Under new program, Korea preps Mongolian migrant workers before arrival

South Korea's new program to train Mongolian workers before they arrive addresses a critical need for safety and integration in its industrial sectors. By linking predeparture training in Ulaanbaatar with post-arrival orientation in Korea, the Korea Labor-Foundation aims to reduce workplace accidents among foreign laborers. This is particularly relevant given Korea's reliance on nearly 288,000 EPS workers to offset demographic shifts, with 80 percent in manufacturing. The early 2027 launch of the AI-driven "Talk-Up" consultation platform for six partner nations, including Mongolia, points to a broader strategy for long-term worker support. The initiative reflects Seoul's pragmatic approach to managing its foreign labor force, a crucial segment with over 54,000 Mongolian residents alone. While the program focuses on immediate safety, the AI platform suggests a forward-looking investment in digital tools for worker welfare. The challenge will be ensuring the "Talk-Up" service provides genuinely effective, real-time assistance across diverse language and cultural barriers, beyond basic information dissemination.