By Kim Rahn



Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday it would begin accepting applications from foreign residents of the capital to create a representative body for consultations. The body will be made up of 45 people and will advise the local government on policies to meet the needs of foreign residents and interracial families.

"Migrant workers, foreign students, foreign spouses, adoptees or refugees can apply for the positions," a city official said.

The representatives will serve a three-year term and collect foreign residents' opinions on issues such as human rights, cultural diversity and the living environment.

Those wanting to become the members should be over 18 years old, have stayed in Korea for more than a year and in Seoul for more than 90 days, and be recommended by at least 10 other foreign residents.

Those interested can download an application form from the websites of Seoul City, Seoul Global Center or Hanultari, an information site for interracial families, and submit it to imhere07@seoul.go.kr.

Application is available from Oct. 14 to 20, and the selection results will be announced on Nov. 6. The representative body will launch on Dec. 18, which is the United Nations designated International Migrants Day.

"While one out of 25 Seoul citizens is a foreigner, we haven't had a regular way for them to participate in city policy except for a couple of events for policy suggestions. With the new body, we'll set up policies that foreigners really need," the official said.