EnglishNews | 2017.07.19
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. Gyeonggi Aids Provincial Entrprises in US Marketing (170710-1) [Anchor’s Headline] A provincial delegation led by Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil (남경필) returned from its 5-day visit to the United States. One of the delegation’s primary missions was to seek ways in which to assist enterprises of the province with their US market development. ▶ Gyeonggi Business Center, Los Angeles, USA (July 6) Meeting on US Market Development of Gyeonggi Industries Korean enterprises that have relied heavily on exports to China are being affected seriously by China’s anti-THAAD economic retaliation. In order to help such enterprises in the province diversify their markets, the Gyeonggi delegation met with marketing firms in Los Angeles and engaged them in US marketing for Gyeonggi SMEs. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “For the Korean enterprises, market diversification, especially in the US market, has become more important than ever. I ask for your positive assistance with their US market launches.” ▶ US Market Development Agreement The engagement of US marketing partners was realized by agreements with two marketing enterprises, Sellable and Uri Global in Los Angeles. ▶ US Market Development through Korea-Gyeonggido Incorporated These American marketing companies were even invited to suggest ideas on marketable goods such as disaster safety products that Korea-Gyeonggido Incorporated can develop and supply. ▶ Solomon Brown / Representative, ‘Sellable’ “…even more so than maybe you guys have ascertained at this point. The timing is impeccable, and there’s a big opportunity if we seize it.” ▶ Hwang Hae-yeon / Representative, ‘Uri Global’ “I would like be clear about Gyeonggi Province’s ‘brand-making’ in more detail.” SMEs in Gyeonggi Province for which Korea-Gyeonggido Incorporated is currently pursuing international market launches will benefit from the utilization of these US marketing partners. ▶ Hotel in Los Angeles (July 6) Meeting with Korean Community Members On the same day, the Gyeonggi delegation moved to an informal meeting with local Korean community members and asked for their cooperation in Gyeonggi Province’s US marketing efforts. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We are creating business platforms on which to base our international trade promotion for Gyeonggi SMEs, and we have just created one in Los Angeles.” During its 5-day stay in the United States, the Gyeonggi delegation realized tangible results by securing a positive intention for a large investment in the province from Hewlett Packard and establishing a US marketing foundation for SMEs of the province. Article 2. Gimpo and Incheon Airport Bus Fares Reduced (170710-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province reduced airport bus fares. The fare reductions are primarily for adolescents and children with a minor reduction for adults. The reduced fares apply to routes that connect the international airports of Gimpo (김포) and Incheon (인천) with twelve destinations in the province. ▶ Gyeonggi Reduces Airport Bus Fares from July 11 Reduced fares were applied from July 11. [CG] The fares for adolescents, which were same as adult fares, have now been reduced by up to 30 percent. Children’s fares were reduced from 30 percent to 50 percent of adult fares, a reduction of up to KRW 2,400. Adult fares were also reduced by KRW 1,000 on routes to six destinations including the cities of Seongnam (성남), Yongin (용인) and Ansan (안산). ▶ [PiP] Lee Joeng-hun / Seongnam City Resident “I travel abroad with my child often, so I am glad that my child’s bus fare was reduced.” ▶ Airport Bus Fare Reduction Realized in Cooperation with Bus Operators After successfully negotiating with urban bus operators for the reduction of adolescent fares this past May, Gyeonggi Province realized the reduction of airport bus fares through negotiation with three airport bus operators. ▶ Bae Sang-taek / Director, Gyeonggi Province Bus Policy Division “There will be further reduction of bus fares for adolescents from July 29 on short-distance buses. Gyeonggi Province will continue to implement bus policies that will benefit the working class.” In addition to fare reductions, Gyeonggi Province plans to improve airport bus services further by adding 30 buses and reducing bus departure intervals. Article 3. Urban Forest Trails Popular in Gyeonggi Province (170710-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Urban trails are becoming popular features around cities in Korea, and there are new trails being opened in Gyeonggi Province. GTV visited some of these trails. ▶ Sangsin Forest Trail, Hwaseong City Urban trails are popular among city dwellers since these trails enable strolling in a natural environment without having to leave the city. This urban forest trail in Hwaseong (화성) City features resting log houses along unpaved paths on gentle slopes that run through a tall dense forest. ▶ Choi Gyeong-su / Sangsin Forest Trail Visitor “I like coming here because I can be part of the forest and listen to bird songs.” ▶ Moraksan Trail, Uiwang City The trail around Uiwang (의왕) City was formed with more than 20 kilometers of paths that run through mountain and rural villages. Attracting more than 400,000 visitors annually, this trail features a variety of wild flowers along its route. ▶ [PiP] Yu Jin-yeong, Lim Yeong-suk / Moraksan Trail Visitor “There are many shady trees along the trail. It is cool in here and offers refreshing views.” ▶ Urban Trails Abound in Gyeonggi Province There are also urban trails around mountains in Gunpo (군포) City and Anyang (안양) City. These urban trails are emerging as popular day resorts among urban residents since they are easily accessible while offering relaxing experiences in nature. Article 4. 321st Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Extraordinary Session (170711-1) [Anchor’s Headline] On July 11, the 321st extraordinary session of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly began. In his opening speech, Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Chairman Jeong Ki-yeol (정기열) reflected on the past year of the assembly and suggested the primary agenda for its remaining term. ▶ [Sync] “I hereby declare the commencement of the first general meeting of the 321st extraordinary session.” ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly (July 11) 321st Extraordinary Session of Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Begins Citing political coalition as the most notable achievement of the provincial assembly last year, Chairman Jeong (정기열) urged assembly members to remain devoted to political cooperation. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Chairman Jeong Ki-yeol “It was political coalition and cooperation for the betterment of public life that made it possible for the revised supplementary provincial budget to be finalized on time. I hope that the central government will show us the same efforts.” Assembly Chairman Jeong (정기열) revealed the improvement of employment issues and South-North Korean relations as pressing tasks of the provincial assembly. ▶ 58 Items to Be Reviewed during Extraordinary Session During its extraordinary session, the provincial assembly will review a total of 58 items including regulations pertaining to school personnel background checks for the prevention of child abuse. The general meeting saw 5-minute speeches by assembly members. ▶ Park Sun-ja / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “Disabled employment policies should not simply be based on compassion but on the rights of the disabled.” ▶ Kim Sang-don / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “I believe that we should find ways in which to improve labor conditions for sports-for-all coaches who are in employment blind spots.” The second general meeting of the extraordinary session is slated for July 18. Article 5. Gyeonggi to Expand Ddabok Bus Services (170711-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been operating purple Ddabok (따복) buses to serve those in remote regions and industrial complexes. Recently, Ddabok bus service areas were expanded and now include the cities of Suwon (수원) and Gunpo (군포). ▶ Suwon Station Transfer Center It’s 8 o’clock in the morning. A long line of workers are waiting for Ddabok (따복) buses that began operation this month to go to work at a nearby industrial complex. ▶ Ddabok Bus Route 123A: Suwon Station-Suwon Industrial Complex Ddabok buses operate between Suwon (수원) Station and Suwon (수원) Industrial Complex sections during commuting hours. ▶ Choi Yu-rim / Ddabok Bus User “Buses ran only to Complex 3. Commuters in the Complexes 1 and 2 can now use buses, too.” The operation schedules of these Ddabok buses were customized based on the needs of industrial complex workers. Departure intervals were reduced to 15 minutes. ▶ Ddabok Bus Route 123B: Suwong Station-Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex Other Ddabok bus services began at 30-minute intervals between Suwon Station and the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex for provincial officials and provincial office visitors. ▶ Kim Seung-hyun, Kang Su-jeong / Ddabok Bus Users “It provides me with really convenient transportation to Suwon Station. It will be equally convenient for others who travel to and from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex.” Ddabok buses operate based on transportation needs to supplement other public transportation means. ▶ Ddabok Buses Operate on 15 Routes in 9 Gyeonggi Localities Beginning with route 77 in Paju (파주) City that opened in 2015, Ddabok bus services have now expanded to 15 routes in nine localities of the province. ▶ Cho Jang-hui / Gyeonggi Province Good Morning Bus Policy Team Official “Ddabok buses were introduced as a supplementary means of transportation in areas not covered by other public transportation means. We will continue to expand Ddabok bus service areas.” Gyeonggi Province plans to expand Ddabok bus services to 20 routes in 20 localities by the end of the year. Article 6. Business Idea Contest Held in Gyeonggi Province (170711-3) [Anchor’s Headline] On July 6, the 11th ‘Up’ Creative Audition, an idea contest among new businesses, took place at the Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center. ▶ Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center (July 6) Gyeonggi Province Up Creative Audition With a time limit of seven minutes, each representative of a fledgling enterprise does their best to convince the judging panel of the merits of their new business ideas. ▶ [Sync] We are a venture enterprise specializing in digital cut-out animation technologies.” After each presentation, questions are asked by the judges. ▶ [Sync] “I want to know how this business can be differentiated from public data businesses if it is not ...” “We are developing marketing strategies to address this issue on a regional basis.” ▶ Assessment Graded in the Form of Virtual Investments During the question-and-answer session, potential investors and judges made their assessments in the form of virtual investments via smart phones. This business idea contest was organized in an audition format by Gyeonggi Province to identify new enterprises with excellent business ideas and technological capabilities but lacking in financial means. This contest provides them with an opportunity to realize their growth potential by connecting them with investors. Among the five contestant enterprises featured in today’s contest, two enterprises won the virtual investment award and the award of the judges, respectively. ▶ [PiP] Cho Gyu-seok / Representative of Animation Production Enterprise “I am very glad to be able to win an award at this Up Creative Audition, especially because it means our two years of hard work were finally recognized.” The two enterprises that won today’s contest will receive investments through participation in cloud funding. ▶ Lee Seok-beom / Director General, Gyeonggi Province Policy Planning & Budget Bureau “We will continue to identify new businesses with high potential and help them grow by connecting them with investors.” Gyeonggi Province plans to expand administrative and financial support for new businesses with high growth potential. Article 7. Gyeonggi Ups Care for Underprivileged during Summer (170712-3) [Anchor’s Headline] With the Korean Peninsula entering mid-summer, Gyeonggi Province announced special measures for solitary seniors and economically underprivileged individuals to help them overcome seasonal heat. ▶ Kim Sun-ja / Seongnam City Resident Living alone in hot and humid semi-basement housing, Kim (김순자) relies only on an electric fan and a hand-held fan to fight the heat throughout the summer. Constant fanning by hand leaves her even more tired. However, her situation recently improved when a disaster aide, a nurse and a senior care assistant began visiting to help her overcome heat and provide health and dietary care services. ▶ [PiP] Kim Sun-ja / Disaster Aide User “I did not know what to do until the disaster aide taught me how to fight the heat. When I am short of breath, I now know what to do since I remember what she told me.” Solitary seniors and economically underprivileged individuals are more vulnerable to heat. ▶ Gyeonggi Operates Disaster Aides, Heat Shelters, Call-n-Cool Ambulances Gyeonggi Province designated a heat wave period until the end of September and began operating disaster aides, heat shelters and Call-n-Cool ambulances. ▶ Jeong Ju-yeong / Gyeonggi Disaster & Safety Headquarters Emergency Aid Team Official “We will increase support for individuals in difficult situations and protect them from heat-related illnesses.” Approximately 6,700 heat shelters will help Gyeonggi residents escape from summer heat. Call-n-Cool ambulances will be ready 24-7 to provide emergency medical treatment to those affected by heat-related illnesses. ▶ GTV Reporter Gu Yeong-seul “The Call-n-Cool ambulances are equipped with cool vests and saline solution to help those who suffer from heat-related illnesses to recover.” Gyeonggi Province’s emergency medical services for heat-affected patients will be provided in cooperation with related organizations. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2017.07.14
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. Gyeonggi In-house TV Broadcasts Employment Statistics (0703-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Last year, Gyeonggi Province saw the largest number of new jobs created in Korea. Recently, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, a new office broadcast began that provides provincial employment statistics in real time via an in-house TV channel. ▶ Employment Policy Division Office, Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex Gyeonggi Province officials frequently monitor the current employment status of the province via the TV screens in their offices. ▶ [PiP] Lee Yu-young / Gyeonggi Province Employment Policy Division Official “This employment channel has made our work much easier; it enables us to check annual changes in the employment rates of the province as well as the results of provincial business startup support programs.” The Gyeonggi provincial administration has targeted the creation of 700,000 jobs during its current term. ▶ 44% of Job Creation Target Achieved as of Last Year As of last year, Gyeonggi Province achieved 44 percent of this target. Such statistics are now readily available from the TVs in provincial offices without having to aggregate relative data from different office divisions. ▶ Analytical and Comparative Employment Data In addition to statistical data, this TV channel also provides detailed analytical and comparative employment data. ▶ Song Bo-ra / Gyeonggi Province Employment Policy Bureau Economic Analysis Team Official “We will update all employment indices individually on a regular basis and make this channel available to local administrations for their employment policies.” Gyeonggi Province plans to diversify the contents of the employment TV channel so that related officials can monitor the current employment status, identify issues more readily, and develop more effective employment policies. Article 2. Gyeonggi Economic Delegation Visits North America (0704-1) [Anchor’s Headline] A provincial delegation led by Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil (남경필) returned from its investment-inducement mission to the United States. During its 5-day visit, the delegation met with a number of US corporate leaders as well as Korean community members. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Economic Delegation Visits US (July 4 to 8) With investment inducement and US market development as its primary missions, the Gyeonggi provincial economic delegation visited San Francisco and Los Angeles. During its visit, the delegation was able to secure the positive intention of an American IT giant for a large investment in Gyeonggi Province, possibly within this year,. ▶ Park No-keuk / Director, Gyeonggi Province Foreign Policy Division “Under current trade difficulties caused by Chinese counter-THAAD measures and American trade protectionism, Gyeonggi Province will continue to find ways in which to diversify international markets.” The Gyeonggi delegation also met with an American marketing enterprise to discuss the establishment of Gyeonggi Business Centers and the promotion of Korea-Gyeonggido Incorporated. The marketing efforts of the delegation focused on export market diversification in areas less susceptible to U.S. trade protectionism. ▶ Meeting with Korean Community Members in Los Angeles On July 6, the last day of its stay in the United States, the delegation had an informal meeting with local Korean community members in Los Angeles. Article 3. Gyeonggi Promotes Employment of Athletes with Disabilities (0704-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Last year, Gyeonggi Province launched an employment support program for athletes with disabilities that connects these athletes with corporate sponsors. This program has since received positive responses both from participating enterprises and the athletes who could realize economic stability while pursuing their sports. ▶ Cho Deuk-hwa Practicing Table Tennis Cho (조득화), a table tennis player with a 1st-degree disability, has been struggling to make ends meet while playing at sports-for-all competitions for Gyeonggi Province. However, he found a sponsor thanks to Gyeonggi Province’s support, and can now focus on his sport free from economic pressures. ▶ Cho Deuk-hwa / Table Tennis Player with Disabilities “I hope that this program will be expanded so that many other colleagues with disabilities can benefit from corporate sponsorship.” ▶ Gyeonggi Province Gymnasium (July 3) Gyeonggi Province Employment Promotion Meeting for Athletes with Disabilities This employment support program is the first of its kind in Korea; it was initiated by the Gyeonggi Province Sports Association for the Disabled in cooperation with the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled and the Korea Association for Disabled Sports Promotion. This program is especially welcome by those enterprises that seek employees with disabilities to meet the requirements for such employment. ▶ Hong Hyung-pyo / CEO, Sponsoring Enterprise of Athletes with Disabilities “We will continue to employ personnel with disabilities in the future. I believe that more enterprises will participate in this program if promoted widely.” ▶ 164 Gyeonggi Athletes with Disabilities Found Employment in One Year Over the past year, 164 out of 2,076 registered athletes in Gyeonggi Province found employment through this program. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We will do our part by providing all possible assistance. But I must express our gratitude for the positive efforts you have shown to help those with disabilities find employment, and I hope to see your continuous support.” The Gyeonggi Province Sports Association for the Disabled will endeavor to improve the results of the employment support program for athletes with disabilities. Article 4. 2017 2nd-Half Gyeonggi Youth Internship Program Begins (0704-3) [Anchor’s Headline] On July 3, Gyeonggi Province’s youth internship program for the second half of this year began with 183 youths attending an orientation session that took place at the National Human Resources Development Institute. These new interns were selected from among 12 times their number of applicants. ▶ National Human Resources Development Institute (July 3) 2017 2nd-Half Gyeonggi Province Youth Internship Orientation Gyeonggi Province internships are open to youths less than 34 years of age who are residents or college students in the province and seeking employment at public offices. ▶ Jeopng Ji-won / Gyeonggi Province Intern, Kyungdong University Student “With my graduation coming next year, I am increasingly nervous about finding employment. I applied for this internship to have work experience in advance.” ▶ Ph Beom-seok / Gyeonggi Province Intern, Gimpo City Resident “This internship provides me with an opportunity to experience working in an organizational environment. I hope that such experience will improve my competence and help me with my job search.” ▶ Interns Participate in Actual Administrative Work Instead of simple office jobs, these interns will be provided with opportunities to participate in actual administrative work under the guidance of individual mentors, receive employment education, and suggest their own ideas through presentations. ▶ Jeong Seong-chan / Director, Gyeonggi Employment Foundation Employment & Growth Office “The youth internship program of Gyeonggi Province enables youths to experience administrative work and improve their employment capabilities.” ▶ 6-Month Youth Internship Ends in December Internships for the second-half of the year will run for six months until the end of December. Article 5. Changes to Be Seen in Gyeonggi during 2nd Half of 2017 (0705-1) [Anchor’s Headline] With first half of the year now passed, GTV reviewed administrative and political changes expected in Gyeonggi Province during the second half of the year. These changes include those pertaining to an administrative trial committee, double-decker bus operations and tax billing services. ▶ Administrative Trial Cost Compensation to Be Introduced For the first time in Korea, Gyeonggi Province will introduce an administrative trial cost compensation system. The purpose of this system is to recover legal expenses borne by those who appealed to the administrative trial committee regarding administrative penalties imposed by Gyeonggi Province and received favorable decisions from the committee. ▶ Kim Seong-won / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Administrative Trial Planning Team “Since administrative trials require complainants to pay large amounts of legal professional fees as well as other expenses, this system helps them recover their costs through justifiable compensation.” ▶ Intelligent Local Tax Billing Services via Smart Phones Intelligent local tax billing services via smart phones have already begun in Gyeonggi Province. These services also enable tax payers to review and pay local taxes easily and conveniently using smart phones. ▶ Double-decker Bus Services to Be Expanded The number of double-decker buses will be increased to 118 and their service areas will be expanded from five to twelve cities in the province. ▶ Ddabok Bus and Ddabok Taxi Services to Be Expanded The service areas of Dabok (따복) buses Ddabok (따복) taxis will also be expanded. ▶ Bus Usage Information Service to Be Introduced For urban bus users, a bus usage information service will be introduced to give notice of the ridership capacities of individual buses in real time. ▶ Yoon Yeo-cheon / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Bus Information Team “The bus usage information service will operate in Suwon City for three months on a trial basis. Based on the results, this service will be introduced in all 31 localities of the province by October.” ▶ Lease Deposit Loan Interest Support to Be Introduced Beginning from July, Gyeonggi Province will provide lease deposit loan interest support to 10,000 Ddabok (따복) House tenants and 50,000 Happy Home tenants. ▶ Incentives for Green Architecture From September, building construction permit applications that adopt green design standards will be provided with benefits including tax exemptions. Article 6. Gyeonggi Social Economy Business Startup Audition (0705-2) [Anchor’s Headline] On July 4, Gyeonggi Province held a competition for social economy startup projects among community enterprises, cooperatives and social enterprises. The winners will be provided with extensive business startup support by Gyeonggi Province. ▶ Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center (July 4) 2017 Gyeonggi Province Audition for Social Economy Business Startup Support A group of community volunteers presented a childcare business project for unmarried mothers. [Sync] “While we provide childcare services, unmarried mothers will be able to work or pursue new careers.” There was another heartwarming business startup project that aims to help individuals in employment blind spots. This project was about a special attire manufacturing business to be operated by women with severe disabilities to produce clothes that are customized for special needs. The presenter, who is severely disabled herself, introduced this project while in a wheelchair. ▶ Kang Seok-mun / Audition Participant from Yongin City “Women with severe disabilities like us face extreme difficulties finding employment. We conceived this business project to allow many such women to work, and we are very hopeful that we can win provincial support for our project.” This audition was organized in order to promote the establishment of social economy enterprises. ▶ 30 Teams fro 14 Gyeonggi Localities Participated All the competitors were graduates of the Social Economy Business Startup Academy operated by Gyeonggi Province. Out of 30 business startup teams from 14 localities of Gyeonggi Province, 21 teams were selected for provincial support. ▶ Winners to Receive KRW 10 Million and Additional Business Startup Support Winners will be provided with business startup support of KRW10 million as well as other related support. ▶ In Chi-gwon / Director, Gyeonggi Province Ddabok Community Support Division “We selected 21 teams for support this year. However, we will increase the number of support recipients next year.” Gyeonggi Province has been providing active support for the establishment and operation of social economy enterprises so as to promote the local economy and the employment of local community members. Article 7. Country Life Tour Program for Aspiring Farmers (0705-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province recently introduced a 5-day country life tour program for aspiring farmers. This program provides those who intend to return to agricultural careers or begin farming as a new career with an opportunity to experience farm life in rural villages with well-organized communities. ▶ Yeomulli Village, Yangpyeong County A farm village in Yangpyeong (양평) County is visited by twenty aspiring farmers who include a married couple as well as a mother in her fifties and her daughter in her twenties. Following the instructions of their predecessor, who is also a returned farmer, these visitors harvest potatoes. ▶ Wu Jeong-yun / Country Life Tour Participant from Yongin City “This program gives me an opportunity to learn about farm life first hand and to think about my future career more sincerely. So I came as soon as school vacation started,” ▶ Mokkoji Village, Yangpyeong County Participants who already have farming experience listen intently to the instructors telling stories of their successes and failures while re-establishing themselves in farm lives. ▶ Kim Gwang-jung / Country Life Tour Participant from Guri City “I received very helpful information. The stories of failure reminded me of how reckless I could have been. I now understand why I should start in a smaller scale.” ▶ Country Life Tour Program of Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi Province organized this country life tour program for aspiring farmers to help them better understand and prepare for their intended farming careers through advance experiences in farming and farm life. ▶ Kim Chung-beom / Director, Gyeonggi Province Agricultural Policy Division “We will keep monitoring and providing support to returned farmers from their career transition phase to their adaptation to farm life.” Gyeonggi Province will develop diverse customized programs for aspiring farmers such as weekend tours for working individuals and longer-term farm stays. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2017.07.07
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. Gyeonggi to Establish Freshwater Fish Genetic Maps (170626-1) [Anchor’s Headline] With environmental threats to freshwater fish causing their numbers to dwindle in Korea, Gyeonggi Province announced an indigenous freshwater fish genetic map development project so as to better manage and preserve fish species in inland waters. This dark brown catfish with long barbels and a horny structure on its back is indigenous to Korea, Living only in clean upstream waters, this catfish species – Miyugi (미유기) in Korean – was listed as a protected species in Gyeonggi Province in 2012. Another indigenous freshwater fish species that lives amongst pebbles, the Gguguri (꾸꾸리), has completely disappeared from the province. ▶ 1/3 of Korean Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species under Threat of Extinction Out more than 60 indigenous Korean freshwater fish species, 25 are currently classified as endangered, primarily due to the contamination of their habitats. ▶ Kim Geun-yeong / Professor, Pukyong National University “Populations of indigenous Korean freshwater fish species are decreasing rapidly. Research and analysis for the preservation of their genetic diversity is more necessary than ever before if we are to bequeath these valuable natural assets to our future generations.” ▶ GTV Reporter Han Seon-ji “The present prolonged drought is endangering these indigenous freshwater fish even more seriously.” ▶ Korea’s First Freshwater Fish Genetic Maps These freshwater fish genetic maps will be the first of their kind in Korea. These maps will help delineate the genetic distribution of each species and identify and preserve endangered species with genetic integrity. Map development will be based on extensive surveys of rivers and streams. ▶ Kim Seong-gon / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Maritime & Fisheries Research Institute “We look forward to using these maps as valuable data in a wide range of freshwater research activities such as the establishment of endangered species recovery strategies.” The Gyeonggi Maritime & Fisheries Research Institute spokesperson stated that surveys will be completed and resulting maps made available to the public by the year 2021. Article 2. Gyeonggi Recommends Summer Holiday Farm Experiences (170626-2) [Anchor’s Headline] There are a number of provincially designated Rural Life Learning Farms that offer farm experiences to children. Among these, Gyeonggi Province selected five that operate educational and entertaining programs ideal for families during the summer holidays. ▶ Ocher Dyeing Experience Program, Rural Life Learning Farm, Namyangju City In an ocher-dyeing class offered at a farmhouse in Namyangju (남양주) City, participating children and their mothers are all smiles while diligently working on handkerchiefs in an ocher soil and water mixture and hanging them on clothes lines while anticipating the final results. ▶ [PiP] Lee Yeon-A / Visitor from Namyangju City “It wasn’t easy to use annual leave from work today. However, I am glad we came. My child had a wonderful time. Ocher soil is good for my skin, too.” Visitors can experience traditional dyeing culture through this ocher-dyeing program. ▶ Mushroom Learning Program, Rural Life Learning Farm, Hwaseong City At this mushroom farm in Hwaseong (화성) City, children are fascinated by an array of bizarrely shaped mushrooms they have never before seen. They are eager to feel the mushrooms with their fingers while learning how to distinguish edible mushrooms from toxic ones. This mushroom education program also includes a mushroom-cooking class. ▶ Yoon Ju-hyang / Child Visitor from Hwaseong City “I cooked mushrooms-on-skewers for the first time. It was fun, especially because the mushrooms were slippery.” ▶ Agricultural Education Programs Offered at 120+ Farms in Gyeonggi Province There are more than 120 Agricultural Education Farms in Gyeonggi Province. These private farms operate a range of experience-based agricultural education programs from livestock farming to freshwater fishing. ▶ Kim Yeong-tak / Agricultural Supervisor, Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services “We will increase the number of Rural Life Learning Farms to more than 200 by 2010 to enable more children to experience and learn rural life.” The programs offered at the Rural Life Learning Farms were devised based on school textbook topics so as to enhance their educational effects. ▶ GTV Reporter Ku Yeong-seul “At the Rural Life Learning Farms, children can study farm life through experience while making happy memories.” Article 3. Forest Resorts Abound in Gyeonggi Province (170626-3) [Anchor’s Headline] With a large part of its area covered in green, Gyeonggi Province abounds with forest resorts, especially in its northern and eastern regions. These resorts offer a variety of supplementary healing programs for tired souls. ▶ Yongin Natural Forest Resort, Yongin City In a natural forest resort in Yongin (용인) City, visitors inhale fresh air laden with phytoncide and others feel the earth with their bare feet. The faces of meditation program attendees reflect how relaxed they feel both physically and mentally. ▶ Choi Seong-hun / Visitor from Seoul “I started mountain hiking for health last year, but have been seeking mental healing. I came here and found this place by chance today. I feel happier now.” The Yongin (용인) Natural Forest Resort is very popular among urban residents since it is within easy reach and offers a variety of enjoyable features. ▶ Kim Hyun-gu / Forest Healing Instructor “What makes the Yongin Natural Forest Resort different is the fact that we offer customized programs for individuals that will resolve stress, induce relaxation and harmonize with the outside world.” ▶ Gyeonggi Province Offers Free Healing Programs in Forest Resorts Gyeonggi Province currently operates free healing programs in forest resorts. ▶ Variety of Healing and Entertaining Programs Available for All Ages The provincial healing programs are offered at forest resorts in the cities of Uiwang (의왕), Paju (파주) and Yangju (양주). These forest resorts also feature experiential programs for expectant mothers and children as well as woodcrafting classes. Article 4. Gyeonggi to Establish Central Provincial Library (170627-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been pursuing the establishment of a central provincial library and taking preliminary steps including a benchmarking visit to the Kanagawa Central Prefectural Library. Recently, the provincial government convened a public meeting of library specialists ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (June 23) Public Meeting on Gyeonggi Central Provincial Library Establishment This meeting took place on June 23 at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex with librarians and architects. During the meeting, a professor who was on the commission for initial planning presented the basic concept of this library. ▶ Nam Yeong-jun / Professor, Chung-Ang University “As a vision for the Gyeonggi Central Provincial Library, I propose ‘The Next Gyeonggi That Serves the Future with Books, Good Morning Gyeonggi That Serves People with Knowledge’.” To be located within the new Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex site, the Gyeonggi Central Provincial Library will play a central role in public library operations, policy formation and service development. ▶ Sufficient Budget Required for Effective Functional Performances A professor of architecture emphasized the necessity for a sufficient budget to create spaces that will ensure the effective functioning of this library. ▶ Library to Be Endowed with Strong Library Political Functions There was also a suggestion that this library be given strong functional power to lead the improvement of public library operations and management. ▶ Yun Myeong-hui / Director, Paju City Central Library “I hope that this library will have extended functional power to enable it to make suggestions to local public libraries, collect opinions from them and provide necessary support to them.” Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil promised that he would do his utmost to accommodate worthwhile opinions from local librarians. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We will listen to those who have experience in the field. Base on that, we will finalize plans and designs, prepare budgets…” The construction of the Gyeonggi Central Provincial Library is slated to begin in September of 2019 for completion by July of 2021. Article 5. Gyeonggi Font Available in Korean Word Processing Software (170627-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has commissioned the development of an official Gyeonggi Province font and released it for free download via the provincial homepage. This font will now be available to all users of Hancom (한컴) Office, a word processing software suite popular in Korea. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (February 2017) ‘Gyeonggi Millennium Font’ Presentation Titled ‘Gyeonggi Cheonnyeonche (천년체)’ and translated as Gyeonggi Millennium Font, this official Gyeonggi Province font was announced this past February and publicly released in April. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (June 26) Gyeonggi-Hancom Gyeonggi Cheonnyeonche Licensing Agreement Without royalties, Gyeonggi Province licensed Hancom for the inclusion of Gyeonggi Millennium Font in Hancom Office, which is used by almost all Korean computer users. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “It is a remarkable achievement that Gyeonggi Cheonnyeonche has become available in Hancom Office. This also means that Gyeonggi Cheonnyeonche has found a strong foundation on which to become a popular font.” Instead of having to visit the Gyeonggi Province homepage to download and use the Gyeonggi Millennium Font, users simply need to update their Hancom Office program. ▶ Kim Sang-cheol / Hancom Group Chairman “There are twenty five million Hancom Office users in Korea. We will make Gyeonggi Cheonnyeonche available with it for the convenience of these users.” ▶ Hancom Office Update to Be Available in July The Hancom Office update patch for the inclusion of the Gyeonggi Millennium Font will be made available in July. This will be the first time that a public font will be used in a commercial word processing software suite. Article 6. 320th Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Regular Session Ends (170627-3) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 27, the 320th regular session of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly ended with its second general meeting. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly (June 27) 2nd General Meeting of 320th Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Regular Session The second general meeting of the 320th regular session saw the passage of 42 items. ▶ Ordinance for Social Adaptation Support for Mental Disease Patients One of the items passed was an ordinance for social adaptation support for mental illness patients. This support includes customized mental rehabilitation services and vocational training. ▶ Choi Jung-seong / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “The objective of this ordinance is to promote organizations and facilities that help mental illness patients adapt to society and protect their rights…” An ordinance for microdust prevention was also passed in the second general meeting. ▶ Ordinance for Microdust Prevention and Anti-microdust Support This ordinance pertains to continuous measures for the reduction and prevention of microdust with the aim of protecting health and property and improving air quality. ▶ Ordinance for Game Industry Promotion The second general meeting also saw the passage of ordinance for game industry promotion. The game industry is regarded as a new growth engine with high potential for contributing to the local economy and job creation. The final part of the general meeting saw 5-minute speeches by a number of assembly members. ▶ Ji Mi-yeon / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “I ask the administration to address dementia issues proactively by using ideas and practical efforts to improve dementia management tems and propose related policies to the central government…” ▶ Park Geun-cheol / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “There should not be any distinction of rights based on employment status differences between regular employees and temporary employees.” The next Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Session will be an 8-day extraordinary session beginning on July 11. Article 7. Gyeonggi Local Government Project Competition Finals (170628-1) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 29, the Next Gyeonggi Creative Audition, the finals of an administrative project competition amongst local administrations of Gyeonggi Province for provincial support totaling KRW 44 billion, was held at KINTEX in Goyang (고양) City and featured projects that reflect local characteristics. ▶ Finalists Evenly Distributed over Gyeonggi Regions The ten finalists were evenly distributed over Gyeonggi regions: two from northern regions, three from eastern regions and five from southern regions. With 70 percent of its area being zoned for military protection and thus undisturbed, Yeoncheon (연천) County presented a project relating to camping. ▶ Han Tae-hyun / Lifelong Educator, Yeoncfheon County “We decided that tourism is the only means of economic development for Yoncheon Country, and developed a project that utilizes its excellent natural environments.” This campground development project adopts the Old Stone Age as its theme. The campsite will be located near the Jeongok (전곡) Prehistory Museum and be the central part of a tour course that connects the Hantan (한탄) River and Jaein (재인) Falls. Gunpo (군포) City in central Gyeonggi presented a picture book museum project that combines displays of picture books from around the world with related performances. ▶ Park Chan-eung / Director, Gunpo Cultural Foundation Cultural Education Division “With a collection of exemplary picture books from all over the world, this museum will provide a new type of cultural space that is different from libraries and art museums.” The cultural project of Anseong (안성) City in eastern Gyeonggi combines its intangible cultural heritage with modern technologies. Other finalist projects include those relating to the redevelopment of a riverside forest and the establishment of a young artist support center. Culture and tourism projects led this year’s entries in the finals. ▶ Yu Tae-il / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Planning & Administration Budget Team “Since these projects are the results of intensive development efforts that lasted for a half year, they generally show improvement in their quality.” ▶ Next Gyeonggi Creative Audition (June 29) During the Next Gyeonggi Creative Audition, ten local governments in the finals vied for Gyeonggi provincial support for their projects in front of a judging panel of 1,000 residents and specialists. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2017.06.30
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. Gyeonggi Seeks Drought Countermeasures (170619-1) [Anchor’s Headline] A prolonged drought is threatening to cause serious crop damage in Korea, and the agricultural reservoirs in Gyeonggi Province are also drying out at alarming rates. Gyeonggi Province is seeking ways in which to help farmers overcome this situation while also mobilizing emergency reserve funds. ▶ Deokwoo Reservoir, Hwaseong City This reservoir in southern Gyeonggi Province supports more than 500 hectares of farmland consisting of more than 1,200 farm households. However, this reservoir has almost dried out, exposing a muddy bottom that is hardened and cracked in most places. This situation is widespread throughout the province. ▶ Water Reserves in Gyeonggi Reservoirs Half Normal Levels The amount of water currently kept in the 341 reservoirs of the province is only half the levels of average years. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (June 19) Gyeonggi Province Anti-drought Emergency Meeting On June 19, an emergency meeting was held in Gyeonggi Province to devise short- and long-term measures to address residential, industrial and agricultural water shortages. For agricultural water shortages, an emergency water supply of 32,000 tons is already in motion. ▶ Ryu In-gwon / Director General, Gyeonggi Province Agricultural & Maritime Administration Bureau “We are delivering water with water trucks and water bags. If the situation continues until the end of June, we will have to use emergency funds…” The short-term measures set at the meeting include the emergency installation of water pumps and tube wells as well as support for the transition of rice farms to alternative crops. It was also noted during the meeting that, where necessary, the public portions of cost-bearing should be clarified in advance. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We will primarily focus on short- to mid-term measures when developing provincial countermeasures (to address the drought).” This meeting also saw the decision to improve related legislation such as that regarding special disaster zone designation which had been deemed impractical. Article 2. Joint Public-Private Fire Drill Held on Gyeonggi Island (170619-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Recently, a joint public and private fire drill was held on a small island in Gyeonggi Province so as to better prepare its residents since they are more vulnerable to such disasters due to difficulties in immediate response from mainland fire departments. ▶ Yuk-do, Ansan City On this island that does not even have ferry services, smoke suddenly rises from its local generator station. [Sync] “Hello, 119? We have a fire at the generator station on Yuk-do. Please come quickly.” As soon as the fire was reported, a community broadcast resounds over the entire island announcing the incident. While the resident fire team attempts to contain the fire at the scene, a Gyeonggi Province special rescue team is mobilized via helicopter. ▶ GTV Reporter Ku Yeong-seul “Rescuers are moving an injured person on a stretcher to the helicopter to transport him to the nearest hospital on the mainland.” The fire is extinguished by the rescue team and firefighters from the Ansan (안산) Fire Station. ▶ Fire Drill on Inhabited Small Gyeonggi Island (June 14) This joint public-private fire drill was organized for the safety of residents on a small island that has no fire station. Through this special fire drill, the island residents were able to learn how to effectively respond to fire. ▶ Cha Jun-yeong / Yuk-do Island Resident “My job was to connect the fire hoses. It was a learning experience which will help me better cope with possible fires in the future.” ▶ Emergency Care Education and Fire Equipment Provided In addition to the fire drill, residents were also provided with a first aid course as well as fire extinguishers and alarm tems. ▶ Ahn Gyewong-wuk / Gyeonggi Disaster & Safety HQ, Special Rescue Team Leader “We will continue to help provincial residents better prepare for disasters through the provision of customized joint training that will ensure effective rescues and initial responses.” On small islands where there are no fire stations, any small fire can grow into disaster without immediate control. Gyeonggi Province plans to organize fire drills for such islands on a regular basis. Article 3. Gyeonggi Provides Disabled with IC Aid Support (170621-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Information and communication aids for individuals with disabilities have become more diverse and advanced. Since these devices are still too costly for most users, however, Gyeonggi Province has been providing more than 5,700 users of such devices with cost support since 2009. ▶ Shin Jin-hui / University Student with Visual Impairment While Shin (신진희), a university student with a visual impairment, studies, she uses two visual aids provided almost free of charge by Gyeonggi Province. Costing more than KRW 6 million, one of these devices reads a code that is linked to a book and transforms its text into audible content, and the other transforms sentences into braille. ▶ Shin Jin-hui / Korea National University of Welfare Student “It was very cumbersome to use braille books. However, these information terminal devices made studying much easier.” Song (송기우) has hearing impairment. He uses a special phone with a large screen instead of an ordinary smart phone. ▶ Seong Ki-woo / Individual with Hearing Impairment “I couldn’t afford this device myself, nor could I ask my parents to buy it for me. I am very glad that I could use this device thanks to provincial support.” ▶ Gyeonggi Province’s IC Aid Support for Individuals with Disabilities Gyeonggi Province’s information and communication aid support for individuals with disabilities covers 98 types of aids for up to 90 percent of their cost. To date, 5,700 individuals have benefited from this support program; 540 more devices will be supplied under this program this year. ▶ Application Received until Jun 23 Applications for information and communication aid support are being received at city and county offices until June 23. Article 4. Game Development Camp for Talented Youths (170620-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been operating a game development education program for talented children and adolescents. On June 17, the graduates of this program presented the games they created that surprised even their parents. ▶ Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center, Pangyo, Seongnam City Ranging from battles to adventures, these new games quickly attracted interest from visiting children and adults alike. They tried out the games on their smart phones while being guided by their developers. [Sync] “Press the ‘J’ key to go down, then you can shift the gravity direction using the ‘K’ key.” All five games that were presented at the event were developed by participants of this education program. ▶ Ahn Beom-yeol / Developer’s Parent “I don’t usually play games. However, when I began to play the game that my son developed, I felt drawn to it.” ▶ The 2nd ‘Game Development Camp for Talented Youths’ Graduation Ceremony (June 17) This game development education program is aimed at nurturing quality game professionals and providing them with an opportunity to experience their future careers. ▶ Jeong Hyun-a / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Contents Support Team “This program is aimed at nurturing game professionals and enabling them to have first-hand experience in their future career. It also helps youths and their parents change their views of games” Launched last year, this education program consisted of a six-week course during which its participants worked with Seoul National University students. Participants expressed greater confidence in realizing their dreams after the course. ▶ Hong Seong-won / ‘Game Development Camp for Talented Youths’ Participant “I am now more inspired to become a programmer than before, and, at the same time, I am one step closer to realizing that dream.” A related Gyeonggi official stated that the games presented at this event will be released via mobile markets and game platforms. Article 5. Gyeonggi Uncovers Illegal Egg Dealers (170622-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Recently in Gyeonggi Province, a number of businesses were discovered to have sold or used eggs far past expiration dates or even broken eggs during the egg shortage caused by bird flu outbreaks. ▶ Food Processing Enterprise, Gwangju City At a cookie dough company, Gyeonggi Province’s judicial police found that the expiration date of the eggs being used was February. Considering the recommended one-month storage limit, those eggs were three months past their expiration date. [Sync] “The expiration date is February, then how many months since these eggs expired?” “We didn’t notice… Eh… We weren’t aware of the expiration date having passed.” The cookie dough produced with these eggs was delivered to 30 cookie manufacturers around the nation. ▶ Egg Wholesaler, Yangju City An egg wholesaler was uncovered selling broken eggs. [Sync] “More than ten eggs in this packet are broken with their contents leaking out.” ▶ Cookie Shop, Uijeongbu City Some cookie shops knowingly used unusable eggs simply because they were cheaper. ▶ 87 Businesses Uncovered for Defective Eggs A total of 87 businesses were uncovered by the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police for dealing with or using defective eggs. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Superintendent Kim Man-won “The number of egg-laying hens decreased 25 percent and egg prices have almost doubled over the last year due to AI outbreaks. In such a situation, defective eggs began to appear in the market…” Of the businesses caught, 83 were prosecuted while four were subject to administrative penalties and fines. The Gyeonggi judicial police suspect that there are more violators, especially those who sell imported eggs disguised as local products. Article 6. Gyeonggi to Add More Double-decker Buses (170622-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Two years ago, for the first time in Korea, Gyeonggi Province introduced double-decker buses on 14 routes to help resolve intercity bus service deficiencies. This year, the provincial government will increase the number of these buses and their routes. ▶ Double-decker Bus, Ansan City A double-decker bus runs between Ansan (안산) City and Seoul on the first day of the opening of this route. It is the fifth double-decker bus route opened in Gyeonggi Province. ▶ Kim Do-pung / Ansan City Resident ”Compared to ordinary buses with sagging seats, this bus makes me feel better with wide refreshing views and new seats.” ▶ 28 Double-decker Buses Run on 14 Routes There are 28 double-decker buses currently operating on 14 routes, the first route having opened in 2015 between the city halls of Gimpo (김포) and Seoul. With almost twice as many seats as an ordinary bus, double-decker buses help reduce travel difficulties for commuters between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. ▶ Jeong Hoi-yong / Suwon City Resident “I use double-decker buses when I go to music practice. I like them better because I can travel seated even during the evening.” [CG] According to a public survey, the number of standing passengers on intercity buses has dropped by almost half after the introduction of double-decker buses ▶ Gyeonggi to Increase Number of Double-decker Buses to 143 Based on such positive results, Gyeonggi Province plans to increase the number of double-decker buses to 143 as well as the number of related routes by early next year. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We will expand double-decker bus services so that until everyone can travel comfortably and safely during commuting hours.” Double-decker buses will soon become a fixture on the roads between Gyeonggi Province and Seoul. Article 7. Farm Restaurants in Gyeonggi Province (170622-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Farm Restaurants in Korea are officially designated rural restaurants that offer traditional local cuisine prepared with locally produced ingredients. There are a number of excellent Farm Restaurants recommendable to summer holiday seekers in Gyeonggi Province. ▶ Maehwadang, Yangju City At this Farm Restaurant in Yangju (양주) City of Gyeonggi Province, visitors can taste traditional Korean cuisine prepared with home-made fermented sauces and local produce as well as traditional drinks and bean curd. ▶ Gwon Su-yeong / Visitor from Seoul “Compared to chic but rigid restaurants, the atmosphere here is comfortable like country homes," In addition to palatable dishes, these restaurants also offer healing experiences in traditional Korean country houses. ▶ Cho Jeong-hui / Owner of Maehwadang “It is quiet here. One can relax away from it all. Some even stay a whole day doing whatever they want including taking a nap.” ▶ Ahn Ok-hwa Food Gallery, Icheon City When visitors enter this seemingly ordinary family home, they encounter jars lined up neatly in the corner of its courtyard. These jars are a treasure trove for gourmets; they contain fermented preparations of hundreds of different wild edible greens and medicinal plants favored by Koreans as health foods since ancient times. These fermented preparations are used in meals for those who need to recover from fatigue after a long summer day. ▶ An Ok-hwa / Owner of Ahn Ok-hwa Food Gallery “I use only the fermented brews that are three to five years old, because that is when they taste best and deepest. I also want to make food that revives people…” [CG] There are also Farm Restaurants in other Gyeonggi regions that offer a variety of traditional local cuisines such as broiled chickens and spicy fish pots as well as Korean set menus. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2017.06.22
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. Korean Administrative Deputy Leaders’ Meeting (170612-1) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 9, Gyeonggi Province hosted the 3rd Korean Administrative Deputy Leaders’ Meeting that featured six vice mayors and vice governors from around the nation. ▶ Good Morning House (June 9) 3rd Korean Administrative Deputy Leaders’ Meeting During this informal meeting, participating administrators discussed current administrative issues and shared opinions. In his opening speech, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil introduced coalition policies as a key issue of the province. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “The most important issue that we can present is political coalition. We have developed many policies through political coalition…” Participating administrators unanimously supported Gyeonggi Province’s coalition policies. ▶ Seoul Vice Mayor Kim Jongt-wuk “I believe that coalition means survival.” ▶ North Chungcheong Province Vice Governor Seol Moon-sik “We only approach issues in an administrative manner. However, your coalition policy seems to be what we need and should use.” Gyeonggi Province also introduced Ddabok (따복) House and new provincial government complex projects. Other issues discussed during the meeting included the improvement of air quality, the Asia-Pacific Mayors’ Meeting, and ways in which to secure national subsidies for local human rights projects. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Coalition Vice Governor Kang Deuk-ku “I hope that we can open up the future of Korea by sharing our visions.” The next Korean Administrative Deputy Leaders’ Meeting will be held on July 21 in Sejong (세종) City to mark the 5th anniversary of that city’s incorporation. Article 2. The 32nd Gyeonggi Women’s Day (170612-2) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 8, Gyeonggi Women’s Day, an official ceremony was held at the Gyeonggi Arts Center to promote the social participation and status of women. ▶ Gyeonggi Arts Center (June 8) The 32nd Gyeonggi Women’s Day Ceremony Marking its 32nd occasion, this year’s ceremony saw the participation of more than 1,500 women from women’s organizations as well as multicultural families. During the ceremony, women who contributed to making Gyeonggi Province a better place in which to live through unselfish devotion to local communities and women’s development were presented with commendations by Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil (남경필). ▶ Choi Yoon-hui / Recipient of Women Development Award “I believe that women should take the lead if we are to see the world change, society change and our nation change for the better.” ▶ Seo Hye-soon / Recipient of Beautiful Women Award for Volunteer Service “They say that praise can make a whale dance. (After receiving this award,) I think I can work even harder.” During the ceremony, more than fifty women received Beautiful Women Awards for their services. In his speech, Governor Nam offered assurances that he would do his utmost to enable all women to receive the work opportunities they deserve. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “It is the duty of government to provide job to those who need them. I will do my utmost to realize that.” After the ceremony, performances followed to celebrate Gyeonggi women and Gyeonggi Women’s Day. Article 3. Gyeonggi Promotes Investment in Former US Military Bases (170612-3) [Anchor’s Headline] In order to promote the utilization of former US military bases that have been returned to Gyeonggi Province, the provincial government and the Korean Defense Ministry jointly held a public briefing. ▶ Korea Military Convention Center, Seoul (June 8) Public Briefing on Investment in Returned US Military Bases The aggregate area of returned US military base sites in Gyeonggi Province amounts to 173 square kilometers, comprising a vast majority of such returned sites in Korea. Located primarily in northern regions of the province, these sites have been left idle due to development regulations and a lack of supporting infrastructure. Developers, financial institutes and other potential investors were invited to this public briefing. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Kim Dong-geun “When an expressway between Guri and Pocheon opens in June and the second Seoul Beltway opens in 2022, all these sites will become accessible in an hour from central Seoul. We will promote the utilization of these sites in fields that maximize the growth potential of Gyeonggi Province such as the tourism, logistics and advanced technology industries.” The improvement of transportation and other environments in northern Gyeonggi regions has begun to attract interest in these regions from corporate investors. ▶ Site Locations and Utilization Plans Presented During the briefing, attendees were provided with information on the distribution of the former military sites available for development in northern Gyeonggi regions as well as provincial utilization plans. ▶ Sim Gyo-eon / Professor, Konkuk University “The greatest merit is that land prices are very low. These sites also have high potential since many of them are located within urban centers. With great transportation improvements foreseen in near future, these sites will generate high profits.” Gyeonggi Province will provide administrative support to investors in these sites to help create new jobs and develop local specialty industries. Article 4. Gyeonggi to Increase Support for Housing Non-owners (170613-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province announced its plan to provide housing benefits to 171,000 non-owning households. Livelihood Benefit recipients will even be provided with deposit payment support. ▶ Ddabok House, Anyang City This provincial rental housing, titled Ddabok (따복) House, is available to young couples, college students and career starters at low rental rates. Tenants are also provided with deposit loan interest support. ▶ Jeong Sa-rang / Ddabok House Tenant (Single Career Starter) “The monthly rent is low and facilities are very convenient. There are a lot of convenient features. I like this place.” ▶ Gyeonggi to Expand Rental Housing Support This announcement is part of the province’s working-class housing policy for this year. The primary purpose of this year’s policy is to expand housing support. In the case of Ddabok House, Gyeonggi Province expects that its plan to supply 10,000 units will be realized as planned by the year 2020. ▶ Park Ki-jong / Director, Gyeonggi Province Housing Policy Division “We will implement housing policies including the expansion of rental housing, housing welfare, and Ddabok House projects for the working and middle classes with substantial progress.” For rental housing, Gyeonggi Province plans to supply a total of 41,000 units, an 8 percent increase over last year. These units will consist of 32,000 newly constructed units and 9,000 purchased or leased units, as well as the national supply of 11,000 units. Housing benefits will be increased 2 percent to KRW 131,000 per month. ▶ Rent Deposit Support to be Introduced This Year For the first time this year, interest-free rent deposit financing of up to KRW 2 million will be provided to Livelihood Benefit recipients among the tenants of new housing units. Since this amount is deducted from deposit repayment when the rental contract expires, it is effectively a deposit discount. Gyeonggi Province expects that a total of 171,000 households will benefit from provincial housing support. Article 5. 2017 Gyeonggi Science Festival Held in Anyang (170613-2) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 10, the 2017 Gyeonggi Science Festival opened in Anyang (안양) City for a two-day run. This is the first of three successive occasions of the same festival to be held for youths in Gyeonggi Province. ▶ Anyang Gymnasium (June 10 – 11) 2017 Gyeonggi Science Festival At this festival, children can learn the relationship between weight and buoyancy by creating their own mini submarines with clay and plastic bottles and carefully immersing them in water. [Sync] “One, two, three!” / “Wow, it floats! It floats!” Other children mix purified water and ethanol to make handwashing liquid, while others create LED rubber balls by mixing PVA powder with water, stirring and pouring the mixture into molds. ▶ Kang Hye-bin / Visitor from Ansan City “I made a rubber ball for the first time. It is very soft and feels good. I couldn’t believe I made it.” At the robot mission contest, contestants create their unique robots by assembling parts within the time limit. Robots are then moved to an obstacle course to compete with each other. During the festival, participants lose themselves in the fascinating world of science. ▶ Kim Hyun-hoo, Lee Ji-hyun / Visitors from Anyang City “This event is good for children because it enables them to have various experiences while broadening their scientific knowledge.” This festival took place at the Anyang (안양) Gymnasium during the weekend. ▶ 30 Booths Attracted 25,000 Visitors This festival saw 25,000 visitors during its two-day run; it featured 30 booths that presented various experiential scientific programs such as the 3D printing of popular characters and the creation of rotating carousels using a coding program. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Coalition Vice Governor Kang Deuk-ku “We will work with academia and research institutes in the province to promote this festival so that more children will be inspired by science.” The next venue for this year’s Gyeonggi Science Festival will be Bucheon (부천) City in September and Dongducheon (동두천) City in October. Article 6. 2017 Horseback Riding Festival for Youths (170613-3) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 10, a horseback riding festival for youths was held in Suwon (수원) City. Gyeonggi Province organized this event to promote horseback riding among children. ▶ New Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex Construction Site (June 10) 2017 Horseback Riding Festival for Youths Held on the open site slated for the construction of the new Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, this festival featured horseracing followed by an awards ceremony. ▶ Lee Ye-jin / 4th Grader, Seoul Sejong Primary School “I didn’t expect to win, but I am glad to win the first prize. There were many good horseback riders, so the race was a very tight.” The purpose of this festival was to generate more public interest in horseback riding as a sport as well as a hobby from early ages. This event attracted more than 20,000 visitors. ▶ Jeong Chang-hyun / Director, Gyeonggi Province Livestock Industry Promotion Center “Construction of the new Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex will begin at the end of this month. We organized this event to advertise the new provincial government complex while promoting the equestrian industry.” ▶ Free Horseback Riding Experience for Adults Also Featured In addition to horse obstacle courses and a competition among children, this festival also featured entertaining events for parents and spectators of all ages such as a free horseback riding program for adults and a painting contest. Article 7. Gyeonggi Regional Coalition Prevents Trash Crisis (170614-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Last month, a major fire occurred at a large incineration plant that processes trash from five eastern regions of Gyeonggi Province. This caused a serious backlog in trash processing. In order to prevent a trash crisis, ten cities and counties of Gyeonggi Province extended assistance. ▶ East Gyeonggi Incineration Plant, Icheon City On May 21, a fire occurred at this incineration plant in Icheon (이천) City, destroying more than 90 percent of its facilities. Although repair work is underway by numerous workers, it will be more than two months before normal operations resume. ▶ GTV Reporter Han Seon-ji “The site of the fire is currently being cleaned up, but there are still a lot of trash and burned debris.” The trash from five regions is being stored in empty spaces around the plant without proper environmental processing, and the amount of trash is increasing rapidly. ▶ Hong Seok-in / Deputy Director, Icheon City Environmental Facility Team “The biggest problems are the generation of foul odors and health hazards that cause inconvenience for local residents.” Without immediate solutions, the situation may escalate to a critical level. ▶ 10 Neighboring Regions to Share Incineration Loads However, Icheon (이천) City was relieved since ten neighboring cities and counties volunteered to share the incineration loads of the damaged plant under a service exchange agreement. ▶ Han Seong-gi / Director, Gyeonggi Province Resource Recirculation Division “It is an agreement for mutual cooperation among 23 localities of the province. For this incident, 10 cities and counties volunteered to participate.” Neighboring regional facilities will undertake the incineration of 4,900 tons of trash while the remainder will be taken up by landfills of Seoul. Gyeonggi Province is currently considering the expansion of area-wide trash processing facilities while negotiating with the Seoul Landfill Management Corporation for flexible trash management. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2017.06.16
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. Gyeonggi Youth Dormitory to Open Soon (170605-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Work has been underway to transform a former student dormitory of Seoul National University into accommodations for youths seeking employment or to start businesses. After its transfer to Gyeonggi Province, this site had been left unused for more than ten years until just recently. ▶ Former Dormitory of Seoul National University Collage of Agriculture Gyeonggi Province began receiving applications for occupancy that is slated for September. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Ddabok Dormitory, Suwon Titled Ddabok (따복) Dormitory, this 5-story building is in its final stage of construction for completion in August. The interior of the building has been completely refurbished with its original exterior preserved. ▶ 96 Rooms to Accommodate 278 Persons With a total capacity for 278 persons, this dormitory has 96 3-person rooms and single rooms. ▶ Monthly Accommodation Fees: KRW 130,000 or 190,000 Monthly accommodation fees per person will be KRW 130,000 for 3-person rooms and KRW 190,000 for single rooms. ▶ Employment, Business Startup & Community Programs This dormitory will also operate employment and business startup programs as well as other community programs such as a resident cooperative so as to help resident youths in their career pursuits. ▶ Cafeteria to be Open to Public The separate cafeteria building will feature a café and a restaurant that will also be open to the public. ▶ Kim Chan-beom / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province University “We will provide the Ddabok Dormitory with active support to enable it to function as a space for college students and youths as well as for local residents.” The selection of Ddabok Dormitory residents is based on application document reviews and interviews. ▶ Applications for Occupation in September Received until June 30 Applications for occupancy in September are being received at the Gwangyo (광교) Business Center until June 30. Article 2. Gyeonggi Recycling Idea Contest for Urban Agriculture (170605-2) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 1, the 6th Korean Urban Agriculture Expo opened in Siheung (시흥) City of Gyeonggi Province. One of the programs featured at the expo was an urban farming idea contest that showcased the utilization of recycled materials through demonstrations. ▶ Baegot Saengmyeong Park, Siheung City (June 1) The 1st Urban Farming Idea Contest Organized by the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services, this contest marked its inaugural occasion. Contestants created various farm designs using discarded materials. ▶ Kim Ki-hun / Urban Farming Idea Contestant “While enjoying the process of creation, we can also show children how waste can be reused.” ▶ Breath of City by Cho Myeong-ok A contestant used discarded jeans, waste bins and milk packs to create a vegetable garden and named it Breath of City, implying its refreshing effect on a city environment. ▶ GTV Reporter Ku-Yeong-seul “This event showcases how farming and urban life can mix together by using waste materials such as these PET bottles that were used as vegetable pots.” ▶ Urban Farming Ideas Using Recycled Wastes The urban farming idea contest was introduced as a component event of the annual national urban agricultural expo for the first time this year. This contest was organized by Gyeonggi Province with the aim of promoting urban farming as well as usable waste recycling. ▶ Kim Yeong-deok / Agricultural Supervisor, Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services “We organized the urban farming idea contest with the aim of identifying ideas for the recycling of usable items that are commonly found in our daily lives but discarded after use.” The Korean Urban Agricultural Expo is a national urban farming promotion event consisting of a number of informative and experiential programs. This year’s event ended after a four-day run. There is an estimated urban agricultural population of 1.6 million in Korea and the number is increasing. Through the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services, Gyeonggi Province will continue to develop programs to identify and promote ideas that will make urban farming easier. Article 3. Gyeonggi Convention on Quality Control Circles (170605-3) [Anchor’s Headline] On June 1, the Gyeonggi Province Convention on Quality Control Circles - or GCQCC - was held to select exemplary quality control cases of the province. Winners will represent the province in the national event. ▶ Gyeonggi Institute of Science & Technology Promotion (June 1) 2017 Gyeonggi Province Convention on Quality Control Circles The national convention, in turn, is a preliminary competition for the international event, known as ICQCC, that features eight quality control categories. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Kim Dong-geun “We have seen many enterprises suffer due to inferior quality management. I hope that this competition will promote an awareness of the importance of quality control and serve as an opportunity to share experiences among competitors.” This provincial competition saw more than 500 participants in the eight categories. ▶ Competition Took Place at 2 Related Organizations This two-day event took place at two science and technology organizations in the province. ▶ Lee Chang-min / GCQCC Participant, I-Best QC Group, EWP Co., Ltd. “We participated with the case of our maintenance time reduction that was achieved through process improvement. We will do our utmost to achieve good results in the higher competition. Go, I-Best!” ▶ 28 Award Winners to Represent Gyeonggi Province in National Convention on QCC The four top award winners and the twenty-four award-of-excellence winners of GCQCC will represent the province at the national competition, KCQCC, slated for August. Being the only autonomous body that has an ordinance for quality management, Gyeonggi Province is active in the support of private enterprises in quality improvement. Article 4. Official Land Prices Up 3.71% in Gyeonggi Province (170607-3) [Anchor’s Headline] According to a recent announcement of official land prices, the land price increase in Gyeonggi Province was similar to that of average years at 3.71 percent. The highest increase was seen in Danwon-gu (단원구) in Ansan (안산) City at 8.53 percent. ▶ Danwon-gu of Ansan City Saw Highest Official Land Price Increase Such a high land price increase is attributed to active residential reconstruction and the completion of railroad construction projects in that area. The highest official land price in Gyeonggi Province is that of Hyundai (현대) Department Store in Seongnam (성남) City. ▶ Jwang Seok-jin / Real Estate Agent “Improvement of both transportation and residential environment attracted interest in this area among outside residents. That caused a natural land price increase in the area.” The official land price of this department store is KRW 18.2 million per square meter. ▶ Bundang Hyundai Department Store The price of this location has been the highest in Gyeonggi Province for four consecutive years. ▶Lim Yeo-seon / Director, Gyeonggi Province Land Information Division “The rise and fall of official land prices depends on relative activeness of development in the area of concern compared to previous years.” ▶ Gyeonggi Province Land Prices Increased 3.71% The average official land price in Gyeonggi Province is KRW 130,440 per square meter, the sixth highest among the 17 provinces and metropolises of the nation. Land prices in Gyeonggi Province have been stable over the past five years, maintaining an approximate three percent annual increase compared to the national average of 5.34 percent. Official land prices can be referenced via the Gyeonggi Province homepage. Article 5. Medical Complex Construction Resumes in Yongin City (170607-1) [Anchor’s Headline] The construction of Dongbaek (동백) Severance Hospital in Yongin (용인) City will resume. Its construction had been interrupted for three years due to financial and environmental reasons. ▶ Yongin Dongbaek Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System This hospital is part of Gyeonggi Province’s large medical complex development project that also encompasses the pharmaceutical, medical equipment and biotech industries. ▶ Jung-dong, Yongin City (June 5) Cooperation Agreement on Yonsei Medical Complex Construction This announcement followed the signing of an agreement between Gyeonggi Province and Yonsei (연세) University Health System on cooperation in the construction of a general hospital with 755 beds as well as eight affiliated medical centers in individual medical fields for completion in 2020. ▶ Yoon Do-heum / President, Yonsei University Health System “All procedures from the arrival of patients to their departure will be controlled via digital processing. This includes the determination and performance of treatment options as well as assistance with artificial intelligence.” ▶ Large State-of-the-Art General Hospital This large state-of-the-art general hospital will become a major medical facility in the Seoul-Gyeonggi region. ▶ Medical Complex with Advanced Medical Industries The medical complex that includes this hospital will also house research and production facilities as well as information and communication facilities relating to medical services, forming a medical industry cluster. Gyeonggi Province will provide investors in this complex with active administrative support. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “I hope that you will cooperate with us in realizing tangible results by the year 2020.” ▶ GTV Reporter Choi Chang-soon “The development of a medical complex in Yongin City will have the effect of creating 4,300 new jobs as well as economic ripple effects amounting to more than KRW 548 billion. Gyeonggi GTV, Choi Chang-soon.” Article 6. Gyeonggi Begins Private Wastewater Treatment Inspections (170607-2) [Anchor’s Headline] A prolonged drought combined with the early arrival of hot weather is creating an ideal environment for green algae proliferation, causing water source health hazards in Korea. Gyeonggi Province began taking action so as to prevent potential hazards. ▶ Food Company, Yongin City A food company in Yongin (용인) City has been releasing untreated wastewater directly into the stream behind its factory. Inspectors at the site of the illegal wastewater discharge grimace because of the foul smells emanating from the area. ▶ Sin Jong-gwang / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Wastewater Management Team “To those who practice illegal acts such as wastewater discharge without treatment or bypassing purification facilities will be subject to warnings and, if necessary, fines, administrative penalties and even prosecution according to the law.” [CG] Nearly forty percent of private wastewater treatment facilities in Gyeonggi Province are located in the vicinity of the Paldang (팔당) watershed, a major water source for Seoul and surrounding regions. Wastewater influx to this watershed can accelerate green algae proliferation, especially in hot, dry weather. ▶ GTV Reporter Ku Yeong-seul “Private wastewater treatment facilities purify wastewater by injecting oxygen and filtering microorganisms before discharging the water.” Wastewater needs to undergo such purification processes once or twice to become clean enough to be discharged into watersheds to prevent algae proliferation. ▶ 1,200 Private Wastewater Treatment Facilities Subject to Inspections Inspections will be performed on 1,200 private wastewater treatment facilities in the province by June 22. Gyeonggi Province will continue the monitoring and supervision of these facilities to ensure the safety of the water supply to the Seoul-Gyeonggi region. Article 7. Gyeonggi Installs Air Purifiers in Childcare Centers (170608-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has issued a greater number of fine dust warnings so far this year than during all of last year. In order to protect children from atmospheric fine dust, homes and private childcare centers in the province will be provided with provincial support for air purifier installation. ▶ Childcare Center, Suwon City Until last year, this childcare center in Suwon (수원) City had used air purifiers only in poorly ventilated rooms and infant rooms. This year, however, air purifiers are seen in every room. This center has no other choice than to pay nearly KRW 700,000 in monthly rental fees for 21 air purifiers, since fine dust concentrations have increased to alarming levels. ▶ Song Yeo-ul / Childcare Center Teacher “We must have air purifiers since respiratory tems in children are vulnerable (to fine dust). Children also generate dust themselves since they are active and play a lot.” ▶ GTV Reporter Choi Chang-soon “Air purifiers have now become essential items at childcare centers. From this year, Gyeonggi Province will provide air purifier installation support to homes and childcare centers.” ▶ Air Purifier Support Included in Revised Supplementary Budget Air purifier installation support was initiated by the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly through its proposal for the inclusion of KRW 800 million in the revised provincial supplementary budget for such support for private childcare centers as well as small homes. ▶ Air Purifier Installation Support A total of 37,000 children’s rooms will benefit from this provincial support. ▶ Jeong Dae-wun / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “Air purifiers may not be ‘the’ solution. However, we proposed this support program to help create a safer environment for children.” The proposed support is currently in the process of detailed policy formulation by Gyeonggi Province. Once the program is finalized, support will be implemented. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2017.06.09
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. Model Audition for Gyeonggi’s ‘Good School Uniforms’ (170529-1) [Anchor’s Headline] On May 27, a school uniform model audition took place in Gyeonggi Province. Selected models will work for the promotion of Good School Uniforms, the products of a provincial project launched with the aim of supplying quality school uniforms at low prices to middle and high school students. ▶ Gyeonggi Textile Marketing Center The Good School Uniforms project was launched by two provincial bodies so as to alleviate the burden of school uniform costs faced borne by parents. ▶ Jeong Da-eun / Best Model Prize Winner “School uniform modeling was a new experience. I will do as much as I can to promote Good School Uniforms.” ▶ Gyeonggi Good School Uniforms Model Audition (May 27) The students selected at this audition will work as models for Good School Uniforms promotion. ▶ GTV Reporter Ku Yeong-seul “On the runway at this audition, students in Good School Uniforms are nurturing their dreams of becoming models.” At this audition, students who passed the initial documentary screening displayed their skills on the runway, showcasing their looks in Good School Uniforms. Judges made assessments based on how well models presented the uniforms as well as on audience reactions. ▶ Cho Woo-sang / President, Asia Model Association “I scored based on the presentation of the goodness of their ages: cuteness for younger students and youthfulness for older students.” There was also an experiential event in the next room for aspiring hair, makeup and fashion designers. ▶ Auditions Held in 4 Gyeonggi Regional Divisions The Good School Uniforms model auditions are scheduled to run until next month in four Gyeonggi regional divisions. ▶ Bae Seong-hun / Textile Business Team Manager, Gyeonggi Textile Industry Association “In addition to model selection, another purpose of this event is to promote the Good School Uniforms made with textiles produced in Gyeonggi Province.” The Good School Uniforms project marks the first case of an educational coalition between the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education. Uniforms are designed by top contemporary designers. Article 2. 319th Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Extraordinary Session Ends (170529-2) [Anchor’s Headline] The 319th extraordinary session of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly ended on May 26 with the fourth general meeting. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly (May 26) 4th General Meeting, 319th Extraordinary Session This final general meeting saw the passage of 59 items including a revised supplementary budget. ▶ Cho Gwang-myeong / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “The final amount of the budget was increased by KRW 4.1 billion to KRW 19.16 trillion after reductions amounting to KRW 100 million and additions amounting to KRW 4.2 billion.” The revised budget includes a KRW 100 billion reserve for adaptation to the policies of the new Korean central government administration. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We will implement projects in earnest to revive the local economy and create more jobs, to create the Gyeonggi Province you want.” ▶ Ordinance for Support of Residents Affected by Airport Noise Another notable item passed by the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly during this extraordinary session was an ordinance supporting residents in areas around airports affected by airport noise. Support will be based on an annual survey of damage in these areas. ▶ Youth Employment Support Ordinance An ordinance support youths in their search for employment also passed as proposed during the extraordinary session. ▶ 59 Items Passed in 4th General Meeting The general meeting of the final day continued with five-minute speeches by assembly members on provincial issues. ▶ Kong Yeong-ae / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “There is a need for preventive intervention and active support for the protection and improvement of children’s health. I hope that the administration will pay more attention to these matters.” ▶ Lee Sang-hui / Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member “I suggest that the administration, if it wishes to win residential confidence, provide more active support to local governments with inferior financial standings.” The next Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly meeting will take place as the 320th regular meeting for a 15-day run from June 13. Article 3. Gyeonggi Increases Anti-drought Budget (170529-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Farmers in Korea are suffering serious damage from the worst drought in years. While the situation is expected to continue until the arrival of monsoons in early June, Gyeonggi Province allocated emergency anti-drought budgets and began taking action to address the situation. ▶ Madun Reservoir, Anseong City Fishing platforms are sitting on the exposed lakebed instead of floating on the water of this reservoir which has almost completely dried up. ▶ GTV Reporter Han Seon-ji “The water level here should be above my height, but more than 90 percent of the water has dried up due to a prolonged drought.” Local rice farmers who rely solely on this reservoir for water may have to give up this year’s crops. ▶ Jeopng Seo-yeong / Local Rice Farmer “There is neither rain nor groundwater facilities. We cannot go on farming in a situation like this.” The amount of rainfall in Korea this year is approximately half the annual average. Dry years usually repeat themselves for three years. ▶ Gyeonggi to Release Large Anti-Drought Budgets In order to minimize drought damage, Gyeonggi Province included KRW 5.2 billion in the latest revised supplementary budget in addition to the previous KRW 23.7 billion. More than half of the total amount will be allocated for water loss prevention while the remainder will be used for temporary water supply tem installations. ▶ Basek Seung-hyun / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Infrastructure Development Team “Agricultural water supply projects are underway using the Imjin River tem in northern provincial regions and the South Han River tem in eastern provincial regions.” Other provincial anti-drought measures include sewage water recycling and the transfer of residential water supplies for agricultural purposes. Expecting the first ten days of June to be critical, Gyeonggi Province also earmarked KRW 26.6 billion for crop damage prevention. Article 4. Gyeonggi Rental Housing Deposit Loan Interest Support (170601-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province announced the provision of loan interest support for rental housing deposits to the tenants of Ddabok (따복) Houses and Happy Homes. Support will be available until the year 2020. An estimated 60,000 households will benefit from this provincial support program. ▶ Dongtan Happy Homes, Hwaseong City Yu (유환민) is a tenant of a Happy Home, a rental housing unit provided by Gyeonggi Province. For the deposit of KRW 34 million, he drew a loan; this costs him an extra KRW 80,000 in interest monthly. ▶ Yu Hwan-min / Rental Housing Deposit Loan User “Monthly interest payments are a big burden now. When I have a family and move to a bigger house, I will have to pay heavier interest. I am already worried thinking about it.” Although provincial rental housing units are available at low rental rates, deposit loan interest can be a heavy burden for tenants. [CG] The deposit loan interest rate for a Ddabok (따복) House is set at 2.6 percent for a household with annual income of less than KRW40 million, or 2.1 percent for young couples. [CG] Added to rental fees, monthly housing expenses can be higher than those of other housing in the area. ▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (May 31) Provincial Rental Housing Deposit Loan Interest Support Agreement In cooperation with related public organizations, Gyeonggi Province launched rental housing deposit loan interest support for tenants of Ddabok (따복) Houses and Happy Homes. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Gyeonggi Province will continue to launch programs for similar purposes. We seek your continuous cooperation.” This support program has targeted 60,000 households as beneficiaries until 2020. ▶ Support to Cover 40% to 100% of Interest Based on the number of children, support will cover 40 to 100 percent of standard rental housing loan interest. ▶ Kim Gyeong-gi / Director, Korea Land & Housing Corporation Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters “We believe that this rental housing deposit loan interest support will help stabilize the housing problems faced by youths while promoting childbirths among young couples.” ▶ Support to Cover Period from January 2017 The Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation and LH Corporation began receiving applications for this support program. The support period will be applied retroactively from January this year. Article 5. Shared Market Economy Forum Held in Gyeonggi Province (170601-1) [Anchor’s Headline] On May 30, Gyeonggi Province held a public forum to discuss a shared market economy as a solution to economic slowdowns and imbalances characterized by over-proportional large enterprises. Gyeonggi Province has been promoting a shared market economy that combines the resources of the public sector with expertise from the private sector. [CG] To this end, Gyeonggi Province has been offering its assets as open platforms to small and medium-sized enterprises for use in their efforts to improve competitiveness. ▶ Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center (May 30) Public Forum on Shared Market Economy for 4th Industrial Revolution During the forum, scholars who were invited by Gyeonggi Province from various related fields presented their thoughts regarding a shared market economy. ▶ Lim Hyun-jin / Honorary Professor, Seoul National University “What is a shared market economy? Sharing is not simply sharing in the common sense. It combines the values of cooperation, collaboration and coalition.” ▶ Lee Jeong-hun / Director, Gyeonggi Research Institute Research Planning Division “I believe that the success (of a shared market economy) depends on multilayered institutional designs that reflect the needs of a nation and communities.” Presentations were followed by open discussions within the same context. After this forum, Gyeonggi Province will proceed with shared market economy promotion through the establishment of a joint public-private governing body. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Please share your good ideas and opinions with us. Gyeonggi Province will then continue to develop platforms for sharing.” In cooperation with the Gyeonggi Research Institute, Gyeonggi Province plans to organize specialist forums on a regular basis as part of its continuous efforts to promote a shared market economy. Article 6. Gyeonggi Establishes Insect Industry Support Center (170531-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province established the Insect Industry Support Center at the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services as a supervisory organization for the insect industry. ▶ Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services Children gathered around a water tank cheer loudly as diving beetles race in the tank. [Sync] “Go! Go!” Children in another section are intent on catching crickets with feathers at the end of rods. ▶ Kim Min-seol / Visitor from Hwaseong City “It was like fishing with a fishing rod. Only it has a feather at the end.” These children are visitors to this new center that also features an experiential insect food program. ▶ Lee Young-bo / Wanju County, South Cheolla Province “I tasted insects today; they were nice. We were told that insects are food of the future. I think I can eat insects as food if have to.” ▶ Insect Industry Support Center Opens (May 30) This center is the first of its kind in the Seoul-Gyeonggi region. Established with the aim of promoting the insect industry in the province, this center will conduct research and experiments pertaining to the use of insects as food, pets and bio-control agents. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Coalition Vice Governor Kang Deuk-ku “We will provide the Insect Industry Support Center with all the support needed to so that Gyeonggi Province can become a center of the insect industry in Korea.” ▶ Insect Research & Development Projects The primary function of this center is to undertake insect research and development projects. ▶ GTV Reporter Ku Yeong-seul “Let us hope that the Insect Industry Support Center will open up the future of the insect industry. Gyeonggi GTV, Ku Yeong-seul.” Article 7. Gyeonggi Dental Service Center for the Disabled (170531-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Five years ago, Gyeonggi Province established the Dental Service Center for the Disabled. This center has seen a great increase in the number of its users since its establishment. ▶ Gyeonggi Regional Dental Service Center for the Disabled Kim (김윤석), a boy with autism, recently began visiting this center instead of going to the dentist he previously used since this center provides dental services appropriate for patients with sensitivity issues like his. ▶ Kim Yun-seok / Patient of Dental Service Center for Disabled “I suffered a lot of pain at the previous dentist. I feel better here because I don’t feel any pain.” The Dental Service Center for the Disabled provides services adapted to the needs of those with disabilities. ▶ Users Increased 6-Fold in 5 Years Since its establishment in 2012, the number of users of this center has increased six fold. This center has facilities and movement control specialists for patients with severe disabilities. ▶ Kim Dong-hyun / Director, Gyeonggi Regional Dental Service Center for the Disabled “We have a special medical team and sophisticated equipment necessary for the treatment of patients with severe disabilities.” At this center, patients are provided with discounts of up to 50 percent for services not covered by national health insurance. The provincial medical centers in the cities of Suwon (수원) and Uijeongbu (의정부) also operate similar dental services for patients with disabilities. ▶ Gyeonggi to Expand Dental Services for the Disabled This year, Gyeonggi Province plans to expand dental services for patients with disabilities and increase the number of related specialists. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2017.06.02
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. I’m Don Valiant and this is the news from Gyeonggi Province this week. Article 1. French Auto Part Enterprise Opens Korean Operations in Gyeonggi (170522-2) [Anchor’s Headline] On May 1, the French automotive parts conglomerate Faurecia opened its Korea headquarters and an R&D center in Yongin (용인) City of Gyeonggi Province. This company has already engaged enterprises in the province in joint research and development activities. ▶ Faurecia Korea Headquarters, Yongin City Faurecia is a multinational corporation with hundreds of production bases in more than 30 countries. With globally recognized proprietary technologies in eco-friendly automobile tems, this company develops and produces car interiors and emission reduction tems; it recorded more than USD 20 billion in sales last year. ▶ Faurecia Korea Headquarters and R&D Center Opening Ceremony (May 19) For the establishment of its headquarters and research center in Korea, Faurecia invested USD 68 million. ▶ Patrick Koller / CEO of Group Faurecia “Very big technology companies like Samsung, like LG, which are providing electronic components, this place emulates, which are very important for the future in the automobile industry.” Integrating its dispersed operation units in Korea, Faurecia has established a new center for collective R&D efforts. ▶ Joint R&D with Gyeonggi SMEs To develop emission control technologies that will reduce nitrogen oxide concentrations in emissions to half current levels for the first time in the world, Faurecia has launched a joint research project that involves 14 SMEs in Gyeonggi Province. ▶ Cho Jung-ah / Director General, Gyeonggi Province International Cooperation Bureau “This is a fluidization of our efforts to realize cooperation with local enterprises that we have pursued since the investment decision stage. We will continue to find ways in which to benefit local SMEs in our investment inducement efforts.” In connection with investment inducement efforts, Gyeonggi Province will, on an ongoing basis, pursue the engagement of local SMEs that have appropriate competency levels for joint operations with foreign companies that invest in the province. Article 2. Covered Urban Stream Reborn as Eco Park (170523-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Thirty-one years after Simkok (심곡) Stream in Bucheon (부천) City was covered during the urbanization of the area, this forgotten waterway was reopened and reborn as an ecological stream park that runs through the city center. ▶ ‘Simgok Citizen’s Park’ Opens After it was covered in 1986, Simgok (심곡) Stream served as a sewer while the ground level was developed as a road. However, this stream has now been completely transformed into a clean stream with a natural streambed. ▶ 2nd Grade Water Channeled from Nearby Sewage Water Treatment Plant The quality of its water is maintained at a 2nd grade level, which means that it is clean enough to support fish. ▶ Promenades with 30,000 Trees on Stream Banks There are also scenic promenades on both stream banks with more than 30,000 trees running alongside the stream. ▶ Vista Point with Glass Deck The glass deck at the vista point offers a refreshing view of water cascading over an artificial waterfall. ▶ Jeong Eun-suk / Bucheon City Resident “Priorities have changed from transportation to human life. I use the passage along the stream instead of open roads, and it feels wonderful.” This stream park runs one kilometer through the city center and features enjoyable elements including the ‘Wall of Hope for Everyone’ upon which citizens can inscribe their wishes. Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil (남경필) visited the park and promised support for other ecological restoration projects in the province. ▶ Bucheon City Mayor Kim Man-su “People welcome the opening of this park since they haven’t had a decent park nearby.” ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Gyeonggi Province will support any local project that transforms cement structures to restore nature as we supported Bucheon City for this park.” The restored stream park in Bucheon (부천) City is regarded as beneficial for local residents as well as for the local economy. Article 3. Gyeonggi Governor Meets University Students (170523-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil (남경필) visited Bucheon (부천) University and encouraged students to pursue creative ideas. To this end, Governor Nam promised to provide active support. ▶ Bucheon University (May 22) Meeting with Gyeonggi Governor Speaking with more than a hundred students, Governor Nam discussed employment strategies for the fourth industrial revolution. ▶ Virtual Reality Demonstration Using Google Carard At this meeting, the process of creating a Google Board, headgear that conveys virtual reality images, was demonstrated so as to help students understand the fourth industrial revolution first hand. Gyeonggi Employment Foundation President Kim Hwa-su (김화수) then explained changes in the employment environment of the future. ▶ New Needs to Create New Jobs Addressing worries about robots replacing humans and reducing job opportunities, Kim offered assurances that new types of human needs will trigger the creation of new jobs. ▶ Gyeonggi Employment Foundation President Kim Hwa-su “People only see what they have experienced in the past, and are concerned that what existed in the past will disappear.” Governor Nam’s free conversation with students followed. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We have 3D printers now. Then, what about 4D printers? Why not?” ▶ Kim Dong-bin / Bucheon University Student “We can not only create 3D objects, but perhaps also something we cannot even touch.” This meeting also featured specialists who answered questions via Facebook from those who could not attend the meeting in person. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Gyeonggi Province will do its utmost to create a society in which anyone who has passion for working for society will be able to do just that.” During the meeting, Governor Nam told students about the Gyeonggi Employment Foundation and the Startup Campus, mentioning that these facilities are open to any youths with ideas. Article 4. Gyeonggi to Honor Lifesaving Rescuers of Cardiac Arrest Patients (170523-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province announced the introduction of the ‘Heart Saver’ certification tem to honor emergency rescuers who revived or helped revive cardiac arrest patients. There are more than 1,600 rescue officers who deserve Heart Saver certification in the province. ▶ Scene of Heart Failure Patient Rescue Park (박기영), age 69, suffered cardiac arrest while in a moving car. His companion quickly called 119 and performed CPR as instructed calmly by the rescue officer on the way. Park survived. ▶ Park Ki-young / Cardiac Arrest Patient “I am very grateful for providing life-saving instructions while he was coming…” ▶ Cardiac Arrest Requires Treatment within 4-Minute Golden Time One who suffers cardiac arrest can survive if treatment is provided within four minutes of onset, a period that is also known as the ‘golden time’. Park received CPR in time and could return to his family thanks to the quick actions of the rescue officers. ▶ Lee Ji-hun / 119 Rescue Officer, Pocheon Fire Station “I was there and, as a rescue officer, my body responded automatically.” In Guri (구리) City on January 29, another citizen was able to save the life of her husband with help from rescuers. ▶ Gyeonggi Introduces ‘Heart Saver’ Certification System Gyeonggi Province’s Heart Saver certification will be presented to emergency rescue officers who save the lives of patients facing death. Such patients need initial emergency treatment such as CPR to survive until they can receive proper medical care. ▶ GTV Reporter Gu Yeong-seul “CPR is performed in steps. First, check the patient’s condition, then check the pulse. If there is no pulse, repeat ten chest compressions three times.” After 30 chest compressions, secure the airway and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation twice. Repeat the entire process until the patient revives. ▶ Jeopng Ju-yeong / Fire Sergeant, Gyeonggi Disaster & Safety Headquarters “The purpose of the Heart Saver certification tem is to promote CPR and respect for life among the public.” In Gyeonggi Province, there are 1,649 emergency rescue officers who have saved the lives of 509 residents on the verge of death through timely responses and effective emergency treatments. Article 5. Gyeonggi Establishes Medical Support Team (170524-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province established a medical support team that provides regional public hospitals with support to help them improve medical service quality so as to minimize imbalances in regional medical service availability. ▶ Seoul National University Bundang Hospital When Seong (성미경) suffered a myocardial infarction, she was able to receive treatment in time at a nearby general hospital. ▶ Seong Mi-gyeong / Myocardial Infarction Patient “This type of heart disease can cause brain damage if not treated soon. However, I was lucky since the hospital was nearby.” ▶ Village in Gapyeong County The situation, however, differs greatly in regions far from any hospital. Yu (유영원) barely survived blood poisoning after having been transported a long distance to the nearest emergency center. ▶ Yu Yeong-won / Septicemia Patient “There are no hospitals in this region, only small clinics without beds for in-patients. There must be emergency services for urgent medical care.” Home to a quarter of the national population, Gyeonggi Province encompasses large rural areas that suffer a serious lack of high-level medical institutes. Half of provincial areas lie more than a 90-minute distance from the nearest emergency medical services. ▶ Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (May 23) Gyeonggi Province Public Health & Medical Support Team Inauguration Ceremony Titled Gyeonggi Province Public Health & Medical Support Team, this medical support group will provide rural public hospitals with educational and technical support so as to elevate their service quality to the average provincial level. ▶ Kang Cheol-hwan / Chief Official, Gyeonggi Province Public Health & Medical Support Team “For areas that lack medical service facilities, we will help develop quality hospitals. We will also provide support for the establishment intensive care and delivery facilities in areas where they are needed.” The primary purpose of this team is to promote qualitative improvements in regional medical services. This will also include responding to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health threats. Article 6. Gyeonggi Holds Public Meeting on Apartment Policies (170524-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province held a public meeting to discuss effective apartment management so as to address the housing issues that often cause discord among apartment residents. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Human Resource Development Institute (May 23) Gyeonggi Province Public Meeting on Apartment Management Improvement In Gyeonggi Province, more than 70 percent of residents live in apartments. Housing-related resident discord often stems from inadequate repairs which, in turn, stem from repair reserve charge rates being set too low. According to a specialist, repair reserve charge rates are often set too low so as to avoid opposition from residents and should be rationalized. ▶ Lim Sang-ho / Consultation Manager, Central Apartment Management Support Center “Instead of case-by-case payments of long-term repair reserves, exceptional permission for monthly payments based on actual contracts may be an alternative...” ▶ Selection of Management Contractors Based on Lump Sum Contracting Another specialist proposed improvement of management contractor selection methods based on lump sum contracting. This means that management quality can be maintained by avoiding the contracting of low bidders and that management contractors set the number of required management personnel as well as the scope of management themselves. ▶ Kim Jeong-dae / Chief of Korea Apartment Resident Representative Association Gyeonggi Branch “Although apartment resident representatives have great responsibilites and handle large amounts of funds, they are not compensated properly…” This public meeting featured more than 500 housing specialists and related organization personnel. The meeting was broadcast online to allow open participation. ▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We will apply your good opinions and questionnaire results to provincial policies in cooperation with the provincial assembly.” At the meeting, Gyeonggi Province disclosed its plans to undertake commissioned apartment management when requested by apartment complexes in dispute from October. Article 7. Trial Cultivation of Indigenous Vegetable Breeds (170524-3) [Anchor’s Headline] The Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services performed trial cultivations of more than 600 native vegetables. These vegetables have original Korean names. Excellent in taste as well as nutritional value, some of these vegetables will soon be seen at local food markets. ▶ Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services These vegetable breeds include thorn spinach, which has a unique appearance with thorny leaves. There is also curled mallow with wrinkled and curled leaf ends. ▶ Native Vegetables: Local Vegetable Breeds for 30+ Years Native vegetables are those that have been growing in a particular region for more than thirty years. These vegetables usually remain fresh for longer periods of time. ▶ GTV Reporter Gu Yeong-seul “This is dog’s tongue lettuce since the shape of its leaves resembles that of a dog’s tongue. This lettuce has sturdy leaves that do not break as easily as those of other lettuces.” ▶ Trial Cultivation of Native Vegetable Breeds The trial cultivations of native vegetables of superior quality are being performed by residents around Gyeonggi Province. ▶ Kim Gyu-sik / Trial Cultivation Participant “I cultivated native vegetables in my garden. They are stronger in taste and aroma and have good texture.” ▶ 630+ Breeds Collected and Tested Since 2015, the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services has been testing more than 600 native vegetable breeds collected from vegetable farms around the province ▶ Kim Jin-yeong / Deputy Director, Urban Horticulture Team, GARES “This program helps preserve native vegetable breeds while discovering unknown functional values and promoting their cultivation among urban residents.” ▶ First 20+ Breeds to Be Introduced in June Beginning from June, this provincial agricultural institute will introduce more than twenty native vegetables, selected from among more than 300 breeds based on trial cultivation results, to local food markets as well as to the public. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
