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.”

○ Strategic investment cooperation discussed with global leaders in advanced materials, semiconductors, and automotive sectors in Europe
– Exploring establishment of production, R&D, testing, and certification hubs with key value chain companies in future industries

On March 10, the Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone (GGFEZ) carried out investment promotion activities targeting global leaders in the advanced composites sector, including investor relations (IR) in connection with JEC World 2026 in Paris, the world’s largest composites exhibition.

This initiative was jointly organized with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea Carbon and Nano Industry Association (KCANIA), with a focus on promoting GGFEZ’s investment environment and industrial competitiveness. It is aimed at attracting global advanced materials companies—essential to building resilient supply chains in national strategic industries such as semiconductors, future mobility, batteries, and aerospace—to Korea.

On the same day, the KOTRA investment delegation offered a GGFEZ investment briefing attended by key figures from the advanced materials sector. At the briefing, GGFEZ introduced its industrial infrastructure, locational competitiveness, and growth strategies linked to advanced materials, semiconductors, and hydrogen industries. KOTRA presented Korea’s policy directions and investment attraction cases in advanced materials, while KCANIA outlined the trends and outlook of the domestic carbon and nano industries. Hanwha Advanced Materials also shared its latest developments and future strategies in advanced materials. Through these presentations, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Korea’s advanced materials ecosystem and its attractive investment environment.

In parallel, GGFEZ conducted one-on-one consultations at the exhibition site and through visits to corporate headquarters. Discussions focused on establishing advanced materials production facilities, R&D centers, and smart manufacturing demonstration hubs in key districts, including Poseung BIX in Pyeongtaek, Hyeondeok District, Siheung Baegot District, and Ansan Science Valley (ASV).

This year’s initiative represents a strategic effort to proactively respond to the growing demand for lightweight, renewable materials and eco-friendly automated manufacturing processes, as the global composites market is projected to grow by over 4% annually. In particular, tailored investment proposals were prioritized for companies with synergies in semiconductors, secondary batteries, hydrogen, and mobility industries.

GGFEZ plans to assist in the realization of tangible investments through step-by-step measures, including follow-up investment briefings in Korea and negotiations for customized incentives.

Kim Neung-sik, President of GGFEZ, stated, “Our IR activity in Paris provided an opportunity to identify concrete investment demand through direct networking with European advanced materials companies,” adding, “With the Poseung BIX, Hyeondeok District, Siheung Baegot District, and ASV at the center, we will develop industrial clusters for the convergence of semiconductors, hydrogen, and advanced materials, elevating the sites as strategic Asian hubs for global companies.”

Gyeonggi Province is accepting applications until March 15 for companies wishing to participate in the “2026 Trade Expert Overseas Marketing Support Program.”

The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province that require export experience and specialized personnel by matching them with experienced trade experts. The program is expected to help SMEs expand into global markets through customized consulting, which includes navigating overseas marketing strategies and identifying new buyers.

Trade experts consist of professionals with over 20 years of experience in import and export operations across a wide range of industries, providing detailed guidance throughout the entire export process. Notably, participants are given the chance to choose a trade expert best suited to their specific industry and export conditions, enabling more effective and tailored support.

The monthly fee per company is KRW 550,000, of which Gyeonggi Province provides 70% (KRW 385,000), while the participant covers the remaining 30% (KRW 165,000).

This year, Gyeonggi Province plans to recruit approximately 110 export SMEs, of which 55 will be selected in the first half (April–July) and 55 in the second half (August–November). Eligible applicants are SMEs with their headquarters or manufacturing facilities based in Gyeonggi Province.

Companies wishing to participate may apply via the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal (egbiz.or.kr) by March 15. The required documents are the application form along with other supporting materials such as a business registration certificate and an export performance certificate.

Following the evaluation process, selected companies will be notified individually by email in late March.

Park Kyung-seo, Director of the International Trade Division at Gyeonggi Province, stated, “We hope this program will serve as an opportunity for export SMEs in the province to explore new overseas markets and further strengthen their export capabilities by teaming up with trade experts,” adding, “Gyeonggi Province will continue to assist local SMEs in sharpening their competitive edge on the global stage.”

– Touring schedule to begin in Taiwan in January 2027, followed by Korea in April and Japan in July

– Reactivation of the East Asian ceramics cooperation platform 20 years after the Asian Ceramic Delta initiative

The Gyeonggi Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, under the Korea Ceramic Foundation (KOCEF), is moving forward with Asia Ceramic Circle 2027, a joint international touring exhibition project organized by Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

The exhibition is scheduled to be held sequentially at the Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan from January 15 to March 21, 2027, the Gyeonggi Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art in Korea from April 9 to June 13, 2027, and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu in Japan from July 2 to September 5, 2027, with each leg lasting 65 days.

This project is a long-term international cooperation initiative based on a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in September 2025 among the Gyeonggi Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Yingge Ceramics Museum, and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu. Following the conclusion of the exhibition agreement, the groundwork for the touring exhibition has been established through venue assessments and curatorial planning.

Asia Ceramic Circle 2027 holds significance as it builds upon the Asian Ceramic Delta (2006–2007), a pioneering joint project between the three countries. The original project, which began at the Icheon World Ceramic Center, now the Gyeonggi Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, and toured to Yingge Ceramics Museum and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, is regarded as a landmark cooperative model featuring representative artists from each country. It remains a symbolic case of seeking coexistence and balance in East Asian contemporary ceramic art.

Leveraging this established network, Asia Ceramic Circle serves as a next-generation East Asian ceramics cooperation platform reactivated after 20 years. While the previous “delta” concept symbolized intersection and balance among the three nations, the “circle” concept represents circulation, connection, and expansion. This reflects a strategic direction to evolve beyond one-time exchanges toward a sustainable cooperative system with ongoing circulation.

The project is a jointly curated international exhibition featuring a total of 30 artists, with 10 selected from each country. The final exhibition title and participating artists are expected to be confirmed between February and March 2026 through joint consultations among the three institutions.

Notably, this exhibition introduces a distinctive selection process in which each institution selects artists from other participating countries rather than its own. Specifically, Korean artists will be selected by the Taiwanese and Japanese institutions, Taiwanese artists by the Korean and Japanese institutions, and Japanese artists by the Korean and Taiwanese institutions. By moving beyond inward-looking perspectives and incorporating external viewpoints, the project is expected to present new discourses and standards for contemporary East Asian ceramic art.

Ryu In-kwon, CEO of KOCEF, stated, “This touring exhibition will serve as an opportunity to present a new ceramic discourse that connects with contemporary visual culture, reflecting the socio-cultural changes of the past 20 years.” He added, “Through this initiative, we will strengthen the foundation for cooperation between Asian ceramic institutions and establish a long-term exchange system that expands into academia, research, and residency programs.”

Gyeonggi Province announced that it is recruiting attorneys to participate in the Gyeonggi Province Migrant Legal Support Team project through March 13.

The Migrant Legal Support Team was established to provide professional legal and litigation support to vulnerable migrants within the province who face difficulties accessing legal services due to language and cultural barriers, as well as limited access to information.

The Province plans to establish a systematic and reliable legal support framework by forming a pool of approximately 20 attorneys specializing in civil law including labor, family law, and administrative law including immigration.

The recruitment is open to individuals holding a license to practice law with at least two years of practical experience. Additional consideration will be given to applicants with experience handling cases involving migrants or foreign nationals, or those who have completed relevant training programs.

Selected attorneys will begin providing case support in early April following completion of a mandatory orientation program. The appointment period will run from the date of appointment through December 31, 2026.

To prevent excessive legal fees, the province plans to provide recommended fee guidelines based on case type and enhance contract transparency through the use of standard agreements. Actual legal fees will be determined through individual contracts between the client and the attorney.

Attorneys wishing to participate may download the required application documents from the Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center website (gmis.or.kr) and submit them via email by March 13. For further information, contact the Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center (+82-31-853-9347).

For migrants in need of legal assistance, the Center will provide initial consultations and case assessments to identify matters requiring legal counsel. It will then facilitate access to professional legal services and interpretation support.

Yoon Hyeon-ok, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Migrant Social Policy Division, stated, “We will provide support to ensure that migrants can have their legitimate rights protected within the institutional framework, even in the midst of legal disputes.” She added, “We look forward to the active participation of attorneys who possess both professional expertise and a strong commitment to public service.”

○ Domestic consultation sessions to be held in May; top-performing companies to be selected for overseas trade missions

Gyeonggi Province is recruiting companies to participate in the 2026 Gyeonggi Export Consultation Program through March 6 to support small and medium-sized food enterprises (SMEs) within the province seeking to expand into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) market.

The initiative is designed to facilitate the export of “K-food (Korean food)” by providing local businesses with strategic entry opportunities into three key CIS countries: Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The project will follow a staged approach divided into domestic and overseas consultation sessions. The domestic session is scheduled to take place in late May at the Novotel Ambassador Suwon City.

Approximately 60 companies will be selected to participate in the domestic session. Gyeonggi Province will invite international buyers to facilitate one-on-one business matching with local enterprises. To minimize linguistic barriers, dedicated consultation spaces and professional interpretation services will be provided. Furthermore, top-performing companies identified during the domestic sessions will be granted priority for participation in subsequent overseas consultation programs.

This initiative is expected to strengthen the export capabilities of food enterprises within the province and serve as a strategic gateway to the CIS market. By increasing the effectiveness of consultations through pre-matched buyer demand analysis and providing targeted support to export-ready companies, the Province aims to boost global recognition of Gyeonggi’s K-food products and diversify export markets.

Eligibility is limited to food SMEs with headquarters or manufacturing facilities located within Gyeonggi Province. Companies wishing to participate may apply online through the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal (www.egbiz.or.kr) by March 6. Applicants must submit required documentation, including a Certificate of SME Status, proof of export performance, and a business registration certificate. Submitting product catalogs in foreign languages is recommended, as it facilitates more effective matching with international buyers.

For further information, contact the Export Marketing Team at the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) (Phone: 031-259-6143/6145, Email: gtrade@gbsa.or.kr). Detailed project information and application procedures are available in the official announcement posted on the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal.

Park Kyung-seo, Director of the International Trade Division at Gyeonggi Province, stated, “This export consultation program will serve as a key stepping stone for K-food enterprises in the province seeking stable entry into the CIS market.” He added, “Through pre-arranged buyer matching and phased support, we will actively assist companies in achieving tangible export outcomes.”
 

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.”