Voivodeship at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex to discuss cooperation measures, including responses to the climate crisis and exchanges of young citizens.

This meeting was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Gyeonggi Province and the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in November 2023. Officials from both regions met to strengthen policy networks and discuss actionable cooperation strategies.

The discussions covered a variety of key policy issues affecting both local governments, such as the climate crisis and youth policies. Members from Gyeonggi Province shared their administrative experiences and initiatives, including: climate policies such the launch of a climate satellite; urban and rural smart farm initiatives; youth opportunity programs such as Youth Ladder, Youth Gap Year, and other youth capacity building support; and cultural and tourism resources like the Gyeonggi Tour Pass, along with opportunity income for artists and athletes.

Representatives from Lower Silesian Voivodeship also exchanged views on potential future cooperation after introducing their initiatives, including: climate response policies such as EV implementation; conditions supporting inter-university exchange programs; and current policy status on cultural tourism assets, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Park Keon-kyun, Gyeonggi’s Director General of the International Cooperation Bureau, referred to recent discussions on advanced industry and corporate cooperation held between Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski and Gyeonggi’s Vice Governor for Economy, Ko Yeong-in. He emphasized, “Enhanced collaboration efforts between Gyeonggi Province and Lower Silesian Voivodeship are essential for sustaining cooperation between Korea and Poland, as both regions are key hubs of advanced industries.”

Krzysztof Hodun, Director of International Cooperation and head of the Lower Silesian delegation, expressed hopes for active collaboration, stating, “We hope to see active exchanges between youths, such as university students, as well as cooperation in cutting-edge industries, including semiconductors.” He added, “With mayors and representatives from local governments in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship also present, closer interactions will surely be possible.”

The Lower Silesian Voivodeship is home to major Korean corporations, including LG Electronics, LG Energy Solution, and Mando, as well as global companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, forming prominent industrial clusters. Notably, in November 2023, a direct flight route between Wrocław—the district’s capital—and Incheon was inaugurated, further facilitating bilateral exchanges.

This meeting was arranged as part of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship’s mutual exchange training program with the Gyeonggi Provincial Government. The delegation will remain in Gyeonggi Province for approximately two weeks to participate in policy training focused on smart cities and disaster safety. Gyeonggi plans to dispatch its own exchange delegation of provincial and municipal officials to the Lower Silesian Voivodeship for about two weeks from late August to early September.

On July 2, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government held an opening ceremony to mark the launch of the newly expanded Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center (GMIS) in Uijeongbu City, strengthening support for the stable settlement and integration of immigrants, including marriage migrants, foreign workers, international students, and overseas Koreans.

Now located on the 2nd floor of the Gyeonggi Northern Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Uijeongbu City, the center has undergone significant expansion and reorganization from its predecessor, the former Gyeonggi Institute of Research and Policy Development for Migrants’ Human Rights. It has been relocated from Ansan City (53.24 square meters) to Uijeongbu City (766.96 square meters)—an increase in size of over 14-fold. Staffing has more than doubled, growing from 7 to 18 members (8 center operators and 10 counselors), along with the first-ever introduction of multilingual counseling services.

In close collaboration with immigrant support organizations across the province, the center offers a comprehensive range of services, from addressing everyday concerns through legal and labor consultations, support programs, and lifestyle information, to interpreter and translator training, staff capacity building, and policy development.

Immigrants seeking assistance can visit the center or call the dedicated helpline at +82-1661-0222. The center provides support in 10 languages: Cambodian (Khmer), Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, Uzbek, Russian, Filipino, Chinese, Mongolian, Burmese, and English.

At the opening ceremony, Kim Won-gyu, Director General of Gyeonggi’s Immigrant Society Bureau, briefed attendees on immigration policies established since the bureau’s launch and outlined the comprehensive plan under the vision of “Gyeonggi, Growing Together with Immigrants.”

The plan focuses on four key objectives—governance, immigration policy, social integration, and human rights protection—with 33 detailed tasks currently underway to support immigrants in settling securely and thriving as part of their local communities.

Following the ceremony, a dialogue session moderated by Lee Jasmine, Chairperson of the Korea Cultural Diversity Organization and former National Assembly member, featured a wide range of panelists, including marriage migrants, international students, and influencers, who discussed strategies for mutual growth between immigrants and local communities.

Kim Dae-sun, Gyeonggi’s 2nd Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs, affirmed, “We remain committed to expanding support programs and initiatives for the Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center to become a dependable partner in fostering shared growth between immigrants and the broader community.”

The opening ceremony welcomed around 100 attendees, including Kim Dae-sun, the 2nd Vice Governor of Gyeonggi, Mun Hyeong-geun, Chair of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly’s Women, Family, and Lifelong Education Committee, other assembly members, representatives from related agencies, and immigrant support organizations, all celebrating this new milestone.

Gyeonggi Province has partnered with the Gyeongin Regional Communications Office to expand the existing Express Mail Service (EMS) fee discount program—previously limited to multicultural families—to include additional segments of the foreign population, effective from June 25.

Since 2011, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeongin Regional Communications Office have provided EMS fee discounts to support the expedited settlement of multicultural families in Korea. This year, the program’s scope has been broadened to cover additional foreign resident groups.

Eligible recipients now include international students (visa types D-2, D-4), foreign workers (E-8, E-9, H-2), foreign holders of long-term residency (F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5), and job seekers (D-10) residing in Gyeonggi-do, which represent 85% of the province’s resident alien population.

These groups are now entitled to the same discounts as multicultural families: a 10% reduction on EMS fees for in-person post office visits, and up to a 13% discount when applying via the convenient online system.

To receive the discount, applicants must present their alien registration card (or domestic residence registration certificate for foreign nationals of Korean descent) at a local post office in Gyeonggi Province. When applying through a representative, a copy of the alien registration card and the representative’s ID must be submitted. Note that bulk shipments for commercial purposes are excluded from this discount program.

Kim Won-gyu, Director of Gyeonggi’s Immigrant Society Bureau, stated, “We have pushed for this MOU to help foreign residents maintain connections with their families and find emotional stability.” He added, “We will continue to develop highly tangible support policies to ensure foreign residents can lead stable lives in Gyeonggi Province.”

Last year, approximately 4,000 international express shipments received discounts, averaging KRW 6,600 per shipment, resulting in total fee reductions of KRW 27 million.

Gyeonggi Province has selected 32 members for the “6th Gyeonggi Foreign Social Media Reporters Group” to enhance foreign residents’ access to provincial policies. The group’s inauguration ceremony was held on June 25 at the Peace Talk Hall in the Gyeonggi Provincial Government’s Northern Office Annex.

As foreign residents, the Gyeonggi Foreign Social Media Reporters directly engage in covering provincial affairs and lifestyle information, producing multilingual content, and promoting the materials through social media platforms.

The 6th group was selected through an open recruitment process held in May, followed by document screening and interviews. The final team includes members from seven language backgrounds: Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Cambodian, Thai, Mongolian, and Nepali. In particular, this is the first year that reporters from the Mongolian (6 members) and Nepali (1 member) language groups have participated, broadening the linguistic diversity of the corps.

Until the end of this year, the reporters will create and distribute various content relevant to foreign residents, including updates on provincial government affairs, daily living information, policies for foreigners, local festivals, and disaster and safety alerts. To support their activities, the provincial government will provide press credentials, reporting equipment, and allowances for content production. At the end of the year, outstanding reporters will also be recognized with awards from the Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

Kim Won-gyu, Director of Gyeonggi’s Immigrant Society Bureau, stated, “With their diverse linguistic capabilities and perspectives, the reporters will play a practical role in helping foreign residents’ settlement by directly delivering necessary information.” He added, “We will continue to develop various policies to ensure that foreign residents will enjoy stable lives as a part of the Gyeonggi community.”

Gyeonggi Province is recruiting 200 youths to participate in overseas climate action volunteer programs, with applications being accepted until July 8.
The “Gyeonggi Youth Climate Emissaries” program, a key initiative reflecting Governor Dong Yeon Kim’s commitment as the “climate governor,” addresses the global climate gap by focusing on volunteer activities that contribute to climate crisis response, including tree planting, afforestation site maintenance, and environmental education.
A total of 120 participants will be dispatched in August to three countries (Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines), followed by 80 participants in October to two countries (Cambodia and Laos).

All costs related to the program will be fully covered, including airfare, accommodation, and on-site volunteer activities. Eligible applicants must be aged 19 to 39 and reside in Gyeonggi Province as of the announcement date. Applicants must also be free of any issues that would prevent visa issuance or overseas travel for volunteer work.
Applications can be submitted online via the Jobaba Apply website (apply.jobaba.net). After document screening and applicant interviews, qualified candidates will be announced on July 21.
Selected candidates will complete orientation training and team-based local activity planning before deployment. They will then participate in approximately three weeks of volunteer activities in their assigned country, either in August or October. In addition to climate action projects, a variety of cultural exchange programs tailored to the characteristics of each destination country will also be conducted.

For more information on recruitment and participation, contact Khaya International at 070-5121-2198.
Kim Sung-won, Director of Gyeonggi’s International Cooperation Policy Division, stated, “This program offers youths in Gyeonggi a valuable opportunity to grow through hands-on overseas volunteer work focused on climate action. We hope many passionate young people across the province will embrace this challenge.”

The event was prepared to offer foreign seasonal workers a chance to directly engage with Korean culture and sentiments.

The 29 seasonal workers who participated arrived from Vietnam on April 1 and are scheduled to assist with farming in Yeoncheon until late November.

The Gyeonggi Food Plaza, situated in Seodun-dong, Suwon City, is a cultural space designed to promote communication and provide diverse food-related experiences and educational programs. The day’s program included bulgogi making and tasting, as well as visits to the National Agricultural Museum of Korea and the Korean Folk Village to deepen participants’ understanding of Korean agricultural traditions and food culture.

This event was held in collaboration with the Immigrant Society Bureau, which oversees policies related to immigrant rights protection and community integration. It was also designed with participant input, including the choice of bulgogi as the featured dish based on the preferences of the Vietnamese workers.

On the day of the event, participants were divided into two groups for morning activities. One group took part in making and tasting bulgogi at the Food Plaza, while the other toured the National Agricultural Museum, after which the groups switched. In the afternoon, all participants visited the Korean Folk Village to experience traditional Korean culture firsthand and immerse themselves in Korean customs and values.

Vietnamese seasonal worker Phung Van Phuoc To (46) remarked, “Despite the busy work in Yeoncheon, this Korean cultural experience helped me deepen my understanding of Korea. I appreciate Gyeonggi Province’s warm consideration.”

Park Jong-min, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Life Sciences Bureau, stated, “We hope this event helps foreign seasonal workers feel closer to Korean culture and supports their emotional well-being and community integration.” He added, “We plan to expand the program based on requests from local governments and will strengthen emotional support through on-site human rights and psychological counseling.”

Kim Won-gyu, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigrant Society Bureau, accompanied the visitors at the event and added, “We hope this cultural experience encourages migrant workers to be seen as respected community members beyond their labor role.” He added, “We will continue efforts to establish institutional support and promote cultural understanding to help foreign seasonal workers and other immigrants settle well.”

The number of foreign seasonal workers in Gyeonggi Province has risen by more than 50% from last year, with 4,336 assigned across 19 cities and counties in the first half of 2025. As of June 2, 3,657 workers have arrived and are assisting farms facing labor shortages.