1. [Relics Donated]

The relics of representative philosophers from the Choseon Dynasty were donated to Gyeonggi Province by their descendents.

Just before the relics museum opened in April of last year a donation of relics that will be on display were received.

Relics, wills, anthologies and portraits belonging to both the descendents of the representative philosopher from the middle of the Choseon Dynasty, Jo Ik and pioneer of philosophy named Kim Yuk were given to the museum.

1)s- Relics of descendants of philosophers donated

Of the relics, books that contain the study, thought and research were included gaining much attention.

2)s- Philosophy, thought could be known in books included

There were also portraits and precious materials that would aid in the research of middle period Choseon art history.

The philosophy museum will display about 700 relics including those donated by descendents of representative thinkers such as Bak Ji-won, and others.

3)s- Nearly 700 relics and materials to be put on display

2. [Dokdo belongs to Korea ]

One museum in the province displayed a map of the Dokdo Islands in commemoration of the 60 anniversary of the founding of Korea for residents to come and check out.

Lee Dong-woo, who has a special affection for Dokdo Islands, heard about the exhibit of the map, which includes the islands, and made his way to the exhibit.

1s-Interview: Lee Dong-woo, Seoul Mok 1 Dong
#I was so glad when I heard of the old foreign map on display proving the Dokdo Islands are our land. I didn\’t know about the academic papers regarding Dokdo Island even existed. From now on I guess many Koreans should learn about this.#

In commemoration of the 60 years since the founding of the country Gyeonggi Province has set up a place where residents can easily view the ancient map relating to the East Sea and the Dokdo Islands.

2)s-Special exhibit of old map in commemoration of 60th anniversary of Foundation Day / Gyeonggi Small & Medium Business Center 1st floor (August 15th ?25th)

One of the items on display was the first western map that includes in detail the Dokdo Islands, named Tchianchantao along with the Korean Mainland.

3)s- In 16th century French map, Nouvel Atlas de la Chine Dokdo Islands listed as Tchianchantao

Further, in a block printed map published in the middle of the 19th century titled Haejwa jeondo, the islands are clearly listed as Korean territory.

4)s- In Haejwa Jeondo Dokdo Islands are listed as 멬oonsando Island?

5)s-Interview: Kim Su-chang Commentator, Kyunghee University Hye-Jung Museum
#Through special exhibits many residents have learned about the Dokdo Islands and as been a chance to settle issues of legitimacy.#

If more people take more interest in the Dokdo Islands the sovereignty issues over the island will soon be resolved by the international community.

3. [Museum of Sexual Slavery by Japanese]

On the 15th, the historical museum of sexual slavery by the Japanese Military, part of the House of Sharing in Gwangju, Gyeonggi celebrated its 10th anniversary. There were various events in commemoration.

The historical museum of sexual slavery by the Japanese Military which celebrates its 10th year this year was opened to inform future generations about the issues and solutions of victims and to provide an accurate historical perspective.

1) s-Historical museum of sexual slavery by the Japanese Military in 10th year

On the 15th at the house of Sharingin Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province in commemoration of both the 63rd Liberation Day, and the 10th year since the establishment of the historical museum of sexual slavery by the Japanese Military, various events were held under the theme of silent War-Let\’t remember the issues of the Japanese Military Comfort Women.?

2) s-Events held under theme: silent War-Let\’t remember the issues of the Japanese Military Comfort Women/ Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province house of Sharing(August 15th)

On this day musical melodies helped soothe the fatigued lives of the surviving comfort women through a concert.

Also to commemorate the 10th anniversary a picture gallery of drawings by comfort women was on display.

3) s- Picture gallery by comfort women opens

The drawings the women drew themselves are on display, and a recreated comfort station has been set up for visitors. Its looks as if the plight of the comfort women will become a part of mainstream history education.

4. [New Arrival, Gyeonggi Rice Cake]

Since last April rice cakes made from Gyeonggi rice are being sold in Starbucks coffee shops. Just recently a new item as appeared on the menu. In bigger proportions and at a lower price consumers can\’t get enough.

American coffee shops, Starbucks newly introduced five kinds of Gyeonggi rice cakes to the menu.

1) s- Starbucks introduces new Gyeonggi rice cakes

The rice cakes come in flavors including strawberry, wormwood, and layered pumpkin on top of the existing rice cake line-up. The quantity and price have also changed, 30 grams more, 27 cents cheaper.

2) s- Bigger portions, reduced price

In particular Korean raspberry rice cake has been developed for the first time in Korea becoming quite popular among consumers.

3) s- Korean raspberry developed for first time in Korea

Foreigners who are accustomed to breads and cakes have been mesmerized by Gyeonggi rice cake.

4) Interview: Tyler, Canadian
{Rice cake goes well with coffee and seems like a nice light snack.}

The new Gyeonggi rice cake is presently being sold in 47 Starbucks locations throughout Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.

5) s- Now sold at 47 locations in Seoul, Gyeonggi

6) Interview: Im So-jeong, Starbucks Korea Jeongja Store
{It so popular by about 1 or 2 pm we\’re all sold out, and some customers just come for the rice cake.}

Last year in April Gyeonggi Province and Starbucks concluded an agreement to begin selling Gyeonggi rice cakes in Starbucks shops, but due to high distribution costs and the rather short shelf life of rice cake, sales were poor.

The newly released Gyeonggi rice cakes have won the approval of consumers, with many interested on how this might stimulated the rice cake market in the future.

5. [Clearing up Nicely]

The road that runs between West Suwon and Uiwang that has been a point of major congestion is expected to undergo a widening project. This should ease traffic during rush hour.

A project is being carried out to expand the existing road between West Suwon and Uiwang into the West Suwon-Uiwang Expressway.

Gyeonggi Province concluded an agreement with the Gyeonggi Southern Road Corporation for a road expansion project.

1) s- Construction agreement continued for West Suwon-Uiwang Expressway expansion / Gyeonggi Provincial Office (August 18th)

According to the agreement existing surface road 309 running between Geumgok Dong, Suwon, and Cheonggye Dong, Uiwang will be expanded from 4 lanes, to 6 to 8 lanes.

2) s- 4 lane road expanded to 6 to 8 lanes

12.98 kilometers in total, the construction will start from January next year and is expected to be completed by June 2012.

3) s- Expected to be completed by June 2012

The entire cost of the project including road construction, land purchase and other compensation is being covered by an individual carrying out the project. This is the first time in the country 100% of the road construction cost is being covered by private capital.

4) s- First time in country 100% of construction cost covered by private capital.

The toll is expected to be set at 75 cents

5) s- Toll expected to come out around 75 cents (standard passenger cars)

6) sync- Bak Han-sang representative from Gyeonggi Southern Road Corporation
{We expect this link in the South Gyeonggi road network to greatly contribute to reducing tolls and distribution costs, and in national economic development.}

When the West Suwon-Uiwang expressway opens it will connect to the Uiwang-Gwacheon Expressway and the West Suwon-Pyeongtaek Expressway, which is planned to be completed next year.

The phenomenon of chronic traffic congestion in the South Gyeonggi Region including Hwaseong, Suwon and Uiwang are predicted to soon be a thing of the past.

6. [Storm and Flood Insurance?]

The number of applicants for storm and flood insurance has greatly increased. Part of the experimental offering by Gyeonggi Province, so far the response has been good.

There is an increasing number of applicants for storm and flood insurance, which offers compensation for victims of natural disasters.

1)s- Applicants for storm and flood insurance increasing

Gyeonggi Province has stated that at present over 1800 homes have bought storm and flood insurance, an increase of 30% over last year.

2) s- 1816 homes subscribed to insurance

In the same period, the numbers of greenhouses and cattle sheds, which are now covered by the insurance, have increased.

The storm and flood insurance offers compensation in an amount of up to 90% of damages for 3 types of buildings that are susceptible to natural disasters: homes, greenhouses and cattle sheds.

3)s-Up to 90% offered in compensation

The storm and flood insurance is being sold through 3 private insurance companies, and between 60 to 68% of the premium is covered by the federal government or local autonomy benefitting applicants because they can secure actual recovery costs inexpensively.

4)s- 60~68% of premium paid for by federal or local government

7. [Increasing the Environment Conservation Fund]

It looks as if environment friendly small and medium businesses will grow even more. Gyeonggi Province has been supporting those small and medium business facilities that prevent environmental pollution. From now on the province will boost recipient companies.

At present the environment conservation fund which provides financing for small and medium businesses is planned to expand the number of potential recipients.

1) s- Support from environment conservation fund expanded

So far financial support has only been offered for facilities to prevent environmental pollution.

But it seems from now on the support will include projects such as environment technology development, environment businesses intended for export, and other environment improvement projects.

2) s- Environment technology development, business for export included

Under these measures environmental companies in the province are able to receive financing for expenses relating to overseas investments, not to mention for expenses which are needed for technology development.

Gyeonggi Province stated that the related regulations have been enacted and talks with the bank have been completed allowing this program to be carried out by the 18th.

3) s- To be carried out from 18th

Each company will be limited to 464,650 dollars offered at only 4% interest.

4)s-3.95% interest from financing