Iksan City Transitions to Inclusive City for Foreign Residents... 44 Policy Initiatives Finalized

Settlement Support Encompassing Daily Life, Care, and Human Rights

Iksan City held the "2026 Foreign Support Advisory Committee" on the 8th to share the achievements of last year's foreigner policies and discuss directions for accepting and settling foreigners not just as simple temporary workers but as members of the local community. Provided by Iksan City, Jeonbuk

Iksan City in Jeonbuk is taking concrete steps toward becoming a "global inclusive city" by accepting foreign residents as genuine members of the local community and supporting their settlement.

According to Iksan City on January 8, the city convened the "2026 Foreign Support Advisory Committee" on this day and reviewed and finalized 44 foreigner policy initiatives based on four major strategic directions.

As of November last year, the number of foreigners residing in Iksan totaled 7,742. Notably, more than 70% of these residents are in their 20s and 30s, making the stable settlement of young foreigners a promising new solution to revitalize the city amid a population decline crisis.

Last year, the city achieved results by securing long-term residency status for 71 individuals through the "region-specialized skilled worker visa (E-7-4R)." In addition, Wonkwang University was designated as both an "Early Adaptation Support Center for Immigrants" and a "Foreign Caregiver Training University," establishing itself as a hub for nurturing professional talent.

This year, Iksan City will focus on practical, daily-life policies that directly impact the lives of foreign residents. Major new initiatives include: ▲ childcare fee support for children aged 0 to 5 ▲ production of multilingual living guides and QR posters for foreigners ▲ introduction of honorary foreign resident representatives ▲ on-site human rights education by industrial complex ▲ development of multilingual audio guides for city tours, and more.

In particular, the city plans to enhance the quality of community integration by implementing comprehensive measures that provide cultural and emotional support for foreign workers and children, who have previously been overlooked by policy.

Choi Jaeyong, Deputy Mayor of Iksan, stated, "We will strengthen the foundation for settlement by encompassing daily life, care, and human rights so that foreign residents can establish stable roots in Iksan," adding, "We aim to create a truly inclusive city where everyone lives together in harmony."