INU National Assembly Tour Program for Overseas Koreans and Multicultural Families

INU Strengthens Community Engagement through i-RISE with Positive Feedback from Program Participants

“Seeing the National Assembly building in person, which I had only watched on television, was truly impressive. It was meaningful to learn about the everyday lives of citizens and the role of the National Assembly in supporting them. It was also enjoyable that our local National Assembly member kindly introduced the Assembly and shared interesting conversations with us. If I have another opportunity, I would love to visit again.”

On the warm spring morning of April 25 (Saturday), the National Assembly building was unusually lively. While weekends are typically quiet and calm, the site welcomed 103 overseas Koreans and multicultural family members who visited as part of a special tour program. Participants listened attentively to explanations about the National Assembly, expressed admiration throughout the visit, and frequently stopped for commemorative family photographs.

The event was organized through collaboration among the Office of External Relations and the RISE Project Group of Incheon National University, the Overseas Koreans Agency, and the Yeonsu-gu Family Center. It was the second program under the university’s “2026 Global Hope Completion Project.” Participants included 21 ethnic Koreans from Ham-bak Village in Yeonsu-gu and 82 multicultural family members residing in the region.

According to the Office of External Relations and the RISE Project Group, the program was designed “to provide overseas Koreans and multicultural families with a sense of belonging and pride as members of society through cultural and historical content-based experiences, while also fostering democratic citizenship.”

To support the National Assembly visit, the office of National Assembly member Hoon-gi Lee actively assisted despite the weekend schedule, carefully preparing programs such as dialogue with a National Assembly member, introductions to the Assembly building, visits to the National Assembly Museum, and commemorative photography sessions while attentively supporting participants throughout the event.

During his welcoming remarks, Hoon-gi Lee warmly welcomed overseas Koreans and multicultural families from Incheon, noting that the visit offered a meaningful opportunity to better understand public institutions and their role in society.

He continued, “Please do not think of National Assembly members as distant figures. I hope you will regard us as neighbors who work together with you to build our shared everyday lives.” He then toured various parts of the National Assembly with participants and also introduced the tense scenes that unfolded on December 3, 2024.

Participants took commemorative photographs in front of the National Assembly Rotunda Hall and the main Assembly building while smiling and enjoying the experience. They also reflected on the history of democracy through visits to the National Assembly Museum and continued to express positive feedback about the overall program.

Throughout the event, many families requested commemorative photos with Representative Lee, naturally forming long lines as participants eagerly prepared their smartphone cameras. One elementary school student smiled brightly and said, “I’m going to brag about this to my friends at school.”

For the participants, the once-distant image of the National Assembly suddenly felt much closer and more approachable. The green trees and lawns surrounding the Assembly building added freshness to the spring atmosphere, and for the 103 overseas Koreans and multicultural family members who visited that day, Representative Lee naturally became a comforting “big-hearted uncle” figure.

Zhou Huina, a participant from a multicultural family, shared, “To be honest, I always thought the National Assembly and politicians were far removed from ordinary people like us, but after speaking directly with a National Assembly member and touring the Assembly, I now feel a sense of closeness.” She added, “This time with my beloved family will remain a precious memory.”

Jeon Dmitry, a ninth-grade middle school student, said, “As someone who dreams of becoming a politician in the future, visiting the National Assembly was truly meaningful and motivating,” adding, “I sincerely appreciate the National Assembly member who shared warm encouragement and hope with us.”

in-bae Hong, Vice President for International Affairs at Incheon National University, said that the university will continue to develop programs that connect with the local community and provide meaningful opportunities for diverse participants.