Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su Greets Returning Residents for the Holiday, Wishing "Everyone Happiness and Warmth"

Visit to the Yangsan Sahalin Korean Village

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, visited the Sakhalin Korean village of Yeongju Returnees in Yangsan City on the 5th.

Governor Park met with residents who returned to their homeland from Sakhalin, Russia, and exchanged holiday greetings.

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is speaking at the Sakhalin Korean Communication Meeting.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Park Jang-nyeo, Honorary President of the Sakhalin Korean Association in Yangsan City, said, "Although we left the region where we lived for decades and settled here in Yangsan, a sense of loneliness is felt in a corner of the heart around the holidays," adding, "Despite the busy schedule, the governor's visit for the Sakhalin Koreans seems to warm our hearts."

She continued, "When we returned in 2009, there were difficulties in language communication and economic challenges, but thanks to the help of local governments and volunteer organizations, things have improved a lot," and added, "We hope for continued interest so that we can adapt to life in our homeland."

Governor Park responded, "During the Lunar New Year holiday, which marks the beginning of a prosperous year, all residents should be happy and warm," and said, "We will focus all administrative efforts to closely care for every corner of Gyeongnam, including welfare blind spots, so that no neighbors are left out."

A communication meeting with Sakhalin Koreans was held at the Sakhalin Korean Center in Yangsan, Gyeongnam.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Earlier, in February 2023, Gyeongnam Province enacted the Ordinance to Support Sakhalin Korean Residents Returning to Yeongju, Gyeongnam, establishing a systematic foundation to support them.

Through this, they provide welfare benefits such as basic living allowances, hold consolation events, and operate healing programs to institutionally support Sakhalin Koreans to settle comfortably in Gyeongnam.