19 Assigned to Gokseong Agricultural Cooperative, 20 to Okgwa Agricultural Cooperative
MOU Signed with Laotian Government... 60 Seasonal Workers Selected This Year
Gokseong County announced that 39 Laotian "public seasonal workers" have entered the country through Incheon International Airport and have been deployed to local farms since the 24th to participate in agricultural support. Provided by Gokseong County
Gokseong County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Jo Sangrae) announced on the 24th that 39 public seasonal workers from Laos arrived in Korea on the 21st to support local farms during the busy farming season.
The workers who arrived this time were selected through on-site interviews in February, based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Gokseong County and the government of Laos. After arriving at Incheon International Airport, they underwent drug tests and health checkups for infectious and general diseases at the Gokseong County Health Center, and attended an official welcome event hosted by the county.
About 70 people attended the welcome event, including the 39 seasonal workers, Governor Jo Sangrae, Gokseong County Council Chair Kang Deokgu, county council members, the head of the Gokseong branch of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, the heads of Gokseong and Okgwa agricultural cooperatives, and others.
The seasonal workers were then assigned to Gokseong Agricultural Cooperative (19 people) and Okgwa Agricultural Cooperative (20 people). Over the two days of the 22nd and 23rd, they completed adaptation programs such as guidance on living in Korea, agricultural safety training, signing employment contracts, and opening bank accounts. Starting from the 24th, they have been dispatched to local farms to support agricultural activities.
Last year, the county also selected 30 seasonal workers from Laos and assigned them to local farms for five months from March to July. Reflecting the high satisfaction level from last year, the number of workers has been increased to a total of 60 this year.
The remaining 20 workers, who have not yet arrived, are scheduled to be assigned through Seokgok Agricultural Cooperative in early May, allowing for broader support to local farms.
A county official stated, "We have arranged for Laotian interpreters to assist the seasonal workers for two weeks to help them adapt quickly to life in Korea," and added, "We will do our best to protect their rights and support their well-being by conducting regular inspections of their accommodations and visiting their workplaces to listen to any difficulties they may have."
Meanwhile, farms wishing to utilize seasonal workers must apply in advance through Gokseong or Okgwa Agricultural Cooperative. The daily fee is 100,000 won per person, and workers will be assigned after payment is made to the respective cooperative.
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