PHNOM PENH — Kim Kyung-hyup, Commissioner of the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA), undertook a three-day official visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from August 27 (Thursday) to August 29 (Saturday). The visit was aimed at listening firsthand to the challenges faced by the local ethnic Korean community and exploring comprehensive support measures.

This diplomatic outreach was organized on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of the Korean Association in Cambodia, providing Commissioner Kim with an opportunity to evaluate local living and working conditions on the ground.

Checking Local Community Conditions & Official Meetings

During his visit, Commissioner Kim met with key representatives of the Korean Association and the Phnom Penh Korean School to examine critical issues, including educational environments, small businesses, and corporate operations. He also exchanged views with Cambodian government officials regarding the residency and settlement conditions of Korean nationals.

Local Community Voice: "Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the fallout from online scam crimes led to a sharp decline in foreign tourists, plunging the local economy into a severe crisis," Korean community representatives explained. "While the situation has recently begun to improve—such as a 94.1% steep drop in reported scam crimes—many compatriots are still struggling to make a living."

30th Anniversary of the Korean Association in Cambodia

On Friday, August 28, Commissioner Kim attended the 30th anniversary commemorative ceremony of the Korean Association in Cambodia, held at the Oakwood Premier Hotel in Phnom Penh, where he offered words of encouragement to the diaspora.

Formed in 1997, even prior to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cambodia, the Korean Association has served as the central pillar of the local diaspora community over the past three decades.

In his congratulatory address, Commissioner Kim stated:

"It holds profound significance that our compatriots voluntarily established the association and built this community even before diplomatic ties were officially restored. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has led the Korean community in Cambodia over the past 30 years. For the next 30 years, I hope the Korean Association will go beyond acting as a reliable shield for the diaspora and serve as an even stronger bridge connecting South Korea and Cambodia."

High-Level Talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister

On the same day, Commissioner Kim held a bilateral meeting with Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, to discuss Korean residents' residency conditions and the promotion of bilateral human exchanges.

Commissioner Kim expressed gratitude for the Cambodian government's ongoing efforts to eradicate online scam crimes and requested continued attention and cooperation regarding residency qualifications and legal protections for Koreans living and economic actors operating locally. Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation in necessary areas to ensure that human exchanges between the two nations proceed smoothly and safely.

Inspection of Educational Facilities & Wrap-Up Roundtable

On Saturday, August 29, Commissioner Kim visited the Phnom Penh Korean School to inspect the educational environment. After touring the newly expanded school facilities—funded by fundraising campaigns within the diaspora—he met with school officials to verify requirements regarding educational equipment and school operations.

At a subsequent roundtable discussion with the executive members of the Korean Association in Cambodia, pressing local issues were thoroughly examined, including the economic downturn driven by declining tourism and difficulties confronting local self-employed business owners and corporate representatives.

Commissioner Kim concluded:

"Because the circumstances and required support facing each diaspora community vary by region, it is crucial to accurately grasp what is needed on the ground. We will closely review the educational, economic, and residency issues identified during this visit, reflect what the Overseas Koreans Agency can support into our policies, and actively step up to address matters requiring cooperation from relevant institutions."

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