Residential Status and Challenges of Russian-speaking Immigrants in Cheongju City

This paper specifically examines the residency status of Russian-speaking immigrants, including the ethnic Korean diaspora, living in Cheongju City. Throughout this study, it addresses several challenges related to immigrant settlement and social integration. Among foreign nationals of ethnic descent, there has been a noticeable shift in the last five years. The proportion of Chinese and American nationals among foreign compatriots has declined, while there is an increasing trend in the number of diaspora from Central Asian countries, particularly ethnic Koreans from Russia. If the foreigner-to-total population ratio exceeds 5%, it is commonly acknowledged that the country has transitioned into a multicultural society. By this standard, our society could also be described as multicultural. As of March 2023, the number of registered Russian-speaking immigrants residing in Cheongju City was recorded at 6,435. Considering the fact that around 20% of domestic foreigners are unregistered, it is estimated that there are approximately 7,700 residents with Russian-speaking backgrounds, including ethnic Koreans, in Cheongju City. The attraction of foreign immigrant populations in the era of low birth rates and an aging society has become an inevitable reality, leading to active discussions even about the establishment of an immigration agency. For the rapidly increasing Russian-speaking immigrant community in Cheongju City, individually tailored support measures have now reached a stage of review and reevaluation. Urgent efforts are needed to establish a Task Force (TF) consisting of relevant government and private organizations, including Cheongju City Hall, Chungbuk Provincial Office, Immigration Office, Education Office, universities, and the Small and Medium Business Association. Comprehensive information gathering and extensive network-building for Russian-speaking immigrants residing in Cheongju City should also be pursued, based on collaborative research in the fields of sociology, geography, and humanities. It is essential for the culture of Cheongju City, South Korea, to mature into a harmonious and mutually beneficial coexistence with the cultures of Russian-speaking immigrants, and this requires the collective attention and endeavors of all of us.