Group Photo of the Leadership and Settlement Support Camp for Koryoin Youth Residing in Korea in Collaboration with the Overseas Koreans Agency

Incheon National University (President: In-jae Lee) announced on the 3rd that its RISE Project Group successfully held the “Leadership and Settlement Support Camp for Koryoin Youth Residing in Korea in Collaboration with the Overseas Koreans Agency.” The two-day, one-night program took place across Incheon from February 26 to 27, with the participation of about 40 Koryoin youths currently residing in Korea, and was organized jointly with the Overseas Koreans Agency (Commissioner: Gyeong-hyeop Kim).

The camp was planned as part of the [Sub-project 4-③] “Settlement Support for International Students in Collaboration with the Overseas Koreans Agency” under the Regional Innovation System & Education (i-RISE) initiative. In particular, the event involved collaboration among the INU RISE Project Group, the Settlement Support Division for Returning Overseas Koreans of the Overseas Koreans Agency, and the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Division of Incheon Metropolitan City, making it a meaningful example of close cooperation among a central government agency, a local government, and a regional university to cultivate locally rooted talent.

President In-jae Lee of Incheon National University stated, “It is very meaningful that our university can serve as a strong bridge through the RISE framework, working with the government and local authorities to help young overseas Koreans firmly establish roots in local communities.” He added, “We will continue to provide full support so that talented overseas Korean youths can use Incheon as a platform to grow into global leaders and settle successfully.”

The camp was designed not merely as a cultural experience but as a comprehensive settlement support program covering understanding the past (the migration history of Koryoin), career planning, and network building. On the first day, participants visited Incheon National University and attended career and employment lectures as well as an information session on programs for attracting and supporting overseas Korean talent, providing practical academic and career guidance. On the second day, with support from the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Division of Incheon Metropolitan City, participants visited the Museum of Korean Immigration History and the Open Port Cultural District, deepening their understanding of Korea’s migration history and strengthening their sense of Korean identity.

Notably, the event has been recognized as an exemplary case in which a program proposed directly by Koryoin youths during a diaspora meeting in February was promptly translated into policy through the RISE initiative. Participants were able to address practical concerns related to employment and career paths while also forming a strong social network among young people residing in Korea.

Kyu-won Kim, Head of the INU RISE Project Group, emphasized that “this camp represents a key outcome of collaboration among Incheon National University, the Overseas Koreans Agency, and Incheon Metropolitan City, combining their respective infrastructure and administrative capacities.” He added, “Based on this successful example reflecting voices from the field, we will continue to enhance RISE settlement support programs so that returning overseas Korean youths and international students can confidently establish themselves as key members of the local community.”