News – Gyeonggi Global Global Inspiration, Global Gyeonggi Province 2025-02-12T01:20:35Z https://english.gg.go.kr/feed/atom/ WordPress https://english.gg.go.kr/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/128.png gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Province Sends Elementary School Admission Guidance to Registered Foreign Children in 21 Cities and Counties]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18063 2025-02-12T01:20:35Z 2025-02-03T01:20:03Z ○ Gyeonggi Province provides school admission guidance information to registered foreign children aged 6 based on information provided by the Ministry of Justice
○ School admission guidance is not just an administrative procedure but also ensures equal opportunities and rights as local residents

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.”

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Youth to Conduct Climate Response Volunteer Activities in the Philippines and Cambodia]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18061 2025-02-12T01:19:49Z 2025-01-24T01:19:05Z ○ Gyeonggi Province dispatched four teams to conduct climate response volunteer activities in the Philippines and Cambodia
– Tree planting, environmental maintenance and education, cultural exchange to be conducted in each country from Feb. 1 to 18
○ A major step towards a sustainable future with overseas volunteer experience with people from around the world

Gyeonggi Province announced that it will dispatch four teams of youth volunteers to conduct climate response volunteer activities, such as tree planting, in the Philippines and Cambodia.

Gyeonggi Province held the volunteer group launch ceremony at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on Jan. 24, 2025.

The youth volunteers are being dispatched as civilian delegations for climate action to contribute to addressing the climate gap between developed and developing countries. Following the dispatch of 120 volunteers to Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan last August, 80 volunteers selected from this winter’s recruitment are being sent abroad: 40 to the Philippines and 40 to Cambodia.

The winter dispatch members will be divided into four teams and conduct overseas volunteer activities for about three weeks from Feb. 1 to 18. Their main activities will include tree planting suitable for the local characteristics of each country, environmental maintenance, environmental education, climate action campaigns, cultural exchanges, and various volunteer activities and exchange events. After returning home, a performance sharing meeting involving all summer and winter dispatch members will be held in March, summarizing the activities and achievements.

At this launch ceremony, which marked the official inauguration of the volunteers after preliminary training in Korea, team activity plans were presented, appointment letters were conferred, and members’ sense of duty and dedication were strengthened.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim encouraged the volunteer members through a video message from the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Governor Kim said, “Here at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, political and economic leaders from around the world gather to discuss various topics, and one of the major themes is responding to climate change. I met with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and various ministers to inform them about Gyeonggi Province’s efforts and we agreed to work together.” He continued, “Gyeonggi Province has been implementing some of the most proactive policies to respond to climate change, and the role of the volunteer members will be crucial in carrying this out in the future. I hope you take pride in your work and achieve good results.”

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Governor Meets With Key Figures at WEF Annual Meeting in Davos]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18059 2025-02-12T01:18:52Z 2025-01-22T01:17:02Z ○ Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with key figures at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos on Jan. 21 to discuss cooperation with Gyeonggi Province
– Met with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to discuss Gyeonggi Province’s climate policy
– Met with French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin to strengthen cooperation in semiconductor, AI, and battery sectors
– Met with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong to propose strengthening of cooperation in startups, trade, and youth exchanges

Gyeonggi Province announced that Governor Dong Yeon Kim attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, and met with key figures from various countries, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, and French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, to discuss cooperation with Gyeonggi Province.

Governor Kim met with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore at the Davos Congress Center in Switzerland on Jan. 21, 2025. Governor Kim elucidated the political situation in Korea and concerns about Korean democracy following the aborted declaration of martial law, emphasizing the resilience of the Korean people. He then introduced the progress of Gyeonggi Province’s climate policy and extended an invitation to visit Gyeonggi Province.

Former Vice President Gore expressed concern about global attempts to regress democracy and praised Governor Kim’s consistent commitment to climate policy and efforts to normalize Korean politics.

This is the third meeting between Governor Kim and former Vice President Gore. In August 2023, Governor Kim participated as a local government representative speaker at the Climate Reality Leadership Training held at KINTEX in Goyang City, where he exchanged opinions with Gore on overcoming the climate crisis. They met again last year at Davos 2024 to discuss cooperation plans.

Governor Kim then met with French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin to discuss strengthening bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

The two agreed on the need to strengthen and expand cooperation between France’s local governments, Gyeonggi Province, and businesses in the fields of semiconductors, AI, and batteries.

They also agreed to strengthen practical cooperation between France and Gyeonggi Province amid increasing uncertainty in the global economy, including dual conflicts in supply chains and security, Trump’s tariff tactics, and energy policy repercussions, and extended invitations to each other for reciprocal visits. Furthermore, Governor Kim and Minister Saint-Martin exchanged mobile phone numbers for direct communication.

Governor Kim also met with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong to promote bilateral cooperation.

Governor Kim proposed strengthening cooperation in startups, trade, and youth exchanges, and extended an invitation to Deputy Prime Minister Gan, expressing expectations that his visit would lead to more practical cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan stated that Singapore values economic cooperation with neighboring countries, including South Korea, amid changes in the international landscape. He mentioned that Hyundai Motor’s research facility is highly regarded as the only mobility facility in Singapore, and expressed hope for Governor Kim’s support in transferring Korean companies’ management know-how and internships.

Gyeonggi Province and Singapore have maintained steady exchanges in innovation since Davos 2024, including meetings between Governor Kim and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister of Communications and Information Josephine Teo, a meeting between Gyeonggi Vice Governor for Economy Kim Hyun-gon and a delegation led by Second Permanent Secretary for the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group Augustine Lee, and a visit to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex by Singaporean Ambassador to Korea Eric Teo.

Last July, as part of Gyeonggi’s Youth Ladder project, 30 young people from Gyeonggi Province participated in language classes and various experiential activities at the National University of Singapore (NUS). In October, Singapore’s Chief AI Officer, Dr. He Ruimin, attended the Gyeonggi Great Global Transformation Forum hosted by Gyeonggi Province to discuss AI and humanomics. The Singapore government has also officially extended an invitation to Governor Kim through the Nathan Fellowship, a program that invites foreign dignitaries to share insights with Singaporean leaders and senior government officials. In November, Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation Heng Swee Keat visited Gyeonggi Province and promised to strengthen bilateral cooperation and innovation coordination.

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Governor Visits Economic Revitalization Sites: Meets with Fabless Companies to Discuss Development Measures]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18051 2025-01-17T07:24:28Z 2025-01-15T07:23:56Z ○ Held “Discussion on Engagement and Empathy for Gyeonggi Province Fabless Industry’s Next Big Step” on January 15 at Seongnam Global Convergence Center
– Gathered feedback from fabless companies and explored ways to advance the fabless industry
– Approximately 100 participants, including national and provincial assembly members, heads of relevant organizations, and representatives of 30 companies in the region
○ On-site visits for economic revitalization continue with the “Seolleongtang press conference” on January 13, followed by financial counseling for self-employed individuals in Siheung City on January 14

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim continued his economic revitalization initiative by reaching out to domestic fabless enterprises after meeting with self-employed and small business owners. These efforts are a part of his ongoing visits to stimulate the economy, which began earlier this year.

On January 15, Governor Kim held the “Discussion of Engagement and Empathy for Gyeonggi Province Fabless Industry’s Next Big Step” at the Seongnam Global Convergence Center in Pangyo, Seongnam City, where he engaged with local entrepreneurs.

The event sought to explore the growth potential of the fabless industry and identify ways to promote its development. It was expected to be attended by representatives of over 30 fabless companies in the province, including Rebellion, as well as officials from organizations such as the Korea Electronics Technology Research Institute, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center, and Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology.

The event, presided over by Governor Kim and conducted in an open format, featured 11 panelists, including National Assembly Member Lee Soo-jin, Provincial Assembly Members Lee Jae-yeong, Jeon Seok-hoon, Seo Hyeon-ok, and Bang Seong-wan, as well as Korea Fabless Industry Association Chairman Kim Gyeong-su and Korea Semiconductor Industry Association Vice Chairman Kim Jeong-ho. They listened to the opinions of entrepreneurs and discussed strategies for the development of the industry.

According to Gyeonggi Province, 120 companies, more than half of the 205 fabless businesses in Korea, are situated in the province. Of those, 70 are located in Seongnam City.

Governor Kim made “Pangyo Fabless Cluster Establishment” one of the priorities of his administration. He is also working to attract companies and support organizations, build necessary facilities, and nurture talent to create a thriving fabless ecosystem by connecting the existing 1st and 2nd Pangyo districts with the 3rd Pangyo area now under development.

At the New Year’s press conference, he also outlined three emergency measures to rebuild the national economy: Super Budget for Citizens’ Everyday Life, Responding to the Trump 2.0 Era, and Revitalizing Businesses. The provincial budget includes an investment of at least KRW 15 trillion into future industries.

Governor Kim sees the fabless industry as one of the most important of these future sectors.

In his speech at the “Semiconductor Cluster Forum” held in Pangyo, Seongnam City, in December, Governor Kim stated, “We cannot afford any delays in fostering semiconductors, our flagship industry, as well as future industries with growth prospects such as bio, advanced mobility, and AI big data, while also caring for the livelihoods of our people.” He unveiled “three key visions” for the semiconductor industry, including all-out efforts to create a semiconductor mega-cluster, build an independent semiconductor value chain, and foster an innovative semiconductor ecosystem.

Gyeonggi Province is also pursuing the creation of the world’s largest semiconductor mega-cluster, with projects already underway in the cities of Yongin, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and Anseong. These initiatives are geared to support not only the fabless industry but the semiconductor industry as a whole.

Meanwhile, Governor Kim held a New Year’s press conference at a Seolleongtang (ox bone soup) restaurant on January 13. The following day, he continued his economic revitalization site visits by providing financial counseling to self-employed individuals in Siheung City, including a young couple running a chicken restaurant and the owner of a grilled fish restaurant.

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Province Offers up to 13% Discount on International Express Mail Service (EMS) Rates for Multicultural Families]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18050 2025-01-17T07:23:49Z 2025-01-08T07:23:01Z ○ Gyeonggi Province and Gyeongin Regional Communications Office offer up to 13% discount on EMS rates for multicultural families
– 10% base discount, plus an additional 3% discount when using online post office for easy pre-registration

In an effort to ease the financial burden on multicultural families, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeongin Regional Communications Office will continue to offer the same discount on international Express Mail Service (EMS) for multicultural families as last year.

Eligible recipients of the discount include those who are identified as “spouse of a national” or who have F-6-1, F-6-2, or F-6-3 alien registration status; marriage immigrants who qualify under Subparagraph 2, Article 2 of the Multicultural Family Support Act; those who can provide proof of their naturalization status; and those whose status can be verified through their resident registration cards or family relations certificates.

The base discount for international Express Mail Service (EMS) is 10%, with an additional 3% discount for those who use the online post office for easy pre-registration.

This discount is available at all post offices in Gyeonggi Province, except for commercial bulk mail. Applicants can easily apply in person at any post office or via a representative after they have prepared the required documents.

For more information about the application process and required documents, applicants can visit the ePost Korea website (epost.go.kr) or call the helpline at 1588-1300.

As of 2024, there are over 358,000 multicultural families in Gyeonggi Province, an increase of approximately 15,000 from the previous year. Last year, Gyeonggi Province supported around 3,000 international express shipments, discounting approximately KRW 6,600 per shipment for a total of KRW 19 million in savings.

The province plans to discuss expanding the program to include foreigners and international students in cooperation with the Gyeongin Regional Communications Office.

Kim Won-kyu, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigration Society Bureau, stated, “Through cooperation between local governments and public institutions, we aim to become a role model for improving the quality of life for multicultural families… We will also explore additional support initiatives to provide tangible benefits and lay a foundation for social integration.”

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Province to Develop Net-Zero Water Management Technology and Support Overseas Expansion of Water Companies]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18048 2025-01-17T07:22:52Z 2025-01-02T07:20:24Z ○ Gyeonggi Province establishes 3rd Five-Year Initiative for Water Management Technology Development and Water Industry Promotion
– Strategy focused on net-zero technology development and enhancing global competitiveness

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government will invest KRW 7.4 billion by 2029 to advance net-zero water management technologies. These efforts will include digitally operated water and sewage facilities, sewage treatment utilizing renewable energy, and other innovative approaches.

On January 2, the provincial government announced the establishment of the “3rd Five-Year Initiative for Water Management Technology Development and Water Industry Promotion (2025–2029),” which outlines details of the investment. This initiative aims to promote sustainable growth among local water companies under the vision of “Gyeonggi Province Water Companies as Net-Zero Leaders” and emphasizes heightened global competitiveness through the development of net-zero technologies and the expansion of international operations.

It encompasses four key strategies, including intensive support for net-zero technologies, support system upgrades, strategic assistance for overseas expansion, and strengthening water industry expertise and activating networks, as well as 15 unit projects. The total budget is estimated to be KRW 7.4 billion.

Under “Intensive Support for Net-Zero Technologies,” Gyeonggi Province will focus on the development and commercialization of advanced water technologies. These include digital water and sewage facility operations that enable remote measurement, monitoring, and control through smart technology; sewage treatment using renewable energy; low-energy seawater desalination; and water reuse systems to address climate challenges.

The “Support System Upgrades” strategy involves enhancing the role of the Gyeonggi Province Water Industry Support Center as a control tower for the relevant industry. Key measures include establishing an AI-based water information system and developing a cooperation model for local companies in Gyeonggi.

With “Strategic Assistance for Overseas Expansion,” Gyeonggi seeks to create opportunities tailored to each water company for global market pioneering. Planned projects include hosting training programs for international buyers, conducting overseas field research, and organizing export consultation events.

The final strategy, “Strengthening Water Industry Expertise and Activating Networks,” includes hosting the Gyeonggi Water Industry Development Forum, building sector-level cooperation frameworks, and supporting feasibility studies for official development assistance (ODA) projects overseas.

Pyo Myeong-gyu, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Water Supply and Drainage Division, stated, “The third implementation plan serves as an explicit blueprint for advancing water management and nurturing the water industry in Gyeonggi. It will lay the foundation for the province’s water industry to be recognized in global markets beyond Korea… We will contribute to the improvement of water welfare and environment that can be felt by the people of the province.”

Gyeonggi Province will also draft annual action plans based on this initiative and strengthen cooperation with the private sector to effectively implement key projects.

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Governor Meets with British Ambassador to Discuss Korea’s Current Situation and Cooperation]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18045 2025-01-14T04:28:41Z 2024-12-24T04:27:55Z ○ Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim and British Ambassador Colin Crooks met on December 24 to discuss cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the United Kingdom
– Discussions included the current situation in Korea, responses to climate change, and cooperation in advanced industries

On December 24, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim welcomed British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the United Kingdom, as well as the current situation in Korea.

Governor Kim emphasized that Korea is addressing the political turmoil, including the lifting of martial law and the impeachment of the president, through democratic processes. He expressed gratitude for the support received from Korea’s allies during this time and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with them in the future.

In response, Ambassador Crooks stated that the United Kingdom has been closely monitoring the situation in Korea and commended the progress of the country’s constitutional process. He also expressed his confidence in continued close cooperation with Korea as a strategic global partner.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including global affairs and economic issues, and reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between the two countries. They agreed to continue close collaboration, particularly in areas such as climate change responses and high-tech industries.

Prior to his appointment as the UK Ambassador to South Korea in February 2022, Ambassador Crooks served as the UK’s Ambassador to North Korea. He is a recognized expert on the Korean Peninsula, having also served as First Secretary at the British Embassy in Seoul from 1995 to 1999, where he oversaw Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Korea.

Since taking office, Governor Kim has worked to strengthen the friendly relations between Gyeonggi Province and the UK through numerous high-level exchanges. Starting with a meeting with Ambassador Crooks in July 2022, their cooperation has continued through significant events, including a visit to the British Embassy to offer condolences after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, a meeting with the UK Climate Action Ambassador in October, and Ambassador Crooks’ participation in the DMZ Peace Walk.

Moreover, cooperation between the two sides has expanded to various fields, including Governor Kim’s participation in a reception hosted by Ambassador Crooks at the British Council in November 2022, meetings with British Trade Envoy John Whittingdale in 2023, and Ambassador Crooks’ speech at the opening ceremony of Eco Fair Korea .

This meeting was organized in response to Governor Kim’s emergency overseas letter regarding the declaration of martial law on December 3, reflecting the solid trust between Governor Kim and Ambassador Crooks.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government expects this meeting to be an invaluable opportunity to reaffirm shared values and further strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Governor Has Lunch Meeting with U.S. Ambassador; Expresses Gratitude for Trusting and Supporting Korea, Reaffirms Commitment to Continued Communication and Cooperation]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18043 2025-01-14T04:27:48Z 2024-12-24T04:26:56Z ○ Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Ambassador Goldberg on December 24 to thank him for his contributions to strengthening Korea-U.S. relations
– Have maintained regular meetings and collaboration since Ambassador Goldberg’s appointment
– Expressed appreciation for promoting Gyeonggi Province-U.S. cooperation and supporting Korean democracy and the Korea-U.S. alliance

On Thursday, April 24, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg to convey gratitude for the Ambassador’s unwavering trust in and support for Korea. During their meeting, the two reaffirmed their commitment to the strong partnership between Korea and the United States.

Governor Kim thanked Ambassador Goldberg for his steadfast belief in the resilience of Korean democracy, even in the face of the difficult circumstances of martial law and impeachment.

He said that he had received supportive responses from political leaders around the world, including nine U.S. governors, after reporting on the stable situation in Korea and Gyeonggi Province.

The discussion also highlighted the robust and unwavering commitment to the Korea-U.S. alliance, with both leaders emphasizing economic cooperation, particularly in advanced industries. They pledged to maintain close communication to further strengthen the relationship.

The two agreed to collaborate to ensure that the Korea-U.S. alliance continues to play a vital role in fostering peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

The lunch meeting, held shortly before Ambassador Goldberg’s return to the United States, built on the continuing friendship between the two leaders. Governor Kim first met with Ambassador Goldberg during his visit to Gyeonggi Province in November 2022, where they explored ways to bolster Gyeonggi Province-U.S. and Korea-U.S. cooperation. In April 2023, the two leaders attended the KBO league’s opening game at the KT Wiz Baseball Stadium in Suwon City, accompanied by Lieutenant General Willard Burleson, Commander of the Eighth U.S. Army. In September 2023, Governor Kim and Ambassador Goldberg visited Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek City and held discussions with General Paul LaCamera, Commander of United States Forces Korea (USFK). In March 2024, when Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited Gyeonggi Province, Ambassador Goldberg joined the meeting, further solidifying the friendship and trust between the two countries.

Since the first meeting between Governor Kim and Ambassador Goldberg, Gyeonggi Province and the United States have significantly expanded bilateral cooperation, signing two new MOUs, organizing three official visits by Gyeonggi Province delegations to the United States, and holding 12 meetings with nine U.S. governors. These efforts have greatly strengthened both the quantity and quality of cooperation.

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Province Selects 15 Winners of “1st Immigrant Worker Awareness Content Contest”]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18042 2025-01-14T04:26:45Z 2024-12-19T04:25:42Z ○ 15 winners selected from 94 entries in a contest to raise awareness about immigrant workers
– Grand Prizes: Video “Line of Diversity: Connection Instead of Division,” Poster “Different Roots, but We’re Friends”

On December 19, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government announced the selection of 15 winning works from the “1st Gyeonggi Immigrant Worker Awareness Content Contest.”

The contest, which aimed to raise awareness about immigrant workers while also promoting their rights and interests, received 20 video entries and 74 poster entries, for a total of 94 entries. After an initial round of evaluation by expert judges and a survey of employees, 15 winners were selected. To ensure fairness, the province selected 12 judges, including university professors and representatives from immigrant organizations, through an open recruitment process. The judging process also included expert reviews and public verification steps, such as plagiarism checks.

The grand prize in the video category went to “Line of Diversity: Connection Instead of Division,” while the poster category’s grand prize was awarded to “Different Roots, but We’re Friends.” Moreover, two entries received first-place prizes, four received second-place prizes, and seven received honorable mentions. The province will provide a total of KRW 7.8 million in prize money, with KRW 2 million awarded for the grand prize video and KRW 600,000 for the grand prize poster.

The grand prize winning video “Line of Diversity: Connection Instead of Division” employs hand-drawn illustrations to convey a powerful message: by connecting rather than dividing in the face of immigrant diversity, society can create a future where everyone lives together in harmony.

In the poster category, the grand prize was awarded to a third-grade student from Mangwol Elementary School in Hanam City. The student’s entry, “Different Roots, but We’re Friends,” received praise for its clear depiction of the theme. Using hand-drawn illustrations, the poster shows that although friends from different countries may have diverse origins, they live together in Korea as equals, free from discrimination.

Kim Won-gyu, Director General of the Immigrant Society Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, stated, “We hope this contest serves as a significant step toward respecting the rights and interests of immigrant workers while fostering diversity in local communities. We will continue to make various efforts to create an inclusive society for immigrant workers.”

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gg_mgr <![CDATA[Gyeonggi Province Governor: “We must Revive People’s Livelihoods by Focusing on Fields, Responding Quickly and Taking Bold Measures” – Gyeonggi Emergency People’s Livelihoods Council Established]]> http://english.gg.go.kr/?post_type=daily-news&p=18036 2024-12-23T07:23:39Z 2024-12-12T07:21:40Z Gyeonggi Province is establishing the Gyeonggi Emergency People’s Livelihood Council, a joint public-private response organization, to rebuild people’s livelihoods – which have been severely damaged by political chaos, including martial law and impeachment – and is promoting field-centered measures, expanding small and medium-sized enterprise development funds and supporting emergency management funds.

On December 12, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim held the first Gyeonggi Emergency Livelihood and Economy Meeting at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, calling for swift and bold policy support to restore people’s livelihoods and expressing his intention to take responsibility and provide support as needed.

“I have been in charge of economic policy for a long time and worked hard to overcome the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis, but we are now facing an economic crisis like no other we have ever experienced,” said Governor Kim, explaining the reason for holding the meeting. “Today, through the Emergency People’s Economic Council, I would like to explain the general direction of the measures that Gyeonggi Province is considering, and hope to use today as an opportunity to do what we can quickly.”

“We are going through a difficult time with uncertainties caused by Trump’s election, protectionist trade and the battle for hegemony over future cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors, but the bigger issue is people’s livelihoods,” he continued, announcing that Gyeonggi Province will pursue three directions in its response to restore livelihoods: focus on the fields, respond quickly and act boldly.

“I will prioritize the fields above all else,” Governor Kim said, emphasizing, “What is important now is not grand macro-policies or policy directions, but what can be done quickly and in detail. What is needed is not the bureaucracy or the repetitive measures of the past, but bold measures that break the existing administrative framework.”

At the same time, he ordered the immediate review of special loans secured by receivables for the tourism industry and related industries, the review of policy support/financing to prepare for foreign exchange losses; financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises, small business owners and the self-employed who have reached their limits, and the establishment of a business complaint window accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, small business owners and the self-employed and able to provide responses within 48 hours.

“I hope you will break the stable administrative framework we have been operating under and take bold action, as long as it does not violate the law or rules in the course of administrative work. If necessary, I will bear full responsibility and support my staff in their work,” said Governor Kim, once again emphasizing bold action.

In line with Governor Kim’s instructions, Gyeonggi Province will increase funds for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises from KRW 1.75 trillion this year to KRW 2 trillion next year so as to support the management stability of such enterprises and small business owners. In addition, the province plans to continue the KRW 300 billion in special guarantees for repayment extensions of small and medium-sized loans among small business owners, which has been in effect since September, so as to reduce the burden on small business owners, and to fully implement the “Cheer Up Go Card for Small Business” from next year to support essential operating funds for small business owners. In addition, KRW 3.5 trillion worth of local currency will be issued to stimulate consumption at neighborhood stores.

To stimulate consumption investment in cities and counties, KRW 461.7 billion in December adjustment grants (originally set for December 25) will be executed early around December 20, and KRW 749.3 billion in regional development funds and other funds will be injected early once the business plans are completed immediately after the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly approves next year’s budget. Additionally, KRW 138.9 billion in term deposits in the Fiscal Stabilization Account will be transferred to the general account as soon as they mature to be used as financial resources, and reserve funds and special adjustment grants will be actively used for local livelihood issues to stimulate the local economy.

In the tourism sector, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization held an emergency meeting with tourism industry representatives on December 11 to analyze damage to and suggestions for the tourism industry in Gyeonggi Province and to devise countermeasures. Gyeonggi Province plans to allocate emergency funds for business stabilization and also to engage in assertive tourism marketing, such as holding the Gyeonggi Tourism Grand Festa in January and February.

Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Emergency People’s Livelihood Council was established in accordance with Governor Kim’s instructions. At a recent emergency meeting of the three Gyeonggi vice governors, Governor Kim said, “We need measures to support people’s livelihoods, which have been damaged by the unconstitutional and illegal imposition of martial law of December 3,” adding, “Please investigate the overall damage to the people’s livelihoods, including small and medium enterprises and small business owners, and promptly formulate tailor-made, field-oriented measures led by the Vice Governor for Economy and the Economy Office.”

The Gyeonggi Emergency People’s Livelihood Council will work with relevant public institutions such as Gyeonggi’s Economy Office and its Planning and Coordination Office, as well as the Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation and private economic stakeholders such as small business owners, traditional markets, tourism associations, and small and medium-sized enterprises, with the aim of establishing field-based recovery plans for people’s livelihoods. Initially, the focus will be on gathering real-time opinions from field workers in the regional economy, including directly affected sectors such as exports and investment, as well as culture and tourism, and formulating tailor-made measures.

To this end, an emergency economic meeting will be held at least once a week, with the Vice Governor for Economy taking the lead. The plan is to do everything possible to prepare measures to restore the people’s livelihoods by focusing on the following sectors: small and medium-sized enterprises, investment and exports, and tourism and disasters. In addition, based on the results of damage surveys by sector and industry, the province will prepare comprehensive measures to restore people’s livelihoods as a whole, if necessary, by adding other sectors such as agriculture, livestock and employment.

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