Proposed by Councilor Hyeyoung Yoon... Institutionalizing Settlement and Rights Enhancement
Includes Korean Language Education, Employment Support, and Human Rights Programs
Provides Basis for District Mayor’s Survey and Commemorative Events
The Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju has paved the way for institutional support to help Koryoin compatriots settle in the area.
On October 23, the 'Gwangsan District Koryoin Resident Support Ordinance Bill,' sponsored by Hyeyoung Yoon, Gwangsan District Councilor (Democratic Party of Korea, representing Sinheung-dong, Usan-dong, Wolgok 1 and 2-dong, and Unnam-dong), passed the Economic and Welfare Committee during the 300th extraordinary session.
'Koryoin' refers to people and their descendants who migrated to Russia and former Soviet regions during the late Joseon Dynasty and the Japanese colonial period due to anti-Japanese independence movements and forced mobilization. Currently, about 7,000 registered Koryoin reside in Gwangsan District, and the influx of Koryoin refugees is increasing due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
The ordinance bill enables support for Korean language education, basic life adaptation training, anti-discrimination and human rights education, Koryoin cultural and sports events, employment and entrepreneurship assistance, and improvement projects for residential environments. It also provides a basis for the district mayor to conduct surveys on the status of Koryoin residents and to promote commemorative events that highlight the historical and ethnic identity of the Koryoin community.
Councilor Yoon stated, "Although Koryoin are descendants of anti-Japanese independence activists, support and recognition for them have been insufficient. I hope that embracing them as compatriots will lay the foundation for Gwangsan District to become a community of respect and harmony."
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