Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Thai Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn at Dodamso, Gyeonggi’s official gubernatorial residence, on May 15. The meeting was organized to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation with Thailand—a major trading partner and central player in ASEAN—amid increasing international uncertainty.

Governor Kim welcomed the minister’s visit, stating, “This is my third meeting with Minister Phiphat. In Korea, we say the first meeting is coincidence, the second is inevitability, and the third is fate. I’m thrilled to have built such a meaningful connection with the minister.”

He added, “Thailand is a vital partner for both South Korea and Gyeonggi Province. In today’s turbulent international climate, relationships with trustworthy partners who share our views are more important than ever. Thailand, in particular, is the center of the Indochina Peninsula, ASEAN’s second-largest economy, and an outstanding, dependable partner.”

“When I served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, I chaired the ASEAN finance ministers’ meeting and took the initiative in promoting Korea’s New Southern Policy. I have always prioritized and expanded cooperation with ASEAN countries, including Thailand, and my commitment remains unchanged,” Governor Kim recalled. He asserted, “As Governor of Gyeonggi Province, I continue to emphasize the importance of partnerships with ASEAN nations.”

Gyeonggi Province considers Thailand to be an economic center of ASEAN and a key cooperation partner. The province operates the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Bangkok and supports local companies entering the Thai market through events such as G-Fair and the K-Beauty Expo. In April 2024, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization became the first regional tourism organization in Korea to establish a representative office in Thailand.

Governor Kim stated, “Thai residents living in Gyeonggi Province are valued neighbors and members of our community. We will continue to treat them with care and respect.” He continued, “Gyeonggi’s establishment of Korea’s first Immigrant Society Bureau is a meaningful first step toward deepening our partnership with Thailand. We will continue to explore and implement closer and more practical cooperation.”

Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn responded, “Being able to meet three times shows that we are not just partners, but friends… Diplomatic relations between Korea and Thailand have lasted around 60 years. I ask for your continued interest and support for Thai nationals, not only those working in Gyeonggi Province.”

Minister Phiphat was in Korea to attend the APEC Employment and Labor Ministers’ Meeting in Jeju, and this was his third meeting with Governor Kim.

The two first met in 2023, when Phiphat served as Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, discussing ways to promote tourism exchanges on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Thailand, as well as the 2023–2024 Mutual Visit Years. Their second meeting took place in March 2024, following Phiphat’s appointment as Minister of Labor. They signed a Record of Decision (ROD) covering key issues such as visa conversions for skilled workers to expand Thai employment opportunities in Korea, and strategies to manage workforces and prevent illegal residency.

Currently, approximately 58,000 Thais reside in Gyeonggi Province, accounting for roughly 30% of all Thai nationals living in Korea. Around 13,000 of them work in industrial fields.

To strengthen its foreign resident policies, Gyeonggi Province established Korea’s first Immigration and Social Affairs Bureau at a provincial level in July 2023. Gyeonggi also introduced a Comprehensive Plan for Immigration Policies for 2025–2027, focusing on stabilizing foreign workers’ employment, supporting their settlement, improving working conditions, and protecting fundamental rights, among other initiatives.

Moreover, Gyeonggi Province is laying the foundation for longer-term stays of foreign workers through its “Gyeonggi Regional Visa Pilot Project” and attracting skilled foreign labor, helping to alleviate manpower shortages for local businesses.

The fifth season of the Gyeonggi Tourism Foreign Social Media Supporters, run by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, officially launched on May 10 with an opening ceremony at the Sejong Library in Yeoju City.

Known as “Oh! My Gyeonggi (O.M.G.)” supporters, the members were selected through an open recruitment process—both online and offline—targeting foreign residents in Korea with strong social media presences. This year’s team includes 30 creators from various regions around the world, including Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

Over the next seven months through to November, the supporters will explore Gyeonggi’s top tourist destinations, hidden attractions, festivals, events, and must-visit local eateries. They will then share their firsthand experiences by creating engaging content on global platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. By incorporating cultural perspectives and creative styles distinct to their home countries, the supporters will present Gyeonggi to potential international tourists in relatable and engaging formats. The availability of multilingual subtitles will further enhance accessibility to tourism information.

The provincial government anticipates generating fresh, vibrant content that resonates with global audiences and effectively showcases the unique appeal of Gyeonggi across the globe. The initiative is also expected to significantly increase the number of foreign tourists visiting Gyeonggi.

“Gyeonggi is often seen as a location that is close, yet unfamiliar to many foreign tourists,” said Jang Hyang-jeong, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Tourism Industry Division. “We will actively assist the supporters in creating new, on-the-ground content and hope they will help share Gyeonggi’s diverse attractions with the world.”

Gyeonggi Province was recognized as a clean energy leader in Asia at the Renewable Energy Markets (REM) Asia 2025 event held in Singapore from April 29 to 30.

The event, hosted by the U.S.-based nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), took place at the Sofitel Singapore City Centre and brought together around 300 stakeholders, including representatives from global companies such as Google and Apple, as well as public institutions. CRS is a trusted authority in North America that operates the Green-e renewable energy certification program.

The selection process began with CRS receiving recommendations on nominees through LinkedIn, the world’s largest social platform for business networking. The next step involved CRS’s internal selection committee, which ultimately decided that Gyeonggi should be a recipient of this year’s award.

This recognition highlights the global impact of Gyeonggi’s proactive renewable energy policies, including the Gyeonggi RE100 initiative, the RE100 policy for industrial complexes, and reforms to improve distance regulations for solar panel installation. Over the past three years, major global companies and organizations such as Meta, Microsoft, and CLP Power Hong Kong have also received this award.

“The winners of this year’s award have all achieved substantial and crucial progress in advancing sustainable energy,” said CRS CEO Jennifer Martin. “Their drive and commitment to expanding renewable energy production and access, and their responsiveness to the demands of rapidly growing businesses, have positioned them as pioneers in the market.”

Kim Yeon-ji, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Energy Industry Division, said, “It’s a great honor for Gyeonggi to be recognized as a clean energy leader representing Asia,” after attending the award ceremony. She added, “This award strengthens the global credibility of our RE100 policy… We will continue building partnerships with key organizations and businesses across Asia to help Gyeonggi play a leading role in the global renewable energy market.”

Gyeonggi Province has selected 25 promising companies with high potential to attract overseas investment in strategic industries. These companies will receive tailored support, including overseas investment consulting, investor relations (IR) assistance, and ongoing follow-up management.

Despite being a newly launched initiative this year under the “INVEST Gyeonggi” program, competition to participate was fierce, with a total of 95 companies from 22 cities and counties applying, resulting in a competitive rate of approximately 4:1.

The “INVEST Gyeonggi” program is designed to strengthen companies’ investment attraction capabilities, aiming to bring overseas investment to local businesses with technological expertise and growth potential.

The selected companies were chosen based on criteria including investment potential, readiness to attract overseas investment, market entry capabilities, and business execution ability.

These companies represent key strategic industries in Gyeonggi Province, including artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT), medical and biotechnology, mobility, energy, and new materials.

Each selected company will undergo a corporate assessment by a specialized consulting firm with expertise in industry, investment, and management, as well as experience in promoting overseas investment. They will receive 1:1 customized consulting on investment promotion strategies and conditions. Based on the consulting results, companies will receive follow-up support to further enhance their investment promotion capabilities. This includes the development of IR materials and promotional videos, with up to KRW 10 million in support per company allocated for these efforts. The selected companies will also be given priority access to overseas investment promotion delegations and IR events organized by Gyeonggi Province.

This year, Gyeonggi plans to bring the selected companies to major global events such as Web Summit Vancouver in Canada and GITEX Global in Dubai. The goal is to increase the likelihood of securing overseas investment by facilitating meeting with global investors, sharing trends in global innovative technologies, and fostering networking among innovative technology companies.

“We hope that this project, which offers overseas investment consulting, customized corporate growth services, and support for overseas investment, will empower local companies to enhance their global competitiveness and attract foreign capital,” said Yoo So-jeong, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Investment Promotion Division.

The 25 companies selected as promising candidates to attract overseas investment in Gyeonggi will receive corporate orientation on May 9.

For more information about the INVEST Gyeonggi program, visit the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (www.gbsa.or.kr) and the Gyeonggi Business Portal (www.egbiz.or.kr).

This year, the EG Tour features six routes spanning the eastern, western, northern, and southern areas of Gyeonggi.

The Suwon–Yongin route focuses on traditional and Korean culture, with visits to the Korean Folk Village, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and Nammun Market. The Pocheon–Gapyeong route offers a healing and experiential theme, including stops at The Garden of Morning Calm, local farm experiences, and Pocheon Art Valley. For the farm experience, participants will visit a strawberry or apple farm, depending on the season.

The Icheon–Yeoju route follows a historical and experiential theme. It includes stops at the Royal Tomb of King Sejong, Icheon Ceramic Art Village, and Namhansanseong Fortress. At Icheon Ceramic Art Village, participants can enjoy a mug-painting activity. For lunch, local specialties featuring Icheon rice are served. The Paju route is themed around the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and peace. It includes Imjingak, Camp Greaves, and the Peace DMZ Tour (the 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Tongil Village). The Gimpo route focuses on peace and food. It features stops at Aegibong Peace Ecopark, Gimpo Hyundai Premium Outlets, and Hanok Village. Tourists can take part in a gochujang-making experience. Afterward, they are served bibimbap topped with the gochujang they made. The Suwon–Hwaseong–Gwangmyeong route features a maritime and hotspot theme, with visits to Tando Port Seohaerang Cable Car, Suwon Starfield, and Gwangmyeong Cave. All routes operate as one-day tours that depart from various locations in Seoul including Hongik University Station, Namsan Yejang Public Parking Lot, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station. The tours take travelers to various regions in Gyeonggi Province and return to Seoul the same day.

EG Tour fares range from USD 65 to USD 77 per adult. Tickets can be purchased through online travel agencies such as Klook, KKday, Trip.com, and GetYourGuide.

“EG Tour is designed to make it easier and more enjoyable for foreign tourists to travel to Gyeonggi,” said Jang Hyang-jeong, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Tourism Industry Division. “We will continue to develop tourism products that showcase the unique charm of Gyeonggi to attract international visitors.”

In addition, Gyeonggi Province introduced a new logo and character this year to strengthen the brand image of the EG Tour. The province also expanded tourism content tailored to foreign tourists, making it easier and more enjoyable for anyone to experience Gyeonggi’s charms.

The EG Tour, which stands for “Easy to Enjoy Gyeonggi,” is a one-day tour product designed for individual foreign tourists visiting Gyeonggi. It has been operating since 2017 with the goal of attracting international tourists to the region.

Starting on May 27, Gyeonggi Province will launch a multilingual counseling service at the Gyeonggi Institute of Research and Policy Development for Migrants’ Human Rights (GMHR) to protect the rights and interests of foreign residents and alleviate difficulties related to daily life and settlement.

The service supports a total of nine languages: Cambodian (Khmer), Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, Uzbek, Russian, Filipino, English, and Chinese, with recruitment ongoing for counselors in three additional languages.

Previously, the absence of multilingual support resulted in issues such as delays and errors in processing complaints, as well as challenges in addressing human rights violations due to language barriers.

The counseling service is available nationwide via 1661-0222 (ext. 1–10), from Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM.

Counselors provide services including phone consultations, in-person complaint assistance, translation and proofreading, and online consultations. Most of the counselors are based at the Gyeonggi Institute of Research and Policy Development for Migrants’ Human Rights (GMHR) (2F, 140 Chudong-ro, Uijeongbu-si), while one Korean-language counselor is stationed at the Suwon Station Labor Rights Center.

“We hope to provide practical assistance to foreign residents who face challenges in living and settling in Gyeonggi due to language barriers,” said Kim Won-kyu, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigrant Society Bureau. “We will continue to improve the system and strengthen administrative support to make Gyeonggi Province a leading model of an inclusive society for immigrants.”

Gyeonggi Province also plans to establish effective policies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for migrants and to further expand administrative services that support their stable settlement.

On April 15, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi FTA Global Business Center (GGFTA Center) announced that they had held on-site export consultations in Melbourne, Australia, on April 8 and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 10. A total of 105 business meetings were held across both locations.

These export consultations were organized to support local SMEs in the K-beauty and household consumer goods sectors to diversify into global markets amid increasing external uncertainties, including the intensifying U.S.-China trade conflict and rising non-tariff regulations worldwide.

Ten companies from Gyeonggi, specializing in beauty and daily consumer products, participated in the consultation sessions across both regions. In Melbourne, Australia, 49 business meetings were held, resulting in USD 1.06 million in potential exports and USD 510,000 in contracts currently under negotiation. Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 56 meetings were held, with export consultations amounting to USD 2.11 million and contract negotiations underway for USD 750,000.

“We could sense the recognition of Korean products’ excellence by Australian consumers first-hand,” said a representative of a Hanam City-based skincare company entering the Australian market for the first time. “Thanks to the Korea–Australia FTA tariff benefits, our price competitiveness has improved, increasing the likelihood of actual contracts.”

“This consultation gave us valuable insight into the Malaysian market and buyer responses,” commented a representative of a Yongin City-based food company. “Overseas standard certifications are essential for entering global markets, and the GGFTA Center’s support has been extremely helpful.”

Australia is recognized as a premium market backed by high purchasing power and consumer trust, with a growing demand for eco-friendly and health-focused products. Malaysia is also emerging as a key hub for accessing the ASEAN market and a strategic entry point into the halal market in the Islamic world. As such, these consultations are expected to be a significant stepping stone for provincial SMEs to move beyond an export structure heavily reliant on the U.S. and China and into new, diversified markets.

Gyeonggi Province and the GGFTA Center plan to continue offering local export consultations, overseas certification support, and tailored training and briefings to help companies in the province overcome non-tariff barriers in various global markets, including Australia and Malaysia.

For further information, please contact the GGFTA Trade Promotion Center (+82-1688-4684).

Gyeonggi Province International Trade Director Park Gyeong-seo stated, “We will continue to provide proactive support to help companies recognize the importance of overseas certifications and prepare in advance to respond effectively to the evolving global trade landscape.”

The World Local Government Climate Summit (WLGCS) opened on April 15 at KINTEX in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, to facilitate local governments’ climate action and strengthen international solidarity in the face of the global climate crisis.

The summit was jointly hosted by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), and drew more than 1,600 participants, including representatives from 82 cities across 29 countries, international organizations, and experts in climate and energy policy.

This year’s WLGCS marks Gyeonggi’s first time hosting a massive international event of this kind following the province’s establishment of ICLEI Korea’s headquarters in KINTEX. The gathering was organized to intensify local-level responses to the climate emergency and lay stronger foundations for global cooperation. Under the theme “Science-based Green Transition for All,” attendees at this summit explored solutions to build sustainable local communities.

Kicking off on April 15 with an opening ceremony, the event proceeded with keynote speeches, plenary sessions, six parallel breakout sessions, and a RE100 Cities Network performance. On April 16, the summit featured additional breakout sessions, the closing ceremony, a formal Global Local Government Joint Declaration, and a site visit to the Janghang Wetlands.

The opening ceremony began with remarks by ICLEI President Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, followed by a welcome speech from Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs Kim Seong-jung, a congratulatory address by Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member Oh Jun-hwan, and a video message from former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. In his keynote address, Green Climate Fund (GCF) Chair Seyni Nafo emphasized the importance of sustainable local cities and their pivotal role in climate finance mechanisms.

A notable highlight was the RE100 Cities Network performance, presented by the joint efforts of Gyeonggi Province, Gwangmyeong City, Paju City, and international organization representatives. The show symbolized local administrative bodies’ commitment to a full-scale transition toward renewable energy.

The core themes for sessions during the summit are as follows: science-based solutions; civic participation; climate economy; climate inclusiveness; and harmony with nature. Various local government leaders took turns as chairs for the sessions, presenting on themes such as their local organizations’ environmental policies and climate action strategies. Notable figures included Rajkot (India) Mayor Nayanaben Pedhadiya; North Miami (U.S.) Mayor Alix Desulme; and Hobart (Australia) Mayor Anna Reynolds.

On April 16, the final day of the summit, participants formally adopted the Global Local Government Declaration, which outlines a collective commitment by local governments to take tangible action and play a leading role in creating a sustainable future. This declaration will be submitted to the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), set to be held in Brazil this November, ensuring that the voices of local governments are represented on the global stage.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government anticipates that this summit will underscore the vital role of local governments in addressing the climate crisis and serve as a catalyst for expanding global cooperation by sharing successes and policy strategies from across the world.

Gyeonggi Province Climate Change, Environment & Energy Director General Cha Seong-su once again highlighted the role of local governments as he introduced the province’s leading environment initiatives, including Gyeonggi RE100, Climate Platform, and Climate Insurance. He added, “Our policies are grounded in scientific data and serve as practical, community-based models for climate crisis response.”

On April 1, Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Economy Ko Yeong-in met with Vinh Phuc Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong. The two discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation between both regions at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex.

Located in northern Vietnam adjacent to the capital city of Hanoi, Vinh Phuc Province is a key economic hub that attracts active investment worldwide. As a major investor in the region, South Korea ranks first in both the number of investing companies and total investment volume. Chairman Tran Duy Dong, an investment expert who served as the former Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, is pursuing various policies to boost investment in Vinh Phuc.

The delegation’s visit to Gyeonggi Province was arranged at the chairman’s request as a part of his visit to Korea to promote Vinh Phuc’s investment environment.

Vice Governor Ko stated, “Korea and Vietnam are integral economic partners to one another. In the midst of growing uncertainties in the trade sector, closer cooperation between our two countries will offer even greater benefits for companies.”

He added, “Vinh Phuc is a major destination for Korean companies, and I hope to see expanded policy support to help Korean and Gyeonggi-based businesses operating in the region grow further and operate more stably.”

Ko also noted, “We plan to host G-FAIR in Ho Chi Minh City this September. It will be an exhibition that showcases outstanding Gyeonggi products, and we hope Vinh Phuc Province will participate in the event.”

“I am well aware that Gyeonggi Province stands out with significant trade volume and a large number of major corporation locations even in Korea,” Chairman Tran responded. “Many Korean investors in Vinh Phuc are from Gyeonggi Province, and I ask you to encourage more companies from the province to invest in our region.”

He continued, “We look forward to increased exchanges with Gyeonggi Province and will ensure that Vinh Phuc participates in this year’s G-FAIR in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Often referred to as “Post-China,” Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing of the major emerging economies, with an expected economic growth rate of 7.09% in 2024, and is becoming increasingly important to global supply chains.

Gyeonggi Province remains committed to supporting expansion by local businesses into Vietnam. The provincial government’s efforts include the establishment of the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Ho Chi Minh City in 2016 and this year’s upcoming G-FAIR in September. 

On March 27, Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province—China’s second-largest provincial economy—agreed to establish a joint consultative body, a working-level platform for cooperation across key sectors including economy, agricultural technology, healthcare, and climate and environmental issues. The two sides also agreed to hold regular annual meetings through this body.

This initiative follows the sisterhood agreement signed in June 2023, when Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Jiangsu Party Secretary Xin Changxing during the latter’s visit to Gyeonggi Province. At that time, Governor Kim proposed the formation of a working-level group to systematically strengthen cooperation between the two regions.

Gyeonggi Province International Cooperation Director General Park Keon-Kyun met with Jiangsu Province Foreign Affairs Director General Sun Yi at the latter’s offices in Jiangsu on the afternoon of March 27. The two officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Joint Consultative Body between the People’s Republic of China’s Jiangsu Province and the Republic of Korea’s Gyeonggi Province and agreed to identify and implement concrete and practical cooperation projects.

Under the MOU, Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province will hold one joint consultative meeting annually. The meetings will be led by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government’s International Cooperation Bureau and the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government’s Foreign Affairs Office, with relevant departments from both sides participating. Additional meetings may also be held as needed to address current issues in either region.

At the inaugural joint consultative meeting held on the same day, Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province discussed a wide range of practical cooperation initiatives, including: launching a new youth exchange program involving mutual visits by students and training programs for invited government officials; strengthening joint research in agricultural technology; resuming training programs for Jiangsu medical professionals as part of healthcare cooperation; expanding environmental cooperation on climate change, including an invitation for Jiangsu to participate in the International Clean Air Forum scheduled for this September in Gyeonggi Province; introducing a business exchange support program between Gyeonggi and Jiangsu companies through the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Shanghai; and deepening local-level exchanges between Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province and Yancheng City in Jiangsu Province

Jiangsu Province is one of China’s top regions in terms of GDP and hosts a significant presence of Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, LG Electronics, Hankook Tire, and Kia Motors.

Jiangsu is also considered a symbolic region in Korea-China relations. It was the place of study for Choe Chi-won, a renowned scholar from Korea’s Silla Dynasty, and in 2007, the Chinese government established the Choe Chi-won Memorial Hall, the first commemorative hall in China dedicated to a foreign national. In addition, Jiangsu is home to the Korean Provisional Government Archive Hall in Zhenjiang, where key leaders of Korea’s independence movement, including Kim Gu, once stayed and carried out anti-Japanese resistance activities.

Gyeonggi Province International Cooperation Director General Park Keon-Kyun stated, “Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province are key economic regions representing Korea and China, respectively. Since 2023, we have steadily prepared to deepen our friendship. Following last year’s meeting between our top leaders, the relationship was elevated to a sisterhood agreement, and the subsequent establishment of the joint consultative body reflects the strong and substantive cooperation between our regions.” He added, “We expect this partnership to serve as a model for exemplary local-level exchange and cooperation, and as a catalyst for advancing Korea-China relations to a new level.”

Jiangsu Province Foreign Affairs Director General Sun Yi responded, “We hope to continue holding regular meetings of the Gyeonggi–Jiangsu joint consultative body, uncovering the full potential of bilateral cooperation and promoting meaningful exchange in areas such as the environment, healthcare, and public administration.” He continued, “In addition, we look forward to organizing diverse youth exchange activities in various formats and themes, so that our regions can jointly shape a bright and friendly future.”