"Breaking Language Barriers"... Yeongju City Opens "Korean Language School" for Foreign Seasonal Workers

Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province is operating a "Korean Language School" to help foreign seasonal workers adapt to life in Korea. The program goes beyond simple language instruction and is drawing attention as a customized initiative aimed at improving communication in agricultural workplaces and supporting cultural integration.

The city announced that, starting from the 6th until the end of November, it will provide Korean language education for four months to 50 public seasonal workers from Vietnam. Classes are held flexibly for one hour between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday, after the workers have finished their daily tasks.

Yeongju City operates a Korean language school for foreign seasonal workers. Photo by Yeongju City

원본보기 아이콘

The curriculum is focused on practical skills, ranging from basic Korean to the names of agricultural machinery and crops, as well as everyday conversation. In particular, a dedicated city official who speaks Vietnamese will visit the workers' accommodations to conduct the lessons, aiming to enhance both engagement and understanding.

This program has been made possible through the voluntary participation of the workers, the cooperation of Anjeong Nonghyup, and Yeongju City's recruitment of multilingual staff. It is expected to go beyond serving as a simple means of communication, fostering greater trust between employers and employees, and having a positive impact on long-term re-entry rates.

Jung Heesu, head of Yeongju City's Agricultural Policy Division, stated, "We will continue to provide support so that foreign workers can settle stably in the local community, even within different cultures."

In addition to the Korean Language School, Yeongju City is consistently running customized programs for seasonal workers, including cultural experiences, tours of tourist attractions, and community-building events. A city official added, "The steady increase in re-entry rates among diligent workers is rooted in this on-site, field-oriented administration."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.