KUALA LUMPUR - KT Corporation’s Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters and the Busan Global City Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on supporting international students and foreign residents in the city.

The agreement was signed by regional director Jeong Jae-wook and foundation chief executive Jeon Yong-woo at the foundation’s headquarters, as reported by Electronic Times.

The two organisations said the partnership aims to help international residents settle more stably and become active members of the local community.

About 22,000 international students are currently living in Busan, highlighting the growing importance of foreign talent to the city’s development.

Officials said the stable settlement of international students is essential for Busan’s ambition to grow as a global hub city.

Under the agreement, both sides will work together to develop a practical support model for international students and residents.

Their cooperation will include planning and operating environmental, social and governance (ESG) value dissemination programmes.

They will also introduce support initiatives for foreigners using KT’s brand and information and communications technology capabilities.

In addition, the partners will organise campaigns to improve community safety and convenience based on KT’s communications infrastructure.

The two organisations previously co-hosted a “Kimchi Sharing with Global International Students” event in December.

They said similar participatory programmes will be expanded to help international students understand Korean culture and connect with local communities.

Jeon said the number of international students and residents in Busan is steadily increasing.

“We will collaborate with KT to develop and implement programmes that will help them settle in better and integrate into the local community,” he said.

Jeong said international students are valuable members who will help shape Busan’s future.

“We will explore various support measures so that they can pursue their dreams in Busan as members of our society, not just foreigners,” he added.