국제교류원

-  Chairman Shin Hyun-kwang and President Jung Hyun-yong meet to discuss part-time job         matching and housing infrastructure

-  Roadmap for "Stay-in-Region" talent cultivation launched to combat regional depopulation

[YEONGDONG, March 26, 2026] — U1 University (President Jung Hyun-yong) and the Yeongdong County Council (Chairman Shin Hyun-kwang) have joined forces to establish a "private-public-academic cooperation system." The partnership aims to support the stable local settlement of international students as a strategic response to regional population decline and to revitalize the local economy.

■ Building a Legal Job-Matching System for Economic Independence

 During an official meeting held on March 26, both organizations expressed a shared conviction that "economic self-sufficiency" and a "stable living environment" are essential for international students to take root as members of the local community.

The two parties agreed to push forward a "Job-Matching Support Initiative" that connects students with local businesses and the agricultural sector. The program will strictly comply with Ministry of Justice regulations, ensuring that students can engage in legal economic activities.

U1 University committed to cultivating high-quality talent through systematic Korean language education and rigorous academic management. Meanwhile, the County Council pledged to establish legal and institutional protection guidelines to resolve grievances and ensure fair treatment for international student workers in the field.

■ Securing "Stable Living Spaces" as a Key to Settlement

 The meeting also placed heavy emphasis on the fact that providing a "place to stay" is just as critical as attracting students. A primary agenda item involved utilizing regional renovation projects for vacant houses and repurposing idle public spaces to provide international students with affordable and safe housing.

"For international students to live confidently as members of our community, a comfortable home must be the priority," said Chairman Shin Hyun-kwang. "The Council will actively support the improvement of local living conditions to help the university attract and retain international talent."

■ A Virtuous Cycle: From Jobs and Housing to Local Employment

 President Jung Hyun-yong emphasized that if the university and the local community work together to provide a "Settlement Package" consisting of jobs and housing, it will lead to positive changes where excellent global talent chooses to remain in Yeongdong even after graduation.

"Building on this discussion, we will complete a practical settlement model linked to specialized local industries, such as smart farming," President Jung stated.

Following the meeting, U1 University also announced the launch of a "Register Your Address in Yeongdong" campaign for its current students at the Yeongdong Campus. By encouraging students who live in the area but are registered elsewhere to officially move their residency to Yeongdong County, the initiative aims to create a "triple-win" effect: students gain access to local welfare benefits, the university increases its contribution to the community, and Yeongdong County gains regional vitality through population growth.

2026. 03. 26.