Park Byung-kyu, Mayor of Gwangsan District, Gwangju, Shares Policies on Goryeoin Village and Fosters Friendly Cooperation in Germany

Published 27 Jul.2023 15:38(KST)

Park Byung-gyu, mayor of Gwangsan District, promoted the policy of the Korean diaspora village that embodies the values of human rights and peace in practice in Leipzig, Germany, a world-renowned human rights city, and laid the foundation for friendly cooperation to advance foreigner support policies.

Park Byung-kyu, Mayor of Gwangsan District, Gwangju, Shares Policies on Goryeoin Village and Fosters Friendly Cooperation in Germany

According to Gwangsan District on the 27th, Mayor Park participated in a delegation representing Gwangju City, led by Mayor Kang Ki-jung, embarking on a 10-night, 12-day study tour of advanced European policies starting from the 22nd, aiming to incorporate Europe’s advanced policy cases into the future blueprint of district administration and establish the foundation for sustainable Gwangsan.

In particular, on the 26th (local time), he visited Leipzig City Hall in Germany, a leading human rights city in Europe and a sister city of Gwangju, where he met with Ulrich H?ning, the deputy mayor, to discuss foreigner policies.

Leipzig, with a population of 590,000, is the largest city in Saxony and the birthplace of the 1989 Peaceful Revolution that marked the starting point of the reunification of East and West Germany. It is a city of democracy, human rights, and peace.

Since the large-scale influx of Ukrainian refugees in February last year, Leipzig has attracted attention for its swift response and special treatment in accepting refugees.

To date, it has accommodated 9,000 Ukrainian refugees and provided a total of 15 million euros (approximately 21.1 billion KRW) in support.

In this regard, Germany has accepted about one million refugees, and as of this year, federal support funds related to refugees amount to approximately 16.6 billion euros (about 23.4 trillion KRW).

As Europe’s largest economy with low unemployment rates, Germany offers stable employment opportunities and grants refugees the same responsibilities and rights as its citizens, making it the best choice for refugees.

In the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war situation, the example of Gwangsan District’s Korean diaspora village embracing displaced persons through community solidarity and practical action deeply impressed Germany, which also provides refugees with the right and environment to live with dignity.

The Korean diaspora village actively supported the Ukrainian compatriots who lost their homes due to the war.

In March last year, 82 organizations, citizens, and public officials in Gwangsan District collectively raised 100 million KRW in relief funds and delivered them to the Ukrainian embassy. Additionally, the Korean Diaspora Village Corporation raised 760 million KRW through fundraising to support 886 displaced compatriots with airfare, housing, medical expenses, Korean language education, and other necessary support for settlement and daily life in Korea.

In August last year, a shelter was established for displaced Koreans, assisting with visa acquisition procedures and health checkups after refugee entry.

Moreover, Gwangsan District actively requested the Ministry of Justice to upgrade the refugee status of Ukrainian displaced compatriots entering Gwangju through the National Multicultural City Council.

Deputy Mayor Ulrich H?ning emphasized that the community solidarity centered on the Korean diaspora village and the efforts for coexistence between natives and immigrants have significant implications for Germany’s foreigner policies.

He stated, “The number of Ukrainian refugees in Germany has exceeded one million, and local governments assigned by the central government have reached their limits in accommodating refugees, so we are considering how far we can sustain support. It is meaningful to have a place to discuss the future direction of related policies together.”

Mayor Park said, “It was impressive that Germany grants refugees the same responsibilities and rights as its citizens. Such cases will greatly help advance and develop Gwangsan District’s foreigner policies to the next level. To realize this, we will continue to promote friendly cooperation with Leipzig.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Park, along with Mayor Kang Ki-jung, toured various parts of Europe, visiting advanced policy sites such as Barcelona’s 22@ Innovation District, eco-friendly bicycle policies, and leading smart factory companies. The delegation also plans to attend the World Archery Federation General Assembly to support the successful hosting of the 2025 Gwangju World Archery Championships.