Operation of "Korean Language Classes" at Two Sites in Pyeongdong Industrial Complex... Additional Recruitment Underway
Pyeongdong Business Center to Open in July... Expansion to Other Complexes Planned
On June 16, Gwangju City announced that it will operate the "Visiting Korean Language Class" for foreign workers employed at the Pyeongdong Industrial Complex until December, in order to improve accessibility to Korean language education.
The "Visiting Korean Language Class" is a program that provides Korean language education at industrial sites for foreign workers who have difficulty traveling to educational venues or lack information and have therefore been unable to study.
Previously, the city conducted a survey of demand for Korean language education among 172 businesses in the Pyeongdong Industrial Complex that employ foreign workers, and recruited workplaces that wished to receive on-site education.
As a result, the "Visiting Korean Language Class" is currently being operated at two workplaces within the Pyeongdong Industrial Complex. Starting in July, a Korean language class will be held at the Pyeongdong General Business Center for foreign workers in the complex. The class will take place on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The course is offered either as a Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) preparation class or as a practical Korean for daily life class. It is held once a week for two hours over a period of 10 weeks, scheduled to match the end of work shifts at the industrial sites.
By providing TOPIK classes, the program is expected to help foreign workers currently employed under the Employment Permit System in the non-professional employment (E-9) category transition to skilled worker (E-7) status. In order to obtain an E-7 visa, which allows for long-term residence with family, workers must hold at least a Level 2 TOPIK certificate.
The city is also accepting additional applications from businesses within the Pyeongdong Industrial Complex that wish to participate in the program. Any workplace with at least 10 foreign workers interested in the course and a classroom available can apply. Inquiries and applications can be made through the Gwangju Foreign Residents Support Center. The city plans to review the results and conditions of the program and consider expanding it to other industrial complexes in the future.
Joo Sanghyun, head of the Foreign Residents Division, said, "It is not easy for foreign workers to use public transportation to reach educational venues in an unfamiliar country, and some are unable to study Korean due to the time required to travel after work. We will strive to create more opportunities for foreign workers to receive Korean language education, starting with this program."
Meanwhile, the city is operating Korean language classes at various levels through the Gwangju Foreign Residents Support Center. Free classes are also available at the Koryoin Village and family centers in the five autonomous districts.
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