Gwangyang-si Takes Steps to Develop Plans for Becoming a Foreign-Friendly City

Meeting Held Between Local Foreign-Related Private Organizations and Institutions

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Gwangyang City held a "Meeting with Local Foreign-Related Private Organizations and Institutions" on June 18 to discuss measures for creating a foreigner-friendly city.

The meeting was attended by 12 people, including representatives from foreign-related private organizations and institutions and city officials. They explained the projects being promoted in each foreigner-friendly city sector and listened to participants' opinions and suggestions.

The sector-specific projects include △foreign language infrastructure △living support programs △social integration programs △volunteer participation opportunities △improvement of civic awareness, totaling five areas.

According to immigration statistics from the Ministry of Justice, the current number of foreigners is 1,687 (as of March 2020), due to the expansion of international exchange cities, various international events, and the increase of multicultural families and foreign-employed workers, but related policies are insufficient.

Accordingly, by reflecting various opinions, the city plans to promote foreigner-friendly city projects to enhance the convenience of resident foreigners and create an attractive global environment that can contribute to the influx of foreign tourists and young populations.

Jang Min-seok, Director of the Steel Port Division, said, “Currently, 1,687 foreigners from a total of 42 countries are registered in our city. In particular, multicultural families and foreign workers play an important role in Gwangyang City's economy,” adding, “We will make greater efforts to create a city where foreigners can live comfortably by collecting a wide range of opinions through this meeting.”

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