Incheon, South Korea – Incheon Metropolitan City, under the leadership of Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, actively expanded cultural understanding and community engagement by hosting a "Multicultural Family Communication and Sharing" event on June 19 at the Gyeyang-gu Family Center. This initiative, supported by Incheon City's Gender Equality Fund, brought together 30 members from multicultural families and approximately 20 members from the Incheon Women's Organization Council, totaling around 50 participants, for a heartwarming exchange beyond national borders.
The event's primary objective was to facilitate the stable settlement of multicultural families within the local community and to broaden mutual understanding and cultural consensus through interaction with women's organizations. As of November 2023, Incheon is home to 85,029 multicultural family members, accounting for 7.1% of the national total and ranking as the third-highest in South Korea. The city's 10 district family centers, including the Gyeyang-gu Family Center, offer a wide array of tailored programs, from practical Korean language education and bilingual classes to parenting support and self-help group activities, all designed to foster successful integration.
Key programs at the event included a hands-on experience of making traditional Korean dishes such as Bibimbap and Tangpyeongchae, fostering natural interaction and cultural appreciation among participants. A significant highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Incheon Women's Organization Council and the Gyeyang-gu Family Center. This agreement solidifies their commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing community integration, signaling continued joint efforts for the healthy and stable lives of multicultural families.
Participants expressed that the shared experience of preparing and enjoying traditional food provided a meaningful opportunity to connect and understand diverse cultures. The newly established partnership through the MOU underscores a collective resolve to implement practical initiatives for gender equality and to support multicultural families' well-being.
Shi Hyun-jung, Director of Incheon City's Women & Family Bureau, emphasized the profound significance of the event in helping multicultural families seamlessly integrate into their new home in Incheon. "We will continue to discover and support exchange programs that offer practical assistance, ensuring multicultural families thrive as integral members of our society," Director Shi stated. Such cultural exchange programs are vital for boosting multicultural acceptance, overcoming language and cultural barriers, and strengthening community bonds, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
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