A function to mark the first ‘Together Day' was held early Tuesday (May 20) to celebrate the bonds between locals and residents from overseas. The day is designed to be a cosmopolitan day, to promote understanding and social integration between people of different cultures and races living in Korea.
At the ceremony held at Olympic Park in southern Seoul, some 1,500 people showed up for the occasion, including Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han, Gender and Equality Minister Byun Do-yoon, UNHCR Representative Ms. Janice Lyn Marshall and other representatives from foreign embassies.
An awards ceremony took place to hail groups and individuals that have made contributions to migrant communities, such as eradicating prejudice and providing free medical assistance.
'In this era of globalization it's the diversity of culture that determines the strength of the nation and serves as the core of national advancement. The government will work hard to make Korea a mature, cosmopolitan country that goes hand in hand with the world,' Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, who attended together with the Justice Minister, said in his speech. 'Let locals and foreign residents in Korea work together to make Korea a global society that interacts with the world.'
A multicultural forum is to take place on Wednesday, where scholars and government officials will gather to discuss about social harmony and better immigration policy at Sookmyung Women's University.
Meanwhile, other multicultural festivals are to take place in Seoul, Busan, Jeju-do (Jeju Island) and other parts of the country simultaneously from today to May 26. Dubbed a week of ‘Togetherness,' there will be flea markets, a seminar, an opening ceremony for a marriage immigrants' rest stop, a sports competition, a Korea speaking competition and more. Also, all national museums and galleries will be open to foreigners free of charge throughout the week.
More information can be found here: http://cafe.daum.net/immigration in the ‘public notices' section, but in Korean only, and you must sign up as a café member first.