Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim continued his economic revitalization initiative by reaching out to domestic fabless enterprises after meeting with self-employed and small business owners. These efforts are a part of his ongoing visits to stimulate the economy, which began earlier this year.

On January 15, Governor Kim held the “Discussion of Engagement and Empathy for Gyeonggi Province Fabless Industry’s Next Big Step” at the Seongnam Global Convergence Center in Pangyo, Seongnam City, where he engaged with local entrepreneurs.

The event sought to explore the growth potential of the fabless industry and identify ways to promote its development. It was expected to be attended by representatives of over 30 fabless companies in the province, including Rebellion, as well as officials from organizations such as the Korea Electronics Technology Research Institute, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center, and Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology.

The event, presided over by Governor Kim and conducted in an open format, featured 11 panelists, including National Assembly Member Lee Soo-jin, Provincial Assembly Members Lee Jae-yeong, Jeon Seok-hoon, Seo Hyeon-ok, and Bang Seong-wan, as well as Korea Fabless Industry Association Chairman Kim Gyeong-su and Korea Semiconductor Industry Association Vice Chairman Kim Jeong-ho. They listened to the opinions of entrepreneurs and discussed strategies for the development of the industry.

According to Gyeonggi Province, 120 companies, more than half of the 205 fabless businesses in Korea, are situated in the province. Of those, 70 are located in Seongnam City.

Governor Kim made “Pangyo Fabless Cluster Establishment” one of the priorities of his administration. He is also working to attract companies and support organizations, build necessary facilities, and nurture talent to create a thriving fabless ecosystem by connecting the existing 1st and 2nd Pangyo districts with the 3rd Pangyo area now under development.

At the New Year’s press conference, he also outlined three emergency measures to rebuild the national economy: Super Budget for Citizens’ Everyday Life, Responding to the Trump 2.0 Era, and Revitalizing Businesses. The provincial budget includes an investment of at least KRW 15 trillion into future industries.

Governor Kim sees the fabless industry as one of the most important of these future sectors.

In his speech at the “Semiconductor Cluster Forum” held in Pangyo, Seongnam City, in December, Governor Kim stated, “We cannot afford any delays in fostering semiconductors, our flagship industry, as well as future industries with growth prospects such as bio, advanced mobility, and AI big data, while also caring for the livelihoods of our people.” He unveiled “three key visions” for the semiconductor industry, including all-out efforts to create a semiconductor mega-cluster, build an independent semiconductor value chain, and foster an innovative semiconductor ecosystem.

Gyeonggi Province is also pursuing the creation of the world’s largest semiconductor mega-cluster, with projects already underway in the cities of Yongin, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and Anseong. These initiatives are geared to support not only the fabless industry but the semiconductor industry as a whole.

Meanwhile, Governor Kim held a New Year’s press conference at a Seolleongtang (ox bone soup) restaurant on January 13. The following day, he continued his economic revitalization site visits by providing financial counseling to self-employed individuals in Siheung City, including a young couple running a chicken restaurant and the owner of a grilled fish restaurant.

In an effort to ease the financial burden on multicultural families, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeongin Regional Communications Office will continue to offer the same discount on international Express Mail Service (EMS) for multicultural families as last year.

Eligible recipients of the discount include those who are identified as “spouse of a national” or who have F-6-1, F-6-2, or F-6-3 alien registration status; marriage immigrants who qualify under Subparagraph 2, Article 2 of the Multicultural Family Support Act; those who can provide proof of their naturalization status; and those whose status can be verified through their resident registration cards or family relations certificates.

The base discount for international Express Mail Service (EMS) is 10%, with an additional 3% discount for those who use the online post office for easy pre-registration.

This discount is available at all post offices in Gyeonggi Province, except for commercial bulk mail. Applicants can easily apply in person at any post office or via a representative after they have prepared the required documents.

For more information about the application process and required documents, applicants can visit the ePost Korea website (epost.go.kr) or call the helpline at 1588-1300.

As of 2024, there are over 358,000 multicultural families in Gyeonggi Province, an increase of approximately 15,000 from the previous year. Last year, Gyeonggi Province supported around 3,000 international express shipments, discounting approximately KRW 6,600 per shipment for a total of KRW 19 million in savings.

The province plans to discuss expanding the program to include foreigners and international students in cooperation with the Gyeongin Regional Communications Office.

Kim Won-kyu, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigration Society Bureau, stated, “Through cooperation between local governments and public institutions, we aim to become a role model for improving the quality of life for multicultural families… We will also explore additional support initiatives to provide tangible benefits and lay a foundation for social integration.”

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government will invest KRW 7.4 billion by 2029 to advance net-zero water management technologies. These efforts will include digitally operated water and sewage facilities, sewage treatment utilizing renewable energy, and other innovative approaches.

On January 2, the provincial government announced the establishment of the “3rd Five-Year Initiative for Water Management Technology Development and Water Industry Promotion (2025–2029),” which outlines details of the investment. This initiative aims to promote sustainable growth among local water companies under the vision of “Gyeonggi Province Water Companies as Net-Zero Leaders” and emphasizes heightened global competitiveness through the development of net-zero technologies and the expansion of international operations.

It encompasses four key strategies, including intensive support for net-zero technologies, support system upgrades, strategic assistance for overseas expansion, and strengthening water industry expertise and activating networks, as well as 15 unit projects. The total budget is estimated to be KRW 7.4 billion.

Under “Intensive Support for Net-Zero Technologies,” Gyeonggi Province will focus on the development and commercialization of advanced water technologies. These include digital water and sewage facility operations that enable remote measurement, monitoring, and control through smart technology; sewage treatment using renewable energy; low-energy seawater desalination; and water reuse systems to address climate challenges.

The “Support System Upgrades” strategy involves enhancing the role of the Gyeonggi Province Water Industry Support Center as a control tower for the relevant industry. Key measures include establishing an AI-based water information system and developing a cooperation model for local companies in Gyeonggi.

With “Strategic Assistance for Overseas Expansion,” Gyeonggi seeks to create opportunities tailored to each water company for global market pioneering. Planned projects include hosting training programs for international buyers, conducting overseas field research, and organizing export consultation events.

The final strategy, “Strengthening Water Industry Expertise and Activating Networks,” includes hosting the Gyeonggi Water Industry Development Forum, building sector-level cooperation frameworks, and supporting feasibility studies for official development assistance (ODA) projects overseas.

Pyo Myeong-gyu, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Water Supply and Drainage Division, stated, “The third implementation plan serves as an explicit blueprint for advancing water management and nurturing the water industry in Gyeonggi. It will lay the foundation for the province’s water industry to be recognized in global markets beyond Korea… We will contribute to the improvement of water welfare and environment that can be felt by the people of the province.”

Gyeonggi Province will also draft annual action plans based on this initiative and strengthen cooperation with the private sector to effectively implement key projects.

On December 24, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim welcomed British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the United Kingdom, as well as the current situation in Korea.

Governor Kim emphasized that Korea is addressing the political turmoil, including the lifting of martial law and the impeachment of the president, through democratic processes. He expressed gratitude for the support received from Korea’s allies during this time and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with them in the future.

In response, Ambassador Crooks stated that the United Kingdom has been closely monitoring the situation in Korea and commended the progress of the country’s constitutional process. He also expressed his confidence in continued close cooperation with Korea as a strategic global partner.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including global affairs and economic issues, and reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between the two countries. They agreed to continue close collaboration, particularly in areas such as climate change responses and high-tech industries.

Prior to his appointment as the UK Ambassador to South Korea in February 2022, Ambassador Crooks served as the UK’s Ambassador to North Korea. He is a recognized expert on the Korean Peninsula, having also served as First Secretary at the British Embassy in Seoul from 1995 to 1999, where he oversaw Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Korea.

Since taking office, Governor Kim has worked to strengthen the friendly relations between Gyeonggi Province and the UK through numerous high-level exchanges. Starting with a meeting with Ambassador Crooks in July 2022, their cooperation has continued through significant events, including a visit to the British Embassy to offer condolences after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, a meeting with the UK Climate Action Ambassador in October, and Ambassador Crooks’ participation in the DMZ Peace Walk.

Moreover, cooperation between the two sides has expanded to various fields, including Governor Kim’s participation in a reception hosted by Ambassador Crooks at the British Council in November 2022, meetings with British Trade Envoy John Whittingdale in 2023, and Ambassador Crooks’ speech at the opening ceremony of Eco Fair Korea .

This meeting was organized in response to Governor Kim’s emergency overseas letter regarding the declaration of martial law on December 3, reflecting the solid trust between Governor Kim and Ambassador Crooks.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government expects this meeting to be an invaluable opportunity to reaffirm shared values and further strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

On Thursday, April 24, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg to convey gratitude for the Ambassador’s unwavering trust in and support for Korea. During their meeting, the two reaffirmed their commitment to the strong partnership between Korea and the United States.

Governor Kim thanked Ambassador Goldberg for his steadfast belief in the resilience of Korean democracy, even in the face of the difficult circumstances of martial law and impeachment.

He said that he had received supportive responses from political leaders around the world, including nine U.S. governors, after reporting on the stable situation in Korea and Gyeonggi Province.

The discussion also highlighted the robust and unwavering commitment to the Korea-U.S. alliance, with both leaders emphasizing economic cooperation, particularly in advanced industries. They pledged to maintain close communication to further strengthen the relationship.

The two agreed to collaborate to ensure that the Korea-U.S. alliance continues to play a vital role in fostering peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

The lunch meeting, held shortly before Ambassador Goldberg’s return to the United States, built on the continuing friendship between the two leaders. Governor Kim first met with Ambassador Goldberg during his visit to Gyeonggi Province in November 2022, where they explored ways to bolster Gyeonggi Province-U.S. and Korea-U.S. cooperation. In April 2023, the two leaders attended the KBO league’s opening game at the KT Wiz Baseball Stadium in Suwon City, accompanied by Lieutenant General Willard Burleson, Commander of the Eighth U.S. Army. In September 2023, Governor Kim and Ambassador Goldberg visited Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek City and held discussions with General Paul LaCamera, Commander of United States Forces Korea (USFK). In March 2024, when Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited Gyeonggi Province, Ambassador Goldberg joined the meeting, further solidifying the friendship and trust between the two countries.

Since the first meeting between Governor Kim and Ambassador Goldberg, Gyeonggi Province and the United States have significantly expanded bilateral cooperation, signing two new MOUs, organizing three official visits by Gyeonggi Province delegations to the United States, and holding 12 meetings with nine U.S. governors. These efforts have greatly strengthened both the quantity and quality of cooperation.

On December 19, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government announced the selection of 15 winning works from the “1st Gyeonggi Immigrant Worker Awareness Content Contest.”

The contest, which aimed to raise awareness about immigrant workers while also promoting their rights and interests, received 20 video entries and 74 poster entries, for a total of 94 entries. After an initial round of evaluation by expert judges and a survey of employees, 15 winners were selected. To ensure fairness, the province selected 12 judges, including university professors and representatives from immigrant organizations, through an open recruitment process. The judging process also included expert reviews and public verification steps, such as plagiarism checks.

The grand prize in the video category went to “Line of Diversity: Connection Instead of Division,” while the poster category’s grand prize was awarded to “Different Roots, but We’re Friends.” Moreover, two entries received first-place prizes, four received second-place prizes, and seven received honorable mentions. The province will provide a total of KRW 7.8 million in prize money, with KRW 2 million awarded for the grand prize video and KRW 600,000 for the grand prize poster.

The grand prize winning video “Line of Diversity: Connection Instead of Division” employs hand-drawn illustrations to convey a powerful message: by connecting rather than dividing in the face of immigrant diversity, society can create a future where everyone lives together in harmony.

In the poster category, the grand prize was awarded to a third-grade student from Mangwol Elementary School in Hanam City. The student’s entry, “Different Roots, but We’re Friends,” received praise for its clear depiction of the theme. Using hand-drawn illustrations, the poster shows that although friends from different countries may have diverse origins, they live together in Korea as equals, free from discrimination.

Kim Won-gyu, Director General of the Immigrant Society Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, stated, “We hope this contest serves as a significant step toward respecting the rights and interests of immigrant workers while fostering diversity in local communities. We will continue to make various efforts to create an inclusive society for immigrant workers.”

On December 12, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim held the first Gyeonggi Emergency Livelihood and Economy Meeting at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, calling for swift and bold policy support to restore people’s livelihoods and expressing his intention to take responsibility and provide support as needed.

“I have been in charge of economic policy for a long time and worked hard to overcome the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis, but we are now facing an economic crisis like no other we have ever experienced,” said Governor Kim, explaining the reason for holding the meeting. “Today, through the Emergency People’s Economic Council, I would like to explain the general direction of the measures that Gyeonggi Province is considering, and hope to use today as an opportunity to do what we can quickly.”

“We are going through a difficult time with uncertainties caused by Trump’s election, protectionist trade and the battle for hegemony over future cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors, but the bigger issue is people’s livelihoods,” he continued, announcing that Gyeonggi Province will pursue three directions in its response to restore livelihoods: focus on the fields, respond quickly and act boldly.

“I will prioritize the fields above all else,” Governor Kim said, emphasizing, “What is important now is not grand macro-policies or policy directions, but what can be done quickly and in detail. What is needed is not the bureaucracy or the repetitive measures of the past, but bold measures that break the existing administrative framework.”

At the same time, he ordered the immediate review of special loans secured by receivables for the tourism industry and related industries, the review of policy support/financing to prepare for foreign exchange losses; financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises, small business owners and the self-employed who have reached their limits, and the establishment of a business complaint window accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, small business owners and the self-employed and able to provide responses within 48 hours.

“I hope you will break the stable administrative framework we have been operating under and take bold action, as long as it does not violate the law or rules in the course of administrative work. If necessary, I will bear full responsibility and support my staff in their work,” said Governor Kim, once again emphasizing bold action.

In line with Governor Kim’s instructions, Gyeonggi Province will increase funds for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises from KRW 1.75 trillion this year to KRW 2 trillion next year so as to support the management stability of such enterprises and small business owners. In addition, the province plans to continue the KRW 300 billion in special guarantees for repayment extensions of small and medium-sized loans among small business owners, which has been in effect since September, so as to reduce the burden on small business owners, and to fully implement the “Cheer Up Go Card for Small Business” from next year to support essential operating funds for small business owners. In addition, KRW 3.5 trillion worth of local currency will be issued to stimulate consumption at neighborhood stores.

To stimulate consumption investment in cities and counties, KRW 461.7 billion in December adjustment grants (originally set for December 25) will be executed early around December 20, and KRW 749.3 billion in regional development funds and other funds will be injected early once the business plans are completed immediately after the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly approves next year’s budget. Additionally, KRW 138.9 billion in term deposits in the Fiscal Stabilization Account will be transferred to the general account as soon as they mature to be used as financial resources, and reserve funds and special adjustment grants will be actively used for local livelihood issues to stimulate the local economy.

In the tourism sector, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization held an emergency meeting with tourism industry representatives on December 11 to analyze damage to and suggestions for the tourism industry in Gyeonggi Province and to devise countermeasures. Gyeonggi Province plans to allocate emergency funds for business stabilization and also to engage in assertive tourism marketing, such as holding the Gyeonggi Tourism Grand Festa in January and February.

Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Emergency People’s Livelihood Council was established in accordance with Governor Kim’s instructions. At a recent emergency meeting of the three Gyeonggi vice governors, Governor Kim said, “We need measures to support people’s livelihoods, which have been damaged by the unconstitutional and illegal imposition of martial law of December 3,” adding, “Please investigate the overall damage to the people’s livelihoods, including small and medium enterprises and small business owners, and promptly formulate tailor-made, field-oriented measures led by the Vice Governor for Economy and the Economy Office.”

The Gyeonggi Emergency People’s Livelihood Council will work with relevant public institutions such as Gyeonggi’s Economy Office and its Planning and Coordination Office, as well as the Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation and private economic stakeholders such as small business owners, traditional markets, tourism associations, and small and medium-sized enterprises, with the aim of establishing field-based recovery plans for people’s livelihoods. Initially, the focus will be on gathering real-time opinions from field workers in the regional economy, including directly affected sectors such as exports and investment, as well as culture and tourism, and formulating tailor-made measures.

To this end, an emergency economic meeting will be held at least once a week, with the Vice Governor for Economy taking the lead. The plan is to do everything possible to prepare measures to restore the people’s livelihoods by focusing on the following sectors: small and medium-sized enterprises, investment and exports, and tourism and disasters. In addition, based on the results of damage surveys by sector and industry, the province will prepare comprehensive measures to restore people’s livelihoods as a whole, if necessary, by adding other sectors such as agriculture, livestock and employment.

A total of 22 people received awards, with 15 people being recognized for their contributions to exports — including CDFLEX Co., Ltd. — as well as 5 people for their contributions to the utilization of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and 2 people for their contributions to overseas marketing agencies.

Gyeonggi Province also recognized 79 companies with excellent results among those that started exporting for the first time in the past three years (from July 2021 to June this year) as “Export Frontier Companies” and presented them with certificates.

Of particular note, five companies — including Ronda Korea Co., Ltd., which achieved the best export performance in each of five fields: information technology (IT), consumer goods, beauty, machine materials and parts, and medical/biotechnology — were selected as “Export Rookies” and awarded trophies and certificates.

Companies certified as Export Frontier Companies receive three additional points when applying for various overseas marketing support projects in Gyeonggi Province, and the Export Rookie Awardees receive five additional points. The certification is valid for three years.

Sam-sang Seo, CEO of CDFLEX Co., Ltd., who received an award for his export contributions, established a specialized manufacturing company in 2003 to develop thermal transfer adhesive films. Through continuous research, he has developed environmentally friendly water-based products with superior adhesive strength, as well as heat and moisture resistance, which are currently exported to 35 countries. The company has trained specialized personnel and invested in facilities, environmental improvements and product development, achieving export results of USD 19.11 million last year; it is expected to realize exports of over USD 20 million this year.

Ronda Korea Co. Ltd., a semiconductor company established in 2019, was selected as Rookie of the Year. The company has expanded its domestic semiconductor market share and strengthened its overseas sales to meet the growing demand in China, the United States, Taiwan and Singapore by establishing a technology support network, and has recorded exports of more than USD 62.91 million from 2021 to the present.

In addition, 55 executives and staff members of companies and related organizations who have contributed to the revitalization of the economy of Gyeonggi Province through exports received awards such as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award (3), the Minister of SMEs and Startups Award (5), the Gyeonggi Regional SMEs and Startups Administration Award (10), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) President’s Award (5), the Small and Medium Venture Business Agency Chairman’s Award (5), the Gyeonggi Business and Science Accelerator President’s Award (10), the Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation Chairman’s Award (5) and the Gyeonggi Export Enterprise Association Chairman’s Award (12).

Park Keon-kyun, Director General of the International Cooperation Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, said, “As global trade conditions have changed significantly in recent years, with nationalism and protectionism on the rise, we plan to actively respond by supporting the diversification of export destinations to eliminate uncertainties for businesses.”

Meanwhile, the event was attended by exporters from Gyeonggi Province, including Lee Je-young, Chairman of the Future Science Cooperation Committee of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, Park Keon-kyun, Director General of the International Cooperation Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, Cho Hee-soo, Director of the Gyeonggi Regional SME and Startup Administration, and Kang Seong-ho, Chairman of the Gyeonggi Province Export Business Association.

About 50 people, including provincial and local officials, outside experts, Gyeonggi Research Institute personnel, Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Innovation Corporation officials, and academics attended the policy meeting held that day to discuss the proposed improvement of laws and systems pertaining to the returned grant zones and their development direction.

The council discussed clarifying the point in time for calculating the land purchase cost of returned grant zones based on the date of the decision to return, allowing the free use of returned land for public purposes, and establishing a basis for mitigating profitability declines due to reduced demand for educational, cultural and tourism facilities in areas near returned land due to low population concentrations, thereby facilitating the smooth attraction of private sector projects to long-undeveloped returned grant zones.

Following the council session, Professor Lee Hoon of Shinhan University gave a special lecture titled “Unification of Military Facilities Regulations for Northern Gyeonggi Province,” and Nam Ji-hyun, head of the Balanced Development Center of the Gyeonggi Research Institute, gave a lecture titled “Status and Tasks of U.S. Military Grant Zones in Korea.” This was followed by a site visit to the area around a camp where the Uijeongbu Returned Grant Zone Development Project was completed and to a planned development site.

Gyeonggi Province officials said they will continue to make recommendations to central government agencies on issues discussed during the policy council session and will also work with cities and counties to actively promote the development of the returned grant zones.

Approximately 10 people attended the signing ceremony held at the Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fishery Promotion Agency, including Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fishery Promotion Agency Director Choi Chang-soo, Gyeonggi Foreigner Welfare Center Directors’ Council Chair Kim Yong-guk, and Gyeonggi Foreigner Human Rights Support Center Director Oh Gyeong-seok.

The Gyeonggi Foreigner Welfare Center Directors’ Council is an organization composed of about 10 foreigner welfare centers in the province. It develops various policies to support the settlement of foreign immigrants, including medical and housing counseling and multicultural talent development.

The Gyeonggi Foreigner Human Rights Support Center is an organization that counsels foreign workers on their human rights and researches ways to protect their rights against discrimination. It also provides legal and labor advice.

The agreement aims to promote the human rights of seasonal foreign workers, whose numbers are increasing due to shortages of rural labor, so as to help them adapt to rural life and build sustainable agriculture and rural communities.

Each organization plans to provide seasonal foreign workers with communication support, such as interpretation, human rights counseling, and legal advice, and to conduct awareness-raising training with regard to seasonal foreign workers.

“We signed this agreement so that seasonal foreign workers and farmers can coexist,” said Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fisheries Promotion Agency Director Choi Chang-soo. “We will do our best to address concerns about human rights violations against seasonal foreign workers and help them smoothly adapt to rural life.”

The Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fisheries Promotion Agency is promoting Seasonal Foreign Worker Operation Management Support Project through the operation of the Gyeonggi Agricultural Human Resources Support Center, which includes on-site consultations on human rights related to the working environment of seasonal foreign workers and education to improve employer awareness.