이주민의 주민참여 경험: 광산구 ‘외국인주민 명예통장’의 코로나-19 대응 활동을 중심으로

Civic Participation Experiences of Migrants in South Korea: Focusing on the COVID-19 Response Activities of Gwangsan District’s Honorary Community Leaders for Foreign Residents

이 논문에서는 외국인주민 명예통장의 코로나-19 대응 활동을 통해 이주민의 직접적인 주민참여 경험을 살펴보고, 그 경험의 의미가 무엇이었는지 탐구하는데 목적을 두었다. 이러한 목적을 달성하기 위해, 전국 지자체 중 처음으로 도입한 광주광역시 광산구의 외국인주민 명예통장 및 구청 관계자를 대상으로 FGI 및 인터뷰를 실시했다. 이 연구의 주요 내용을 정리하면 다음과 같다. 첫째, 광산구 외국인주민 명예통장은 코로나-19 재난이 시작되면서 다국어통역단에 참여하여 외국인 자가격리자 1:1 모니터링과 통역 지원, 격리통지서 번역, 외국어 방역수칙 배부 캠페인 등의 업무를 담당했다. 또한 외국인주민 명예통장은 정부 및 지자체의 코로나-19 예방 및 확산 방지를 위한 다양한 활동을 전개했다. 둘째, 광산구 외국인주민 명예통장은 코로나-19 대응 활동 과정에서 행정기관과 외국인간의 가교 역할을 담당하면서 배움과 성장의 계기가 되었고, 가족구성원의 적극적인 지지를 받게 됨으로써 힘든 과정이었지만 명예통장으로서의 만족감을 갖게 되었다. 셋째, 광산구 외국인주민 명예통장은 그동안 국가차원에서 겪어 보지 못한 전례 없는 위기 상황에서 공동체의 구성원으로서 위기 극복을 위한 활동에 직접 참여하게 되면서 명예통장의 지위와 역할을 새롭게 정립하는 계기가 되었다. 넷째, 광산구 외국인주민 명예통장은 코로나-19 대응 활동에 직접 참여하면서 이주민을 대표하는 명예통장으로서의 역량과 전문성을 강화하고 주민참여 활동을 확대하는데 노력을 기울여야 한다. 마지막으로, 이 연구에서는 전국 지자체 중 최초로 외국인주민 명예통장 제도를 도입한 광주광역시 광산구의 외국인주민 명예통장의 코로나-19 대응 활동 사례를 살펴보았기 때문에 전반적으로 외국인주민 명예통장의 주민참여 경험 실태를 파악하는데 일정한 한계를 가질 수밖에 없다. 따라서 향후 외국인주민(다문화) 명예통장 제도를 운영하고 있는 타 지자체와의 의 사례를 비교 분석하는 후속 연구를 진행할 필요가 있다.

This study aims to examine the direct experiences of civic participation among immigrants through the COVID-19 response activities carried out by honorary community leaders representing foreign residents. It also seeks to explore the significance of these experiences. To achieve this goal, Focus Group Interviews(FGIs) and individual interviews were conducted with the Foreign Resident Honorary Community Leaders in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City—where the system was first introduced among local governments nationwide—as well as with relevant district office officials. The main findings of this study can be summarized as follows. First, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Foreign Resident Honorary Community Leaders in Gwangsan-gu took part in the multilingual interpretation team and were responsible for tasks such as one-on-one monitoring of individuals in self-quarantine, providing interpretation and translation support, and conducting campaigns to distribute public health guidelines. In addition, the Foreign Resident Honorary Community Leaders carried out a variety of activities aimed at supporting the central and local governments’ efforts to prevent and curb the spread of COVID-19. Second, during the COVID-19 response activities, the Foreign Resident Honorary Community Leaders in Gwangsan-gu served as a bridge between administrative agencies and foreign residents. Through this role, they experienced opportunities for learning and personal growth, and although the process was challenging, the strong support they received from their family members allowed them to feel a sense of satisfaction in fulfilling their responsibilities as honorary community leaders. Third, in the midst of an unprecedented national crisis that had never before been experienced, the Foreign Resident Honorary Community Leaders in Gwangsan-gu directly participated in activities to help the community overcome the situation. Through this engagement, they were able to redefine the status and role of the honorary community leader. Fourth, through their direct participation in COVID-19 response activities, the Foreign Resident Honorary Community Leaders in Gwangsan-gu need to further strengthen their competencies and expertise as representatives of migrant residents, and make continued efforts to expand their civic participation activities. Lastly, since this study examined the case of the Foreign Resident Honorary Community Leaders in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, there are inherent limitations in fully grasping the overall experiences of civic participation among honorary community leaders representing foreign residents. Therefore, future research should conduct comparative analyses of cases from other local governments that are operating similar Foreign Resident (Multicultural) Honorary Community Leader systems.