It is meant for the community of Sakhalin Koreans who have lived on the island since the Japanese colonial period.

The foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan agreed to construct the center in November 1997.

The rent for the property is partially paid for by the Overseas Koreans Foundation.

It houses a number of facilities and organizations for the local residents, including the Korean Association of Sakhalin, a museum, and a medical center.

[3] The center coordinated the repatriation process for first generation Sakhalin Koreans who wished to go to South Korea.