On March 13, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization conducted a familiarization (“fam”) tour for Delta Air Lines’ U.S. sales team to major tourist spots in Gimpo City, Gyeonggi Province, including Byeokkot Nongbu (a rice-themed experience center) and Aegibong Peace Ecological Park.

This fam tour is based on the “Gyeonggi–Utah Action Plan” (strengthening cooperation between the two regions, which have been sister regions since September 1983) signed during Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox’s visit to Gyeonggi Province last September. The tour was timed to coincide with Delta Air Lines’ new direct flight route from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea, launching on June 12.

The 16-member Delta Air Lines sales team enjoyed experiences such as making gochujang (Korean chili paste) and bibimbap at Byeokkot Nongbu (a café and rural culture complex), and gained unique tourism insights about the ecological environment of the border area and views of North Korea at Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, a tourist site near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Delta Air Lines’ U.S. sales team commented, “Previously, we focused our promotional marketing efforts only on Seoul for U.S. companies, but this visit to Gyeonggi Province was very impressive, and we would recommend visiting Gyeonggi Province.”

Gyeonggi Province Tourism Industry Director Jang Hyang-jeong said, “Starting with the visit of Delta Air Lines’ U.S. sales team, we expect the activation of tourism exchanges and the expansion of foreign tourist attraction between Gyeonggi Province and the State of Utah, especially with the launch of the direct flight route (SLC–ICN) in June… We will continue to cooperate with Utah and Delta Air Lines.”

Meanwhile, this fam tour was the first official follow-up action taken after the signing of the Gyeonggi–Utah Action Plan during Governor Spencer Cox’s visit to Gyeonggi Province last September. It is expected to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two regions, which has been in place since the sisterhood agreement was established in September 1983.

Gyeonggi Province announced that it participated in this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), the world’s largest mobile communications exhibition, held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 3 to 6, with the largest scale of any local government in Korea. During the event, the province facilitated contracts worth USD 56.78 million.

This exhibition participation is part of four key strategies and 12 projects designed to respond to the Trump administration’s protectionist policies and tariffs: urgent response to trade environment risks; expanding export market territory; enhancing global competitiveness of export companies; and strengthening comprehensive consulting for crisis response. These efforts aim to help local companies secure sustainable competitiveness in global markets and actively support their expansion into overseas markets.

MWC (Spain) is one of the top three global ICT exhibitions, along with CES (United States) and IFA (Germany), where cutting-edge technologies and innovation trends are showcased.

Gyeonggi Province set up a booth with 26 local companies, achieving 558 export consultations worth USD 166.08 million and pursuing 145 contracts worth USD 56.78 million, significantly increasing the potential for local companies to enter global markets. The 26 companies comprise the largest contingent from a local government at this exhibition.

To support their participation, Gyeonggi Province allocated KRW 500 million, providing support for exhibition fees, product transportation, and interpretation services, as well as connections with overseas buyers, targeting companies in emerging future industries such as smart healthcare, intelligent mobility, and data security. Of particular note, to alleviate the burden on companies due to exchange rate fluctuations and rising prices, the support limit per company was increased from KRW 8 million to 12 million.

The province plans to continue supporting companies through a systematic performance management scheme to ensure tangible export results.

Gyeonggi Province International Trade Director Park Kyung-seo said, “Going forward, Gyeonggi Province will continue to expand customized support measures boldly and swiftly to help resolve export companies’ challenges and enhance their global competitiveness in the rapidly changing trade environment.”

The Gyeonggi Institute of Research and Policy Development for Migrants’ Human Rights (GMHR), which operates under the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, announced on March 7 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Gyeonggi Migrants’ Welfare Center Directors Council and the Gyeonggi Regional Multicultural Family Support Center to build a support system for migrants.

The GMHR is an organization focusing on four key areas: protection of rights, promotion of foreign residents’ interests, policy development, and network expansion. The center promotes various activities aimed at enhancing the rights and welfare of foreign residents.

The Gyeonggi Migrants’ Welfare Center Directors Council, which is participating in this MOU, is a cooperative body formed by welfare support centers for foreign residents run by nine local governments, including Yongin City. The council develops and supports policies such as medical assistance, livelihood consultation, and talent development to help foreign residents settle in the region. The Gyeonggi Regional Multicultural Family Support Center supports the smooth settlement and social adaptation of marriage migrants and multicultural families through education, counseling, employment support, child education, and cultural programs. A total of four centers operate across the region.

Until now, migrant support tasks have been carried out individually by different organizations, which limited the effectiveness of their responses. This MOU aims to overcome the limitations of the existing system and provide comprehensive responses to the diverse and complex needs of migrants.

Key areas of cooperation include: building a counseling network and jointly developing policies; enhancing the capacity of staff members; conducting joint investigations and forums; and enhancing the status of organizations and staff members.

Through this MOU, the GMHR plans to expand its functions, including livelihood counseling, connecting support programs, and creating networks, by establishing an administrative platform for migrants. The center plans to transition to the Gyeonggi Comprehensive Support Center for Foreign Residents (tentatively named) by the first half of the year.

Gyeonggi Province Director General of Immigration and Social Affairs Kim Won-kyu said, “We hope that each center will share their individual experiences and regional characteristics, and work together to help Gyeonggi Province lead immigrant society through the power of cooperation.”

Gyeonggi Province plans to collect the opinions of immigrants and develop policies for mutual growth to create an inclusive immigrant community model that realizes the values of diversity and equality.
 

Gyeonggi Province and global tech company Cisco Systems Inc. held an AI & Digital Collaboration Roundtable on Feb. 26 at Cisco Korea’s headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul to promote the AI industry.

Cisco is an American multinational corporation with over 300 branch offices worldwide, specializing in networking, security, and collaboration products and services. As of the 2024 fiscal year, its annual revenue reaches approximately $53.8 billion.

The roundtable was attended by Gyeonggi Province Director of AI Kim Ki-byeong along with Cisco Asia Pacific, Japan, and Greater China (APJC) President Dave West, Cisco Korea CEO Choi Ji-hee, and ten other executives. The discussions focused on detailed strategies for fostering the AI ecosystem.

During the meeting, Cisco presented Gyeonggi Province with a letter of support for AI startup development and proposed various cooperation initiatives, including network infrastructure and AI technology support, to help AI startups enhance their global competitiveness.

The key aspects of this collaboration include: running AI startup training programs; sharing case studies and enabling technical cooperation using Cisco solutions; providing expert mentoring; and supporting AI startups in expanding into global markets.

Notably, Cisco’s Innovation Center will align with Gyeonggi Province’s AI startup support initiatives to enhance technical capabilities and improve global market connectivity.

Gyeonggi Province Director of AI Kim Ki-byeong stated, “Our collaboration with Cisco is one of the key initiatives to expand the AI ecosystem in Gyeonggi Province. We will continue to promote various programs, including investment opportunities, to support AI startups in their global expansion.”

Cisco APJC President Dave West responded, “We are committed to driving AI innovation in collaboration with Gyeonggi Province and actively supporting AI startups to succeed in the global market.”

Going forward, Gyeonggi Province plans to strengthen its partnerships with various companies to further support the growth of AI startups.

Gyeonggi Province is the first metropolitan local government to formally request the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) extension of undocumented foreign children’s temporary residency status before expiry on Mar. 31, 2025, to ensure their right to education.

Introduced in April 2021, Korea’s temporary residency program allows foreign children and their parents to stay in Korea if the child meets one of the following criteria: (1) born in Korea or entered the country as an infant (under six years old); (2) resided in Korea for at least six years; or (3) currently enrolled in or has graduated from an elementary, middle or high school in Korea.

If the program expires, undocumented foreign children of preschool age may face significant barriers to school enrollment, potentially causing large-scale disruption for an estimated 20,000 affected children and their families.

In response, Gyeonggi Province has urged the Minister of Justice to extend the program and establish a fundamental policy solution in accordance with Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. According to studies by the province, advanced nations such as the United States and Germany guarantee education rights for migrant children regardless of their residency status, highlighting the need for Korea to improve its approach.

Gyeonggi Province Director of Immigration and Social Affairs Kim Won-kyu said, “Under Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children must be protected from discrimination.” He added that an extension is essential and called on the Ministry of Education to ensure that foreign children are not subject to discriminatory treatment.

On Feb. 18, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Ambassador Joseph Yun, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, to reaffirm the strong U.S.-ROK alliance and discuss cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the United States.

Governor Kim expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Yun for his unwavering trust in Korea’s crisis management capabilities, even during periods of instability, such as martial law and the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. He also emphasized the growing importance of Ambassador Yun’s role and responsibilities amid the transition to the new Trump administration.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on various issues and shared the need for close cooperation. Since taking office, Governor Kim has actively engaged with U.S. state governors from key regions, including Virginia, New York, and California, strengthening ties through multiple meetings.

Gyeonggi Province described the meeting as a meaningful opportunity to exchange opinions on cooperation amid rapidly changing circumstances.

The province also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the U.S., noting that after proposing an “innovation alliance” during a meeting with former U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg in 2022, it signed two new agreements for friendly cooperation and organized three official delegations to the U.S. over the past two years. In December 2023, Governor Kim reaffirmed the innovation alliance with Ambassador Goldberg, reinforcing mutual trust and friendship.

In addition, Governor Kim has recently met with ambassadors from the U.K. (Colin Crooks), France (Philippe Bertoux), and Canada (Tamara Mawhinney) to emphasize international confidence in Korea and foster cooperative relationships. In January, Governor Kim was the only Korean politician to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he engaged with global economic leaders, business executives, and journalists to discuss Korea’s economic potential and resilience, continuing his active global outreach efforts.

Gyeonggi Province expects this meeting to further solidify the U.S.-ROK alliance and economic cooperation, strengthening bilateral relations.
 

The Korea Ceramics Foundation (KOCEF) announced on February 14 that it would participate in Maison & Objet 2025, to be held in Paris from September 4 to 8. It will also operate the Gyeonggi Ceramics Pavilion.

Maison & Objet is the world’s largest interior and design fair, held twice annually—once in January and again in September. This year, the foundation will collaborate with the cities of Icheon and Yeoju to support Gyeonggi Province ceramics companies in expanding their international markets. This year marks the third participation since 2023.

Exhibitor recruitment will be announced on the KOCEF website (kocef.org) in March, with around 20 companies expected to participate. Selected exhibitors will receive various benefits, including local stay support, exemption from transportation and round-trip overseas shipping fees (except for the import/export of works within Korea), free insurance for works during transportation, exhibition setup support, production of promotional materials such as photos and catalogs, export procedure training, and additional promotional and operational support.

Of particular note, 19 ceramics companies that joined the event last year achieved a total of 349 export consultations with international buyers through the foundation’s ongoing follow-up management, resulting in export consultations valued at approximately KRW 200 million. Currently, sample transactions and deliveries are being discussed with vendors and distributors in the Netherlands, Greece, Canada, Spain, and other countries.

KOCEF will also introduce the “Gyeonggi Ceramics Export Voucher Support Program” this year to further assist in overseas market development. This program aims to provide practical support to domestic ceramics companies by addressing key challenges in the pre-export process, such as communication with foreign buyers in their local languages, sample transportation costs for commercial transactions, issuance of trade documents, and brokerage services for carriers, as well as shipping and translation costs. Further details will be announced on the foundation’s website in March.

Choi Moon-hwan, KOCEF CEO, stated, “We are committed to enhancing the global competitiveness of Gyeonggi’s ceramics industry, increasing its recognition in international markets, and providing more international exchange and export opportunities for Gyeonggi artists. Through continued participation in prestigious overseas fairs and the launch of the Gyeonggi Ceramics Export Voucher Support Program, we will promote the excellence of Korean ceramics worldwide.”

Decentralization progress and changes in the international landscape have led to a diversification and expansion of diplomatic actors, extending beyond the central government to include local governments, businesses, and civil society. In response, experts emphasize the need to broaden the scope of diplomacy, focusing on non-traditional security issues and soft power.

On February 13, the Gyeonggi Research Institute (GRI) announced the publication of its report, Study on Strategies for the Revitalization of Local Diplomacy in Korea, aimed at strengthening local governments’ diplomatic capabilities and establishing a foundation for international cooperation.

According to the report, in today’s global environment—where strengthening international networks and increasing international responsibility are essential—local governments must establish themselves as independent diplomatic entities and expand their diplomatic agenda and influence.

The report emphasizes that the international community is facing more immediate and direct challenges, such as economic crises, resource depletion, climate change, environmental pollution, natural disasters, pandemics, international crime, terrorism, and cybersecurity threats. As such, relying solely on traditional, central government-led diplomacy is inadequate.

To develop strategies for revitalizing local diplomacy, the researchers analyzed data from 20,673 international exchanges by regional and municipal governments from 2004 to 2023. This data informed multifaceted proposals for revitalizing local diplomacy in Korea and provided specific implementation measures. The study also examines local diplomacy case studies from Japan and China, identifying trends in exchange patterns, frequency, and programs that offer lessons for Korea.

The report suggests three key strategies to strengthen Korea’s local diplomacy: developing and advancing a diplomatic strategy based on Korea’s cultural strengths; enhancing global cooperation networks for mutual growth; and diversifying diplomatic participants and engagement methods. It also proposes that local governments establish tailored diplomatic strategies through benchmarking, differentiation, and branding. Additionally, it calls for legal and institutional support to enhance policy and financial collaboration with the central government.

“There are differing views among academics and policymakers regarding the concept of ‘local diplomacy,’ but building consensus is essential to addressing key challenges like sustainable economic development, global issues, and regional depopulation,” said Kim Sang-gyu, a research fellow at GRI. “An urgent shift in perceptions on the importance, necessity, and direction of local diplomacy is needed, along with discussions on institutional support and promotion.”

Amid growing concerns over a national leadership vacuum following the aborted declaration of martial law, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim’s decisive crisis management leadership has drawn significant attention.

On the night of December 3, Governor Kim was the first to publicly denounce the illegality of the martial law declaration and voice his opposition. At approximately 11:40 PM, he posted on social media: “This is an outrageous act that sets Korea back 45 years. Lift the emergency martial law immediately.” He swiftly convened an emergency leadership meeting and, despite the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s directive to shut down the provincial government offices, firmly refused, stating that he would take full responsibility.

The next day, his first official response to the martial law crisis was to send an “urgent letter” to more than 2,500 global political leaders, local government leaders, heads of international organizations, ambassadors, and foreign investors.

“The situation in the Republic of Korea has been effectively stabilized at the national level, and the people have regained a sense of security, resuming their daily lives. The Korean people are continuing with their everyday routines, and all sectors of the economy and industry are operating without disruption.”

“Gyeonggi Province remains committed to providing a stable and secure environment for foreign businesses. I encourage you to place your trust in Korea and Gyeonggi Province as you continue your operations.”

This letter, sent on December 4, immediately after the lifting of martial law, underscored Governor Kim’s swift diplomatic response to reassure international stakeholders. By emphasizing Korea’s resilience, Governor Kim sought to dispel concerns among foreign investors, stating, “As the governor representing 14.1 million residents of Gyeonggi Province and a political leader of Korea, I personally assure you that your business and the Korean economy will continue to thrive together.”

The central message of his diplomatic outreach was clear: “Trust in Korea.” Governor Kim’s diplomatic initiative elicited swift responses from world leaders and the international community. Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), sent a letter on December 9, stating, “I am very pleased to see that the resolution to lift martial law has been implemented peacefully… As a long-time observer of Korea, I have no doubt that the country will overcome this challenge and once again demonstrate its resilience.”

Ambassador Pieter van der Fluit of the Netherlands, Ambassador Bruno Jans of Belgium, and Nguyen Duc Trung, Party Secretary of Vietnam’s Nghe An Province, also sent letters of appreciation, expressing confidence in Korea. A senior diplomat in Seoul remarked, “Governor Kim’s sincere letter deeply resonated with the diplomatic community in Korea.”

■ Reaffirming the Strong U.S.-Korea Alliance by Meeting the U.S. Ambassador; Swift Economic Engagement Through Diplomacy

Following his “letter diplomacy,” Governor Kim prioritized meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Korea to reaffirm the “strong” Korea-U.S. alliance amid the martial law crisis.

On December 24, he met with U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg, discussing international perspectives on Korea’s political situation, including the martial law crisis and the impeachment proceedings, as the second Trump administration was set to take office.

In 2025, Governor Kim has continued diplomatic engagement with foreign business organizations to help restore Korea’s global credibility and reaffirm confidence in its economic resilience.

On January 8, he visited the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) and the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK), urging foreign businesses to remain active in Korea and continue investing.

Meeting with AMCHAM Chairman James Kim, he emphasized Korea’s economic resilience and potential to American businesses. In discussions with ECCK Chairman Philippe Van Hoof, he explored economic cooperation between European companies and Gyeonggi Province, highlighting the KRW 73.36 trillion (approx. USD 55 billion) in investments Gyeonggi has attracted during his tenure as well as collaboration in semiconductors, future mobility, and biotechnology.

On January 16, he met with French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux, discussing strategic partnerships between Gyeonggi Province and France in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and startups. His efforts bore fruit when François Jackow, Chairman of Air Liquide, visited Gyeonggi’s provincial government offices and announced a USD 25 million (approx. KRW 35 billion) investment.

■ The Only Korean Politician to Attend the Davos Forum; Proclaiming “Trust in Korea” Before Leaders and Entrepreneurs Across the Globe

Governor Kim’s diplomatic engagements culminated at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, from January 18 to 24. Widely regarded as the “Olympics of the global economy,” the Davos Forum is one of the most influential international conferences. As the only Korean politician and local government official present, he effectively represented Korea’s economic interests, earning him the title of “Korea’s Economic Ambassador.”

In a special session titled “A Conversation with Governor Dong Yeon Kim,” he provided an exclusive briefing to global media leaders, marking the first-ever media briefing by a Korean opposition leader hosted at the Davos Forum. Over 20 senior editors and diplomatic correspondents from the U.S., U.K., China, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia participated, reflecting keen global interest in Korea’s situation.

Using a Korean proverb, Governor Kim stated, “Just as the ground hardens after rain, Korea’s democracy will emerge stronger from this crisis, and our economy will prosper,” emphasizing the Korean economy’s potential and resilience.

Throughout the forum, he consistently underscored these features of the Korean economy. He later revealed that he personally handed out business cards with the handwritten phrase “Trust in Korea!”

■ Substantial Diplomatic Achievements From Sequential Meetings With “Trump Circle” Figures

Rather than focusing on the Trump administration’s inauguration marketing like other politicians, Governor Kim chose substantial diplomacy at Davos to restore Korea’s credibility. President Trump also showed great interest in Davos, providing a video speech to the forum.

At the Davos Forum, Governor Kim’s efforts in diplomatic engagement yielded remarkable outcomes, including meetings with Gary Cohn, IBM Vice Chairman and former White House National Economic Council Director. Cohn, an acquaintance of Governor Kim from when he served as Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister, welcomed the meeting after seven years and pledged to act as a bridge between Gyeonggi Province and the Trump administration. Governor Kim also discussed cooperation in battery technology, startups, and the automotive industry with Sarah Sanders, Governor of Arkansas, as well as future developments in Korea-U.S. relations.

He met with the president of S&P Global Ratings to share insights regarding Korea’s international credit standing, engaging in an in-depth conversation on Korea’s economic credibility. Governor Kim also engaged in exchanges with key international figures such as Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President, Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, and Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

He further held a series of meetings with global business leaders, including Adam Goldstein, co-founder of Archer, a U.S. company known for developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Chuck Robbins, Chairman of Cisco Systems, urging them to invest in Gyeonggi Province.

■ Continued Diplomatic Outreach After Return: Meeting With Canadian Ambassador

After returning to Korea, Governor Kim met with Canadian Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney on January 6 to discuss measures for addressing potential trade policy shifts following the inauguration of Trump’s second term. They reaffirmed the two countries’ enduring partnership in economic and industrial sectors, emphasizing their importance as mutually beneficial partners amid the trade risks stemming from the U.S.

On February 10, Governor Kim will host the Foreign Investment Roundtable at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex to promote foreign investment in Gyeonggi Province, continuing his diplomatic efforts and once again proclaiming, “Trust in Korea!”

Gyeonggi Province is providing elementary school admission guidance information for the 2025 school year to 2,037 registered foreign children aged 6 residing in 21 cities and counties of the province.

Foreign children are not subject to compulsory education and are not registered as residents, making it difficult for local governments to provide school admission guidance. As a result, foreign parents are often unaware of how to enroll their children and miss the enrollment period.

The province planned the provision of this school admission guidance to address difficulties faced by elementary schools in areas with high concentrations of foreign children, where the enrollment status of those children is often unknown and confusing, and to address the problem of foreign children being left without school admission guidance.

As of last November, there were 3,407 children aged 6 residing in Gyeonggi Province who were eligible for elementary school admission. Among them, 2,037 foreign children in 21 cities and counties are the target of the school admission guidance information, excluding 10 cities and counties including Gimpo City, which proactively provided guidance, and Gwacheon City, which has no resident foreign children of the targeted age.

As the Ministry of Justice provided personal information on foreign children, Gyeonggi Province held a school admission guidance explanatory meeting on Jan. 8, and subsequently sent written elementary school admission guidance letters, working together with 21 cities and counties.

In the future, the province plans to expand school admission guidance activities for foreign children to all of its 31 cities and counties, including those that did not participate this time.

Gyeonggi Province’s Immigration Society Policy Division Director Heo Yeong-gil stated, “School admission guidance is not just an administrative procedure, but an important policy that guarantees basic rights, giving foreign children and their families equal opportunities as local residents… Gyeonggi Province will take the lead for a Korea in which we grow together in diversity as we enter the era of an immigrant society.”