○ K-Food Yangpyeong Festa held at Gyeonggi Future Education Yangpyeong Campus with kimchi as the theme
○ 2,000 heads of kimchi donated to vulnerable groups in Gyeonggi Province through a kimchi-making and sharing event
○ Diverse side programs including cooking experiences, craft making, and future education

On November 15, the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Institute for Lifelong Learning hosted the “K-Food Yangpyeong Festa” at the Gyeonggi Future Education Yangpyeong Campus, under the theme “Lifelong Learning Through Food: Learning and Sharing.”

The event was designed to provide a platform where both residents and foreigners can learn and interact together through Korean cuisine, a globally recognized cultural content at the center of Hallyu (the “Korean Wave”). More than 1,000 participants gained hands-on exposure to Korea’s rich culinary culture by enjoying a variety of programs, such as cooking experiences, crafts, and book-picnics.

Of particular note, the featured “Kimjang Sharing Event” brought together over 100 participants, including 57 foreign students and global influencers from 19 countries, international students from Kyungbok University and Jangan University, volunteers from the Arum Supermodel Volunteer Service Group, members of the Yangpyeong County Citizens’ Choir, and native-speaking teachers at the Yangpyeong Campus.

Tae Taeya Min-soo, an international student from Jangan University, shared, “I love kimchi and was curious about how it’s made, so I’m glad I could take part. I hope there will be more opportunities like this.”

The kimchi-making event was held under the guidance of Lee Mi-ran, Director at the Korea Fermented Food Research Institute’s Fermentation Schole, incorporating a seasoning recipe that reinterprets Korea’s traditional fermented food culture in a modern way. Around 2,000 heads of kimchi will be delivered to those in need through welfare organizations such as the Gyeonggi Sharing Food Bank, with support from NH Nonghyup Bank Gyeonggi Headquarters and the Gyeonggi Community Chest of Korea.

Yoo Seong-ho (40), a Yangpyeong resident, commented, “By making kimchi with my child, we were able to naturally learn the meaning of sharing. It was a special moment for our family.”

In addition to kimchi sharing, the event offered a wide range of hands-on experience programs, including: “Cooking Lab,” a hands-on cooking session such as dasik, gyeongdan, and gimbap; “Little Chef Workshop” for apron-making and hanji crafts; “Future Imagination Studio” for AI mug-making and a drone-delivery challenge; “Book, Forest Picnic,” a book-picnic program in nature; and “Performance Stage,” showcasing live performances and interactive shows.

Oh Who-seok, Director of the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Institute for Lifelong Learning, said, “The ‘K-Food Yangpyeong Festa’ captured learning and sharing, the essence of lifelong education, through food,” adding, “We will continue to expand a culture of learning, where everyone can grow and connect across generations and nationalities.”
 
Gyeonggi Hosts Foreign-Invested Company Day, Honoring Businesses and Individuals Contributing to Investment Attraction
○ Companies and individuals lauded for achievements in attracting investment and contributing to regional co-prosperity
– Three organizations received plaques of appreciation for excellence in investment attraction and local collaboration; thirteen individuals honored for outstanding contributions
○ Gyeonggi will continue to foster a business-friendly investment environment to support the sustainable growth of domestic and foreign-invested companies

On November 26, Gyeonggi Province held the “2025 Gyeonggi Province Foreign-Invested Companies Day” at the Ramada Plaza Suwon. Now in its 17th year, the annual event is designed to recognize the contributions of foreign-invested companies and related organizations within the province, while reinforcing mutual cooperation and networking.

Approximately 100 participants joined the event, including Yoo So-jeong, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Investment Promotion Division, executives and employees from foreign-invested companies operating in Gyeonggi Province, and representatives from relevant institutions.

A total of 16 recipients—including public officials, business leaders, and institutions—received awards for their role in attracting investment to Gyeonggi Province and revitalizing the regional economy.

In the public sector category, honorees included Song Young-il, Administrative Officer of Uiwang City; Yoon Cheol, Corporate Support Team Leader of Osan City; and Yoo Mi-jin, Administrative Officer of Pyeongtaek City. In the private sector category, 10 individuals were recognized, including the Hwaseong Business Support Team Leader from Shinsegae Property and the Project Strategy Promotion Team Leader from Kia Corporation. Additionally, three organizations, including Faurecia Korea represented by CEO Lee Sang-guk, received plaques of appreciation for their contributions to both investment attraction and regional coexistence.

Following the award ceremony, a special lecture titled “2026 Global Economic and Trade Outlook” was delivered by a global economic expert, providing valuable insights into upcoming changes in the economic and trade landscape and strategies for responding to them.

A luncheon and professional consultation booths covering tax, labor, and customs were also provided after the event, supporting practical networking opportunities and enabling meaningful information exchange among foreign-invested company representatives.

In her congratulatory remarks, Director Yoo stated, “The dedication of foreign-invested companies is the driving force that makes Gyeonggi Province the best place for investment in Asia.” She added, “We will continue to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve even greater progress together with you.”

The Gyeonggi-do Support Center for Foreign-Invested Companies continues to assist the stable operation and investment expansion of approximately 3,800 foreign-invested companies in the province, offering diverse services such as business consultations, workforce support programs, and professional management advisory services. For more information, contact the Gyeonggi-do Support Center for Foreign-Invested Companies at 031-247-8855.