1. [Therapy Hospital for Handicapped]

These individuals have become handicapped due to an unfortunate accident, or were handicapped from birth. Fortunately, for the first time in the country, Gyeonggi Province will build a medical welfare facility for the handicapped from the social contributions of businesses.

15 month old Seung-min was born with down syndrome.

He requires proper treatment and education, but there was no such place to receive such attention creating a major obstacle.

1)
{From the position of those requiring treatment it is best to have a place nearby (to receive treatment.) After running around for different treatment some have quit going because of a lack of family time.}

At present there are only 2 state, or publicly run places in the country for the handicapped to receive treatment, and in comparison to the handicapped population that is growing 300,000 a year, the facilities are grossly lacking.

2) s- Weak handicapped treatment facilities in the country

Thankfully, for the first time in the country, a therapy hospital for the handicapped will be erected in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi from private capital raised for the project.

3) s- First hospital in country made with private capital

4)
{The problem exists of no hospital for the handicapped in Gyeonggi Province. Problems for the handicapped includes lack of treatment, and therapy, and the same goes for the elderly, but with the construction of a hospital to provide services can be seen as a big benefit for the handicapped and seniors.}

The Purme Foundation, which manages dentist offices for the handicapped among other facilities has plans to build the hospital using social contributions from businesses.

5) s- Therapy hospital to be built with social contributions from businesses

6)
{This project needs lots of interest and care from many, and since we are to positively motivate them I feel we can make this hospital without much trouble by working together with us.}

We expect this hospital, which will be established through donations and participation to become a beacon of hope for the many handicapped people.

2. [Highly-efficient \’Solar Cells\’]

Recently in the country a most efficient solar cell has been developed grabbing much attention.

At present, 90% of the solar power development market consists of first generation solar power using silicon as a main material.

1)s-90% of solar cells made up of 1st generation technology

However, with the recent downturn in silicon production, and with energy efficiency at only 17% a large area is required affecting the feasibility of solar power.

This is the latest \’concentrated chemical semiconductor solar cell\’ developed by the Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center.

2)s- \’concentrated chemical semiconductor solar cell\’ developed

The efficiency of this solar cell is about 24%, the most efficient of solar cells in the country.

3)s-About 24.14% efficiency

Further, there is an advantage of comparatively lower costs with the capability to gather more solar power.

4)
{The solar power cells are highly efficient at a low cost proving more efficient than standard silicon cells.}

Especially since this development has been achieved after just 1 year we expect this same development to reach 30% efficiency, the world record.

3. [Reduction of Toxins]

Recently, at the Gyeonggi Health & Environment Research Institute the density of dioxins in the Gyeonggi Atmosphere was found to be much lower than average.

Dioxins, harmful to the environment, are by-products of trash incinerators and car exhaust. Recently, measurements were taken regarding the density of dioxins in the Gyeonggi air.

1)s- Density of dioxins in Gyeonggi air

This is the roof of one building in Siheung, Jeongwang-dong, where equipment is being installed to examine the level of dioxins in the air.

After setting up this equipment it gathers dust samples for 3 days before taken to the lab for analysis.

The results of the density of dioxins measured by the Health & Environment Research Institute in the third quarter in 10 places in the province show a drop in density levels.

Experts say the cause of the reduction in chemicals detected was due to the stronger regulations placed on factories and incinerators.

2)s- Cause of reduction, incinerator regulations strengthened

3)
{It seems that the main cause of dioxins being incinerators and since they have had heavy regulation the density levels of dioxins have decreased…}

In the future, the Gyeonggi Health & Environment Research Institute plans to measure and analyze the levels of pollution in the air through continual inspections.

While the dioxins are being thoroughly reduced, the lethal substance which doesn\’t go away once absorbed into the body requires continual inspections to protect the health and environment of residents.

4. [Pear Farms Face Hardship]

Plenty of sunlight, and little damage from typhoons made for an abundant harvest this year. However, a lack of consumption and a drop in prices left many farms in a lurch. Gyeonggi Province has stepped forward to resolve these problems by promoting the sale of pears.
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This is Lee Won-bae a third generation pear farmer from Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. He doesn\’t know what to do with more than 1500 boxes of pears in his barn. Even if he sells the rest of the pears the value has greatly dropped so it looks like he won\’t be able to break even.

1)
{These days the economy isn\’t good, so people just eat meals, and don\’t need to eat fruit. The lack of consumption has gotten to me.}

This year in Gyeongg Province about 77,000 tons of pears were harvested.

This is about 3% more than last years, but the market has shrunken tremendously due to the poor economy.

2) s- Pear production increases, consumption falls

To relieve the struggles farmers face, Gyeonggi Province stepped in to propel sales.

3) s- Gyeonggi Province to carry out pear movement: 1 box per person

Supermarkets and direct sellers are attracting customers for pears.

4) s- Gyeonggi Cyber Market (kgfarm.gg.go.kr) 080-031-6688

5)
{After explaining the high sugar content and benefits of pears many bought. I hope even more customers purchase pears.}

Gyeonggi Province increased pear exports to 6,000 tons from 4,800 tons last year, and plans to expand sales to the U.S. and other countries through a promotion exhibit.
4) s- Plans for overseas pear promotion exhibit

5. [More Jobs for Seniors]

The senior population of Gyeonggi Province at 920,000 is the largest concentration of seniors in the country. As an aging society, Gyeonggi Province has set up a plan to increase jobs for seniors.
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This is Jin Ok-hee, who is 82 this year.
4 hours a day she performs clothing alterations at a welfare center near her home.
Though she receives $142 a month, the reward she feels from working can not be measured in dollars and cents.

1)
{It\’s good that I can meet a lot of people, and it I rewarding when I see those who are grateful for the work I\’ve done for them.}

Selling noodles from the yacorn she grows in a field near her home, Shin Yang-geum is also enjoying herself.

2)
{It\’s so boring if I don\’t work, but since I\’m working I\’m not getting sick and am enjoying myself.}

There are increasing numbers of seniors who are working in jobs provided by their region allowing them to earn spending money, and help maintain their health.

Gyeonggi Province decided to increase the 15,000 jobs for seniors looking for work to 20,000 by next year.

3) s- Gyeonggi Province, increases seniors jobs by 20,000

Accordingly, the seniors employment agency, Silver Human Resources Bank will expand from 24 cities and counties to 31 cities and counties.

4) s- seniors employment agency to expand

5)
{Differing from youths, seniors know well the value and importance of work and so they have a strong desire to work.}

Despite their age these places to work are becoming rewarding places for seniors.

6. [\’Sounds\’ of Hope]

Gyeonggi Province has been carrying out continuous support for surgery for hearing impaired children. And it seems that this year even more will benefit from such benefits.
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Little Min-yeong, did not respond to sound after 5 months because she was hard of hearing.

Even with a hearing aid her hearing was not improving, but fortunately with support from the province she received an artificial hearing aid, and started to see big changes.

1)
(Before the surgery her tone was low, but after the surgery her tone improved and the volume of her voice increased as well so I guess the surgery went well.)

Further, she is receiving speech therapy twice a week to develop her sense of hearing.

Gyeonggi Province began the hearing aid surgery support for hearing impaired children since 2002, and helped 30 children every year regain their hearing this way.

2)s-Support for hearing aid surgery for hearing impaired children

3)
(Children or adults can improve their hearing, children who are born deaf especially who undergo surgery before they turn 2 years old can develop academically just like their peers.)

This year a special project was expanded upon for about 60 people, both children and adults to receive support for surgery.

4)s-Support for about 60 who are hearing impaired

On the 8th the province concluded an agreement to perform surgery for the hearing impaired with the Soree 119 corporation, and the Ajou University Medical Center.

5)s-Support provided for surgery, and therapy for hearing impaired in signing ceremony/Gangnam Community Center Hall (November 8th)

Local autonomies, hospitals and welfare groups are joining forces to help hearing impaired individuals in the province restore their hearing.

6)s-Agreement content- Soree 119 (Co.): Surgery support, Gyeonggi Province: 3 years of therapy support provided, Ajou University Medical Center, 30% of cost of treatment covered.

7. [World Travel in Gyeonggi]

Starting from the 13th the Gyeonggi International Tourism Exhibition was held for four days at KINTEX. With food from around the world and chances to experience other traditions and cultures, it was very popular among spectators.
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The 6th 2008 Gyeonggi International Tourism Exhibition opened its doors in Goyang, Ilsan KINTEX.

1)s-2008 Gyeonggi International Tourism Exhibition/Goyang KINTEX (November 13th~16th)

Under the theme of \’Gyeonggi Province, the future of Korean tourism!\’ the exhibition was attended by nearly 300 agencies from 30 countries including the US and Japan.

At the event 31 cities and counties from within Gyeonggi Province displayed tourist attractions, and local goods. There were also group events and various domestic and overseas travel information corners, a total of 500 booths.

2)s- About 500 booths set up

The hands-on events for spectators also grabbed a lot of attention.

Participants enjoyed themselves by pounding rice cake, and tying up soybean malt.

3)
{I want to learn about many cultures and achieve my dreams.}

Foreign and domestic participants had a good reaction to the event.

4)
{Even though I\’m a foreigner they explained it to me in English. I think they only need the name captions, they don\’t need captions for the content.}

5)
{There was much to see today, and it was so much fun because I could feel Korean culture related things.}

Meanwhile, there was a \’world food street vending festival\’ that included foods from 16 countries from Asia, Europe, and Africa.