Busan is good

BFIA is happy to assist foreigners

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Housed on the first floor of Busan City Hall since February 2006, the Busan Foundation for International Activities, or BFIA, is an organization that provides a variety of services and information to Busan-based foreigners.

'The BFIA is your companion while you live in Busan.'

The BFIA runs a series of programs, including Korean language classes, Korean cultural experience programs, Korean language speech contests, and gatherings. In addition, foreigners can have the opportunity to appreciate Korean performances.

The organization strives to make Busan a foreigner-friendly city by providing services ranging from legal counseling to giving advice on everyday issues.

The BFIA has staff fluent in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian to assist foreigners from different backgrounds. This will eliminate any and all language barriers.

This year, the BFIA plans to sponsor many cultural and sporting events. They will be hosted by cultural centers and consulates of a number of countries, which have encouraged foreign communities in Busan to be more active in the society.

It will also host tours for Busan's sister cities, in an aim to promote active communication with global communities.

The city's foreign residents can also participate in essay and painting contests. This will enhance mutual understanding and communication between Koreans and foreigners.

Sohn Sang-chan, the BIFA's general secretary, said, "BIFA will do its best to make a city where foreigners feel at home." Tel: 051-865-0133

International Assistance Center

The BIFA operates the International Assistance Center, or IAC, for foreigners living in Busan. Visitors to the IAC can enjoy free access to the conference room and internet in its computer lab. They can also read and borrow books from the library and make free online international phone calls.

The IAC staff provides consulting services on legal matters, employment, immigration, and other general matters. Along with the on-site services, the IAC publishes and distributes a comprehensive guidebook in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian.

Korean cultural experience program

The BFIA runs a monthly program to give foreigners living in Busan a chance to experience and learn about Korean tradition and culture.

The Korean cultural experience program consists of experiences that most foreigners don't know much about, such as making Songpyeon, tea ceremony, traditional masks, Kimchi, and paper crafts. One can also try Janggu and Gayageum classes and tour Busan's historic sites.

The program accommodates 50 participants each month and runs every Saturday until December.

Korean language class

The Korean language class is open to all foreigners free of charge. The class is divided into four levels: introductory, elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Each class can accommodate up to 15 students.

The three-month program runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays for the introductory class, on Tuesdays and Fridays for the elementary class, Thursdays for the intermediate class, and Saturdays for the advanced class.

The program also offers opportunities to experience Korean culture.

Korean speech contest

The BFIA is set to host the Korean language speech contest at the main auditorium in Busan City Hall this May. This is a chance for foreigners to show off their Korean skills.

Winners are rewarded with prizes of up to 500,000 won ($530). 

Also on tap is the "2008 Global Gathering," an event where both foreigners and Busan citizens can learn about diverse cultures, traditions, and food. The global gathering is scheduled for October at the BEXCO outdoor plaza.

The source of news : Dynamic Busan