▲ Chungnam Immigration Policy Vision Proclamation Ceremony

Chungnam Province aims to attract over 100,000 additional foreign talents within the next five years, ushering in an era of 300,000 settled foreign residents.

On the 2nd, Governor Kim Tae-heum announced the province’s immigration policy vision and practical tasks during the "Chungnam Immigration Policy Vision Proclamation Ceremony" held at the Provincial Office Arts Center.

The event, attended by approximately 700 people—including foreign workers, international students, and representatives from local businesses and universities—featured a vision video screening, the Governor’s proclamation, a commemorative performance, awards for meritorious service, and the presentation of provincial honorary citizenship cards.

During the ceremony, Governor Kim announced "Global Chungnam: Embracing the World, Leaping into the Future" as the province’s official immigration policy vision.

This vision reflects the goal of overcoming the crisis of local population extinction and driving South Korea’s future growth by expanding the recruitment of global talent.

The five major goals presented are: 1. Reaching an era of 300,000 settled foreign residents by 2030. 2. Attracting 100,000 new talents in industry, agriculture, and education. 3. Achieving 30,000 births among foreign residents. 4. Securing the No. 1 national rank in the naturalization rate of foreign residents. 5. Establishing the nation’s first AI-based comprehensive administrative system for immigrants.

The five implementation strategies include: "Cities that Work, People who Stay," "Homes Shared Together, Lives Grown Together," "Safety as the Basis, Respect as the Culture," "AI Assists, Administration Solves," and "Chungnam Selects, the World Arrives."

To support these strategies, 16 key tasks were outlined, including: △Establishing global talent routes linked to overseas vocational training. △Expanding the recruitment of international students specialized in STEM fields. △Operating long-term training programs linked with Chungnam-based companies. △Installing a One-Stop Center for Naturalization and Settlement. △Building hubs for foreign family care and education. △Providing financial support for asset formation. △Supporting local exchange and cultural activities. △Operating special support programs for overseas Koreans residing in the country. △Implementing a Foreign Resident Human Rights Ombudsman system.

Further tasks include building an AI-based stay and settlement data system, creating a Chungnam Foreign Resident AI Chatbot, developing integrated education apps using AI, establishing cooperation lines with international organizations and foreign governments, institutionalizing a Chungnam-style regional visa, and attracting the Immigration Agency while upgrading the Chungnam Immigration Office.

Specific detailed projects involve: △Establishing a Global Skilled Manpower Training Center. △Providing settlement and living support for international students. △Offering integrated care services, including childcare subsidies for foreign children. △Supporting community groups, such as foreign parent-teacher associations. △Providing investigation, mediation, and relief for human rights violations like unfair dismissal or discrimination. △Developing and providing industrial safety educational content.

A total budget of 60 billion KRW has been allocated over the next five years to realize this vision.

Governor Kim Tae-heum noted, "Until now, Korea's immigration policies have largely produced foreign workers and students who stay only briefly, failing to create the conditions for them to achieve the 'Korean Dream.' Due to fragmented policies, systems that do not reflect regional characteristics, and limited local authority, it has been difficult for foreigners to stay in our regions long-term."

He emphasized, "Chungnam will strongly demand improvements to the current system from the central government, while leading regional-centered immigration policies aimed at long-term residency and naturalization."

We will create a 'Global Chungnam' through multifaceted efforts such as the introduction of a Chungnam-type regional visa, attracting the Immigration Agency, upgrading the Cheonan Immigration Office, and the 'Nationality Dream Project,' Governor Kim added. "We will create an environment where you can learn, work, and live as true members of Korean society."

According to foreign resident statistics (as of Nov 1, 2024), the number of foreign residents in the province stands at 169,245—the third-highest in the country.

Department in Charge: Immigration Policy Division, Foreigner Support Team

Phone Number: 041-635-4992