As the end of the year draws near, we all tend to get a little sentimental...
we gather with family and friends to reflect on the past and anticipate the future together.
For those living away from home, the sense of nostalgia hits even stronger...
The number of international citizens in Korea surpassed 1.8 million this year.
This means that foreign presence in Korea makes up around 3.5 percent of the entire
population... and is further expanding.
Our Oh Soo-young shows us how ethnic groups in Korea are flourishing... and how they're
celebrating the end of the year.
ed: jenny The end of the year brings us that familiar
sense of nostalgia.
It's a special time to meet up with loved ones, sharing precious moments together and
making plans for a brand new year... and on the streets of Seoul, the anticipation can
be felt in the air.
"With just two days before we ring in the New Year...the city's bustling with people
out and about.
They are not only from all walks of life but all nationalities as well...
Let's take a look at how they're spending the last few days of 2015."
Two days left until the New Year...
Russians living in Seoul have gathered together to share in their longing for home and also
celebrate their roots with a singing contest.
"These Russian children don't have many Korean friends.
So they gathered here to learn Russian culture, songs and dances... and to have an opportunity
to chat with each other in their native tongue."
There are roughly 15,000 Russians living in Korea.
200 participants have joined in the festivity... not just Russian residents but also those
from neighbouring countries Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
"I grew up in Russia.
I have a lot of friends back there and lots of good memories with my mom.
Participating here brings back many memories."
Seoul Global Center is run by the Korean government and it offers international visitors and residents
opportunities to enjoy cultural activities.
It also provides numerous programs for foreign visitors such as traditional Korean art.
There are similar centers throughout the city... and with the number of foreign residents and
multicultural families increasing, it looks like the number of these centers are due to
expand as well.
"We're trying to promote exchanges between our visitors by fostering community and offering
an extensive variety of courses that they can participate in."
There are around 20 neighborhoods in Seoul where roughly 250-thousand foreign residents
have set up their own communities according to their nationalities or religions.
"This is the Central Asian enclave in the middle of Seoul.
There are currently 69-thousand people from Central Asian countries living in Korea...
and in this neighborhood, they can find a piece of their homeland... traditional food,
a local community and even banking assistance in their own languages."
This tightly knit community provides indispensible help to those starting a brand new life in
Korea's busiest city.
"I'm off on Sundays so I come out here with friends to enjoy some good food and blow off
some steam."
"If it hadn't been for this neighborhood, it would've been hard for me to adjust in
Korea...
you can find other Mongolians and even offices to help you."
To accompany the growing number of international students, especially those from China, Vietnam
and Mongolia,... numerous education facilities are popping up.
This is a school for Mongolian children which teaches them the Korean language and culture.
The students have finished the school year and now they're celebrating the year-end festivities
together.
"Korea doesn't feel like a foreign country anymore.
I have my school and friends -- all Mongolian.
At first, I had a hard time adjusting in Korea because I don't speak the language.
But now, I'm fine."
These ethnic groups in Korea are ending the year with their own unique traditions.
As the foreign population continues to blossom, so do the public efforts made to help everyone
in the country feel right at home.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.