From Dormitories for Foreign Workers to Korean Language Education and Human Rights Protection
The foreign agricultural worker policy promoted by County Governor Kim Dongon of Cheongyang County, Chungnam, is gaining attention as a model case for solving the rural labor shortage. This policy has become a hidden driving force behind resolving the agricultural workforce crisis in the region.
According to the county on August 5, Cheongyang was the first in Chungnam to construct dedicated dormitories for agricultural workers, significantly improving the poor living conditions of foreign laborers.
The dormitory in Cheongnam-myeon, which opened in April, is a state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate up to 36 people. It is equipped with individual bathrooms, heating and cooling systems, as well as shared kitchens and laundry rooms, greatly enhancing the quality of life for workers.
In particular, the operation of the dormitory was entrusted to Jeongsan Nonghyup to ensure professionalism and efficiency. The agricultural cooperative actively adopted the "public seasonal labor program," in which Nonghyup hires foreign workers and matches them with farms on a daily basis.
The county also eased the burden on farms by providing support for labor cost losses caused by reduced working days during the rainy season and other periods.
As a result, the number of foreign workers in the county surged from 209 in 2023 to 513 as of August 2025, and it is expected to exceed 700 by the end of the year.
Governor Kim has also taken the lead in protecting the human rights of foreign workers. The county provides free dermatology care, tuberculosis screenings, and conducts on-site human rights inspections. In cooperation with the Cheongnam-myeon Residents' Autonomy Committee, a Korean language education program is being operated within the dormitory.
This program is held every Monday evening for two hours, focusing on practical conversation to facilitate smooth communication between farms and workers.
Governor Kim stated, "The rural labor shortage is not simply a matter of filling positions; it is about creating an environment where workers and farms can grow together." He added, "We will continue to do our best to ensure that foreign workers can work in a safe and respectful environment."
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