[Herald Business=Senior Reporter Park Jong-il] Seoul’s Jung-gu district, under Acting Mayor Bae Hyung-woo, has stepped forward as a guide for foreign residents seeking to settle in the community.Since April, the district has operated the "Smart Jung-gu Life Guide" program to deliver essential everyday information in an accessible and engaging way. The initiative has received positive feedback from participants.
The classes began on April 22 and were held sequentially for Mongolian, Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese residents; 74 foreign residents participated. The sessions introduced a range of support policies and used a custom Jung-gu Life Guide video and leaflet to explain everyday information and the local rules residents must follow.
The topic that drew the most interest was waste sorting and disposal. Officials used case-centered explanations to clarify the often-complex disposal standards and procedures. An upcycling workshop using spent coffee grounds was added to make the sessions more engaging.
After the classes, participants joined plogging and an environmental campaign, cleaning neighborhood streets themselves and spending time connecting with the community.
With support from the Jung-gu Family Center and the Eurasia Cultural Center, the sessions were offered with simultaneous interpretation. Honorary foreign-resident mentors who had already settled in Jung-gu also participated, sharing practical tips and guidance on how to use local services.
Participants said, "I think I can now dispose of trash without getting confused," "I enjoyed meeting and talking with many different people," and "I feel connected as part of the community."
Jung-gu plans to continue the program in June for Japanese- and English-speaking residents. The district also intends to strengthen tailored outreach by region and nationality to support foreign residents' stable settlement.
