The Korea Communications Commission decided to allow the use of multiple languages on English FM radio channels, the commission said Tuesday.

Major English FM broadcasters currently in operation in Seoul metropolitan area, Busan and Gwangju are now allowed to schedule non-English programs based on each region’s ratio of foreign residents.

English FM was established to provide various information to the increasing number of foreigners visiting and residing in Korea.

However, as the number of foreigners who speak languages other than English has increased gradually, multilingual radio programs have become necessary, the commission said.

Starting later this year, English FM broadcasters are expected to schedule one to two hours of Chinese language programs in order to better serve the growing Chinese population here in Korea.

(bjkwon@heraldcorp.com)