Gwangsan Police Station in Gwangju, Protecting Socially Vulnerable Groups Including Foreign Students

On the 25th, the Gwangsan Police Station in Gwangju is conducting stalking crime prevention education for international students attending Honam University. Photo by Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Junho] The Women and Youth Division of Gwangsan Police Station in Gwangju announced on the 27th that it recently conducted stalking crime prevention education and promotional activities targeting foreign international students.

This activity took place on the 25th at Honam University Building 9, aiming to raise awareness of the need for tailored information support regarding stalking crimes and procedures for multicultural families and foreign international students, as the Stalking Punishment Act has been in effect for seven months and the recognition that stalking is a crime has spread.

Currently, about 1,800 foreign students are studying at universities located in Gwangsan District, including Honam University, Gwangju Women's University, and Nambu University.

International students are not familiar with Korean culture and language, which limits communication and increases their risk of exposure to crime; however, they are relatively vulnerable in terms of information on crime types, investigation procedures, and victim protection and support.

Accordingly, since April, the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency and Gwangsan Police Station's Foreign Affairs Division have collaborated to produce translated guidebooks in four languages: Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, and English. These were well received by international students during Honam University's summer semester orientation, enhancing understanding, participation, and satisfaction.

The translated guidebooks are currently also available at 13 local police substations and patrol offices, expected to assist in reporting processes and consultations with visitors.

Additionally, the materials have been posted in over 20 multicultural family and international student communities to conduct thorough promotional activities.

Choi Byung-gil, head of the Women and Youth Division, stated, “Gwangsan Police Station will do its utmost to prevent crimes such as stalking and dating violence and to protect socially vulnerable groups including multicultural families and international students, as well as women.”