(C) The Korea Times
1. 'Family Counseling Hotline' Records 96.87 Satisfaction Score… Proves Emotional Support Efficacy
The 'Family Counseling & Information Hotline,' which assists marriage immigrants and multicultural families with psychological stability and information, achieved a record-high satisfaction score of 96.87 this year. The counseling service, which has been expanded to the general public, received high marks for resolving language barriers and mediating conflicts. The government plans to increase counseling staff and strengthen the 24-hour response system next year.
2. Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education Implements 'Korean Language Pre-completion System'
To help students from immigrant backgrounds adapt to public education, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education introduced the 'Korean Language Pre-completion System' and an integrated multicultural education model this December. This system, which allows students to learn Korean at regional hubs such as the Pocheon Gyeonggi Korean Language School before being placed in general schools, is expected to reduce learning gaps and accelerate classroom integration.
3. Gyeongsang National University Delivers 'Christmas Scholarships' to Multicultural Students
On the 22nd, the Jowoo-dong Scholarship Foundation of Gyeongsang National University awarded 3 million KRW each to 28 students from multicultural families, totaling 84 million KRW. The university stated that it plans to establish a regular scholarship system beyond one-time support to ensure that university students from immigrant backgrounds can focus on their studies despite economic difficulties.
4. Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to Strengthen Self-Reliance Support via '2025 Multicultural Family Participation Meeting'
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family held the '2025 Multicultural Family Participation Meeting' at the Seoul Government Complex and decided to shift its policy direction from 'simple settlement support' to 'social self-reliance and capacity building.' Discussions focused on expanding career support for youth from immigrant backgrounds and professional job training for marriage immigrants, solidifying a governance structure that reflects the direct voices of policy users.
5. 50 Million KRW Donated for Future Generations of Korea-Vietnam Multicultural Families
As part of the Korea-Vietnam diplomatic anniversary and multicultural family support, private companies and organizations collaborated to donate 50 million KRW in scholarships for children of Korea-Vietnam families. The funds will be used for bilingual education and cultural heritage programs for children of Vietnamese descent, serving as a model for private-sector public diplomacy.
6. National Assembly Holds Forum on 'Guaranteeing Educational Rights in Multicultural-Dense Schools'
A forum for improving multicultural-dense schools, co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and key National Assembly offices, was held on the 22nd. Experts emphasized the urgency of increasing budget support and deploying specialized multicultural teachers to schools with high proportions of immigrant students. Legislative supplements were proposed to resolve 'reverse discrimination' controversies and create a coexistent educational environment for all students.
7. Yeongdeok-gun Family Center Successfully Concludes 'Direct Bilingual Learning' Program
The Yeongdeok-gun Family Center in Gyeongbuk concluded its 10-month 'Direct Bilingual Learning' program, which began in March. The 34 participating children improved their proficiency in both their parents' native language and Korean, contributing to their identity formation. At the presentation ceremony, children showcased their bicultural strengths by announcing their dreams in two languages.
8. Foreign Workers Surpass 1.1 Million… Results of Employment Policy Survey Released
According to the government's '2025 Immigrant Residence and Employment Survey,' the number of foreign workers in Korea has exceeded 1.1 million. While the proportion of international students jumped by 70% year-on-year due to interest in Korean culture, workplace injuries among wage earners remain a challenge. The government announced stricter labor inspection measures, including the mandatory installation of safety devices and the use of protective gear.
9. 'Mobile Foreigner Registration Cards' Expand… Enhancing Digital Administrative Convenience
The mobile foreigner registration card, introduced earlier this year, is evaluated to have successfully settled into the banking and public sectors. Starting in December, the number of countries eligible for automated immigration gates expanded to 18, drastically improving foreigners' mobility and administrative accessibility. The Ministry of Justice emphasized that a 'digital-based settlement environment' is key to attracting top foreign talent.
10. Gyeongbuk Province Hosts 20th Anniversary Forum on Multicultural Policy… Seeking a 'Resident Ecosystem'
Gyeongsangbuk-do held a performance forum to mark the 20th anniversary of its multicultural policies. Reflecting on the tailored policies introduced proactively since 2006, the province decided to focus on building a 'resident ecosystem for youth from immigrant backgrounds' linked to local industries. The plan aims to help multicultural families become core members of local communities in areas facing population extinction.
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