News – Gyeonggi Global

Gyeonggi Province Discusses Expanding Multilateral Local-Government Cooperation with U.S. State of Arizona

2026-08-20T01:24:30Z

○ Park Keon-kyun, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s International Cooperation Bureau, met with officials from the Arizona Commerce Authority, City of Peoria, and Greater Phoenix Economic Council on August 14
○ Discussions on multilateral cooperation between Gyeonggi and Arizona local governments in advanced industries and other fields
Gyeonggi Province discussed ways to expand cooperation with the U.S. State of Arizona in advanced industries and other areas at the local-government level.
On August 14, Park Keon-kyun, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s International Cooperation Bureau, met with Agnese Sturmane, Vice President of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Michael Finn, Vice Mayor of the City of Peoria, and Sean Fogarty, Vice President of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. They discussed practical ways for local governments to cooperate in advanced industries, including semiconductor supply chains and corporate and investment cooperation.
Director General Park said, “Gyeonggi Province and the State of Arizona are regions with leading advanced-industry ecosystems, and I believe we can create even greater synergies by connecting our respective strengths,” and added, “I hope this meeting will serve as an opportunity to expand exchanges in advanced industries and lead to tangible economic cooperation.”
In response, Agnese Sturmane, Vice President of the ACA, stated, “Arizona places great importance on its partnership with Gyeonggi Province. Building on the strengths of both regions, we look forward to further expanding exchanges between businesses and institutions and achieving sustained results through continued cooperation.”
Arizona is a major international center for advanced industries, home to the headquarters of Onsemi and Amkor as well as major operations of global semiconductor companies such as TSMC and Intel. The state is enhancing its status as a global semiconductors hub, having recently been selected as a long-term host for SEMICON West, North America’s largest semiconductor industry exhibition.
The City of Peoria is home to Amkor’s largest advanced packaging manufacturing facility in North America, currently under development, while GPEC plays an important role in expanding Arizona’s industrial ecosystem by attracting global companies and supporting investment.
Gyeonggi Province has maintained local-government-level exchanges with the State of Arizona since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on friendship and cooperation in 2024. The province expects this meeting to serve as an opportunity to further develop cooperation between the two regions and translate it into tangible results.

Gyeonggi Province Urges Central Government to Extend Support to Foreign Victims of Jeonse Fraud

2026-08-20T01:26:03Z

○ Gyeonggi Province proposes improvements to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to support legally staying foreign victims of jeonse (lump-sum housing lease) fraud
– Special housing support measures allowing victims to continue living in affected homes
– Special financial support measures enabling access to low-interest jeonse loans and refinancing loans
Gyeonggi Province announced on August 9 that it had asked the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to revise relevant laws and guidelines, including the Special Act on Support for Jeonse Fraud Victims and Housing Stability so that foreign victims of jeonse fraud who are legally residing in Korea can also receive government support.
The province requested that the Korea Land and Housing Corporation purchase the affected homes of foreign victims and use them for emergency housing support, allowing victims to continue living in their existing homes. It also proposed including foreign victims among those eligible for financial support so they can access low-interest jeonse loans backed by the Housing and Urban Fund, as well as refinancing loans that allow them to replace their existing loans.
Under the current system, foreigners are not excluded from the process of determining victims of jeonse fraud. However, even when foreign nationals are officially recognized as victims, they are excluded from major support programs, including access to public rental housing and financial assistance through the Housing and Urban Fund.
As a result, foreign victims cannot continue living in their affected homes even when they wish to do so for reasons such as employment or their children’s education. They also face difficulties accessing low-interest policy loans from the Housing and Urban Fund when they need funds for jeonse or refinancing.
Gyeonggi Province explained that the proposal was made based on its belief that exceptional housing and financial support is necessary for foreign victims who are legally staying in Korea and have established their livelihoods here through employment, family, and other ties. The province argues that the current system, which excludes victims of jeonse fraud from major support based on nationality, needs to be improved in light of the purpose of the Special Act on Support for Jeonse Fraud Victims and Housing Stability, which was introduced as a temporary measure to alleviate housing insecurity among victims.
Kim Tae-su, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Housing Policy Division, stated, “We need to establish an institutional framework so that foreign victims of jeonse fraud who have established their lives in Korea can continue living safely in their affected homes and receive the financial support they need,” adding, “We will continue working closely with relevant agencies to ensure improvements at an institutional level.”

Seasonal Foreign Workers from Laos Experience Korean Food Culture at Gyeonggi Food Square

2026-08-20T01:27:26Z

○ Cultural experience programs jointly organized by the Gyeonggi Rural Workforce Support Center and Gyeonggi Food Square
The Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fisheries Promotion Agency (hereinafter, the “Agency”) held a Korean cooking and food culture program, “Sharing the Taste and Warmth of Korea at a Bossam Table,” on August 1 for 20 seasonal workers from Laos at the Gyeonggi Food Square Seasonal Kitchen.
Participants prepared and shared a traditional Korean bossam meal, experiencing the entire process from preparing ingredients and cooking to enjoying the meal together. Through cooking, they learned about Korean food culture and healthy eating habits while also having an opportunity to interact and communicate with one another.
Choi Chang-su, President of the Agency, stated, “We organized this event to support the emotional well-being of seasonal foreign workers and help them adapt to the local community, while providing them an opportunity to experience Korean food culture firsthand.” He added, “We will continue to strengthen cooperation among relevant organizations and commissioned programs in the province to create a stable living environment for seasonal foreign workers and promote sustainable development in rural communities.”
The Agency supports the stable settlement of seasonal foreign workers in rural communities through the Gyeonggi Rural Workforce Support Center, which is operated under a commission from Gyeonggi Province. The Agency continues to provide on-site support for safer working conditions by visiting rural worksites across the province, offering consultations to seasonal workers, providing guidance on preventing heat-related illness, and distributing preventive supplies such as cooling neck wraps and glucose-and-salt tablets.

Gyeonggi Province to Survey All Migrants in Substandard Housing, Strengthen Support, Crack Down on Illegal Activity

2026-08-11T23:46:26Z

Support for housing improvements, linked assistance through Gyeonggi Climate Insurance and welfare programs, and consideration of temporary accommodation when continued residence is impossible
Strict action against system abuse or illegal activities in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice
Under Governor Mi Ae Choo’s directive, Gyeonggi Province will conduct a comprehensive survey of migrants living in greenhouses, containers, or other substandard housing vulnerable to extreme heat and fire. The measure follows recent safety concerns over residents living in makeshift greenhouses amid record-breaking heat.
Governor Choo visited a residential greenhouse site in Gwangmyeong City on July 12. “No resident of Gyeonggi Province should be left without protection from disasters or safety risks,” she said. “Closely inspect living conditions for migrants vulnerable to disasters such as extreme heat. Put necessary protective measures in place without delay.”
From July 24 to August 14, Gyeonggi Province will conduct a three-week survey of all 4,420 accommodations housing migrant workers in agriculture, livestock, or fisheries across 31 cities and counties. Workers covered by the Employment Permit System and Seasonal Worker Program are included in the survey.
Inspections will focus on greenhouses, containers, prefabricated structures, or other substandard housing. Officials will check whether each residence complies with legal requirements and has essential facilities such as toilets.
Migrants found to be living in poor conditions will receive emergency relief and support to improve their living environment through Gyeonggi Climate Insurance, welfare programs, or other available assistance. Employers providing accommodation in temporary structures built without legally required procedures, such as approval for farmland conversion, will face administrative action in consultation with the relevant city or county.
Emergency protection will also be provided when housing is deemed unsafe for continued occupancy. Gyeonggi Province will work with cities and counties to arrange temporary accommodation when necessary. The province also plans to establish an integrated support system by connecting existing migrant assistance programs covering medical care, welfare services, and counseling. The system will help migrants in substandard housing achieve greater stability and settle into local communities.
Gyeonggi will continue humanitarian support, while separately working with relevant agencies to address system abuse or conduct undermining community order in accordance with the law.
Governor Mi Ae Choo stated, “Disasters such as extreme heat pose an even greater risk to residents living in poor housing conditions,” adding, “We will closely monitor conditions to help migrants live in safer environments while strengthening the safety net for people vulnerable to disasters.”
Meanwhile, joint inspections of extreme heat response measures at industrial sites and migrant worker housing have been underway across Gyeonggi Province since July 14, involving the Ministry of Employment and Labor and local governments.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Calls for Korea–China Local Government Cooperation to Become a Model in Reply to Jiangsu Province Governor

2026-08-11T23:44:10Z

Governor Mi Ae Choo sends a reply through the Chinese delegation returning home on July 24 Jiangsu Governor Liu Xiaotao sent a congratulatory letter through the Chinese delegation on July 23
“Jiangsu is the first region to send a delegation to Gyeonggi Province in person to deliver a letter. I am deeply grateful for such a warm gesture.”
“Let us bring new momentum to the Korea–China strategic cooperative partnership.”
Gyeonggi and Jiangsu continue cooperation following their 2024 sisterhood agreement and the launch of a joint consultative body
Gyeonggi Province Governor Mi Ae Choo sent a letter to Jiangsu Province Governor Liu Xiaotao on July 24, calling for the two regions to become a model for Korea–China local government cooperation. The reply came just one day after Governor Choo received a congratulatory letter from Governor Liu on July 23. Her proposal to strengthen exchanges is expected to further deepen cooperation between Gyeonggi and Jiangsu.
Governor Choo conveyed her reply through the Chinese delegation before its return home on July 24. The delegation had visited Gyeonggi Province for the second meeting of the Gyeonggi–Jiangsu Joint Consultative Body. She also expressed her gratitude for the friendship and sincerity shown by the delegation in personally delivering Governor Liu’s letter.
“Since taking office, I have received congratulatory letters from sister and friendship regions around the world. Jiangsu is the first Chinese province whose delegation personally visited Gyeonggi to deliver a letter,” Governor Choo said in her reply. “Jiangsu has long been a friend of Gyeonggi. I am deeply grateful for such warmth.”
“I hope Gyeonggi and Jiangsu can build closer connections by leveraging our respective strengths and potential to deliver tangible results for residents across both regions.” She added, “Let us set a model for Korea–China local government cooperation while bringing fresh momentum to the Korea–China strategic cooperative partnership.”
On July 23, Jin Xiangjun, Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, visited Gyeonggi Province for the second meeting of the Gyeonggi–Jiangsu Joint Consultative Body. During the visit, he delivered to Park Keon-kyun, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s International Cooperation Bureau, a letter from Jiangsu Province Governor Liu Xiaotao congratulating Governor Mi Ae Choo on taking office.
Gyeonggi and Jiangsu established friendly cooperative relations in 2011 before upgrading their ties to a sister-province relationship in 2024. In 2025, they launched the Gyeonggi–Jiangsu Joint Consultative Body as a permanent working-level platform for concrete, practical cooperation.
Following the committee’s first meeting in Jiangsu last year, the second meeting was held in Gyeonggi on July 23. Both regions continue to pursue cooperation across the fields of economy, industry, climate and environmental issues, agricultural technology, healthcare, as well as future-generation exchanges.
Jiangsu has China’s second-largest economy, making the province Korea’s largest regional partner for trade and investment in China. Korea–Jiangsu trade reached approximately USD 86.3 billion last year, a volume that would rank fourth among Korea’s trading partners by country, just behind Vietnam at USD 94.5 billion. Jiangsu is also home to more than 3,000 Korean companies in major industries including semiconductors, batteries, and automobiles. Major operations include Samsung Electronics in Suzhou, SK hynix in Wuxi, Kia in Yancheng, and LG Energy Solution in Nanjing. The province therefore plays an important role in maintaining stable supply chains between Korea and China.
Jiangsu is an important partner with deep ties to Korea across economic, industrial, historical, and cultural fields. The province is home to the Choe Chiwon Memorial Hall, China’s first memorial hall dedicated to a foreign national, as well as an exhibition hall preserving historical records of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

Gyeonggi Province Showcases SME Products at Guangzhou Pop-Up Event

2026-07-28T05:02:17Z

○ Korea Gyeonggido Company hosts “Gyeonggi Premium Product Fair” in Guangzhou from July 14 to 16
The Korea Gyeonggido Company (KGC) is hosting a “Gyeonggi Premium Product Fair” pop-up event at Shengjia Supermarket in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, from July 14 to 16. Shengjia is a major Guangzhou-based supermarket chain that operates more than 60 stores and logistics centers across the region.
The event features a range of products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Gyeonggi Province, including pet nutritional supplements, red ginseng snacks, and health supplements.
Gyeonggi Province and KGC will assess feedback from local consumers and explore new business opportunities in the Chinese market.
KGC Director Tak Jeong-sam stated, “This pop-up event is focused on introducing products made by Gyeonggi-based companies to Chinese consumers and helping them build a local customer base,” adding, “We will continue working to turn this opportunity into tangible sales growth.”
KGC supports Gyeonggi-based SMEs seeking to enter overseas markets, including the US and China, by helping them identify and develop new export opportunities. From September through December last year, KGC also held an offline Gyeonggi Premium Product Fair at seven Long Mart stores in China’s Jilin Province. Approximately 90 products from 15 Gyeonggi-based SMEs generated around KRW 200 million in sales during the event.

Gyeonggi Province Inspects Workplaces to Protect Migrant Workers During Heat Wave

2026-07-28T05:05:06Z

○ Ministry of Employment and Labor, Gyeonggi Province, and local governments jointly inspect workplaces and accommodations for migrant workers
○ Heat-illness prevention guidelines distributed in 18 languages, with inspections covering cooling equipment and rest facilities
Gyeonggi Province will inspect industrial workplaces and accommodations from July 14 to 31 to protect migrant workers during the ongoing heat wave.
The inspections are part of a nationwide joint initiative led by the Ministry of Employment and Labor targeting workplaces that employ foreign workers. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over occupational heat illnesses. Several fatal cases of heatstroke involving foreign workers were reported last year, underscoring the need for stronger workplace safety measures during periods of extreme heat.
A total of 43 agricultural, livestock, and manufacturing workplaces employing migrant workers across the province have been selected for inspection. The joint inspections began in Icheon City on July 14 and will continue in Pocheon City and other areas with large numbers of agricultural and livestock businesses. The remaining sites will be inspected independently by the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s regional offices and the relevant local governments.
On July 14, officials from Gyeonggi Province’s Immigrant Society Bureau, the Seongnam District Employment and Labor Office, and Icheon City Government inspected a workplace employing foreign workers in Icheon. Accompanied by interpreters, provincial officials listened to the workers’ concerns and provided guidance on heat-wave precautions and health-protection measures.
Inspectors focused on compliance with five fundamental heat-safety measures: providing cool drinking water; installing cooling equipment; guaranteeing a break of at least 20 minutes every two hours when the heat index exceeds 33°C; supplying personal cooling gear such as cooling garments and vests; and immediately calling 119 and administering first aid when heat illness is suspected.
They also examined general workplace conditions and rest facilities, as well as the availability of air-conditioning and fire safety equipment in accommodations for foreign workers. Furthermore, inspectors distributed heat-illness prevention guidelines in 18 languages, including English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Gyeonggi Province is the only local government in Korea with a bureau-level organization dedicated exclusively to policies concerning foreign residents. The province plans to continue working closely with central and local government agencies to monitor the conditions faced by migrant workers, who are particularly vulnerable to heat waves and other climate-related risks, and to promote safer working environments.

Gyeonggi Province Launches AI-Powered “Gyeonggi Migrant Portal”

2026-07-28T05:04:38Z

○ One-stop platform provides information on daily life, administrative services, employment, and education, with an AI chatbot and multilingual translation helping to reduce language barriers
○ Official launch on July 8 follows pilot operations and testing conducted after the platform’s completion in late May
On July 8, Gyeonggi Province officially launched the “Gyeonggi Migrant Portal.” The integrated online platform brings together migrant-related information previously scattered across multiple agencies and websites, and offers automatic translation services.
Through a single platform, migrants can access essential information on daily life, administrative services, employment, education, healthcare, and welfare. The portal features a generative AI-powered chatbot and automatic translation in multiple languages, enabling migrants with limited Korean proficiency to find the information they need more easily. It also provides a real-time question-and-answer service covering topics frequently raised by migrants, such as visa (residency) status, employment issues, and daily life.
A community feature allows users to exchange practical information and connect with other residents in the region. Through regional community boards, users can share healthcare experiences, educational opportunities, and information about local events. Location-based services also deliver practical information tailored to each user’s community.
After completing the platform in late May, Gyeonggi Province conducted pilot operations with provincial government employees and migrant communities to improve system stability and service quality ahead of the official launch.
The Gyeonggi Migrant Portal became accessible through major online search engines on July 8. Designed as a responsive website, the platform automatically adjusts its layout and menus for PCs, smartphones, and tablets, ensuring a convenient user experience across a wide range of devices.
Yoon Hyun-ok, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigrant Society Policy Division, stated, “The Gyeonggi Migrant Portal is an integrated platform designed to help migrants overcome language and information barriers by giving them easier and faster access to essential information,” adding, “We will continue incorporating user feedback and developing the portal into a flagship service that supports migrants as they settle into and become part of their local communities.”

Gyeonggi Province Eliminates 90-Day Residency Requirement for Childcare Subsidies for Foreign Children Beginning in July

2026-07-06T06:03:52Z

○ Removal of the 90-day residency requirement allows eligible children to receive support immediately upon foreign resident registration, helping eliminate gaps in childcare assistance
○ Beginning in July, Gyeonggi Province will ease the eligibility requirements for its childcare subsidy program for foreign children, allowing infants and young children who have completed foreign resident registration to receive childcare subsidies regardless of how long they have lived in the province.
○ The province announced on June 30 that it will abolish the residency requirement and expand eligibility for the childcare subsidy program following revisions to the “Gyeonggi Province Ordinance on Support for Foreign Residents.”
○ The program provides childcare subsidies for foreign children aged 0 to 5 enrolled in daycare centers across Gyeonggi Province. It aims to reduce childcare costs for foreign families while ensuring that all infants and young children have equal access to childcare services without discrimination.
○ Previously, both the parent or guardian and the child were required to have resided in Gyeonggi Province for more than 90 days to qualify for the subsidy. As a result, newly arrived foreign families often fell outside the support system during their initial settlement period, creating gaps in access to childcare assistance.
○ With the ordinance revision, however, the 90-day residency requirement has been removed. Foreign children who have completed foreign resident registration will now be eligible for childcare subsidies when attending daycare centers regardless of their length of residence.
○ Ko Hyeon-suk, Director of the Gyeonggi Province’s Childcare Policy Division, stated, “This change in the eligibility criteria is expected to ease the childcare burden on foreign families and help eliminate gaps in childcare support,” adding, “We will continue working to create an inclusive childcare environment where every child in the province receives equal care and support.”

Gyeonggi Province Establishes Foundation to Provide Medical Services for Foreign Residents Without National Health Insurance Coverage

2026-07-07T01:04:37Z

○ Passed an ordinance to improve public healthcare access and establish a collaborative healthcare system for foreign residents on June 24
– Aiming to strengthen public healthcare access and build a collaborative healthcare system for uninsured foreign residents facing financial and language barriers, helping protect community public health
○ Gyeonggi Province has established an institutional foundation to ensure that foreign residents who are not covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, including undocumented foreign nationals, can receive necessary medical services.
○ On June 26, the province announced that the “Gyeonggi Province Ordinance on Improving Public Healthcare Access and Establishing a Collaborative Healthcare System for Foreign Residents” was approved by the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly on June 24.
○ The ordinance’s greatest significance lies in institutionalizing healthcare access for foreign residents as a matter of strengthening the community’s public healthcare safety net, rather than treating it as an individual hardship or a one-time support measure.
○ For foreign residents who are not covered by the NHI system, accessing medical care often presents a substantial financial burden. Medical costs are higher due to international pricing, while language barriers and limited access to healthcare information frequently discourage or prevent individuals from seeking treatment even when they experience symptoms.
○ The province explained that it introduced the ordinance because delayed or inadequate access to necessary medical services for uninsured foreign residents could lead not only to worsening individual health conditions but also to broader public health risks, including more severe medical emergencies and the spread of infectious diseases.
○ The ordinance includes provisions that define: the provincial governor’s responsibilities for improving healthcare access for uninsured foreign residents and strengthening the public healthcare safety net; eligibility requirements and priority support categories; cooperation with partner medical institutions, public healthcare organizations, and private medical support organizations; medical interpretation services and the provision of healthcare information; and connections to public health services, including vaccinations and infectious disease management.
○ Based on the ordinance, Gyeonggi Province plans to first secure partnerships with medical institutions and establish a comprehensive support system that includes medical interpretation, accompaniment services, counseling, and case management so that uninsured foreign residents can access both medical treatment and public healthcare services. The province also plans to strengthen cooperation with six public hospitals operated by the Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center, local public health centers, and private medical support organizations to expand access to essential public healthcare services such as vaccinations and infectious disease management.
○ Eligible recipients include foreign residents who are not covered by the NHI system, have resided in Gyeonggi Province for at least 90 days, and are recognized as requiring public healthcare support. Pregnant women, infants and young children, and individuals suspected or confirmed to have infectious diseases will receive priority assistance. Support will be limited to cases recognized as necessary for public health purposes, including infectious disease prevention and maternal and child healthcare.
○ The province emphasized that the ordinance is not intended to replace the NHI system or create a separate healthcare system. Rather, its purpose is to connect foreign residents who fall outside existing systems with public health services and local medical resources. Instead of providing direct financial assistance for medical expenses, the ordinance focuses on reducing gaps in public healthcare by linking existing systems with local healthcare resources, thereby helping prevent treatment delays and reducing public health risks across local communities.
○ Going forward, Gyeonggi Province plans to consult with relevant departments, municipal governments, medical institutions, private mutual aid organizations, and foreign resident support organizations to establish detailed implementation procedures and operational plans.
○ Kim Seong-hwan, Director of the Gyeonggi Province’s Immigration Society Support Division, stated, “The health rights of foreign residents who fall outside the NHI system are not simply an issue affecting a particular group, but one that concerns the health and safety of the entire community.” He added, “Based on the purpose of this ordinance, we will carefully examine ways to improve healthcare access and strengthen public-private healthcare cooperation while minimizing unnecessary misunderstandings and controversy, ultimately building a public healthcare safety net that earns broad community support.”