Gyeonggi Province and the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) held the “2025 K-Beauty Expo Malaysia” at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) from November 20 to 22, achieving business consultations valued at USD 15 million in total.

This inaugural expo was organized to secure Malaysia—a market with high demand for Korean cosmetics due to influences like K-dramas—as a strategic hub for exports in Southeast Asia.

A total of 66 companies, including 50 from Gyeonggi Province, participated, exhibiting a full range of K-Beauty products such as cosmetics, haircare items, raw materials, and beauty devices. The expo was held concurrently with the K Meditech Expo Malaysia, attracting over 7,000 visitors, including 151 local buyers, generating strong interest.

Gyeonggi Province provided participating companies with support amounting to approximately KRW 4.1 million per company in cost reductions for booth fees, interpreting services, and transportation costs. Additional support included buyer matchmaking, follow-up management, and collaboration with KOTRA, providing diverse opportunities for companies to develop export channels.

During the expo, a one-on-one export consultation session co-hosted with KOTRA resulted in USD 15 million in potential export deals, with contracts worth about USD 2 million currently being pursued—demonstrating tangible outcomes even at its first-ever event.

A representative from Ronas Cosmetic, a participating company, said, “We are grateful for the extensive support we received as a Gyeonggi company, including assistance with booth fees, interpreters, and transportation costs,” adding, “We were pleased to achieve strong results, including signing a USD 30,000 contract with a local buyer during the on-site export consultations. This event gave us confidence in the purchasing power of K-Beauty products in the Malaysian market.”

Eom Ki-man, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Bio Industry Division, commented, “Although this was the first expo, achieving substantial consultation figures and contract negotiations demonstrates both the capabilities of Gyeonggi companies and the growth potential of the Malaysian market,” and added, “The province will continue strategic efforts to help local beauty SMEs strengthen their global competitiveness and establish a foundation for sustainable growth.”

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.

Gyeonggi Province announced on November 12 that it received the Digital Government Award at the 2025 ASOCIO Digital Summit in recognition of its achievements in introducing artificial intelligence (AI) across government administration and driving innovation in public services.

The Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) is an international ICT council representing 24 countries across Asia and Oceania. Every year, the organization selects and awards public and private institutions that lead advancements in AI and digital transformation.

This year’s awards ceremony was held from November 10 to 12 in Taipei, Taiwan. Nine organizations from Korea—including Gyeonggi Province, LG CNS, Hankook Networks, and Mirae Asset Securities—received awards across various categories.

Gyeonggi Province was recognized for its achievements across daily-life public service innovation and comprehensive AI transformation, including: AI Care, AI Welfare Call, a behavioral analysis system for individuals with developmental disabilities, and AI-based 119 emergency call receipt services; the launch of the Gyeonggi-style AI Administrative Innovation Platform (LLM); AI talent development and digital-inclusion education programs to reduce the information gap for digitally vulnerable groups; and the establishment of an AI innovation cluster and provision of high-performance computing resources to support industry, administration, and welfare sectors.

Based on this recognition, the province plans to expand international cooperation networks through initiatives, including the following: support for overseas expansion of AI companies in Gyeonggi Province; pursuing global joint research in leading AI fields; sharing exemplary cases of AI literacy among residents; and advancing policies for safe and ethical AI utilization.

Kim Ki-byeong, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Artificial Intelligence Bureau, stated, “This award affirms that the international community recognizes Gyeonggi Province’s efforts to deploy AI across residents’ daily lives, from administration and welfare to industrial development,” adding, “We will continue advancing AI-based resident services, industrial innovation, and administrative modernization so that the Gyeonggi-style AI public-innovation model becomes a globally leading best practice.”

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim, while conducting a field tour to inspect provincial affairs and listen to residents, visited Pangyo in Seongnam City for the 14th time and reaffirmed continued support to build a “startup paradise” in Korea.

Speaking at the Korea Innovators Community Summit held at the Global Biz Center in Pangyo Techno Valley 2 on November 7, Governor Kim stated, “This is the first startup program the World Economic Forum has undertaken in partnership with a single country, which makes it even more significant.”

The Korea Innovators Community Summit is a startup-focused event co-hosted by Gyeonggi Province and the World Economic Forum. The World Economic Forum is an international non-profit private organization through which leaders from governments, businesses, academia, and civil society convene to discuss major global economic and social issues and seek solutions. It is widely known as the organizer of the annual Davos Forum held each January in Davos, Switzerland.

In his welcoming address, Governor Kim stated, “We are launching the Korea Frontiers program together with the World Economic Forum. Beginning with this initiative, we will provide full support to cultivate the growth of unicorn companies.”

“Korea Frontiers” is Korea’s first global startup incubation program, jointly developed by the Gyeonggi Province Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

He continued, “For many years, I have envisioned transforming not only Gyeonggi Province but all of the Republic of Korea into a startup paradise,” adding, “To bring this plan to fruition, I have pursued two consistent goals: first, expanding global opportunities for startups and making bold investments; second, reforming the startup support system and ecosystem.”

Governor Kim further explained, “The goal of attracting KRW 100 trillion in investment to Gyeonggi Province was first announced about two years and eight months ago, and it was achieved ahead of schedule during my Boston visit last week. Since much of this investment is directed toward ecosystem development, it translates into more opportunities for our startups.”

Governor Kim also stated, “Through the Pangyo+20 Project, we are expanding startup spaces totaling 660,000 square meters across 20 locations in the province to build clusters. We launched the Gyeonggi Startup Council, which now has more than 520 participating companies, and last month opened the Gyeonggi Startup Bridge to support startups at every stage of growth. Just a few days ago, four startups nurtured by Gyeonggi Province received innovation awards at the world’s largest exhibition.” He emphasized, “We will continue to identify innovative startups, reinforce the ecosystem, enhance communication, and create opportunities for global expansion.”

This event served as the first official platform where Korea’s leading innovative startups, jointly selected by Gyeonggi Province and the World Economic Forum, came together with domestic unicorn companies and global venture investors to discuss cooperation. It marked a meaningful starting point for expanding Korean startups’ presence on the global stage.

Approximately 200 attendees participated, including Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum; CEOs of major domestic AI and tech companies such as Yanolja, Lunit, DeepX, and Upstage; and representatives from major investment institutions.

Notably, the event also marked the official launch of Korea Frontiers, Korea’s first global startup incubation project co-developed by the Gyeonggi Province Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the World Economic Forum (WEF), known for hosting the Davos Forum.

The 30 startups selected for the first cohort will participate in the WEF Innovators Community for two years, gaining opportunities for global networking and market entry. Over 80% of the selected companies have secured cumulative investments exceeding KRW 5 billion, with 15 of them having attracted more than KRW 10 billion.

Following this summit, the province plans to strengthen cooperation with more than 20 global centers of the World Economic Forum and continue supporting the overseas expansion of domestic innovative companies, centered on the Korea Frontiers program.

Governor Kim attended the Davos Forum in January last year and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Economic Forum to establish a Fourth Industrial Revolution Center in Gyeonggi Province. Earlier this year, the province established Korea’s first Fourth Industrial Revolution Center in Pangyo, which plays a key role in discovering leading domestic startups, forming a community, and providing collaboration opportunities with global startups.

Gyeonggi Province and KINTEX hosted the 2025 K-Beauty Expo Vietnam at the SECC Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for three days from October 30 to November 1, facilitating approximately USD 49 million in export consultations.

The expo, organized to support beauty companies in the province in entering Vietnam—an essential market within Southeast Asia—and in building global business networks, brought together seventy participating companies. The companies showcased a wide range of K-Beauty products, including cosmetics, nail care, hair care, body care, and fragrances.

Gyeonggi Province supported participating companies by covering booth participation fees, interpretation costs, and transportation expenses. The provincial government also provided various opportunities for companies to cultivate export channels, including buyer matchmaking, post-event follow-up support, and collaboration with KOTRA.

Notably, the event was held concurrently with Vietnam’s largest beauty exhibition, the Saigon Beauty Show, drawing heightened interest from local buyers and consumers. More than 10,000 Vietnamese consumers and buyers attended, and over twenty influencers took part in K-Beauty events and brand experiences, amplifying the excitement among key local customers in their teens to thirties.

During the expo, one-on-one export consultation meetings were conducted with invited buyers arranged through the KOTRA Ho Chi Minh City Trade Office. The total export consultation value reached approximately USD 49 million, with around USD 18 million in potential contract value, marking tangible achievements.

A representative from Crown Cos, a participating company, stated, “Vietnam’s market potential and level of interest exceeded our expectations. We conducted consultations with twenty-six companies, including buyers from Vietnam as well as Northern Europe and East Asia. We are currently in detailed discussions with four companies regarding distribution agreements,” adding, “We expect to establish a foothold in the local market within the next three years and anticipate exports of around USD 1 million over the next five years.”

Um Ki-man, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Bio Industry Division, stated, “Vietnam serves as a key hub within the Southeast Asian market and holds significant strategic value for advancing the growth of K-Beauty.” He added, “The province will continue its innovative and sustained efforts to help small and medium-sized beauty enterprises within Gyeonggi Province expand their overseas market presence and grow into globally competitive firms.”

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province will host K-Beauty Expo Malaysia at the PWCC Exhibition Center in Penang, Malaysia, from November 20 to 22.

On October 31, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) announced that they will support AI startups in expanding into overseas markets through the AI Global Competency Enhancement Program.

The program operates as a connected model linking Asia (Singapore and Taiwan) and North America (San Francisco, U.S.), designed to help Gyeonggi-based companies establish collaborative ecosystems with global big tech firms and translate these partnerships into tangible exchanges and investment opportunities.

Earlier, in September and October, the province collaborated with global leaders such as Salesforce, NVIDIA, and Google to operate the following programs: AI Company Global Value-Up Program (September 8–13) and NVIDIA Gyeonggi Growth, or NGG (October 12–19).

Through these initiatives, 15 AI and deep-tech startups from the province engaged with overseas investors and industry partners, holding discussions on overseas proof-of-concept (PoC) projects, joint development, and potential investments.

In particular, companies participating in the AI Value-Up Program attended Dreamforce 2025—the world’s largest AI and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) conference—held in San Francisco from October 14 to 16, expanding their networks with North American venture capital (VC) and accelerator (AC) communities.

Participants in the NGG program, including Westmoon Corp. and ALL.AI Inc., each advanced to the stages of technology validation and investment review through joint project discussions with local companies in Singapore and Taiwan, respectively.

Participating companies shared positive outlooks, noting that “continued follow-up support, such as overseas PoCs, joint development, and local partnership matching, would not only accelerate technological advancement but also lead to increased global sales.”

Building on the global collaboration opportunities identified through this initiative, the provincial government plans to strengthen its post-program growth support system, including support for participation in NVIDIA GTC 2026, investment attraction linked with global big tech companies such as Salesforce and Google, as well as consultations for AI company localization and PoC validation.

Kim Ki-byeong, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Artificial Intelligence Bureau, stated, “We aim to position Gyeonggi Province as an AI open innovation hub that collaborates seamlessly with the global AI ecosystem,” adding, “By continuously expanding our global network, we will enable AI businesses in Gyeonggi Province to secure both technological competitiveness and investment outcomes on the global stage, allowing the province to emerge as the heart of Korea’s AI industry and a leading global AI hub.”

A delegation from Gyeonggi Province, led by Governor Dong Yeon Kim, will visit Boston and Washington, D.C., from October 26 to November 1 for five nights and seven days to attract foreign investment and expand the province’s global diplomatic network.

This trip marks Governor Kim’s fifth visit to the United States, following continued efforts to attract global corporate investment, expand Gyeonggi’s economic territory, build innovation alliances, create opportunities for young adults, and engage in tariff negotiations. During this trip, Governor Kim plans to advance active diplomacy and investment attraction initiatives.

In Boston, he will be greeted by young Korean talents—including entrepreneurs from the World Federation of Overseas Korean Economic and Trade Associations who are leading next-generation businesses, as well as Korean-American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in biology, AI, and climate technology sectors—to discuss potential avenues for exchange and cooperation with Gyeonggi Province.

He will also sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on investment with Company E and hold investment consultations with Companies A and S to encourage direct investment decisions in Gyeonggi Province, continuing his drive to achieve the KRW 100 trillion investment goal within his term.

In Washington, D.C., Governor Kim will attend the Think Tank Conference, co-hosted by the Center for the National Interest (CNI), the Korean Association for Policy Studies, and the Gyeonggi Research Institute, where he is set to deliver a keynote speech titled “Gyeonggi Province: The Engine Driving the Korea-U.S. Alliance.” The conference will serve as a forum for in-depth discussions with major U.S. think tanks and academic scholars on global issues, covering response strategies to U.S. tariffs, inter-Korean relations, AI, the bio industry, and more.

In particular, Governor Kim plans to meet with Scott Snyder, President and CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America, and key members of the U.S. Congress to discuss means to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance, taking this visit as an opportunity to broaden the scope of Gyeonggi Province’s local diplomacy.

On October 22, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi-do Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) announced that they participated in EQUIP AUTO 2025—a global auto parts exhibition—held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in France from October 14 to 18, achieving export consultations totaling USD 9.06 million.

While Gyeonggi Province serves as a key industrial hub accounting for approximately 23.2% of Korea’s automobile export companies, the recent U.S. 25% tariff measures on selective items have placed a heavy burden on local businesses. In response, the province provided participation support for small and medium-sized automotive companies to help them explore alternative markets and diversify their export channels.

Recognized as one of the world’s top three specialized exhibitions for automotive parts and aftermarket alongside Germany’s Automechanika and the United States’ AAPEX, EQUIP AUTO serves as a global business platform attracting leading enterprises from across the European automotive industry. This year’s exhibition, themed “Mobility of Tomorrow,” showcased key technologies driving the transformation of the future mobility sector, including electromobility, autonomous driving, eco-friendly automotive parts, and smart maintenance solutions.

Gyeonggi Province organized a joint exhibition called Gyeonggi Pavilion, featuring 15 promising SMEs that showcased products with cutting-edge technology, such as automotive parts, electronic systems, eco-friendly materials, and maintenance solutions. Gyeonggi Province provided comprehensive on-site support, including business consultations, interpretation services, and logistics assistance for exhibits.

As a result, participants conducted a total of 276 consultations, achieving export consultations worth approximately USD 9.06 million and securing contract negotiations totaling USD 1.71 million. Gyeonggi-based companies received strong recognition for their technological capabilities and product quality in the fields of electrification and eco-friendly components in particular, significantly enhancing their prospects for entering the European market.

The exhibition participation initiative was carried out as part of the “Gyeonggi Province Trade Crisis Response Package Project.” Building on the buyer network established through the exhibition, the provincial government plans to strengthen comprehensive support measures, including export consulting and overseas certification assistance, to help local companies overcome their trade challenges and establish sustainable export structures.

Park Gyeong-seo, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s International Trade Division, stated, “Despite recent tariff negotiations between South Korea and the U.S., the 25% tariff on automobiles persists, which puts relevant businesses in our province at significant risk, as the automotive sector is Gyeonggi’s core industry,” adding, “At times like this, the provincial government will continue to reinforce on-site overseas marketing support and actively assist SMEs in securing competitiveness in the global market.”

The Gyeonggi Human Resource Development Institute, in partnership with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), will host a training program titled “Capacity Building for Gender Equality and Women’s Policy in Nigeria” for 14 Nigerian public officials from Oct. 12 to 25, 2025. This year marks the third year of the program, following the first local training in 2023 and the second invitation training in 2024.

The training focuses on addressing gender inequality in Nigerian society and strengthening gender-responsive policy capacity. Main learning areas include gender equality policy and education systems, women’s empowerment and leadership, and the practice and application of gender sensitivity, with Gyeonggi Province sharing its accumulated policy experience. The program aims to help Nigeria build a foundation for its own policy development while strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

In preparing the course, Gyeonggi Province reviewed international gender equality priorities and Nigeria’s local needs. Feedback from last year’s participants was reflected in the program to expand hands-on lectures and field visits. More time was also allocated for drafting action plans to improve practical applicability.

Training in the second year not only improved the policy capabilities of individuals and organizations, but also helped participants build stronger partnerships with one another. The program’s impact extended beyond short-term results. Participants stayed connected through messenger groups, strengthened inter-agency cooperation, and linked policy ideas to further collaboration, showing the potential for long-term exchange. The third year of training focuses on developing concrete and practical policy ideas built on these achievements.

Gyeonggi Human Resource Development Institute President Kim Jae-hoon stated, “As the third year of the program, this training is designed to help Nigerian officials develop concrete policy plans and practical alternatives built on the progress made so far,” adding, “We hope it brings meaningful changes to local education settings and administrative systems while deepening cooperation between our two countries.”

Since 2010, Gyeonggi Province and KOICA have worked together on global training programs for public officials from developing countries. Through courses on public administration, e-government, local autonomy, and women’s policy, the programs have shared Korea and Gyeonggi Province’s policy experiences and development models, contributing to institutional improvement and human resource capacity building in partner countries. Going forward, Gyeonggi Province and KOICA plan to expand customized training programs that reflect each country’s local needs, broaden the scope of international cooperation, and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since 2023, foreign children aged 0 to 5 attending daycare centers in the province have been provided with support of KRW 100,000 per month, ensuring that all children can grow in a stable and inclusive childcare environment.

Considering rising prices and childcare costs, the province decided to raise the monthly support amount by KRW 50,000 to ease the financial burden on foreign families.

Eligibility requirements remain unchanged. The support applies to registered foreign infants and toddlers aged 0 to 5 who attend daycare centers in the province and have resided in the province with their guardians for at least 90 days.

Guardians must submit a childcare support application and a certificate of alien registration to the daycare center, then make payments using the National Happiness Card to receive childcare assistance.

Gyeonggi Province Childcare Policy Director Ko Hyun-sook stated, “By expanding childcare support, we aim to reduce the burden on foreign parents and provide equal childcare opportunities so that every child can grow up healthy. We will continue working to close childcare gaps and ensure no child is left behind.”