A Beacon for Psychologically Vulnerable Marriage Migrant Women... Gwangju Dong-gu's 'Women Hope Creation Center' Draws Attention

Son Seonhwa, CEO of Pungseon Mama Story, First Case of Migrant Women Entrepreneurship 'Starting Point' Expected

'Gonggam Sudabang' Women's Capability Development Platform... Gaining Field Experience at 'Flea Market'

Dong-gu Official: "Need t

Pungseon Mama Story is participating in the 'Flea Market' promoted by Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City for women's skill development, showcasing balloon art.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Marriage migrant women experience a certain feeling when they set foot on Korean soil. They say it feels like "returning to being a baby." Everything feels unfamiliar and awkward. The biggest challenge they face in daily life is the language barrier. Because of this, they sometimes suffer from depression.

As time passes and they become accustomed to the Korean language and interact with many people, even if they succeed in initial settlement, psychological isolation may follow. This is a problem arising from a lack of social and economic activity opportunities.

For those facing many difficulties in an unfamiliar place, a project in Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City has become a beacon, fulfilling its role effectively.

It is the "Women’s Hope Creation Center," a key project of Im Taek, the mayor of Dong-gu. Dong-gu is the first female-friendly city certified nationwide by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and the Women’s Hope Creation Center serves as a hub supporting women’s activities.

The center opened in October last year to support the empowerment and social participation of diverse women, and is currently promoting projects such as ▲Dong-gu Manse Empathy Talk Caf? ▲Flea Market ▲Gender Equality Village ▲Women’s Organizations and Women-Friendly City Agenda Discovery Group.

In particular, the Empathy Talk Caf? is a Dong-gu-style women’s capacity development platform characterized by personalized incubating projects.

Through club activities, participants learn handicraft skills and create fabric products such as dolls, hats, and wallets, as well as natural fermented foods and eco-friendly detergents. Currently, it is established in 7 out of 13 neighborhoods in the district, with plans to expand further.

Among those who have gained experience and succeeded in starting a business through these various projects is Son Seon-hwa (38), CEO of Balloon Mama Story, who immigrated from China after marrying a Korean man.

CEO Son began with club activities at the "Empathy Talk Caf?," where many migrant women’s dreams are stirring.

There, she obtained a balloon art certification during a "warming-up period" and gained sales experience through the linked project “Dong-gu Manse Flea Market,” eventually succeeding in starting her own business. On the 23rd, she will open a 49㎡ balloon event store in the Chungjang-dong area.

She says she gained courage by participating in the "Flea Market," held every fourth Saturday of the month at the Sansu Culture Square in Pureun-gil Park, observing market reactions and accumulating sales experience.

The store sells various character balloons such as the Little Mermaid and unicorns, along with 100 types of supplies, and plans to expand auxiliary businesses such as Children’s Day performances and birthday party productions in cooperation with dozens of local daycare centers.

"Balloon Mama Story" was founded by CEO Son and four migrant women she met through club activities, and they are contemplating how to grow into a company that pursues social value.

CEO Son recalled, "I was attracted by the joy of creating things quickly with balloons, which led me to start club activities and eventually start a business. There were times I wanted to give up, but thanks to the generous support from local governments, I was able to come this far."

Besides CEO Son, there are other migrant women on the verge of entrepreneurship using the "Flea Market" as a stepping stone. Women’s communities in various fields such as bakery, leather crafts, and cosmetics (handmade soap) have declared their challenges.

A Dong-gu official said, "There is a need to reset the support direction for migrant women," adding, "Beyond existing administrative services focused on Korean language education and forming personal networks, specialized policies that can support advanced economic activities are necessary."

He emphasized, "There are many women entrepreneurs active in areas like Dongmyeong-dong and Chungjang-dong, and we expect projects like flea markets that utilize these local characteristics to play a crucial role as a catalyst for employment and entrepreneurship amid the employment crisis."