Lee Sung-hun, the head of Seodaemun District Office, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office, Dec. 27, 2024. Courtesy of Seodaemun District Office

Seodaemun District in Seoul, a hub for international students with nine universities within its jurisdiction, is ramping up efforts to support foreign residents and multicultural families as part of its community integration strategy, according to the head of the district office.

"Approximately 15,000 foreign residents live in the district, and around 12,000 of them are international students," Lee Sung-hun, the head of Seodaemun District Office, said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.

"When foreign nationals, including international students, enter Korea, they face numerous complicated administrative processes, which often cause significant hardships."

To ease this burden, the district has introduced streamlined services to help international students and long-term foreign residents within the district better navigate the often-daunting paperwork required for their stay.

The system simplifies the preparation of necessary documents, making the process more efficient and accessible.

In addition, the district plans to establish a shared office space where international students can study and work, further supporting their integration and productivity.

The district is also preparing to launch a new service to assist foreign residents, particularly international students, in navigating Korea's real estate market. The service is expected to provide essential information on housing options and guide users through the rental process, helping them avoid potential disadvantages due to a lack of knowledge.

"Among international students, many graduate students are married and have families," Lee said. "Their biggest challenge is finding suitable housing, as universities often lack sufficient dormitories, and the available accommodations are not designed to support families."

The service will offer tailored support, including recommendations on locations and practical tips when looking for suitable housing.

Participants march in a parade showcasing traditional Korean music during the Sinchon World Youth Festival, Sept. 29, 2024. Courtesy of Seodaemun District Office

In addition to practical support for daily living, Seodaemun District Office has launched a cultural initiative to foster community integration between local residents, international students and foreign visitors.

The program, named the Sinchon World Youth Festival, aims to create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates diversity within the district.

The inaugural event, held in 2023, attracted approximately 530,000 visitors. Last year's event, which ran from Sept. 27 to 29, saw a 59 percent increase in participation, drawing about 760,000 visitors over three days.

The festival featured parades, international food markets, cooking contests and cultural and tourism-themed booths, offering a vibrant showcase of global traditions.

"I hope this event serves as a platform for both Koreans and non-Koreans — whether residents, visitors or students — to connect, communicate and build friendships," Lee said.

Visitors enjoy the view of the waterfall at Cafe Pokpo, located along Hongje Stream in Seodaemun District. Courtesy of Seodaemun District Office

He also highlighted that the district has several popular destinations that draw both residents and tourists.

Cafe Pokpo is one emerging standout attraction. Known for its unique setting that offers views of a waterfall within the bustling city, the coffee shop has become a global hotspot, attracting 1.5 million visitors to date.

Nearly half of these visitors are international tourists visiting from more than 31 countries.

"In Dubai, taking photos at Cafe Pokpo has become a must-do activity for those visiting Korea," Lee said.

To enhance the experience for international visitors, the district has established a tourist information center to provide language assistance and support. Measures have also been introduced to make ordering coffee and purchasing items more convenient, along with a tourist booth offering comprehensive information about attractions across the district.

Furthermore, the district office plans to transform a building adjacent to Cafe Pokpo into a cultural center where visitors can immerse themselves in diverse cultural programs.

"The space will feature a gift shop on the first floor and areas on the second floor dedicated to interactive programs showcasing Korean culture, providing visitors with an immersive cultural experience," Lee said.

Lee Sung-hun, right, the head of Seodaemun District Office, walks with residents along a red clay trail. Courtesy of Seodaemun District Office

Another popular attraction in the district is the Ansan Red Clay Trail, a 550-meter-long walking path designed to offer a unique and restorative experience for visitors.

The trail is equipped with foot-washing facilities, rest areas, a red clay footbath and massage balls, providing a soothing environment for those seeking relaxation.

Last June, the district expanded its offerings by opening an 800-meter section of the trails in Cheonnyeon-dong. The new trail has already attracted over 96,000 visitors in just six months since its launch, underscoring its growing popularity as a recreational spot.

Pedestrians stroll along Yonsei-ro in the Sinchon area, Feb. 20, 2023. Korea Times file

Lee also expressed optimism about the Yonsei-ro area in Sinchon, Seoul's first car-free street. However, private vehicles were allowed back on the street as of Jan. 1.

"I've been working hard to reinstate private vehicles on the street since I took office as head of the district office in July 2022," he said.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government had originally designated the area as a "public transportation zone" in 2014 under former Mayor Park Won-soon to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment.

However, local shopkeepers and residents argued that the car-free policy negatively impacted the local economy, particularly in the commercial district of Sinchon, which has struggled to recover since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to calls for the policy's repeal.

"Allowing cars to pass through the area will help revitalize the commercial district around Sinchon," Lee said.

Looking ahead, Lee expressed his determination to achieve the district's goals in the coming year.

"There are many initiatives we've been working on to improve residents' lives, and I hope this year will be one where these projects are completed and show tangible results," he said.