Fifty-six overseas Korean youths from 17 countries around the world are exploring paths to employment and entrepreneurship in Korea in Incheon Songdo. The Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA, Commissioner Kim Kyung-hyup) opened the 2026 Next-Generation Overseas Koreans Homeland Invitation Program (Youth Session 4 — Career and Start-up Planning Program) on the 14th at the Central Park Hotel in Songdo, Incheon, launching a four-night, five-day schedule.
 [코리안투데이] 재외동포 청년 56명 한국에서 취업 창업의 길 찾는다 © 장형임 기자 |
The program brought together overseas Korean youths who grew up in various parts of the world to give concrete shape to their career plans in their homeland. Depending on their aspirations, participants were divided into an employment track of 34 people and a start-up track of 22 people, each taking part in programs tailored to their field.
The program begins with individual career counseling, followed by conversations with senior overseas Koreans who have settled in Korea and visits to promising start-ups and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA). Participants observe Korea’s employment and start-up environment firsthand and refine their own plans.
 [코리안투데이] 재외동포 청년 56명 한국에서 취업 창업의 길 찾는다 © 장형임 기자 |
On the final day, the 18th, an Employment and Start-up Track Outstanding Outcome Presentation will be held. Participants will present the employment and start-up plans they developed during the program and share their ideas with one another.
 [코리안투데이] 재외동포 청년 56명 한국에서 취업 창업의 길 찾는다 © 장형임 기자 |
A distinctive feature of this program is that it does not end as a one-off event but is directly linked to policies supporting employment and entrepreneurship for young overseas Koreans. The OKA plans to review the policy questions raised by participants and the difficulties they encounter on the ground, and to use them in improving related policies going forward. Even after the program ends, exchange and mentoring will continue so that participants can stay connected with one another and receive the help they need.
This is significant in that it helps overseas Korean youths build a foundation for settlement while maintaining an ongoing relationship with their homeland. It is seen as addressing the lack of information about Korea’s unfamiliar labor and start-up environment, while opening a channel that can lead to actual policy improvements.
 [코리안투데이] 재외동포 청년 56명 한국에서 취업 창업의 길 찾는다 © 장형임 기자 |
OKA Commissioner Kim Kyung-hyup said, ‘The overseas Korean youths returning to their homeland are a precious asset who will make the Korean economy even greater,’ adding, ‘I hope this program becomes an opportunity for each of them to confirm their potential and take on new challenges.’
지역 홍보대사 신청 기자양성과정 신청 코리안투데이 지부장 신청 코리안투데이 인천강화코리안브랜드대상 신청 최고경영인대상 신청 소비자만족도대상 신청
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