Global Economic Times

Commissioner of Overseas Koreans Agency Visits Koryo-in Community in Incheon to Discuss Support for Settlement: KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2026-02-06 02:25:12

On February 5, the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA), led by Commissioner Kim Kyung-hyup, held an on-site meeting at the Association of Koryo-ins in Korea office located in Hambak Village, Incheon. The meeting aimed to listen directly to the challenges and suggestions of Koryo-in (ethnic Koreans from post-Soviet states) residing in South Korea. This session was organized to reflect the practical difficulties of domestic residents into policy and to fulfill government objectives, specifically enhancing the safety and convenience of overseas Koreans and strengthening support for those staying within the country.

Following a previous meeting with ethnic Koreans from China on January 29, this event was part of a series of communication efforts designed to hear firsthand about the issues encountered during the residency and settlement process.

The meeting was attended by Koryo-in representatives from the Incheon area, officials from support organizations, and a diverse group of participants, including students, young adults, and teachers. Participants raised a wide range of practical difficulties concerning local settlement, such as:

Difficulties in residency status and administrative procedures
Burden of housing and initial living expenses
Challenges in children's education and language adaptation
The need for employment and vocational training links

Recognizing that overseas Korean policies have historically focused on supporting those living abroad, the OKA established the "Returning Koreans Settlement Support Division" in January 2026. This division is dedicated to supporting the settlement of Koreans who have returned to or are staying in South Korea. Through this, the agency is gradually building a comprehensive support system that links residency, daily life, education, employment, and local integration.

"Through meetings with both Chinese-Koreans and Koryo-ins, we have confirmed that domestic residents commonly face hardships regarding language, employment, and the settlement process," said Commissioner Kim Kyung-hyup. "The government feels a deep sense of responsibility toward the reality where Koryo-in youth cannot fully demonstrate their capabilities due to language barriers and a lack of information, and we will work to resolve these issues."

The Commissioner also outlined specific support directions, including:

Linking customized Korean language and basic competency training for Koryo-in youth.
Supporting talent development that connects academic and vocational education to employment.
Strengthening settlement support through cooperation with local governments and relevant ministries.
The Overseas Koreans Agency plans to hold a subsequent meeting for the Koryo-in community in Gwangju following the Incheon session. The agency intends to continuously strengthen cooperation with relevant ministries and local governments to ensure that these voices from the field lead to actual policy improvements.