(C) Overseas Koreans Agency

Koryoin (ethnic Koreans from the former Soviet Union) youth residing both in Korea and abroad are participating in a vocational training program to develop their professional skills in their motherland, the Republic of Korea.

The Overseas Koreans Agency (Commissioner Kim Kyeong-hyup) is conducting a vocational training program for 40 Koryoin youth (27 from overseas and 13 residing domestically) from Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) region from January 5 to January 30.

The training is being held for participants selected through an open recruitment process, with the Korea Hotel & Tourism Education Foundation serving as the training institution.

Participants were selected from countries including Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. They will complete approximately 120 hours of practical training in fields such as Korean cuisine and baking, along with 80 hours of online and offline Korean language education.

During the program, participants will receive field-oriented hotel service training, including food and beverage service practice at a hotel operated by the foundation. They will also participate in traditional food culture programs, such as making distilled spirits and experiencing tea ceremonies. The itinerary also includes historical and cultural tours to sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bulguksa Temple.

This initiative aims to increase the economic self-reliance of Koryoin youth and strengthen their sense of solidarity with their motherland. It is the second tailored program for Koryoin youth, following the industrial training in coding and industrial design conducted in June 2025.

The opening ceremony took place on January 5 at the Korea Hotel & Tourism Education Foundation, attended by Chairman Yuk Kwang-sim, Dean Lee Won-young, and Lee Kyu-hyun, Director of the Asia and Russia Overseas Koreans Division of the Overseas Koreans Agency.

Dean Lee Won-young stated, "Food is a vessel that carries culture; it has the power to connect people across borders and will serve as an asset to promote Korea in your home countries." He added, "I hope that through this one-month intensive training, the trainees will gain confidence and that this becomes a valuable time that stays with you for a lifetime."

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