The Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) has announced a budget proposal of 136.9 billion won (approximately $100 million) for next year, marking a 21.4% increase from this year’s 112.7 billion won. This 24.2 billion won surge is the largest annual jump since the agency’s establishment in 2023. Grounded in direct feedback from global Korean communities and presidential overseas tours, the expanded budget targets several core areas: next-generation identity education, expat network support, digital infrastructure development, support for historically displaced Koreans, and expanded services for domestic ethnic Koreans.

The proposal will now undergo review and final approval by the National Assembly.

Expanding Hangul School Support and Boosting Government Subsidies

One of the most notable features of the new budget is the reinforced support for Hangul (Korean language) schools, a long-standing request from overseas Korean communities. The budget for Hangul school operations will rise by 30.3% (6 billion won), moving from 19.5 billion won to 25.5 billion won.

With this increase, the government's average subsidy rate for the 1,472 registered Hangul schools worldwide will climb from the current 26% to around 30%. The OKA has stated its long-term objective is to gradually raise the government support rate up to 50%.

Financial backing for global Korean associations and cultural community centers is also set to grow. Funding for the activation of overseas Korean associations will increase by 42.3% to 4.5 billion won, while subsidies for constructing and maintaining overseas Korean cultural centers will double to 1.2 billion won. Additionally, the budget for the Global Korean Association Presidents Conference will see a 38.3% increase to 1.8 billion won, paving the way for more localized regional gatherings that reflect specific country characteristics.

Launching a Digital Integrated Platform and Modernizing Administrative Services

To address the fragmentation of services and communication channels for diaspora members, the agency has allocated 34 billion won to build a new "Overseas Koreans Digital Integrated Platform."

This unified online hub will combine consular civil petitions, policy information, two-way communication tools, and community networking features, allowing overseas Koreans to seamlessly access government services and information.

Furthermore, 4.4 billion won has been earmarked to replace outdated information infrastructure for the G4K (Global Government for Koreans) system, which handles vital consular tasks such as passport issuance, visas, and overseas voting. Reflecting an emphasis on direct communication, the budget for hosting overseas Korean town-hall style meetings and discussions will jump by 229.5% to 5.9 billion won.

Strengthening Support for Historically Displaced Koreans

The agency is significantly ramping up its commitments to historically displaced diaspora groups, focusing both on modern welfare and historical preservation.

Sakhalin Koreans: The budget for the permanent return and settlement support of Sakhalin Koreans will surge by 74.4% (5.8 billion won) to 13.6 billion won. This expansion follows legislative revisions in 2024 and 2026 that broadened eligibility criteria. The OKA aims to facilitate the repatriation of all Sakhalin Koreans who wish to return to their homeland within the current administration's term.
Koryo-in (Ethnic Koreans in Central Asia): Marking the 90th anniversary of the forced deportation of Koryo-in, the agency is expanding historical commemoration projects. The budget for establishing the Koryo-in History Museum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will increase by 239.7% to 8.6 billion won. Additionally, 1.2 billion won has been newly allocated for commemorative events observing 90 years of Koryo-in settlement in Central Asia.

Comprehensive Surveys and Youth Internship Programs for Domestic Ethnic Koreans

Expanding its administrative scope beyond overseas populations, the OKA is shifting attention toward ethnic Koreans residing inside South Korea, whose numbers are estimated at approximately 860,000.

For the first time, the agency will conduct a comprehensive official survey on domestic foreign-nationality ethnic Koreans, setting aside 700 million won for the initiative.

Moreover, a new 300 million won internship program will be launched to connect overseas ethnic Korean youth with South Korean corporations. This project aims to provide young diaspora professionals with practical work experience in domestic companies, ultimately bridging them into long-term career opportunities in Korea.

Reflecting Grassroots Demands in State Policy

OKA Commissioner Kim Kyung-hyeup emphasized that the defining trait of the 2027 budget is its direct alignment with the needs expressed by diaspora communities on the ground. From educational environments in community language schools and digital administrative platforms to the repatriation of historical diaspora groups and career pathways for young expats, the agency intends to ensure that overseas Koreans feel tangible improvements in their daily lives.

As the budget moves to the National Assembly for final deliberation, the agency’s ambitious financial plan signals a broader evolution in South Korea's diaspora policy—one that connects traditional overseas networking with institutional modernization and domestic integration.

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