Sahmyook University and Gapyeong County have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote the success of the Regional Special Visa Program. The signing ceremony was held on November 5 in the small conference room at the Gapyeong County Office.

The Regional Special Visa Program, overseen by the Ministry of Justice, grants special visas (F2-R, F4-R) with relaxed residency qualifications to highly skilled foreign talents, overseas Koreans, and their families who meet specific criteria. Eligible individuals must reside in designated population-decline areas for a certain period and engage in employment or entrepreneurship.

Eligibility requirements include holding at least an associate degree from a domestic university, earning an annual income of at least 30.83 million KRW (approximately $23,000), or achieving Level 3 or higher on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Participants are required to reside in the region for a minimum of two years.

This program fosters a virtuous cycle where local businesses gain access to skilled foreign talent, and municipalities can attract new residents, making it a noteworthy strategy for addressing regional depopulation challenges.

Under the agreement, Sahmyook University and Gapyeong County will recommend international students and graduates from the university as qualified foreign talents, facilitating their employment in local companies. The two parties will also collaborate to establish support systems to help these individuals settle in the area.

Sahmyook University President Jae Hae-jong stated, “We hope our outstanding international students will contribute to revitalizing Gapyeong’s economy and become a model for contributing to Korean society. Beyond this initiative, we look forward to engaging in various collaborative projects leveraging Sahmyook’s educational infrastructure.”

Gapyeong County Mayor Seo Tae-won emphasized the significance of the partnership, saying, “While Gapyeong has a thriving tourism industry, it faces severe workforce shortages. Collaboration with Sahmyook University will greatly benefit the local economy. We will actively support international students to ensure they can settle in Gapyeong with ease.”