[PINNACLE'S ITAEWON] Itaewon Global Village Center passes 15th anniversary

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Tue, December 5, 2023 | 11:27

Multicultural Community

PINNACLE'S ITAEWONItaewon Global Village Center marks 15th anniversary

Posted : 2023-07-16 05:11

Updated : 2023-07-17 11:37

Katherine Corteza, director of the Itaewon Global Village Center, right, poses with a coworker at the center in central Seoul's Hannam-dong, July 14, on the center's 15th anniversary. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar

This is the first article in the Serving Itaewon series exploring assistance-related agencies and businesses that aid the assimilation and development of migrant residents of Itaewon and surrounding communities.

By Pinnacle TheHustler

The Itaewon Global Village Center (Itaewon GVC), a vital resource for foreigners residing in Korea, has been diligently serving the international community since its establishment on July 14, 2008, having just passed its 15th anniversary.

But no celebration was held last Friday to mark the day, only a T-shirt upcycling class. Katherine Corteza, the director of the center, said it slipped everyone's minds. "We celebrated the 10-year anniversary in 2018 with a big party, but then the pandemic happened, and we've been too busy ever since," she said.

With a mission to facilitate foreigners' adjustment to life in Korea, the center has become an indispensable hub of support and guidance.

Located in the 10-floor Hannam Building to the east of Itaewon Station on Seoul Metro Line 6, the Itaewon GVC has played a significant role in assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds in navigating the intricacies of Korean society.

"Our primary objective is to ensure that foreigners feel welcome and receive the necessary support to settle comfortably in Korea," said Corteza, who came to Korea from the Philippines.

Elderly Koreans teach foreign immigrants how to prepare Korean food in a cooking class offered by Itaewon Global Village Center at Yongsan Senior Welfare Center. Courtesy of Itaewon Global Village Center

The Itaewon GVC offers a wide range of services designed to cater to the needs of the foreign community. Visitors can obtain detailed information on various aspects of living in Korea by referring to the center's comprehensive pamphlet, which covers topics such as housing, transportation, health care and education.

However, it is important to note that the center does not handle business-related matters, as these fall under the jurisdiction of the Seoul Global Center (SGC). Additionally, the center is not licensed for translation services and encourages individuals seeking translation assistance to consult qualified professionals in the field.

Itaewon Global Village Center takes people on an Eco Tour to see Haneul Park in western Seoul. / Courtesy of Itaewon Global Village Center

For individuals facing visa-related concerns, the Itaewon GVC provides general visa consultations. While the center offers guidance on common visa issues, specific cases are recommended to be directed to the national immigration contact number, 1345, for more specialized assistance.

One of the notable services offered by the Itaewon GVC is free legal consultations. Visitors can seek advice from a labor attorney or a general lawyer by sending an email. However, for those seeking immediate legal consultations, the Seoul Foreign Residence Center in southwestern Seoul's Guro District provides legal support daily, both over the phone and by appointment in person.

The center also encourages community development by offering various outreach programs. On July 18 and 25, the Itaewon GVC is looking for volunteers to help in the kitchen at Mannasem Homeless People Support Shelter near Seoul Station.

Foreign volunteers from Itaewon Global Village Center meet with elderly Koreans at a Seodaemun Senior Welfare Center in Seoul. Courtesy of Itaewon Global Village Center

It also offers special classes, such as regular cooking classes held at Yongsan Senior Welfare Center near Hannam Station. The elderly people teach the foreign participants how to prepare Korean cuisine. The classes are also held in Korean, giving a chance to practice Korean while interacting with locals. Corteza said the goal is to encourage mutual understanding. The next one will teach gujeolpan on July 25. The following day, Itaewon GVC will bring volunteers back to the senior center for English conversation sessions with the seniors.

Also on the calendar is a zero-energy building tour to Seoul Energy Dream Center in western Seoul on July 19, and a traditional medicine workshop for making Oriental medicine soap and medicine boxes at Choonwondang Museum in downtown Seoul on July 20.

For further information or assistance, visit itaewongvc.com, contact the Itaewon GVC via email at kapcorteza@yongsan.go.kr or follow @itaewongvc on Instagram.

Pinnacle TheHustler is the owner of Itaewon hip-hop hookah bar?Lit Lounge.?He is a DJ, emcee and former radio host and recording artist. Visit @lit_itaewon on Instagram or planethustle.com for more information.

jdunbar@koreatimes.co.kr