The Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone Authority (GGFEZ) announced that it hosted the “AI Seminar and Investment Briefing” on August 26 at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul, in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) and The Korea Times, targeting U.S. companies.

At the briefing, the focus was on highlighting the characteristics and investment advantages of three key districts: the Poseung (BIX) District, Pyeongtaek City, as an eco-friendly future mobility production cluster; the Baegot District, Siheung City, which is being developed into a hub for land, sea, and air unmanned vehicles as well as a medical-bio cluster; and the Hyeondeok District, Pyeongtaek City, envisioned as a hydrogen economy city with a global residential environment.

In line with the shift toward a data-driven economy, the event also presented tailored investment approaches for each district, along with various incentives such as tariff, acquisition tax, and property tax reductions, as well as one-stop administrative support services for businesses.

The GGFEZ also introduced new project scales and development concepts in the cities of Goyang and Ansan as part of efforts to expand the designation of the free economic zone.

The event opened with a message from President Lee Jae-myung, delivered by Lee Kyu-yeon, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication, and was attended by National Assemblyman Maeng Sung-kyu, Chair of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, as well as James Heller, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Korea.

Notably, Ryu Young-sang, Chief Executive Officer of SK Telecom, and Victor Gustav Gao, Chief Communication Officer of the Carlyle Group, delivered keynote lectures on “Global AI Competition: Korea and the Technology-Driven Economy,” and also took part in a panel discussion on “AI in Industry: From Manufacturing, Finance, and Commerce to Semiconductors and Chatbots—Building a Sustainable AI Ecosystem.”

Gyeonggi Province and the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) announced on August 24 that they successfully hosted the four-day 2025 K-Beauty Expo Taiwan from August 15 to 18 at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC). The expo was organized to help promising beauty companies in Gyeonggi expand into overseas markets and strengthen their export competitiveness.

Marking its 8th edition this year, the event featured a total of 75 companies—including 40 from Gyeonggi Province—presenting a wide array of K-beauty products ranging from cosmetics and nail care to hair, body care, and perfumes. Of particular note, the expo drew over 150,000 visitors, including 267 Taiwanese buyers and consumers, reaffirming strong demand for K-beauty.

During the one-on-one export consultation sessions held throughout the expo, export consultations reached approximately USD 32.09 million, up 14.6% from the previous year. Contract commitments rose 137.9% year-on-year to USD 9.2 million, while on-site contracts surged 181.7% to USD 100,000, delivering tangible results.

For the 40 participating companies from the province, Gyeonggi provided subsidies covering booth participation fees, interpretation services, and transportation costs—about KRW 3.75 million per company—along with opportunities such as buyer matching, follow-up support, and collaboration with KOTRA to help expand their export markets.

A representative from the participating company Beauty in Asia said, “We are grateful for the extensive support provided as a Gyeonggi-backed company, including assistance with booth fees, interpreters, and logistics. We are especially pleased to have secured a USD 100,000 contract with a local buyer during the on-site consultations.” The representative added, “This year’s event was particularly meaningful as it clearly demonstrated the growing preference for and purchasing power of K-beauty in the Taiwanese market.”

This year’s expo was held alongside the Taipei International Beauty Show—the largest beauty exhibition in Taiwan, now in its 18th year—creating strong synergy and earning recognition as a valuable opportunity for K-beauty companies seeking entry into the Taiwanese market.

Eom Ki-man, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Bioindustry Division, stated, “There are concerns that recent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States may pose challenges for local beauty SMEs,” stressing, “Nevertheless, the province will spare no effort in providing innovative and practical support to help promising small and medium-sized enterprises emerge as new leaders in the global beauty market.”

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province plans to host the K-Beauty Expo Vietnam at the SECC Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh City from October 30 to November 1, followed by the K-Beauty Expo Malaysia at the PWCC Exhibition Center in the State of Penang from November 20 to 22.

The Gyeonggido (Gyeonggi Province) Job Foundation announced on August 21 that it has launched the “Foreigner Job Support Center” to provide employment services for foreign job seekers and local companies seeking to hire foreign workers.

Operated online, the center offers career counseling and customized job information for foreign job seekers, while connecting companies struggling with labor shortages to qualified candidates, focusing on addressing workforce imbalances in the province’s industries.

The center primarily serves foreign residents in Gyeonggi Province, including marriage migrants, international students, and migrant workers. Applications can be made through the Gyeonggido Job Portal “Jobaba” (https://job.gg.go.kr), where users can access information on employment support programs for foreigners and receive tailored job placement services.

Companies seeking to hire foreign workers can submit recruitment requests through Jobaba and be matched with foreign job seekers who meet their requirements and desired qualifications. This system helps alleviate job vacancies in the province while enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses.

To further improve accessibility, an “International Talent Recruitment Online Booth” is also available within the Jobaba portal. By accessing the online booth through the “Jobs for Foreigners” menu at the bottom of the website, users can find resources, such as: special employment lectures for international students; employment programs for marriage migrant women; and job postings linked to the foreign employment platform, “KOWORK.” Both job postings and applications can also be submitted easily online.

Yoon Deok-ryong, CEO of the Gyeonggido Job Foundation, stated, “Through the Foreigner Job Support Center, we aim to efficiently connect foreign job seekers with companies, helping resolve labor supply issues in Gyeonggi Province and supporting the stable settlement of foreign workers.”

On August 14, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim received a visit from Amit Kumar, the outgoing Indian Ambassador to South Korea, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, expressing gratitude for Ambassador Kumar’s efforts in promoting exchanges between Gyeonggi and India.

Governor Kim said to Ambassador Kumar, “Thank you for your significant contributions to enhancing cooperation between South Korea and India, and specifically between Gyeonggi Province and India.” He also welcomed Ambassador Kumar’s proposal to support talented Indian individuals in fields such as semiconductors and AI to study and work in Korea, contributing to practical bilateral cooperation. Governor Kim added, “We will continue practical consultations, including forming a working group, to create synergy through collaboration with India’s skilled talent.”

Ambassador Amit Kumar stated, “Gyeonggi Province is Korea’s largest local autonomy, accounting for a quarter of the country’s GDP and 30 percent of its exports, making it a valuable partner for India,” adding, “With its advanced industries in semiconductors, AI, and biotechnology, I look forward to further cooperation between Gyeonggi and India.”

During his three-year tenure in Korea, Ambassador Kumar actively promoted exchanges and cooperation between Korea and India, including Gyeonggi Province. In March 2023, Ambassador Kumar visited the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex for the first time and invited Governor Kim to India. Four months later, in July 2023, Governor Kim visited the India International Exhibition and Convention Center (Yashobhoomi) in New Delhi, then in the final stages of construction, strengthening a strong working relationship.

Yashobhoomi, managed by the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) under a 20-year operation agreement, successfully hosted the Korea Industrial Exhibition (KoINDEX) in conjunction with G-Fair in 2024, showcasing Gyeonggi’s global exhibition management capabilities. In November 2023, Gyeonggi also established the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, providing diverse opportunities for Korean companies entering the Indian market.

Gyeonggi-India exchanges have also expanded into culture. In October 2023, an Indian dance troupe performed traditional Indian dances for Gyeonggi residents at the Gyeonggi Arts Center, hosted by the Indian Cultural Center in Korea. Last year, Gyeonggi Province officials identified and corrected errors in the “Map of the Spread of Buddhism in East Asia” at the National Museum of India in New Delhi, including mislabeling of country names and locations, contributing to mutual understanding between the two nations.

This year, marking the 10th anniversary of Korea and India’s elevation to a special strategic partnership, the two countries are actively strengthening cooperation, including a summit during the G7, with Gyeonggi Province planning to expand collaboration in economic, trade, and future growth sectors.

Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator are recruiting companies to join the “2025 New York Investment Attraction Program for Gyeonggi Startups’ Global Growth Support,” designed to help startups in the province enter the US market. Applications will be accepted until August 22.

This program offers customized startup planning (acceleration), local demo days, and exchange programs for promising startups in Gyeonggi seeking to expand to the US. The goal is to enhance opportunities for commercialization and investment by connecting participants with local investors and business leaders.

Eligible companies are startups headquartered in Gyeonggi Province that have been in business for seven years or less, with a maximum of ten years allowed for new industry sectors. Twenty promising companies in technology fields such as content, fintech, and digital healthcare will be selected through document review and presentation evaluations.

Selected companies will receive comprehensive support throughout the program, including assessments of global expansion capabilities, investor relations (IR) capability enhancement consultations, New York investment briefing (IR) and one-on-one investment consultations, participation in the global startup event (KOOM 2025) hosted by the United Korean Founders (UKF), and follow-up investment connections.

In collaboration with CNT Tech and Plug and Play, meetings with local venture capitalists (VCs) will be arranged. During the program, participants will also attend the “KOOM 2025” event hosted by the UKF to gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs and engage in networking opportunities. Companies that stand out may also receive direct investment of up to KRW 1 billion and connections to the private investment-led Technology Startup Support (TIPS) program.

Companies wishing to participate can apply online via the Gyeonggi Startup Platform (www.gsp.or.kr) by 5 p.m. on August 22. For further information, contact the Startup Global Team at the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator (Phone: +82-31-8039-7104).

Park Yang-deok, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Venture & Startup Division stated, “This program is an exceptional opportunity for startups in the province to expand and grow in the US market,” adding, “We will continue to expand opportunities for outstanding startups to go global and scale up.”

The 2025 Gyeonggi Youth Climate Emissaries—a civilian delegation dispatched by Gyeonggi Province to address climate disparities in developing countries—held its launch ceremony on August 1 and began its official activities.

The program provides overseas volunteer opportunities for Gyeonggi residents aged 19 to 39, enabling them to participate in climate action projects in developing countries. This year the program received applications from 494 young adults, reaching a competition rate of 2.5 to 1, with 200 candidates selected for the final roster. They will be dispatched to five countries: Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.

The first group of 120 members will travel to Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines from August 9 to 29, with 40 members assigned to each country. The second group of 80 members will be dispatched to Cambodia and Laos in October, with 40 members per country.

Their main activities will include tree planting suitable for the characteristics of each country, environmental maintenance, environmental education, climate action campaigns, cultural exchanges, and various other volunteer activities and exchange events.

At the launch ceremony, participants strengthened their sense of mission and commitment through an orientation program that included videos on overseas volunteer activities, a special lecture, and the presentation of appointment certificates.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim delivered a video message, stating, “The climate crisis is no longer a distant concern. Rather, we face a challenge that the entire world must tackle together. The Gyeonggi Youth Climate Emissaries are key players in the global response, and Gyeonggi Province will fully support them in carrying out their mission,” adding, “I hope they gain valuable experiences during their activities and return safely and in good health.”

Gyeonggi Province is conducting its first-ever human rights survey of foreign seasonal workers within the province until August 30.

The Foreign Seasonal Worker Program supports the legal short-term employment of foreign workers in agriculture, including matters such as immigration requirements and employee management, to address labor shortages caused by the declining rural population, aging workforce, and rising labor costs. Seasonal workers are eligible to stay in Korea for up to eight months,

The Ministry of Justice allocates foreign seasonal workers based on requests from local governments. Since launching the program in 2021, Gyeonggi Province has seen the number of workers grow annually, from 1,497 in 2023 to 2,877 in 2024 and 5,258 in 2025.

Unlike migrant workers who must pass a Korean language test under the employment permit system, seasonal workers undergo no such procedure, resulting in many who do not speak Korean. This language barrier, coupled with issues like poor working conditions and problematic brokers, increases their risk of human rights violations.

The provincial government has underscored this issue, focusing on the fact that seasonal workers may struggle to report abuses immediately or receive appropriate support.

This survey is jointly conducted by Gyeonggi’s Human Rights Officer, Agricultural Policy Division, and the Gyeonggi Agro-Fisheries Institute, as well as by Hanyang University’s Institute of Globalization and Multicultural Studies. Its purpose is to accurately assess the human rights status of foreign seasonal workers and to inform policy development.

Since June 14, surveyors have visited 115 farms in 19 cities and counties, interviewing 420 foreign seasonal workers about employment contracts, wage arrears, living conditions, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and illegal brokerage.

To facilitate understanding, questionnaires are available in six languages—Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer, Tagalog, Thai, and Nepali. Interpreters also accompany surveyors to address language barriers and hear workers’ concerns, including their Korean proficiency and adaptation to life in Korea.

The Gyeonggi Agro-Fisheries Institute is also distributing heatwave safety posters and prevention kits to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and promote safe farming practices.

Starting in September, the initiative will collect feedback on the seasonal worker program’s status and field-related issues from 100 employers and 30 provincial, city and county officials, as well as Nonghyup staff members, to facilitate institutional improvements.

Survey results will be used to develop sustainable policies for the foreign seasonal worker program and will form the basis of a policy recommendation report to be submitted to the Gyeonggi Human Rights Commission in December.

Choi Hyeon-jeong, Gyeonggi-do’s Human Rights Officer, stated, “We will assess human rights conditions of foreign seasonal workers in the province and establish practical measures to improve them.” She added, “We stand committed to creating an environment in Gyeonggi Province that supports foreign seasonal workers facing challenges in Korea and on the farms that employ them.”

Gyeonggi Province is offering financial support of up to KRW 2 million per company to small and mid-sized cosmetic exporters in the province to assist with product registration costs under the U.S. Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA).

On July 24, Gyeonggi Province announced plans to expand the “2025 Gyeonggi Non-Tariff Barrier Response – MoCRA Registration Support Program” to hone local SMEs’ competitiveness in exports to the U.S.

This program was established in response to the growing protectionist trade stance of the United States and the full implementation of MoCRA in July 2024. MoCRA mandates the registration of all cosmetics distributed in the U.S., along with their manufacturing facilities, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as proof of product safety. Due to its complexity and associated costs, the regulation presents a substantial barrier to market entry for Korean SMEs.

To help businesses strengthen their ability to navigate such non-tariff barriers, Gyeonggi launched the program earlier this year through the Gyeonggi FTA Global Business Center (Gyeonggi FTA Center) and has since supported five companies. The province has now expanded the number of beneficiaries to 50 through a supplementary budget.

Eligible companies must be SMEs in the cosmetics sector with a business site or factory located in Gyeonggi-do, with export earnings of USD 20 million or less in 2024. Up to KRW 2 million will be provided per company to cover MoCRA registration-related expenses, with a total of 50 companies to be selected. The subsidy program will be available until the allocated budget is exhausted.

Interested companies can apply or find detailed information via the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal (www.egbiz.or.kr) or the Gyeonggi FTA Center website (www.ggfta.or.kr). Inquiries may be directed to the Gyeonggi Northwest FTA Center at +82-31-995-7490.

Gyeonggi Province International Trade Director Park Kyung-seo stated, “We are offering support for MoCRA registration to help local businesses maintain export stability amid trade uncertainty stemming from the United States… Building on this support, we will continue to empower companies based in Gyeonggi to proactively respond to regulatory shifts in various countries, as well as the U.S., ultimately enhancing their global competitiveness.”

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan) Governor Kuroiwa Yuji on July 16 at Dodamso, the official gubernatorial residence. In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the twinning agreement between the two regions, the two governors signed a joint declaration aimed at expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

This meeting marked an official return visit following the invitation extended to Governor Kuroiwa by Governor Kim during the latter’s visit to Japan two years ago. The occasion also commemorated 35 years of friendship between Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture.

Governor Kim stated, “Kanagawa Prefecture is the center of economic innovation in Japan, and Gyeonggi Province stands as the economic heart of Korea. The two regions taking the lead in economic cooperation, advanced exchanges, and cultural content development will serve as a powerful catalyst for mutual growth not only between our regions but also between Korea and Japan.” He added, “I hope today’s visit and the joint declaration will help deepen cooperation between Gyeonggi and Kanagawa as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of our partnership. Furthermore, I expect our efforts to contribute to the momentum of cooperation between Korea and Japan in this milestone year marking the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations.”

In tandem with the declaration, Governor Kim proposed the following four action items: invitation of a trade delegation from Kanagawa to G-Fair Korea in October; invitation of Kanagawa experts and officials to the International Clean Air Forum hosted by Gyeonggi in September; regularizing investment cooperation seminars between Gyeonggi and Kanagawa; and jointly addressing the challenges of super-aging societies through collaboration in healthcare and bio-industries.

After offering congratulations on the election of President Lee Jae Myung—a former Gyeonggi Province Governor—Governor Kuroiwa responded positively, stating, “This year marks both the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Korea and Japan, as well as the 35th anniversary of our regional friendship. I hope this visit will further strengthen the amicable exchange between our two regions. We will review Governor Kim’s proposals favorably.”

The two governors also agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling major global challenges based on longstanding achievements in economic, cultural, tourism, and sports cooperation. Notably, they pledged to closely coordinate efforts to respond to fast-evolving issues such as intensifying technological competition and trade disputes, while reinforcing their roles as hubs of advanced industries. Following their talks, the two governors signed the “Joint Declaration Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Gyeonggi-Kanagawa Friendship Agreement,” committing to continued, practical, and sustainable cooperation.

After the meeting, the delegation from Kanagawa Prefecture joined leaders of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly and representatives of key businesses—including Samsung, ULVAC, and TOK—for a luncheon aimed at fostering closer business and regional cooperation.

Kanagawa Prefecture, with a population of 9.23 million—the second-largest in Japan after Tokyo—is an economic powerhouse known for its robust petroleum, chemical, electronics, and heavy industries. It was the first region in Asia to form a twinning relationship with Gyeonggi in 1990. Beyond high-level exchanges, the two regions have a strong track record of meaningful cooperation, including the mutual dispatch of civil servants, performances by local art troupes, and friendly matches between independent baseball teams. More exchange events are scheduled for the second half of this year as well. In August, youths from Gyeonggi Province, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Liaoning Province will participate in a tri-regional sports exchange. In October, various cultural events will take place, including the convening of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat and the participation of the Gyeonggi Art Troupe in the “Korean Citizens’ Exchange Fair” in Japan.

Meanwhile, the two regions will host the “Gyeonggi–Kanagawa Investment Cooperation Seminar” on July 17 at the Novotel Ambassador Suwon Hotel. The seminar aims to bolster inter-regional economic ties, promote joint investment opportunities, and explore shared pathways for growth. Global corporations such as Samsung, ULVAC, and Tokyo Electron will participate to share investment experiences, local market strategies, and best practices in network building. The seminar is expected to catalyze practical business exchanges and synergy between the two regions’ industries.

Gyeonggi-do Province is now accepting applications until August 17 for its Youth Dance Competition, a pre-event leading up to the multicultural and social integration cultural celebration, the 2025 Gyeonggi HOME Festival.

The provincial government designed organized this competition as a precursor to the main festival, offering a performative experience for all teenagers, including those with migrant backgrounds, and promoting the values of cultural diversity and social integration.

Both individuals and groups can apply, and five teams will be selected to advance to the main round based on a comprehensive evaluation of dance skills, stage composition, teamwork, and creativity. The judging panel will consist of experts from the K-pop industry.

The main final round will be heldtake place on the actual main stage during of the “Gyeonggi HOME Festival: Building Harmony, Making Home” event in September.

To participate, applicants should scan the QR code on the official poster to complete the application form and submit an MP4 video or YouTube link containing a team introduction and a cover dance performance lasting of up to four minutes. A total of KRW 4.5 million will be awarded to the winners as follows: KRW 2 million for 1st placethe grand prize (one team), KRW 1 million for 2nd first place (one team), and KRW 500,000 for 3rd second place (3 teams).

Lee Mun-hwan, Head Director of Gyeonggi-do’s Immigration Society Support Division, commented, “In the rapidly advancing transition toward a multicultural society, this youth dance competition is more than just a performance. It is a groundbreaking move toward building an open community that respects and embraces cultural diversity.” He added, “We will continue to expand opportunities for youth-driven cultural communication.”

For further inquiriesinformation, contact Ansan YWCA at +82-31-483-6536.