By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Just like many foreign nationals here, Melinda Khoo had to go through a lot of difficulty during her stay in Seoul. Khoo, who came to Seoul a year ago, often had trouble involving accommodation, mobile phone purchases and other mundane things.
The Singaporean, however, now says she finds it much easier to live in Seoul thanks to the Seoul Global Center, one-stop service center for foreign residents and tourists.
``When I first came, I had to search for accommodation by myself and ended up moving five times before settling down. With the language barrier, I was not given full understanding of what the accommodation offered,'' Khoo said. ``If I had only known about the center earlier, I would have been given good advice and would not have had such experiences.''
She said she could get practical assistance from the center to find solutions to other problems foreign nationals like her frequently encounter.
The center went operational on Jan. 15 as part of efforts to develop Seoul into a global city favorable to foreign visitors and residents. It is located on the third floor of the Korea Press Foundation in Gwanghwamun (hotline number: 02-1688-0120 and Web site address: https://global.seoul.go.kr).
The main services are related to business in Korea; education and culture; support for daily life; medical referral services; support programs for foreign workers and immigrants; and online employment support.
But what foreigners like Khoo also find useful is other programs offered by the center such as free language classes where foreigners can learn Korean, as well as more about the country and culture.
``Through the program, I have met many very kind and helpful native volunteer teachers, and learning alongside many foreign residents allows me to have a more multicultural experience,'' she said.
The Korean language classes are held on three different levels ― beginners, upper beginners and intermediate.
The center also acts as a bridge between foreigners and native Seoul residents. Khoo hopes the center will allow foreign residents to contribute to society.
``Coming from a multi-cultural background like Singapore, I was extremely delighted to learn about the center. I am sure that it will make Seoul a more pleasant place for foreigners to live in and enjoy Seoul much better,'' she said.
Along with the center, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will run Global Village Centers in some of its districts where foreign nationals are concentrated in order to provide programs to support community activities.
They will be located in Yeoksam-dong, Yeonnam-dong, Hannam-dong, Itaewon-dong, Ichon-dong, and Seorae Village. The centers in Yeonnam-dong and Yeoksam-dong are already providing services.