Article 1.Gyeonggi Province 2014 Press Photos (1222-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
A press photo exhibition documenting events that occurred in Gyeonggi Province during 2014 opened in the lobby of Suwon Station. This exhibition will circulate through four venues in the province, running for a week at each //
[Report]
The image of a girl holding a poster that says “I won’t give up hope” while waiting to hear news of her friends days after the Sewol (세월) Ferry disaster breaks the hearts of viewers. A photo of schoolboys crossing the finish line at a race while holding hands with a disabled friend was one of the most viewed internet images last autumn. An image of the victorious members of the Gyeonggi Province team at the closing of the National Games exudes pride and energy.
▶Won Ji-hyeong / Byeong-jeom-dong, Suwon
”This exhibition gave me an opportunity to recall the events that happened this year. There were many impressive photos.”

▶Suwon Station Lounge
Gyeonggi Province Press Photo 2014
This exhibition features vivid images of events that occurred in Gyeonggi Province this past year. These still pictures, taken by professional photographers, capture moments of drama or images of people in news events. These images often tell us a story, big or small, with a stronger impact than that of video.
▶Kim Si-beom / Head of Gyeonggi Province Branch, Korea Press Photographers Association
“We selected 130 photos for this exhibition. One can view the photos of many events that occurred in Gyeonggi Province this past year at one viewing, so…”

▶Venues of Gyeonggi Province 2014Press Photos
Suwon Station: December 19 to 23
North Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex: December 26 to January 1, 2015
Suwon City Hall: January 2 to 8, 2015
Yongin City Hall: January 9 to 15, 2015
This exhibition will run until January 15 at four locations starting at Suwon Station before proceeding to the Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, Suwon (수원) City Hall, and Yongin (용인) City Hall.
 
Article 2.Gyeonggi Social Economy Promotion Workshop (1223-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
On December 22 and 23, a social economy promotion workshop was held with representatives of social enterprises, village enterprises and cooperatives in Gyeonggi Province.
[Report]
These three business types are also collectively referred to as social economy enterprises.
[CG]There are more than 1,500 social economy enterprises in Gyeonggi Province, accounting for 15% of the national total. However, their growth is slower than the whole provincial economy.
▶La Vie D’ or Resort & Country Club, Hwaseong (December 22~23)
Gyeonggi Province Social Economy Promotion Workshop
Gyeonggi Province invited 350 personnel from social economy enterprises in the province to a workshop to discuss ways in which to promote and support the growth of these society-oriented businesses.
▶Gwon Yun-hyeok / Chairman, Gyeonggi Province Social Enterprise Association
“We are not asking for help just to sell our products somehow, but we are asking for opportunities to increase the added value of our products so as to improve their competitiveness.”

▶Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“We will provide positive support through various programs and management supervision. I would like you to actively participate in these activities which I believe will help you expand your market.”

▶Invitation of Applications for Provincial Subsidies for Social Economy Business Projects
During the workshop, Governor Nam proposed the introduction of business project screening for provincial subsidies through the open invitation of applications, which garnered positive responses among participants.
▶Kim Gil-nyeo / CEO of Ecobio
“I think everyone here is looking in the same direction with similar purposes. Through communication amongst us, we will also be able to find some mutually beneficial way sour selves.”
Undoubtedly, this two-day workshop was an excellent opportunity for social economy enterprises in Gyeonggi Province to communicate and share experiences, ideas and information.
 
Article3.Free Digital Device Lab for Creative Ideas Opens in Pangyo (1224-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
A free digital device laboratory complete with a range of state-of-the-art digital equipment opened in Pangyo (판교) Techno Valley in Gyeonggi Province. This laboratory is open to all Gyeonggi residents who have creative ideas that they want to realize.
[Report]
A 3D printer precisely creates a complex three-dimensional form from a design in just a short time. A laser cutter produces intricate patterns and shapes almost instantly. These are some of the latest digital devices, normally too expensive for individuals to access, that can be used at the laboratory free of charge.
▶ Free ‘Device Lab for Creativity’ Opens at Pangyo Public Service Center
The purpose of this facility is to help people with creative ideas realize their potential without economic constraints. The laboratory also provides free training in equipment operation.
▶Choi Eun-su / Computer Science Major, Eulji University Computer Science Department
”These machines as well as the materials are too expensive (to be readily available). This center gave me a great opportunity to use such equipment and materials free of charge.”

▶Various Education Programs for Beginners
This laboratory, titled “Device Lab for Creativity”, also provides a range of education services for the use of equipment as well as for the preparation of business startups with creative ideas. At this laboratory, users can try out and test their ideas and designs under the guidance of the center’s engineers.
▶Hong Seong-sin / Senior Researcher, Device Lab for Creativity
”We have everything from 3D printers and CNC machines to PVC working machines. Users only need to come to us with their ideas. We will help them realize their ideas as actual products.”

▶Device Lab for Creativity Home Page: www.devicelab.kr
This digital laboratory is the first of its kind to be open to the public in Korea. Applications for the use of its equipment and services are being received through the home page of the laboratory. Now good ideas with business potential no longer have to be buried due to costs.
 
Article 4.Gyeonggi Secures Record Amount of National Subsidies (1218-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Gyeonggi Province will receive national subsidies exceeding KRW 10 trillion, a record amount, next year. The administrative activities of Gyeonggi Province will be better financed for effective implementation.
[Report]
▶National Subsidies for Gyeonggi Province Increase by KRW 3 Trillion to KRW 10 Trillion in 2015
According to the national budget plan for next year, total national subsidies for Gyeonggi Province will amount to KRW 10.6 trillion, nearly KRW 3 trillion more than this year. This is largely attributable to a greater number of nationally financed projects.
▶KTX Suwon Departure Project Receives Additional National Support of KRW 200 Million
One such project is the KTX Suwon Departure Project that connects the Gyeongbu (경부) rail line from Suwon Station to the KTX line, for which national support increased by KRW 200 million.
[CG]The Korean government has finalized support plans for next year for a number of projects in Gyeonggi Province. These projects include the construction of a polytechnic college campus and a GTX rail line, as well as many social infrastructure projects.
▶Gyeonggi Road Projects Receive National Subsidies of KRW 1.9 Trillion
For example, 52 road projects will receive national support amounting to KRW 1.9 trillion.
[CG]A number of chronically congested roads including some express way sections, National Road 3, and Local Road 56 will now be relieved of traffic problems since construction work will progress without financial impediments.
▶Gyeonggi Rail Projects Receives National Subsidies of KRW 1.4 Trillion.
In addition, national subsidies of KRW 1.4 trillion will be provided to 21 railway projects.
▶GTV Reporter, Choi Chang-sun
“With a record-breaking amount of support from the central government, many of Gyeonggi Province’s large social infrastructure projects will gain powerful forward momentum for next year.”
 
Article 5.Gyeonggi Province 600th Anniversary Special Exhibition (1219-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
This year marks the six hundredth anniversary of Gyeonggi Province. Occupying a geopolitically strategic location, Gyeonggi Province has been the center for philosophical innovation in Korea for centuries. An exhibition opened to showcase the history of such innovation.
[Report]
▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Museum (Until February 22, 2015)
Gyeonggi Province 600th Anniversary Special Exhibition “Gyeonggi, the Root of Joseon”
This exhibition commemorates the 600th anniversary of Gyeonggi Province. Six hundred years ago, in 1414, Gyeonggi Province was born through the amalgamation of eastern and western regions.
▶GTV Reporter Choi Chang-sun
“Its central location on the Korean Peninsula and accessibility from all directions made Gyeonggi Province a center of innovation.”

▶Daedongbeop (Universal Law) First Introduced in Gyeonggi Province
One of the notable political innovations that occurred during the Joseon (조선) Dynasty was the introduction of the Universal Law. This was a method of paying regional tributes commonly with rice instead of regional specialty products. This innovative taxation method was first introduced in Gyeonggi Province.
▶King Jeongjo Constructs Hwaseong Fortress As First Step Toward Political Reformation
King Jeongjo (정조), the twenty-second king of the Joseon (조선) Dynasty, constructed Suwon-Hwaseong (수원화성) Fortress in the late 18th century as a first step toward the political reformation he earnestly sought. He intended to rebuild his kingdom with a new capital city away from Hanseong (한성), now Seoul, which was plagued with factionalism that cost even his father’s life.
▶Gyeonggi Province as Gateway for Western Civilization
Gyeonggi Province was a gateway for Western civilization and the origin of the late Joseon (조선) school of practical science, Seohak (서학), or Western Learning.
▶Center of Arts and White Porcelain
All art forms including ceramic art also prospered in Gyeonggi Province.
▶Lee So-hui / Curator, Gyeonggi Provincial Museum
“Since Gyeonggi Province encompasses the capital city, it became a gateway to new cultures and civilizations. It is natural that Gyeonggi Province became a social, political and cultural center.”
This exhibition features more than a hundred artifacts including maps, drawings and books that represent the history of innovation that Gyeonggi Province has led over the past six hundred years.
 
Article 6.Children Edutainment Programs Offered in Gyeonggi Province (1222-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
During winter vacation, a variety of combined education and entertainment programs for children, commonly referred to as edutainment, are being offered at Gyeonggi provincial institutes. Our reporter examined the details.
[Report]
▶ Gyeonggi Arts Center (Until March 1, 2015)
Children’s Four Season Playground, Kongal Kongal
In this playground, children are engrossed in impromptu games. Instead of sand or protective flooring, this playground is covered knee deep with various beans. It is part of an edutainment program designed in accordance with seasonal variations.
▶“Come and see how it feels.”
Beans even cascade like rain to add to the enjoyment. Children in this seasonal program can experience beans in many ways including play, touch, and taste.
▶Park Hye-min / Kindergarten Teacher
“Our children liked this program because they could play, explore nature and engage in various activities in large spaces. They really enjoyed it.”

▶Gyeonggi Children’s Museum (Until August 23, 2015)
Money Trips with Twelve Boxes
An edutainment program at another institute using money as a motif is also popular among children who experience using bus cards, credit cards and cash cards for the first time.
▶Kim Seung-hyun (Age 7)
“It was fun because I’ve never done it before. I think I can do it in real life.”

▶Bae Gyu-tae (Age 7)
“I think I should be careful with money. Otherwise I will have no money and become a beggar.”
This edutainment program consists of twelve sub-programs in which children design money for different countries, write letters imagining money-growing trees, and learn the stories on monetary notes. These installation-based indoor edutainment programs are rapidly gaining popularity, especially during winter vacation, among children and teachers as well as parents.
 
Article7.Gyeonggi Province to Support Good Apartment Management Practice (1224-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Most apartment guards have been receiving salaries lower than the legal minimum wage. From next year, however, the legal minimum wage must be applied to all contracted apartment management personnel. Apartment residents now face challenges to make the best of this new development.
[Report]
▶Yeongdeok Shinil Apartment, Yongin
Officials of Gyeonggi Province, led by Governor Nam Kyung-pil, visited an apartment complex that features exemplary relations between residents and the apartment management service contractor. The resident committee of this 900-household apartment complex changed the usual contract terms and dissolved the women’s society so as to minimize unnecessary expenses. In three years, the committee has succeeded in saving a reserve of KRW 300 million and is ready to raise the salaries of their ten apartment guards by 19 percent.
▶ Lee Cheon-sik / Chairman, Yeongdeok Shinil Apartment Resident Committee
“Since our savings from cost reductions more than cover the salary increase, residents will not be burdened additionally.”

▶Jugong Apartment Complex 10, Gwacheon
In 2001, the residents of this apartment complex chose to employ guards themselves instead of using contracted services. The ensuing employment stability resulted in better relations between residents and apartment guards, with the guards working for much longer periods.
▶ Hong Sa-seong / Chief of Guards, Jugong Apartment Complex 10
“Since I am directly employed by residents, I think I will work here a long time. I won’t have to worry (about job safety).
Since there is no contractor commission payment, the guards at this apartment complex have already been receiving legally guaranteed wages for many years.
▶Gyeonggi Province to Provide Incentives to Apartments with Good Management Practices
Gyeonggi Province will provide incentives to apartment complexes with good management practices using an existing assessment program.
▶Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“We will help residents become proud of their apartment complexes and benefit from increased apartment values. We will support good and warm apartment complexes with better services. For example, priority support for the establishment of libraries.”
There are ways in which the residents of the 5,500 apartment complexes in Gyeonggi Province can achieve stability in both apartment management costs and the employment of guards.