Gyeongju City to Amend Ordinance on Support for Foreign Residents... Introducing "Honorary Representatives" and Enhancing Educational Benefits

Clarifying the Definition of Foreign Residents
Support for Korean Language Education and More

Gyeongju City is moving to amend its ordinance to clarify the eligibility criteria for support for foreign residents and multicultural families, as well as to introduce incentives for completing Korean language education and establish an honorary representative system for foreign residents.

The city has prepared a partial amendment to the "Gyeongju City Ordinance on Support for Foreign Residents and Multicultural Families" and is currently proceeding with the relevant procedures.

At the 24th Global Village Festival, Mayor Jun Nakyoung of Gyeongju City (center in photo) and attendees are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Gyeongju City.

This amendment will provide a clearer definition of foreign residents.

The previous ordinance’s phrases such as “foreigners engaged in livelihood activities” and “those unfamiliar with Korean culture” will be removed, and the criteria will be clarified as foreigners residing in Gyeongju City.

The definition of multicultural families has also been adjusted to align with the higher-level “Multicultural Family Support Act,” and changes will be made to the support methods as well.

With this amendment, a legal basis will be established for providing Korean language and Korean society and culture education to foreign residents.

Foreign residents who complete the education program will be eligible to receive incentives within the scope of the city’s budget.

A new system will also be introduced to strengthen communication with foreign residents.

Gyeongju City plans to appoint up to 20 honorary representatives for foreign residents, taking into account their countries of origin.

The honorary representatives will collect opinions from the foreign resident community and serve as a bridge for their participation in city policies.

Honorary representatives will attend meetings and events hosted by the city and participate in various volunteer activities. Depending on their activities, they may also receive allowances and meeting attendance fees.

Mayor Jun Nakyoung of Gyeongju City stated, “This ordinance amendment is significant in that it clarifies the standards and procedures for supporting foreign residents, and establishes an institutional foundation for foreign residents to settle stably as members of the local community and participate in city governance.” He added, “We will steadily pursue effective foreign resident policies that reflect the voices from the field.”