The dormitory, pioneered by Hamyang County earlier this year, is the first of its kind in South Korea for foreign seasonal workers. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
HAMYANG, Aug. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – For A, a 31-year-old Vietnamese worker, home in South Korea is a dormitory that defies expectations.
Arriving in March with 35 colleagues under a seasonal worker agreement between Hamyang County and Vietnam’s Nam Tra My district, A initially harbored concerns about potentially harsh working conditions.
Those worries have since dissipated.
“When I first came, I had many concerns,” A said. “Now, life in Korea feels like a dream.”
The dormitory, pioneered by Hamyang County earlier this year, is the first of its kind in South Korea for foreign seasonal workers.
The three-story, 752-square-meter facility can accommodate 42 people in 19 rooms designed for two to four occupants. It features a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and an administrative office.
During the current heatwave, A and his colleagues work from 5 a.m. to noon, returning to the dormitory for meals. Transportation to and from work sites is provided by bus, and workers have ample free time for leisure activities.
“The facilities are very clean and comfortable, and living with colleagues like family reduces loneliness,” A explained.
He appreciates the opportunity to explore nearby areas and even took a trip to Seoul, arranged by the county.
A Hamyang County official stated, “We built the seasonal worker dormitory to provide more systematic and rapid agricultural labor to farms in need.” (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The dormitory costs workers a modest 200,000 won per month. Each room is equipped with beds, air conditioning, and refrigerators.
A support center is available for workers facing difficulties.
B, a 41-year-old colleague of A, highlighted the freedom and comfort of the living arrangement.
“We can eat whenever we’re hungry in the fully-equipped dining hall,” he said.
“It’s also advantageous that we can easily use hospitals when we’re unwell, and living as a group allows for a regular lifestyle.”
This initiative represents a symbiotic approach: local governments can manage labor resources and provide tailored support to farms in need, while seasonal workers enjoy comfortable living conditions.
The success of Hamyang’s model has inspired similar projects across the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has allocated 17 billion won this year to establish similar dormitories in ten locations, including Haenam County in South Jeolla Province.
The ministry plans to select additional sites next year, with 24-25 billion won in additional support planned through 2027.
A Hamyang County official stated, “We built the seasonal worker dormitory to provide more systematic and rapid agricultural labor to farms in need.”
The official emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure workers’ comfort and foster positive impressions of Korea.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
