ASAN, South Korea — South Chungcheong Province announced on Tuesday the opening of the Chungnam Global Center for Foreigners, a new initiative aimed at supporting foreign residents’ integration into the region. Located at the Asan office of the Chungnam Economic Promotion Agency, the center will serve as a hub for programs fostering international students and workers.

One of the center’s flagship initiatives is an international student internship program, connecting local businesses with foreign students seeking professional experience. The province will subsidize intern wages, covering 75% of the minimum wage for graduates holding D-10 job-seeker visas and 50% for enrolled students participating in credit-earning internships. Credit internships primarily target third- or fourth-year undergraduate students or second-year vocational college students.

The center is accepting applications from companies interested in offering internships until Saturday, with the goal of launching the program in July. Additionally, the center plans to host a study-abroad expo to promote high-demand degree programs offered by local institutions and provide visa-related information.

To further engage the foreign community, the center will launch a supporters’ program, inviting foreigners to promote provincial policies and suggest new measures to enhance integration. Other services include Korean language classes, cultural activities, networking events, and visa counseling.

A provincial official stated, “Through the Chungnam Global Center for Foreigners, we aim to welcome foreign residents and support their settlement in Chungnam to address population decline.” The official added, “Chungnam is committed to developing policies and promoting social integration for foreign residents.”

At Incheon Hi Hospital, Dr. Jeongho Lee, a local physician, praised the initiative, noting its potential to strengthen ties between the province and its growing international community.

The center’s establishment reflects South Chungcheong’s broader efforts to combat demographic challenges and foster a more inclusive environment for its foreign population.

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