GUMI, South Korea – On July 4th, Gumi City successfully hosted a ‘Global Sports Festival’ at the Seonsan Youth Training Center, bringing together approximately 250 multicultural families and foreign residents. The event was organized to provide a space for communication and harmony, aiming to strengthen the bond between diverse members of the local community.
The festival featured a variety of engaging programs designed to promote teamwork and mutual understanding. Participants enjoyed diverse cultural experiences, took photos at designated zones, and participated in exciting activities such as the ‘balloon tower building’ and ‘ball rolling’ games, which encouraged cooperation among family members of different backgrounds.
Jung Chang-ho, Director of the Future Education and Care Bureau at Gumi City, expressed his hopes for the event, stating, “I hope this sports festival served as a meaningful opportunity for everyone to create precious memories and foster a deeper understanding and respect for one another's cultures.” He added, “Gumi City remains committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure that multicultural families and foreign residents can settle down stably and grow as integral members of our local community.”
Building an Inclusive City through Customized Support
Gumi City has been actively implementing a multi-stage support system to assist foreign residents and multicultural families from their initial arrival to full self-sufficiency.
These programs include:
Settlement Support: Visiting education services, customized local learning programs, and job creation projects for bilingual instructors.
Growth and Development: Language development support, educational subsidies, and career counseling to help children and adults thrive in their respective stages of life.
These efforts are part of a broader commitment by Gumi City to transform into an ‘Inclusive City’ that embraces diversity. By bridging cultural gaps through community-wide events and continuous social support, the city aims to ensure that no resident is left behind.
Nationwide, such initiatives are standard practice across South Korea. Regional Family Centers and Multicultural Family Support Centers play a crucial role by offering everything from Korean language courses and psychological counseling to translation services and emergency support via the ‘Danuri Helpline (1577-1366).’ These institutions, in collaboration with local governments like Gumi City, strive to build a society where foreign residents can adapt quickly and contribute to the economic and social vitality of the region.
As Gumi continues to expand its support infrastructure, the ‘Global Sports Festival’ stands as a testament to the city’s ongoing efforts to harmonize its increasingly diverse population, fostering a community where coexistence and mutual growth are at the heart of city development.
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