Cheongyang County and Woosong Information College Sign Agreement for Korean Language Education for Foreign Workers

Joining Forces to Solve Labor Shortages and Support Local Settlement
Full-Scale Launch of Customized Education and Employment Linkage Programs

Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province is launching Korean language education programs for foreign workers to address labor shortages faced by local businesses and to support the settlement of foreign residents.

On August 1, the county announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding for supporting foreign workers with Woosong Information College (President Son Donghyun) on July 31.

This agreement was promoted as a collaboration between the local government and academia to resolve the chronic labor shortages experienced by businesses in the Cheongyang area, to improve the working environment for foreign workers, and to help them settle in the local community.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will implement projects such as: operating customized education programs for foreign workers; establishing Korean language courses; and designing training programs based on industry demand and connecting them to employment opportunities.

Woosong Information College, commissioned by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, will operate a 12-week Korean language education program for foreign workers.

This program is expected to lower language barriers for foreign workers in the region and contribute to their stable settlement.

Since last year, the county has been continuously gathering feedback on labor supply difficulties at business sites and is also preparing measures to promote business relocation through consulting from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Additionally, earlier this year, the county appointed a foreign resident counselor and has been implementing various settlement support policies, including providing education for both foreign workers and HR managers at local companies.

Vice Governor Yoon Yeogwon stated, "Through this agreement, we plan to further strengthen collaboration between the local government and academia, beginning with Korean language education for foreign workers," adding, "We will continue to cooperate with Woosong Information College to foster local talent and promote lifelong education."