Article 1.Gyeonggi’s Balanced Budget Execution Nationally Recognized (1019-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Gyeonggi Province was recognized as the best among Korean second-tier governments in balanced budget ution. This was announced as part of a Korean ministry’s assessment report on the financial administration performance of local governments for the second half of 2014.
[Report]
▶Financial Administration Performance Assessment for 2014
Gyeonggi Province Wins1st Prize in Wide Area Autonomies Category
This assessment is conducted biannually by the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.
[CG]Last year, Gyeonggi Province uted KRW 19.2 trillion out of an annual budget of KRW 21.4 trillion, thus achieving a 90 percent ution rate.
▶Gyeonggi also Ranked 1st for Both 1st and 2nd Halves of 2014
This is the second consecutive half year for which the Gyeonggi Provincial Government has received the first prize in the national assessment since maximizing budget utilization from the beginning of last year.
▶Gyeonggi Province Pursues Early Project Implementation through Monthly Monitoring
Gyeonggi Province has been expediting the implementation of projects through monthly monitoring so as to prevent negative effects from causing financial blockage.
▶Local Governments Urged to Execute Early Implementation of Budget
Early implementation of the budget and the prevention of carry-over has been an underlying issue discussed frequently during monthly senior provincial official meetings as well as meetings with local governments and organizations.
▶Gyeonggi Province Awarded KRW1 Billion Incentive
Winners of these national assessments are granted incentives by the ministry. Having already won an incentive for the first half of 2014, Gyeonggi Province has now accumulated incentives amounting to KRW 1 billion.
The key budgetary projects of Gyeonggi Province this year will be those related to job creation and the improvement of economic opportunities for less fortunate individuals.
 
Article 2.Gyeonggi Releases Environmental Conservation Support Fund (0120-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Gyeonggi Province set aside an Environment Conservation Fund of KRW 10 billion to aid enterprises that are aware of environmental risk factors and actively engaged in the prevention of environmental contamination.
[Report]
▶Dugok-ri, Hwaseong
Namyang Hyundai Service Co.
This automobile servicing company in Hwaseong (화성) City of Gyeonggi Province uses a large amount of paint. Painting is carried out in a completely sealed coating shop. Waste is filtered through a first line of filtering devices and then purified in an active carbon tank before entering the sewer.
These intricate anti-pollution facilities cost KRW 160 million, too expensive for this small enterprise. However, thanks to financial support from the province, this company now boasts environment-friendly operations.
▶Kang Dong-jin / Managing Director, Namyang Hyundai Service Co.
“The businesses that benefit from provincial support are responsible for keeping their environment clean, offering better services and fees, and maintaining their facilities well.”
The Environment Conservation Fund will also be used for environmental industry promotion and environmental technology development.
[CG]Funds will be available up to an amount of KRW 1 billion per enterprise at an interest rate of 2.5% with a 3-year grace period.
▶Largest Environment Conservation Fund Ever
This year’s fund of KRW 10 billion is KRW 2 billion more than last year’s, making it the largest ever.
▶Kim Gyeong-don / Chief Official, Gyeonggi Province Environmental Industry Cooperation Team
“We increased the fund amount so as to promote the environmental industry as well as environmental technology development and exports.”
Applications for support can be made at any time. Contact provincial or local environmental policy offices for more details.
 
Article 3. Gyeonggi Provincial Organizations Bound by Performance Contracts (0121-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
On January 20, the heads of 26 organizations invested in or backed by Gyeonggi Province signed Management Performance Contracts and presented performance targets as required by a related ordinance that went into effect on January 5.
[Report]
The Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation has been experiencing serious financial problems due to growing debts. However, since new management took over last year, property sales have increased and the debt ratio has fallen for the first time since 2006.
▶Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation
Target: Reduce Debt Ratio to 257% through Proactive Management Innovation
Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation President Choi (최) declared that he would reduce the debt ratio further this year through innovative management.
▶Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation
Target: Increase Cultural Enjoyment Rate in Northern Gyeonggi 3-Fold
The head of the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation stated that the foundation will establish cultural policies that best meet the needs of the public and increase the cultural enjoyment rate in northern provincial regions three fold.
▶Gyeonggi Institute of Science & Technology Promotion
Target: Establish Global ICT Hub in Pangyo
The Gyeonggi Institute of Science and Technology Promotion explained its plans to transform Pangyo (판교) into a global ICT hub in tandem with the central government’s ‘creative economy valley’ plan. The institute also described its plans for the further development of Gwangyo (광교) Techno Valley and the operation of the Technology Innovation Support Teams.
▶KINTEX
Targets: KRW 51.3 Billion Sales, 50% Operation Rate through Inducement of International Events
KINTEX is targeting KRW 51.3 billion in sales as well as a 50% operation rate through the inducement of international events.
▶Gyeonggi Research Institute
Targets: Improvement of Research Capabilities and Communication
The Gyeonggi Research Institute plans to improve research capabilities and expand communication with residents through regional forums.
▶Gyeonggi provincial Government Complex (January 20)
Gyeonggi Provincial Organizations Management Performance Contract Signing Ceremony
The heads of 28 provincial organizations then signed Management Performance Contracts with the provincial government.
▶Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“I ask you to work with policies that are customer orientated and scientifically based on actual data. The provincial government will provide support differentiated based on your performances.”
Differentiated support also means differentiated personnel treatment. This was a very strong message that reflects the expectations of the provincial government.
 
Article 4.Gyeonggi Governor Discloses Detailed Plans for Coalition in Budget Matters (0119-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil disclosed his coalition plans in budget matters based primarily on sharing rights with provincial residents, the provincial assembly, and local governments in budget preparation.
[Report]
▶Coalition in Budget Preparation Procedures
The budget-making process will be different in Gyeonggi Province from this year in that it will be more user-orientated.
[CG]Budget planning rights will be shared with the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly as well as with provincial residents. Budget planning will be advanced and finalized earlier than in previous years so as to leave more time for assembly deliberation.
[CG]A ‘road map’ will be used as a guide in the selection of core projects with local governments and residents. Based on data gathered, budget drafting will begin in April and a final plan will be ready for assembly submission by September.
▶Long Planning Time Scheduled to Ensure ‘Effective’ Budget
The budget planning period will be extended to eliminate entrenched practices and, instead, to ensure a truly effective budget.
▶Coalition Action Committee to Devise Detailed Procedures
A coalition action committee will be organized to oversee detailed budget making procedures.
▶Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“It is our duty to spend tax payer money as effectively as possible and to use it to better prepare for the future. I will make sure that budget planning and ution will be fair and transparent.”
Starting with the appointment of an opposition party member to a vice governor position at the beginning of his term, Governor Nam’s innovative coalition policy through power sharing has been continued and now extends to provincial budget matters.
 
Article 5.Winter Festivals in Gyeonggi Province (0120-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
There are a variety of winter festivities taking place in Gyeonggi Province. From ice age and Stone Age life experience programs for children to ice fishing on a frozen river for families, our reporter witnessed how people enjoy the winter.
[Report]
▶Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon
Yeoncheon‘ Journey to a Paleolithic Winter’
People crouch around this primitive wood fire, oblivious to the cold, intent on meat cooking on skewers. This crude meal preparation is much fancier than home meals for children and adults alike.
▶Hwang Si-yun / Onam-eup, Namyangju
“I was told that ancient people cooked their meals like this, and it’s really tastier cooked this way.”
In another corner, children are trying their skills at prehistoric life. Some are unsuccessfully attempting to make fire using Stone Age methods while others try on prehistoric attire.
▶Yeoncheon Stone Age Festival (Until February 1)
This is all part of the Stone Age Festival that will run until February 1 in Yeoncheon (연천) County. There are also large sledding slopes and amazing ice sculptures for the enjoyment of everyone.
▶Jara Island, Gapyeong (Until January 31)
‘Gapyeong Jara Island Sing Sing Festival’
Jara (자라) Island of Gapyeong (가평) County also is gripped by a festive mood.
▶Ice Fishing
A vast area on a frozen river, seven times bigger than a football field, is crowded with aspiring anglers and family members from around the country. It is the most crowded winter festivity in and around Seoul.
▶Baekwun Valley, Pocheon (Until January 26)
Pocheon Baekwun Valley ‘General Freeze’ Festival
Winter is affectionately called ‘General Freeze’ in Korea. It is also the name of the festival that is taking place in a mountain valley in Pocheon (포천) City. In this white valley, visitors can enjoy the rest of the winter surrounded by beautiful trees and sculptures made with ice and snow.
 
Article 6.How to Prevent Water Pipe Rupturing During Winter (0121-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
The rupturing of water pipes is a problem that frequently troubles households when temperatures drop in winter. Our reporter examined how to prevent this unwelcomed occurrence.
[Report]
▶Water Pipe Rupture Occurs Most in Goyang, Namyangju, Yongin and Pyeongtaek
More than nine hundred ruptured water pipe cases have been reported in Gyeonggi Province this winter. Most cases were concentrated in the cities of Goyang (고양), Namyangju (남양주), Yongin (용인) and Pyeongtaek (평택).
[CG]If outdoor temperatures remain below minus five degrees Celsius for longer than two days, water meters in apartment corridors freeze up. If the condition lasts for five days, freezing may also occur in indoor pipes.
Although local administrations are implementing various preventive measures, it is important that residents take action themselves.
▶Mo Seung-hui / Officer, Gyeonggi Province Water Resources Headquarters
“We try to minimize pipe ruptures through preventive activities. Since insulation failure is the main cause, make sure that pipes are not exposed to cold air and…”

▶Free Anti-rupture Insulation Kits Available from Local Water Offices
If water pipes are at risk, ask for free anti-rupture insulation kits at local water offices. This kit is easy to install and provides excellent insulation. Another effective method that can be used in an emergency is to cover the water meter and pipes with unused blankets or clothes.
▶GTV Reporter Lee Tae-hui
“Insulation materials may become soggy if left for a prolonged time, so these materials need to be replaced regularly.”
If your home is going to remain unoccupied for a long period of time, keeping water dripping from a tap is an effective way to prevent water pipes from freezing.
 
Article 7.Gyeonggi Provides Childcare Homes with Live CCTV App Support (0122-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Recently, the parents of young children in Korea were unnerved by news stories that showed appalling scenes of physical child abuse at childcare homes. To prevent such incidents, Gyeonggi Province offers CCTV installation cost support to such facilities.
[Report]
▶Hatsal Childcare Home, Bucheon
Jin (진) is a working mother of three children. Occasionally, she checks her mobile phone to ensure that her children at a childcare home are safe and well.
▶Jin Myeong-seon / Sang-dong, Bucheon
“I monitor my children like this when I am away. It used to require use of computer, but it is now much easier and reassuring because I can do it anytime with a mobile phone.”
A closed circuit TV tem and a monitoring application are all that is needed for parents to be able to see their children at childcare homes in real time.
▶Gyeonggi Province to Provide CCTV Installation Support
Gyeonggi Province’s support will cover the installation of CCTV cameras as well as a live-monitoring application.
▶Bucheon City Nursing Children Support Center (January 20)
Gyeonggi Province and Parents Meeting on Safe Childcare Policy
This support program is an alternative to a number of possibilities that were ruled out because of the difficulties in realizing immediate effects.
▶Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“If applications are made based on an agreement between parents and childcare homes, we will provide priority support.”
Installation cost support of up to KRW 1.3 million will be provided to individual childcare homes, public or private, that wish to install the live monitoring tem. Gyeonggi Province is also working on mid-to-long-term solutions including the improvement of working conditions for teachers.