EnglishNews | 2018.05.04
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. Semi-public Intercity Bus Operation Begins in Gyeonggi (180423-1) [Anchor’s Headline] The semi-public intercity bus management tem with shift-working drivers finally began operation in Gyeonggi Province amid high expectations for safer and more convenient bus services. ► Intercity Bus Stop, Changyeon-ri, Namyangju City From the first day of operation, the daily working hours of drivers in the tem-covered regions were reduced to half instead of a single shift workday tem. ► Park Yeon-ho, Intercity Bus Driver “We feel more relaxed, of course. That helped us serve the passengers in a more relaxed and kind manner.” ► Intercity Bus Terminal, Daeseong-ri, Gapyeong County The driver lounges at bus terminals became more crowded with drivers present for midday shift changes. ► Semi-public Intercity Bus Operation Begins in Gyeonggi Since 2015, Gyeonggi Province has been pursuing the Semi-public Intercity Bus Management System, an electoral commitment, and finally realized its initial operation in 14 regions of the province. ► Intercity Bus Service and Safety Improvement Expected The principle of semi-public management is the subsidizing of intercity bus operators to offset possible operational losses so as to ensure service stability, quality and safety while promoting investments in service expansions. ► Lee Yeong-ja / Intercity Bus User, Namyangju City “The shiftwork tem should be better because these buses serve a lot of people and must serve them safely.” ► Lee Jong-seop / Intercity Bus User, Namyangju City “Using buses will become much easier and more convenient for commuters …” Gyeonggi Province will implement the tem in phases until it reaches stable operation. The province will initially secure 12,000 more intercity bus drivers by July so as to prevent accidents by relieving drivers from overwork. ► Lim Seong-man / Director, Gyeonggi Province Good Morning Bus Task Force “Intercity buses will become more convenient to use through public management and serve improvement.” While expanding the semi-public tem for intercity bus operations in its remaining localities, Gyeonggi Province also plans to pursue a similar tem for locally operated buses. Since additional operating costs will be borne by local governments, there will be no increase in bus fares. Article 2. Korean National & Provincial Parks to Become Alcohol Free (180424-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Drinking at mountains is common among Koreans. However, from this coming September, the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited in all national and provincial parks in Korea. After a grace period that began last month, violators will be fined. ► Bukhan Mountain Around the summit of Bukhan (북한) Mountain, a national park, it is easy to find groups of mountaineers having drinking parties, ignoring banners that announce the drinking ban. [Sync] “Have a drink. Come here. Come here.” Consuming alcoholic beverages in secluded spots around the summit, commonly referred to as having ‘summit drinks’, is a popular ritual among some mountain goers. [Sync] “Without drinking culture, there can be no fun.” “At least a bottle per person should be allowed.” Drinking in mountains can be offensive to others and increases accident risks. [CG] In fact, 30 percent of the accidents that occurred in Korean national parks were related to inebriation. ► Jeon Sun-hui / Seoul Resident “They often stumble and fall, and frequently need emergency helicopter services. They annoy others in many ways.” ► Kim Suk-yeon / Seoul Resident “You can suffer injuries. I saw people carried by emergency rescuers …” ► Drinking in National & Provincial Parks Fined from September Until this drinking ban is fully enforced in September, its violators are currently being dismissed with only a warning. ► Lee Seoing-gyu / Director, Gyeonggi Province Parks & Landscape Division “During the grace period that lasts until September, we will promote the ban through various means. After this period, we plan to conduct an intense crackdown.” [CG] A fine of KRW 50,000 will be imposed for first-time violations and KRW 100,000 for repeated violations. When members of the public change their drinking habits, efforts to make national and provincial parks alcohol free will be successful. Article 3. 2018 Play Expo to Open in Gyeonggi on May 10 (180425-3) [Anchor’s Headline] With the opening of the 2018 Play Expo, an annual international game industry festival, only days away, GTV examined details of this year’s event that will feature, in addition to new games, the championship finals of popular e-sports and a variety of other entertaining programs. ► 650 Game Enterprises from 25 Nations Featuring 650 game enterprises from 25 nations, this year’s Play Expo will be the largest in its 10-year history. Its 1,100 booths will offer experiences in a wide range of games including virtual and augmented reality games, arcade games and mobile games. ► 10-Year Anniversary Special Event Hall There will be a special 10th anniversary event that presents the history of the game industry. ► Cho Gwang-geun / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Contents Support Team “At the 10th Anniversary Special Event Hall, visitors will be able to see the past, present and future of games, how they have evolved and will evolve …” There will also be a variety of accompanying programs geared to be entertaining. ► New Games to Be Unveiled by Korea’s 3 Largest Arcade Game Enterprises Games developed by Korea’s three largest arcade game enterprises are expected to attract considerable interest from game lovers. They feature dancing, bowling and racing games with the newest graphic ad sound technologies. There will also be meetings with professional gamers and streamers as well as matches among professional gamers. ► ‘Overwatch’ National Championship Finals Professional game matches will include national championship finals of ‘Overwatch’, a globally popular e-sport with approximately 35 million players. ► Cho Gwang-geun / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Contents Support Team “We organized e-sport championship games in which visitors can see professional Overwatch gamers play on site …” This event is also expected to attract more than 2,500 game-related businesspersons from around the world. ► 2018 Play Expo to Open on May 10 for a 4-Day Run Projected to attract more than 70,000 visitors, the 2018 Play Expo is slated for a 4-day run starting on May 10 at the KINTEX exhibition complex in Goyang (고양) City. Article 4. Evergreen Trees of Jeju Island Survive in Gyeonggi Province (180423-2) [Anchor’s Headline] The Gyeonggi Forestry Environment Research Center recently tested the winter growth resilience of Jeju Island evergreen oak trees and disclosed reasonably successful results that countered common expectations. ► Evergreen Oak Tree Test Forest This test was performed in cooperation with the Warm Temperate & Subtropical Forest Research Center of the National Institute of Forest Science. ► GTV Reporter Choi Chang-sun “Evergreen oaks like this one grow naturally in Jeju Island. This tree has endured many winters and still maintains green leaves after being planted in Gyeonggi Province in 2010.” The evergreen oak is known to exist naturally only in warm temperate zones since its leaves do not fall during winter. [CG] However, the survival rate of these trees was higher than 70 percent in southern Gyeonggi Province and 27 to 32 percent on Ganghwa (강화) Island. This counters general expectations that these trees would not survive the cold winters of Gyeonggi regions. ► Chae Jeong-woo / Research Officer, Gyeonggi Forestry Environment Research Center “Global warming has been causing climate changes and raising winter temperatures. Winter in Gyeonggi Province is not as cold as in the past and can now support evergreen broad-leaved trees.” ► Dryness More Ascribable than Coldness to Deaths of Warm Temperate Evergreen Trees Researchers also found that dryness is more ascribable than cold to the deaths of warm temperate evergreen trees. ► Evergreen Oak Can Help Protect Ecotems and Increase Carbon Absorption When propagated in place of their deciduous counterparts, evergreen oak tress can help protect ecotems while increasing carbon absorption in the central part of the Korean Peninsula. ► Kwon Yeong-dae / Chief of Tree Research Team, GFERC “If these trees can be introduced in central regions, they will have positive effects such as stabilizing forest ecotems and increasing farmer income.” The Gyeonggi Forestry Environment Research Center will continue its management and monitoring of test forests and related research. Article 5. First Rental Housing for Newlyweds Receive Occupants (180424-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been developing low-cost rental housing for young couples, titled ‘Ddabok (따복) House for Newlyweds’. The first Ddabok (따복) House opened in downtown Anyang (안양) City and began receiving its first occupants. ► Anyang Gwanyang Ddabok House This newly married couple were able to find their first home in Ddabok (따복) House near a subway station with a deposit of only KRW 96 million for which Gyeonggi Province provided a loan with 40 percent support for interest. This couple only needs to pay monthly rental fees of KRW 160,000. ► Jeon Hye-rim, Kim Jin-yeong / Newlywed Ddabok House Tenants “This housing is best for newlyweds who need to save money before starting to raise children since 40 percent of the interest on the deposit loan is supported by …” ► Anyang Gwanyang Ddabok House Opening Ceremony (April 23) First Ddabok House for Newlyweds Opens This couple is among those who were selected as the first tenants of the first Ddabok (따복) House for Newlyweds opened in Anyang (안양) City. ► Rental Rates 20% Lower than Local Rates This Ddabok (따복) House contains 47 housing units of 44 square meters and is available at rental rates that are 20 percent lower than local rates. [CG] Deposit loan interest support varies depending upon the number of children: the base is support for 40 percent, 60 percent for couples with one child, and 100 percent for couples with more children. With the maximum lease term being 10 years, tenants have sufficient time to become economically stable. ► Common Facilities There are also common facilities such as child nursing rooms, offices and kitchens with customized designs for young couples. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “This is a warm and blessed place to start a home at a low cost. I hope many young couples have children and have happy lives here.” Engaged couples and couples married for less than 5 years are eligible for a minimum 6-year lease at Ddabok House. Gyeonggi Province plans to supply 5,000 Ddabok housing units by 2020. Article 6. Gyeonggi Pear Farms Damaged by Cold Spell in Early April (180425-2) [Anchor’s Headline] A cold spell in early April when pear blossoms were in full bloom caused them to wither before the year’s farm work even started, leaving pear farmers in Gyeonggi Province devastated. The Gyeonggi Provincial Government quickly reacted with measures for their relief. ► Pear Orchard, Namyangju City The pear trees in this orchard are laden with white blossoms. Although these blossoms seem normal, 90 percent of them were damaged by frost during a cold spell that saw temperatures drop down to minus 4.7 degrees Celsius. ► Cho Byeong-yeon / Pear Farmer “Blossoms died even before they could form the seeds. I am devastated and frustrated. I don’t know how I can survive…” ► Pear Flowers Damaged at Below -2℃ Pear blossoms are vulnerable to the cold and, without artificial insemination, die of frost damage when exposed to temperatures below minus 2 degrees Celsius for more than 4 hours. [CG] More than 600 pear orchards with a combined area of more than 600 hectares in nine cities and counties of Gyeonggi Province suffered frost damage this year. Such abnormal temperature drops that coincided with the emergence of blossoms caused massive damage among pear farms. ► Gyeonggi to Provide Pear Farms with Emergency Support Gyeonggi Province will provide these farms with emergency support for farming and living costs as well as for preventive facility installation costs. ► Lee Mun-mu / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Horticultural & Specialty Crop Team “Pear farms suffered great damage from abnormal temperature changes. Since Gyeonggi Province is the second largest pear producer in the nation, the scale of its losses is that much greater. We hope that our emergency support measures will help pear farms recover from such damage.” ► Detailed Investigation of Damage to Be Performed by May 4 Gyeonggi Province will perform a detailed investigation of frost damage by May 4 and will provide damaged farms with insurance payments or recovery support based on the results. Article 7. Photo Studio & Exhibition Held at Good Morning House (0426-2) [Anchor’s Headline] To commemorate the millennium of the naming of ‘Gyeonggi’, a special event is being held at Good Morning House of Gyeonggi Province. This event features 10 photo studios and galleries in which visitors can take photographs and exhibit their photos. ► Nuguna Gallery, Good Morning House (Until June 17) Gyeonggi Millennium Life Photo Studios The Nuguna (누구나) Gallery of Good Morning House has been turned into photo studios with colorful background images in the theme of the Gyeonggi millennium. At these studios, visitors in family groups take photographs surrounded by hundreds of flowers and pigeons, the provincial bird of Gyeonggi, to record happy memories in a page of their lives. ► Cho Ha-na / Visitor from Hwaseong City “I took photographs of my baby and they came out beautifully. This is my second baby. I think I will come again with my first baby and my husband.” ► ‘Gyeonggi Millennium Photo Studios’, Good Morning House Nuguna Gallery Titled ‘Gyeonggi Millennium Photo Studios’, this is a combination event in which visitors take photographs of themselves in the studios and contribute their photos to the exhibition. ► 10 Photo Studios with Gyeonggi Designs The ten photo studios at this event were designed with the emblems, history and traditions of Gyeonggi Province, and equipped with special illumination and cameras for various effects. ► Ko Hyeon-suk / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Good Morning House Team “I hope that many Gyeonggi residents come to the event and create happy memories of their lives with family members, friends and lovers.” The Gyeonggi Millennium Photo Studios are open free of charge at the Nuguna (누구나) Gallery of Good Morning House until June 17. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2018.04.27
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. Recycling Transforms Old Urban Scenes in Gyeonggi (180416-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been providing support to old urban communities for environment improvement through recycling. Officially termed ‘Resource Recirculation Towns’, these communities are reborn with livelier atmospheres through the elimination of disorderly trash disposal practices. ► ‘Recycling Town’, Wonmi-1-dong, Bucheon City The appearance of this neighborhood in Bucheon (부천) City has changed completely after piles of trash that used to clutter its alleyways were removed and replaced with refreshing flower beds and attractive environmental signage. ► Mok Yeong-hui / Wonmi-1-dong Resident “There were voices raised among residents initially regarding restrictions on illegal trash dumping on streets. However, such issues were resolved as people gradually changed their attitudes…” ► Hadaeun-dong, Seongnam City The streets of this town in Seongnam (성남) City, which are densely packed with more than 30-year-old small multi-unit houses, have also been transformed after communal recycling bins were installed. ► Choi Yeong-suk / Hadaeun-dong Resident “Small multi-unit housing areas have lacked trash separation tems for recycling. However, after the introduction of these tems, the appearance of this town visibly improved and …” Based on voluntary resident movements, Resource Recirculation Town activities include, in addition to separate trash disposal, the reuse of plastic containers, the largest part of residential trash. ► ‘Resource Recirculation Town’ Support Program Introduced in 2012 The Resource Recirculation Town support program was introduced in 2012 to eradicate illegal trash disposal in old urban areas. ► Han Seong-gi / Director, Gyeonggi Province Resource Recirculation Division “Gyeonggi Province provides individual towns with customized consultation services and also presents awards to those that successfully implement the program …” For this year’s Resource Recirculation Town support, Gyeonggi Province has selected ten old urban towns around the province. These towns will soon regain lively atmospheres through environment-friendly transformations. Article 2. Gyeonggi Inspects Food Businesses in School Zones (180417-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Beginning this month, Gyeonggi Province will conduct hygiene inspections of food businesses in school zones. The subjects of inspection include arcades that feature food items as prizes. ► Children’s Favorite Haunts - Low-cost Restaurants Low-cost restaurants near primary schools are popular among children since they feature children’s favorite snacks. These snacks are often displayed without covering, left exposed for prolonged periods of time. ► Restaurant Proprietor “Children favor spicy rice cakes, rice cake skewers…” ► Children’s Favorite Haunts - Amusement Arcades Arcades with crane games are also favorite haunts of children. The crane games feature diverse items including snacks such as candies as prizes. However, these food items often remain in the machines for long periods, sometimes past their expiration dates and even to the point of becoming spoiled. ► Primary School Student “We share and enjoy the food we win. These games make us forget time once we start playing them.” ► 7,000 Food-related Businesses in School Zones Subject to Inspections More than 7,000 food-related businesses in school zones in the province are subject to inspections that began this month. The crackdown will be performed primarily in areas with dense concentrations of schools and arcades and will be intensified during the period around Children’s Day. ► Kim Gyeong-min / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Food Culture Team “Among the inspection subjects, we have also included advertisements with vulgar contents that can be harmful to the emotional development of children.” Violators of the Food Hygiene Act uncovered during inspections will be fined or subjected to administrative punishments. Article 3. Gyeonggi Reclaims Century-old Tree from Former Provincial Government Site in Seoul (0417-1) [Anchor’s Headline] A century-old thuja tree that was planted next to the former Gyeonggi Provincial Government building when it was constructed in Seoul in 1910 has finally been returned to the province. ► Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building in Seoul in 1920s This tree had remained in place even after the provincial government moved to Suwon in 1967 and was spared even when the building was later demolished. ► ‘Citizens Square’ This site was developed as ‘Citizens’ Square’ with this tree still in place. Originally the site of the former department of state of the Joseon (조선) Dynasty, this site is currently undergoing historical excavation. In order to reclaim the tree, Gyeonggi Province negotiated with Seoul for its transfer and finally succeeded in having it moved to the province. ► Suwon Gwangyo Museum This tree is being temporarily lodged at the Suwon Gwangyo (수원광교) Museum until it is permanently planted at the new Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. ► Yun Seong-jin / Director, Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi Hybrid Town Taskforce “We finally succeeded in reclaiming our century-old thuja tree after half a century. This is a meaningful event in the history of Gyeonggi provincial government buildings.” Since repeated planting can be hard on this old tree, Gyeonggi Province will provide the tree with intensive care by specialists. ► Lee Gyu-beom / Deputy Director, Tree Hospital “The examination results of its branches and new shoots indicate that this tree is still in good condition. Although we cannot be absolutely certain, we will do our best (to nurture the tree).” This historical tree will be replanted at the new Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex when construction of the complex is completed in 2020. Article 4. Gyeonggi Establishes Export Support Center (180418-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Last year, Korea saw a record-breaking amount of exports with Gyeonggi Province playing a key role, accounting for 21.6 percent of the national total. The Gyeonggi Provincial Government has established an export support center so as to help exporting enterprises overcome difficulties that are intensifying due to negative developments in global trade environments. ► Auto Parts Manufacturer, Siheung City The exports of this automobile parts manufacturer were affected seriously by the Chinese trade ban on Korean products. Crises continue since the withdrawal of General Motors from Korea is expected to negatively impact the situation. ► Yang Min-kuk / Representative of Auto Parts manufacturer “When sales drop on a long-term basis, the operation rates of production facilities also decrease, which can lead to employee layoffs.” ► ‘Triple Unfavorable Factors’ for Export Environments Negative trade factors include the deterioration of relations with the US and China, high interest rates and the instability of exchange rates. ► Comprehensive Export Support Center Gyeonggi Province’s export support center provides SMEs with assistance in exports, minimizes damage in negative trade environments, and promotes exports in linkage with related agencies. ► Kim Hyun-su / Director General, Gyeonggi Province International Cooperation Bureau “The purpose of this center is to provide customized export solutions to SMEs that have limited capabilities to overcome trade difficulties.” This center covers an extensive range of activities including the provision of export solutions to SMEs impacted by unfavorable trade environment developments and assistance in international trade disputes, as well as support tem formation in cooperation with related government agencies. The center is located in the Gwangyo (광교) Business Center in Suwon (수원) City. Article 5. Gyeonggi Publishes Guides for Using Elevators with Dogs (180416-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province recently published a safety guide for using elevators with dogs with the aim of preventing dogs from attacking fellow elevator passengers, incidents of which are becoming more frequent. ► Apartment Elevator, Yongin City Whoever enters an elevator and finds a dog as a fellow passenger is likely to feel uncomfortable even if the dog is on a leash and accompanied by its owner. ► Lee Hong-ryul / Yongin City Resident “If the dog is big, it is scarier. I hope that their owners would put muzzles on such dogs in addition to leashes.” ► Gyeonggi Province’s Safety Guides for Using Elevators with Pet Dogs To prevent dog attacks in elevators, Gyeonggi Province prepared this guide and began distributing 20,000 copies to residential buildings. [CG] The number of dog bite victims who visit hospitals has been increasing by approximately 100 each year since 2015. This guide covers safety rules recommended to elevator users as well as dog owners. This includes avoiding the blockage of a moving dog and, when accompanied by a dog, using the next elevator if the current one is already occupied by other persons. ► Yeo Un-chang / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Animal Protection Team “This guide will help prevent dog bites while using elevators, reduce inconvenience and discomfort among apartment residents, and promote good practices in using elevators with dogs.” With the number of dogs in Korea surpassing five million, Gyeonggi Province’s safety guide for using elevators with dogs will help establish a desirable pet-related culture. Article 6. Gyeonggi to Accelerate Old Urban Area Regeneration Efforts (180417-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province is accelerating its efforts to regenerate old urban areas. These efforts will primarily focus on the improvement of existing environments instead of redevelopment. ► Wonmi-dong, Bucheon City This neighborhood in Bucheon (부천) City, known as a beehive village, is densely packed with rundown housing with cracked walls and exposed steel bars. Some houses seem on the verge of collapse. ► Lee Jyeong-sun / Local Resident “With crumbling houses and protruding steel bars, we always feel insecure and inconvenienced. I hope to be able to live in decent conditions in improved environments.” Developed 45 years ago, this area was selected for urban regeneration by Gyeonggi Province. [CG] There are more than 230 rundown urban areas in the province with a combined population of approximately 4.5 million. Gyeonggi Province plans to improve these areas through urban regeneration projects ► Gyeonggi Province to Accelerate Implementation of Urban Regeneration Projects Gyeonggi Province recently announced the investment of KRW 100 billion by the year 2026 for the implementation of its urban regeneration projects. ► Local Urban Regeneration Support Centers to Be Established by 2020 To this end, urban regeneration centers will be established in each of its 31 localities. Gyeonggi Province will also pursue the selection of Gyeonggi areas by the central government for urban regeneration endeavors. ► Lee Jong-gu / Director, Gyeonggi Province Urban Regeneration Division “With participation by local residents, the urban regeneration projects strengthen the competitiveness of cities, improve quality of life for residents through the elimination of inconveniences, and create new jobs through urban regeneration centers.” Gyeonggi Province plans to initially invest more than KRW 230 billion by the year 2022 in the large-scale regeneration of old urban areas. Article 7. Large Number of Microdust Generators Uncovered in Gyeonggi (180418-1) [Anchor’s Headline] With microdust becoming a serious national concern in Korea, Gyeonggi Province staged a crackdown and uncovered a large number of businesses that illegally generate microdust. ► Construction Site, Icheon City A large truck loaded with soil leaves a construction site without passing through the wheel-cleaning tem as required. This tem is not even in working order. [Sync] “It was because the wheel cleaning tem was out of order, wasn’t it?” “They said they turned the tem on, but it didn’t work…” ► Furniture Factory, Hwaseong City The dark spray paint fumes that fill the air in a furniture factory are emitted through a window without being filtered. [Sync] “Are these black stains we see here the collection of dust from the paint shop?” “Yes.” ► Furniture Factory, Namyangju City Another furniture factory illegally incinerated wood scraps on site instead of sending them to a licensed disposal company. ► 164 Illegal Microdust-generating Sites Uncovered by Gyeonggi Judicial Police During the illegal microdust generation crackdown on 672 sites by the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police, violations were uncovered at 164 sites. [CG] This is equal to one in every four sites, a more than 6 percent increase over last year. Such ongoing violations are primarily ascribable to weak punishments. ► Kim Jong-gu / Superintendent, Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police “Violators are fined KRW 3 million. However, moral laxity is common among those who would rather pay the fine and continue the violations.” The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police plan to propose stronger penalties for illegal microdust generation while proceeding with criminal charges against violators. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2018.04.19
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. Farm Tours Add to Farmer Income (180409-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been providing support to farms that operate farm tour programs for extra income. Such programs have also resulted in significant marketing effects for these farms. ► Dairy Farm, Yongin City The provincial support extends to dairy farms. At this farm, visitors can experience a range of dairy farm work from feeding and milking cows to cheese making. This farm is a popular destination for children from childcare centers and kindergartens. ► Kim Ji-hyeon (Aged 5) / Dairy Farm Visitor “The milk from the cow was warm. It wasn’t cold.” This farm sees approximately 30,000 visitors annually. ► Product Sales Add to Income Since farm tourists also make considerable purchases on site, farmer income has more than doubled through such tour programs. ► Hwang Byeong-ik / Dairy Farmer “The greatest advantage is that these programs provide public relations opportunities and enable us to sell our products at prices less distribution margins.” ► Ostrich Far, Paju City A farm tour program also relieved this ostrich farm of marketing problems since the program helped publicize ostrich meat and its taste. ► Nam I-seok, Ostrich Farmer “Tourists are potential customers. We introduce ostrich meat and its extracts to them. That is how we find new customers, through direct sales, either on site or on a regular basis thereafter.” ► 20+ Gyeonggi Dairy Farms Attracted 160,000+ Visitors in 2017 The number of farm tour operators has increased steadily since 2007 to more than 20 last year. Gyeonggi Province provides these farms with tour facility cost support and consultation services. ► Gyeon Heung-su / Director, Gyeonggi Province Livestock Policy Division “We will continue to expand support so as to promote the livestock industry of the province and to help increase farmer income.” Encompassing all primary, secondary and tertiary industry elements – thus referred to as the sixth industry – farm tours are creating stable markets for related farms. Article 2. Employment Policy Results of Current Gyeonggi Administration (0412-1) [Anchor’s Headline] At the beginning of its term, the Gyeonggi provincial administration dedicated itself to ‘creating a safe and warm Gyeonggi Province with lots of jobs’. With the current administration`s term ending in less than two months, GTV has planned special reviews of the results of provincial policies in key administrative fields. ► Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (April 10) Gyeonggi Province Political Review Meeting This week we focus on employment policies, following the agenda for the provincial political review meetings of senior officials. ► Jobs Created in Gyeonggi Accounts for Half of National Total During this administration’s term, which began in July of 2014, 621,000 jobs were created in Gyeonggi Province, accounting for more than half of the national total. ► Lee Hui-jun / Director General, Gyeonggi Province Employment & Labor Policy Bureau “Over the past three years and six months, we have created new jobs that account for 50.7 percent of the national total. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that, throughout this period, we have been devoted to job creation.” Employment became the core of administrative policies from the beginning as seen by the establishment of related organizations and administration teams. ► Establishment of Startup Campus The establishment of the Startup Campus was a major step forward in job creation. Targeting 200 business startups by 2020, this campus provides comprehensive business startup support and has produced more than 300 graduates to date. ► Development of Techno Valleys Adding to current Pangyo (판교) Techno Valley, seven techno valley projects for advanced technology industries around the province will create homes for nearly 9,000 enterprises and approximately 190,000 new jobs. ► Lee Chun-pyo / Director General, Gyeonggi Province Urban Housing Office “I assure you that we will create a successful model in each project area through meetings (with interest groups) before the implementation of the project by specialists.” The Working Youths Account was the most popular employment policy item among youths. ► Working Youth Accounts Secured 15,500 subions from Youths Working Youth Account, a savings account program for youths, has secured 15,500 subions from youths to date. The general success of this administration’s employment policies is attributed to the practicality of the policies that targeted those who are in need as well as to the creation of ideal environments for business activities. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “For the past four years, we have all worked hard together to create a safe and warm Gyeonggi Province. If you ask me to point out the most successful result, it would be the creation of new jobs.” The Gyeonggi provincial administration will continue to do its utmost to realize the targeted creation of 700,000 new jobs during its term. The provincial political review meetings will continue on a weekly basis for welfare, safety and northern provincial development policies. Article 3. Gyeonggi Supports Multicultural Streamers (180409-2) [Anchor’s Headline] With the number of multicultural families in Korea surpassing half a million and Gyeonggi Province being home to the largest number of these families, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government began providing these families with support for multicultural content streaming via online platforms such as YouTube. ► Streamer, Seongnam City Using a mobile phone, this Russian family conducts a talk show in Russian and Korean via real-time online personal broadcasting, also known as streaming. [Sync] “I was surprised to learn that the audience expected to hear foreign languages…” Through a support program known as the Gyeonggi Dream Creator Program, Gyeonggi Province is nurturing streamers for the personal broadcasting of multicultural contents. ► Oksana, Lee Ye-eun, Lee Ye-seung / Gyeonggi Dream Creators “We hope that our broadcasts enable audience members to better understand foreign cultures. Although there are negative views of multicultural families in society, we see positive changes…” The contents of such broadcasts are expanding beyond cultural boundaries. ► Gyeonggi Dream Creator Program The Gyeonggi Dream Creator Program is currently being provided to its first twenty participants from multicultural families of diverse origins whose ages range from their teens to 50s. ► Monthly Support of KRW 400,000 Provided for Video Contents Creation Consisting of streaming education and operational support, the objective of this program, the first of its kind in Korea, is to propagate Gyeonggi provincial policies and multicultural information. ► Kim Mi-suk / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Contents Infrastructure Team “We expect that the production of video contents from the perspectives of multicultural families will promote their understanding of Gyeonggi provincial policies while creating job opportunities for them.” Streaming by multicultural ‘Dream Creators’ can be accessed from April 25 by searching for ‘Gyeonggi Dream (경기 드림)’ on YouTube or Facebook. This customized multicultural family support program is leveraging the advent of a multicultural age in Korea and one-person media technologies. Article 4. Gyeonggi’s Business Re-challenge Support Program (180410-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Those who have failed in business due to financial reasons rarely regain any hope for revival. Gyeonggi Province has been providing such persons with support to help them revive their business dreams. ► Lee Do-yong / Former Businessperson Lee (이도용), a game developer, recently attempted to start a business for the third time after having failed twice. Although his previous failures eroded his confidence, he regained confidence after participating in Gyeonggi Province’s Re-challenge Success Package Program. ► Lee Do-yong / Re-challenge Success Package Program Participant “Knowing that I was being helped, that I was not alone and there are wonderful resources such as educational and financial support that I could use helped in regaining confidence.” ► Re-challenge Success Package Program The Re-challenge Success Package Program is being operated by the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator. This program is open to those who have material business ideas and attempt to restart businesses after failed experiences. ► Kim Gil-a / Deputy Director, Business Startup Support Team, GBSA “This program aims to help those who previously failed in business startups establish a foundation for success in their new attempts and create new jobs in the process.” ► Mentoring by Specialists and Customized Business Startup Education This provincial support program is geared to help those with business ideas in technical fields. Support includes mentoring and failure analysis services by specialists, customized business startup education geared to minimize the risk of failure, financial support for prototype development and production, and business incubation facility support. Article 5. New Gyeonggi Provincial Anseong Hospital Building Opens (180412-2) [Anchor’s Headline] The Anseong (안성) Hospital of the Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center, the only general hospital in its region, reopened with an increased number of beds and additional departments after the completion of a new building. ► Anseong Hospital (April 10) Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Anseong Hospital Opening Ceremony On April 10, the Anseong (안성) Hospital resumed full medical services in its new building. Construction of this 7-story building began in 2015 on a site of 29,000 square meters. Its construction cost was KRW 53 billion. ► Number of Bed Increased to 308 The number of beds has been increased more than twofold to 308, of which more than 50 feature personal nursing and care services. ► Yu Hui-jun / Anseong City Resident “I go to no other hospitals than provincial hospitals because these hospitals have good facilities, their services less expensive and their kindness makes me feel at home.” New departments that opened with the new building include… ► New Departments Rehabilitation medicine, family medicine and oriental medicine departments ► Artificial Joint Center and Rehabilitation Center The hospital also saw the addition of the Artificial Joint Center and Rehabilitation Center. ► Kim Yong-suk / Director, Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Anseong Hospital “We will introduce a variety of projects for public benefit while improving medical service quality so as to help relieve Anseong citizens of health-related concerns.” The Anseong Hospital will also provide such services as hospice, which private hospitals often evade, and strengthened emergency services. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We now have the wonderful Anseong Hospital. Gyeonggi Province will provide the hospital with all necessary support so that it can provide local residents with quality services.” With comprehensive advanced medical facilities in place, Anseong (안성) Hospital will not only serve Anseong residents, but also play a key role as a regional medical center. Article 6. Gyeonggi Begins Vibrio Surveillance at Fishing Ports (180412-3) [Anchor’s Headline] The onset of vibrio diseases arrives earlier every year due to global warming. Gyeonggi Province urges residents to be cautious when consuming raw fish and shellfish, primary carriers of vibrio diseases at this time of year. ► Fish Market, Ansan City Fish markets feature increased varieties and quantities of marine products at this time of year. ► Ryu In-su / Shopper from Siheung City “I came to enjoy sashimi since the weather is good.” Marine products should be consumed more cautiously when sea water temperatures rise above 18 degrees centigrade, enabling vibrio bacteria to become active. This now occurs during spring instead of summer. ► Lee So-hyeopn / Researcher, Gyeonggi Province Institute of Health and Environment “The first vibrio vulnificus sepsis case of the year usually occurred in May or June. However, we have been seeing the first case occur during the period from March to April in recent years.” ► Gyeonggi Begins Vibrio Bacteria Surveillances in Coastal regions In order to prevent vibrio diseases, Gyeonggi Province has already commenced vibrio bacteria surveillance at fishing ports in five Yellow Sea coastal regions. The province also warns residents to be extra cautious when consuming marine products. Vibrio bacterial infection occurs when fish or shellfish is consumed raw or open wounds are exposed to sea water. The symptoms of vibrio vulnificus sepsis include fever, chills, muscular pain, diarrhea and blisters. Severe cases can be fatal, especially for those with liver or kidney diseases or with weakened immune tems. ► Kim Jeong-yeon, M.D. / Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Suwon Hospital “Vibrio diseases progress quite rapidly. Unless diagnosed and treated in early stages, their fatality rates are high at 50 to 80 percent since they can lead to sepsis.” To prevent vibrio diseases, it is best to clean fish and shellfish thoroughly under tap water, use sterilized knives and cutting boards, and to cook thoroughly before consuming. Article 7. Pocheon to Host Fashion Industry Complex (180410-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Pocheon (포천) City of Gyeonggi Province will become the host of a new fashion industry complex. On April 9, Gyeonggi Province, Pocheon (포천) City and related textile organizations signed an agreement for the development of the Gyeonggi Designer Village ‘Gomorie’ (고모리에). ► ‘Gomirie’ Development Site, Pocheon City In northern Gyeonggi regions, the textile and furniture industries constitute 30 percent of all manufacturing industries. Pocheon (포천) City’s Gyeonggi Designer Village ‘Gomorie’ (고모리에) will house comprehensive fashion industry facilities that combine these manufacturing industries on a site of 440,000 square meters. ► Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center (April 9) Cooperation Agreement for Gyeonggi Designer Village ‘Gomorie’ Development Gyeonggi Province plans to develop this complex into a design center of global caliber in which designers and fashion s can maximize their potential on an existing foundation formed by competitive textile enterprises. Gyeonggi Province and Pocheon (포천) City will undertake necessary administrative procedures and provide funds to secure the development site. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Gyeonggi Province and Pocheon City will provide total support so as to make this project a success.” Textile organizations will also provide active support to induce related enterprises to the Gomorie (고모리에) complex. ► Gomorie to Create Economic Effects of KRW 1.5 Trillion and 8,000+ New Jobs When successfully developed, the ‘Gomorie’ (고모리에) complex is projected to induce economic effects of KRW 1.5 trillion and to create more than 8,000 new jobs while contributing to balanced regional development in northern provincial regions. ► Pocheon City Mayor Kim Jong-cheon “We will pursue the creation of a world-class design and tourism center that can provide one-stop, total solutions that encompass creative activities, distribution, shopping and experiences.” The ‘Gomorie’ (고모리에) project is currently being reviewed for approval by the central government with completion slated for 2023. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2018.04.12
Article 1. Gyeonggi Regional Differences in Water Source Protection (180402-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province recently took the initiative in bringing the city administrations of Pyeongtaek (평택), Anseong (안성) and Yongin (용인) to a negotiation table over long-standing differences regarding development restrictions in water source protection areas. ► Jinwicheon Stream, Pyeongtaek City When a water treatment plant was established in Pyeongtaek (평택) City in 1979, disputes arose over the ensuing development restrictions on upstream areas that affected 10 percent of the Yongin (용인) City area and 17 percent of the Anseong (안성) City area. The disputes between these three cities have remained unsettled to this day. ► Kim Yeong-hun / Chairman, Anseong City Ri Representatives Committee “While Pyeongtaek City enjoys development with the addition of new buildings every day, in Anseong City, even existing building permits have to be cancelled due to water source area development restrictions …” Pyeongtaek (평택) City maintains that the water quality of the Pyeongtaek (평택) Watershed would be compromised if development is permitted in upstream areas. ► Son Ui-seong / Representative of Pyeongtaek Civic Environment Organization “Water source protection measures must be in place to ensure that the inflow water is clean and to prevent the influx of unusable, contaminated water.” ► Gyeonggi Province Water Resources Headquarters (March 29) Establishment of Cooperation Task Force for Mutual Benefit In order to help settle differences that have escalated almost to the point of becoming regional conflicts, Gyeonggi Province took the initiative and established a cooperation task force for the mutually beneficial settlement of these long-pending issues. ► Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Jae-yul “We will create an exemplary cooperation model that will help preserve water source quality while accommodating regional interests through the rationalization of regulations.” Consisting of representatives of the province and the three cities involved, this task force will focus on the mitigation of old regulations while protecting water sources. Article 2. Gyeonggi Operates Mobile Slaughterhouse (180403-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Small stock farms in Korea have difficulties accessing slaughterhouses when needed since these facilities are primarily committed to large users. In order to address such issues, Gyeonggi Province began operating a mobile slaughterhouse exclusively for small stock farmers. ► Chicken Farm, Seongnam City For this chicken farm with 2,000 Korean native chickens, securing slaughter services in time for delivery has always been a major challenge. ► Park Cheol-nam / Chicken Farmer “If we have to deliver frozen chickens instead of fresh ones (due to problems with slaughtering), the quality of the chickens is affected and we lose competitiveness.” Most small stock farmers face similar situations since few slaughterhouses operate in small quantities. Yet operating their own facilities is too expensive for most small farms. ► First Mobile Slaughterhouses in Korea to Be Introduced by Gyeonggi Province This mobile slaughterhouse is fully equipped with related facilities on a 13.7-meter long trailer truck. Operating on a trial basis, this truck will serve small stock farms, primarily chicken farms and goat farms, as well as animal breeders in traditional markets around the province. ► Kim Yong-bok / Animal Breeder in Market “We no longer have to travel to slaughterhouses with collective numbers of animals. It is now possible to use slaughtering services even for just a few animals right here. That is what is most convenient.” Introduced for the first time in Korea, this mobile alternative to an established slaughterhouse also resolves problems that arise from the aversion of residents. ► Sin Byeong-ho / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Stock Farm Products Safety Team “It has been difficult for small livestock farms to use slaughterhouses due to a lack of available facilities nearby. We introduced the mobile slaughterhouse to address such issues and ensure the hygiene of the products of these farms.” While relieving difficulties faced by small stock farms, the mobile slaughterhouse also prevents illegal slaughtering in traditional markets. Article 3. Gyeonggi Accelerates Road Work in Northern Regions (180404-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been investing large amounts in road construction in northern provincial regions. This year will see active progress in these efforts, known as the ‘five key road construction projects.’ ► Tonggu-ri, Yeongcheon County Large truck traffic on this road in Yeoncheon (연천) County has increased significantly with the development of an industrial complex in the area. ► Groundbreaking of Road Expansion on Local Road #371 (April 3) Work has begun to expand Local Road 371 between Yeoncheon (연천) County and Paju (파주) City in this area at a cost of KRW 120 billion. ► Lee Jae-an / Representative of Enterprise Relocating to Industrial Complex “I am certain that traffic convenience and safety issues will be resolved (after the completion of work).” ► Gyeonggi to Continue Large Investments in Key Roads in Northern Regions Gyeonggi Province has been investing more than KRW 80 billion annually in key road construction projects in northern areas of the province so as to promote balanced regional development and to prepare for national reunification. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “We will do our utmost to eliminate traffic problems, create new jobs and prepare for national reunification.” The key road construction projects include five projects on seven roads in northern provincial regions. These projects will cost more than KRW 920 billion in total. In addition to work on Local Road 371, work on the Onam - Sudong (오남-수동) section of the road between Seoul and Gapyeong (가평) began this year. Two projects for roads between the cities of Yangju (양주) and Paju (파주), and between the cities of Donducheon (동두천) and Pocheon (포천) are slated for completion later this year. The remaining project for work between Jangheung (장흥) and Gwajeok (과적) in connection with the Seoul Beltway will see the beginning of design this year. Article 4. Gyeonggi Invests KRW 170 Billion in Road Safety in 2018 (180402-1) [Anchor’s Headline] With the number of registered vehicles having increased by 230,000 over the past year and with more vehicles on the road, Gyeonggi Province announced the investment of KRW 170 billion in road safety projects. ► Intersection in Anseong City After the introduction of a rotary intersection last year, this 6-road juncture in Anseong (안성) City, which used to be the scene of frequent accidents, became safer with smoother traffic flow. ► Sin Gil-sik / Driver from Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong Province “There used to be heavy traffic jams and a high accident risk. However, after the rotary intersection was established, traffic became smoother, even though slower.” ► Intersection in Oigacheon-ri, Anseong City On the other hand, this intersection requires major restructuring. Vehicles often tangle together in traffic jams due to its inefficient and confusing geometric structure. [CG] There are 5.39 million registered vehicles in Gyeonggi Province with traffic problems worsening each year. ► Gyeonggi to Invest KRW 170 Billion in Road Safety Projects in 2018 This year’s investment in road safety by Gyeonggi Province is 25 percent larger than that of last year. ► 26 Projects in 5 Categories This investment will be utilized for a total of 26 projects in five categories that include: the promotion of safety through the elimination of dangerous elements; the improvement of environments for pedestrians; the expansion of advanced traffic information tems; the implementation of semi-public intercity bus operation management; and the strengthening of transportation service provider supervision and education. ► Park Chan-gyu / Gyeonggi Province Transportation Welfare Team Official “The objectives (of the road safety projects) are to prevent road accidents and reduce the number of road accident victims by creating safe road environments.” Through multifaceted road safety projects, Gyeonggi Province is targeting a reduction in road accident fatalities of more than 40 percent relative to 2015. Article 5. Good Morning House Resumes Full Annual Operations (0405-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has remodeled the former gubernatorial residence and opened it to the public for cultural activities. Known as Good Morning House, these facilities, which include spaces for exhibitions and performances as well as lodging, recently resumed annual operations. ► Good Morning House Café (April 4) Cultural Healing Brunch Concert When our reporter visited the Good Morning House, its café was filled by families and children who came to enjoy a brunch concert with a meal in a laidback atmosphere. [Sync] – Site Sound - The sweet voice of the singer adds to the relaxed mood of spring warmth. ► Heo Hye-ju, Lee Yeon-suk / Visitors from Hwaseong City “My daughter asked me to come here with her to have a cup of tea. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy a concert. I am glad I came, and I want to come again.” ► Brunch Concert on Every Wednesday and Friday Good Morning House Café hosts a brunch concert featuring classical music, jazz or traditional Korean music every Wednesday and Friday. There are also a variety of events held at Good Morning House throughout the year. ► Weekly Children’s Programs, Education Programs, ‘Book Club’ These events include weekly programs such as experiential programs for children, educational programs, and book club meetings. ► ‘Picnic on Mats’ on Saturdays (Until May) There is also the ‘Picnic on Mats’ program that will run every Saturday until May, as well as flea markets, art markets, busking, and tea ceremony events. ► Ko Hyeon-suk / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Good Morning House Team “This year’s programs were organized for enjoyment by diverse groups of people throughout the day.” Opened in 2016, Good Morning House attracted more than 110,000 visitors last year and has now firmly established itself as a popular provincial cultural activity center for visitors of all ages. Article 6. Yangju Techno Valley to Host Drone Technology Enterprises (180404-3) [Anchor’s Headline] On April 3, Gyeonggi Province and Yangju (양주) City signed a cooperation agreement with the Korea Drone Association for drone technology development. ► Yangju Techno Valley Site, Yangju City According to the agreement, Yangju (양주) Techno Valley, which is slated for completion in 2024 on a site of 550,000 square meters in Yangju (양주) City, will host a drone industry complex. ► Drone Industry Complex Development Cooperation Agreement (April 3) The three parties to the agreement will work closely together for the realization of the complex. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Yangju Techno Valley should lead the 4th industrial revolution. To this end, we just witnessed the establishment of a foundation for the drone industry today.” ► Yangju City Mayor Lee Seong-ho “I hope that this agreement is a stepping stone for Yangju Techno Valley in becoming a leader in the world drone market.” Yangju (양주) Techno Valley will also become a center for provincial drone technology education, development and consultation support. ► Jang Seong-chang / Director, Korea Drone Association “I am certain that Gyeonggi Province will become a national leader (in drone technologies) through the combination of drone industry knowhow and the locational benefits of Yangju Techno Valley.” ► Development of Yangju Techno Valley to be Completed in 2024 The Yangju (양주) Techno Valley project in the northeastern region of the province is currently in the feasibility study stage with completion slated for 2024. When completed, this techno valley will house, in addition to a drone industry complex, biotech, electric and electronic enterprises with more than 23,000 jobs, creating economic effects valued at KRW 1.9 trillion. Article 7. Pyeongtaek Port Tour Vessel ‘Camellia’ Begins Operation (0406-2) [Anchor’s Headline] A port tour vessel with a capacity of over 80 tons and more than a hundred passengers recently began operation at Pyeongtaek (평택) Port. This vessel will guide passengers through port facilities. ► Pyeongtaek Port Tour Vessel Named Camelia, this boat is 26.6 meters in length and 6.6 meters in width; it has a capacity of 85 tons and a maximum speed of 17 knots. Camelia covers all docking and distribution facilities of the port. ► Yun Jin-ju / Student in International Trade, Bucheon City “I heard about container docks and automobile quays but this was the first time I saw their operations first hand. As a student of international trade, I was very interested.” The interior of the vessel can also be used for meetings. ► Maximum Capacity: 153 Persons Camelia can carry up to 153 persons including crew. ► Operates Twice Daily, 3 Days a Week Camelia will operate twice daily, three days a week. This vessel will provide its passengers with a 50-minute tour of the port in cooperation with related port service operators and the Korean Navy. ► Kim Jae-seung / Director, Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek Port Corp. Project Development Division “The objective is to better inform domestic exporting and importing enterprises about Pyeongtaek Port and to promote the port as the only international port of the province among provincial residents…” ► Services Provided to Marine Transportation and Port Service Personnel, General Public Port tour services are available to businesses, marine transportation and port service personnel, and the general public. Reservations are required at least five days in advance via the Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek Port Corporation. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2018.04.03
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 Announces Perennial Drought Measures (180326-2) [Anchor’s Headline] With the intensity of droughts and their damaging effects increasing each year, Gyeonggi Province recently announced measures to fundamentally resolve drought-related issues through efficient water management. ► Madun Reservoir, Anseong City (Last Summer) Last year, Gyeonggi Province suffered severe droughts that began early in the summer, leaving most reservoirs dry. ► Yeongdong-ri, Gwangju City (Last Winter) Suffering continued, especially in mountainous areas, through a winter that saw extremely cold weather. ► Kim Sun-I / Mountain Village Resident “We could somehow manage most difficulties. However, frozen toilets and boilers made our lives extremely difficult.” Droughts have become more frequent in recent years due to climatic changes. [CG] In fact, the frequency of droughts has more than doubled from 0.36 times annually before the year 2000 to 0.76 times after. ► Gyeonggi Develops Permanent Anti-Drought Measures The announced measures are geared to permanently address drought issues. ► Jeon Pil-geun / Gyeonggi Province Natural Disaster Response Team Official “There are significant regional differences in climatic change and the amounts of precipitation. Since droughts have become more intense and are causing more serious agricultural damage, we developed these measures to resolve the related problems on a permanent basis.” The primary objective of these measures is the security of agricultural water supplies. ► Improvement of Reservoir and Irrigation Facilities Such endeavors will include utilizing KRW 3.2 billion to minimize water losses at five old reservoirs and connected water courses. ► Construction of Irrigation Canals between Pyeongtaek Watershed and Reservoirs In addition, new irrigation canals will be constructed from the Pyeongtaek (평택) Watershed to reservoirs that supply water to more than 2,500 hectares of farmland in surrounding areas. ► Water Supply to Remote Areas and Use of Sewage Treatment Discharge Water Other anti-drought measures include reuse of discharge water from sewage treatment plants and the installation of water supply facilities on remote islands and in mountainous regions. Article 2. Japanese Artists’ Exhibition at Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation (180327-2) [Anchor’s Headline] An exhibition by Japanese artists is being held at the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation. Titled ‘Deep Breath’, this exhibition showcases their interpretations of Korean cultural objects that can be rediscovered by calmly ‘inhaling’ them. ► ‘Epic Chant ‘Pansori’, an Orally Conveyed Literature’ Pansori (판소리), a form of traditional Korean chanting, is appreciated in a different way here via images of the lips and teeth of the performer who conveys dramatic emotions. ► ‘Capture’ This unorthodox trap with three scorched insects caught in it depicts the predatory nature of mankind that has been passed down from ancient days. ► ‘Samganghaeksildo’ – Virtues of Noble People This work helps us rediscover an ancient drawing about virtues by presenting parts of it alongside corresponding images of modern depictions. ► Lee Jae-yeong / Viewer from Suwon City “The objects of the artwork at this exhibition are something beyond our normal imagination. However, it was fascinating to see these fundamental things along with how we normally perceive them…” ► Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation (Until April 6) ‘Deep Breath’ Exhibition This exhibition features 14 depictions of Korean culture in the form of installation and image art created by the Japanese artist duo Hiroyas Yukawa (히로야스 유카와) and Keichi Nakayas (케이치 나카야스) – known by the combined name of Yukawa Nakayas (유카와 나카야스). ► Lee Ji-hyeon / Curator, Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation “The philosophy of the artwork showcased in this exhibition begins with a deep breath, a primitive act that we do to gain composure when we face something foreign and unfamiliar. This exhibition will provide a new opportunity to rediscover Korean culture through the eyes of Japanese artists.” Following this exhibition, which will run until April 6, the two Japanese artists plan to showcase their interpretation of Taiwanese culture at the Artist Village in Taiwan in May. Article 3. Gyeonggi Expands Coverage of Microdust Measures (0328-1) [Anchor’s Headline] In addition to the strengthening of microdust-related environmental standards by the Korean government, Gyeonggi Province plans to expand the coverage of microdust measures including the supply of protective equipment to more vulnerable individuals. [CG] The lowest limit for a ‘high’ microdust concentration per cubic meter of air was adjusted from 50 micrograms to 35 micrograms. [CG] This means 82 days this year saw high microdust levels with ‘very high’ levels seen on 6 days. With these numbers being expected to increase rapidly, Gyeonggi Province decided to expand the coverage of protection measures. ◊ Microdust Masks on Buses during Microdust Emergency Periods First, 3.75 million microdust-grade masks are made available on buses in the province for free use by passengers during microdust emergency periods. ► Lee Tae-gyeong / Suwon City Resident “I was in a rush in the morning and forgot to take a mask with me. However, I was able to get one on the bus; I find it really convenient.” ◊ Free Microdust Masks Supplied to Children and Seniors Children under 7 years of age and senior users of local public health centers are supplied with free microdust masks, beginning last month with the supply of 2.8 million masks in the cities of Gwangju (광주) Anseong (안성) and Suwon (수원). ◊ Air Purifier Installation at Senior, Disabled and Children’s Facilities Air purifier installation is currently underway at more than 20,000 facilities for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children. Air purifiers will also be installed on 2,200 long-distance buses later this year. ► Kim Tae-su / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Microdust Response Team “We prioritized practicality of benefits in policy establishment and focused on the protection of population who are more sensitive to microdust through the supply of Ddabok masks and air purifiers…” In addition, Gyeonggi Province also plans to provide support for eco-friendly wallpaper and floor replacement at 500 welfare facilities as well as for the replacement of boilers with those that use eco-friendly fuels at small businesses in northern provincial regions. Article 4. Gyeonggi Local Governments’ Regulatory Reform Contest (180328-2) [Anchor’s Headline] On March 27, the finals of a regulatory reform case contest took place between 16 local governments of Gyeonggi Province. The finalists vied for a place among ten winners of provincial special reform support totaling KRW 30 billion. [Sync] “Let’s go and reform!” ► Gyeonggi Institute of Science & Technology Promotion (March 27) 2018 Regulatory Reform Project Contest Held in an audition format, the contest was enlivened by presenters who represented their local governments in characteristic attire as well as by enthusiastic cheering squads from each locality. ► Kim Chang-woo / Yangju City Presenter “We finally realized our dream of inducing a techno valley!” After each presentation, the presenter and the corresponding government head were asked questions by a panel of judges. ► Lee Byeong-gil / Judge Committee Chairman “Do you believe that the amendment of that official order was solely the result of the efforts of Ansan citizens?” ► Ansan City Mayor Je Jong-gil “Shoreland being permitted for land registration is solely the results of Ansan citizens’ efforts. However…” This contest was organized with the aim of identifying exemplary regulatory reform cases and sharing them with other local governments of the province. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Regulations may cause tax payer money to be wasted and slow down growth engines. (On the other hand,) regulatory reform helps create new jobs and drives a virtuous circle of welfare.” Of the sixteen reform cases in the finals, those that overcame local economic growth obstacles such as development restrictions numbered 12. ► Uijeongbu City Won 1st Prize The first prize went to Uijeongbu (의정부) City for its case of culture and shopping complex development at a former US military base site. ► Ko Jin-taek / Uijeongbu City Presenter “The case we presented pertains to lifting development restrictions on an area. We expect that the Uijeongbu Cultural Complex to be developed in this area will help revive our city significantly.” The ten winning local governments will be provided with provincial special reform support totaling KRW 10 billion as well as prize money. Article 5. Gyeonggi Seeks Revitalization of Pyeongtaek Port (180328-3) [Anchor’s Headline] In its search for ways in which to revitalize Pyeongtaek (평택) Port, Gyeonggi Province organized an informal meeting with related specialists. Trade activities through this international port have been declining with recent negative developments in related trade. ► Pyeongtaek Port Such negative developments include the planned withdrawal of a foreign automobile enterprise and the trade protectionism of the United States. These are the leading causes of a recent decline in the use of Pyeongtaek Port facilities. SMEs that are heavily dependent on exports, especially auto part suppliers, will be hit hard by such developments. ► Pyeongtaek Port Revitalization Meeting (March 27) During the meeting, various opinions for the revitalization of Pyeongtaek (평택) Port and exports were shared among the attendees. ► Sin Il-seung / Marine Transportation Enterprise Pyeongtaek Branch Manager “Attracting a cargo ship to a port has the effect of creating a large number of jobs, as many as the establishment of a new factory may generate. Therefore, we need to pay more attention to such possibilities…” ► Yun Yong-ho / Director of Distribution Enterprise “I hope that a new town or at least a residential complex can be established within five-kilometer radius of the port.” Other opinions suggested during the meeting that warrant further discussion include the diversification of shipping lanes and the establishment of a business incubation center. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Pyeongtaek Port is the only international port of the province. Gyeonggi Province will endeavor to increase trade volume through the port and induce industrial complexes with many new jobs through the development of supporting infrastructure.” Gyeonggi Province also plans to establish a task force for the administrative support of Pyeongtaek (평택) Port and for the promotion of the port through proposals to the central government. Article 6. Development of Gyeonggi’s Techno Valleys in Full Swing (180329-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province’s Ilsan (일산) Techno Valley and Gwangmyeong-Siheung (광명-시흥) Techno Valley projects, two advanced technology complex projects, will soon enter full development stages, suggesting a significant change in the industrial map of the province in 5 years. ► Ilsan Techno Valley Site, Goyang City The Ilsan (일산)Techno Valley will be established in Goyang (고양) City on a site of approximately 800,000 square meters, large enough to encompass 97 soccer fields. This complex will house enterprises in advanced technology fields including IT contents, convergence technologies and autonomous vehicles with aggregate annual sales of KRW 70 trillion. ► 326th General Meeting of Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly (March 22) These projects have recently been approved by the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly. ► Choi Chun-sik / Member of Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly “This project was approved in its original form due to its job creation potential.” ► Gwangmyeong-Siheung Techno Valley Site, Gwangmyeong City The development of Gwangmyeong-Siheung (광명-시흥)Techno Valley also received a green light. [CG] With a project cost of approximately KRW 1.7 trillion, this techno valley is planned on a site of roughly 2 million square meters. Of its four sub-projects, a housing complex project was approved by the provincial assembly. ► Lee Su-dae / Gwangmyeong City Resident “When the techno valley is established, the quality of life of residents will be improved with improved surrounding environments and amenities.” The completion of Ilsan (일산) Techno Valley is slated for the year 2023, the same year targeted for the completion of Gwangmyeong-Siheung (광명-시흥)Techno Valley. Article 7. Gyeonggi Promotes Traditional Markets for Young Consumers (180329-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been promoting business startups by youths in traditional markets so as to help these markets attract more young consumers. The provincial government plans to continue its policy of changing traditional markets to meet the needs of young consumers. ► Anseong Matchum Market ‘Youths’ is a word frequently encountered in this traditional market in Anseong (안성) City. Since this market section was designated by Gyeonggi Province for business startups by youths last year, its atmosphere has changed to appeal to the tastes of youths and its visitors have become younger. ► Lee Seung-yeon / Shopper “I visit this market more often these days. I had seldom entered these alleys before. However, since I began coming to these alleys, I am naturally attracted to other things.” ► Hyeondae Market, Seongnam City This traditional market in Seongnam (성남) City boasts elegant facilities that are comparable to those of department stores and offers an indoor atmosphere preferred by young consumers. ► Jeong Gyeong-hui / Hyeondae Market Merchant “(After remodeling,) it became much easier for us to work and passages became wider and cleaner for shoppers, who appreciate the changes…” Traditional markets in Gyeonggi Province are slowly restoring patronage by youths thanks to provincial promotional efforts. ► Development of ‘Young Markets’ This year, Gyeonggi Province will expand its traditional market support to create ‘Young Markets’ that can also attract tourists. ► Yun Jeong-hun / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Traditional Market Support Team “Making markets younger helps them serve the needs of a wider range of consumers. For that reason, we increased the budget (for traditional market support) 250 percent this year.” Shedding shabby old images, traditional markets with new appearances are expected to restore their vitality through increased popularity among consumers of all age groups. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2018.03.29
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. Orientation for First Participants in Gyeonggi’s Working Youth Series (180319-2) [Anchor’s headline] The Working Youth Series, Gyeonggi Province’s young SME employee support programs slated for launch this year, drew considerable interest from youths as indicated by an associated website being overwhelmed during the first application period. ► Seosuwon Chilbo Sports Arena (March 18) Orientation Session for Working Youth Series Participants At an orientation session held in a local sports stadium on March 18, more than 1,500 youths who had successfully qualified to participate in these programs filled the venue. The first application period that ended last month saw a high competition rate at 3.4 to 1. ► Jeong Ki-tae / Youth Pension Program Participant, Namyangju City “I believe that (with Working Youth Series support) one will be more motivated and continue to be employed for a long period of time, realizing dreams for the long term.” ► Wu Su-yeon / “Youth Pension Program” Participant, Yongin City “I see the possibility of having my own home and saving enough money for marriage after ten years…” This was the first orientation session organized for Working Youth Series participants. During the event, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil (남경필) delivered an address and spoke with youths regarding the programs. Of the three Working Youth Series programs, the orientation session on this day was for participants in the Youth Pension program. ► Working Youth Series Programs - Youth Pension - Youth Meister Account - Youth Welfare Points The three programs are: Youth Pension, a 10-year pension account program; Youth Meister Account, a periodic deposit account program; and Youth Welfare Points, cashable points based on employment duration. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “Youths can nurture their dreams through these programs. I hope that more similar programs will be developed and propagate throughout the nation.” Part of Gyeonggi Province’s youth employment support policies, these programs aim to promote the employment of youths at small and medium-sized enterprises. The second application period for the Working Youth Series is slated for April. Article 2. Gyeonggi Promotes Animal-friendly Livestock Farming (180320-2) [Anchor’s headline] Last year, chicken farms in Korea were devastated by a nationwide egg boycott that followed reports of pesticide-tainted eggs. In order to help alleviate such risks for livestock, Gyeonggi Province recently announced a new policy. ► Cattle Farm in Icheon City At this cattle farm with more than 100 cows, three cows share a shed of approximately 32 square meters, an area usually occupied by five or six cows at most other farms. Enjoying more spacious quarters, the cows at this farm suffer less stress. In addition, this farm uses eco-friendly, non-chemical methods of insect control. ► Lim Gwan-bin / Cattle Farmer “We are in an environment-conscious livestock farming age. If we are to enjoy positive consumer ratings, we should maintain clean and better environments for animals.” ► Gyeonggi Introduces ‘Happy Livestock Farm’ Designation System The new policy of Gyeonggi Province, the Happy Livestock Farm designation tem, is geared to promote more spacious animal sheds as an alternative to conventional factory-style sheds. To qualify for designation, farms are required to have an average shed space of 10 square meters per cow or 0.8 square meters per pig as well as being subject to tests for residual chemicals and antibiotics. ► Gyeon Hong-su / Director, Gyeonggi Province Livestock Policy Division “…to promote livestock farming methods that provide the animals with natural living environments while also minimizing stress and unnecessary suffering…” Designated Happy Livestock Farms will be provided with financial support as well as consultation services for facility modifications. In addition, these farms will be provided with provincial certification that enables their products to enjoy advantages in pricing and consumer recognition. Gyeonggi Province plans to designate 40 Happy Livestock Farms this year and will increase the number to 400 by the year 2022. Article 3. Gyeonggi to Eliminate Long Unfinished Buildings (180321-1) [Anchor’s headline] Gyeonggi Province plans to take the initiative in eliminating buildings that have been left unfinished in urban areas for prolonged periods of time, creating unsightly scenes and posing a danger as scenes for criminal activities. ► Building Construction Site, Yongin City Provincial intervention with such sites will begin this September. This spa construction site between a residential area and a local park has remained unfinished for years since construction work was halted after the constructor went bankrupt six years ago. ► Kim Mun-su, Local Resident, Yongin City “It is unsightly and harms the appearance of the area. Something must be done to enable the work to be finished…” ► Building Construction Site, Yongin City This half-finished building has become a ruin through exposure to the elements over a twenty-year span. In Gyeonggi Province, there are 42 such building sites that have been left unfinished for more than two years – sixty percent of them for more than ten years. ► Gyeonggi to Eliminate Long-unfinished Buildings from September Gyeonggi Province plans to intervene in the situations of individual sites – usually arising from financial reasons or disputes – so as to identify ways in which to either resume the original construction work or allocate the sites to other uses. ► Song Hae-chung / Director, Gyeonggi Province Architecture & Design Division “There is no legal basis that enables the administration to intervene. However, we will seek ways in which to resolve such situations through dialogue with interested parties and specialists…” Building sites that involve complicated claim and obligation relationships will be assigned individual building managers and become subject to regular safety management. Provincial intervention in long-abandoned building sites is also expected to have positive effects on local people’s lives. Article 4. Free Facial Masks for Individuals Vulnerable to Microdust (0320-1) [Anchor’s headline] In order to protect individuals who are vulnerable to microdust, which is regarded as more harmful than smoking, Gyeonggi Province is supplying free facial masks to seniors and children. Free masks are also available to the public on buses during microdust emergency periods. ► Public Health Center, Anseong City Free facial masks are available at local public health centers. [Sync] “The purpose of wearing these masks is to prevent harmful dust from entering our bodies through the respiratory tem.” Known as Ddabok Masks, these masks are rated as KF80 in the filtration of microdust. ► Ddabok Masks Available to 30,000 Seniors from Local Public Health Centers Seniors over 65 years of age may receive up to six Ddabok Masks at local public health centers throughout the province. ► Jeong Han-kuk (Aged 79), Anseong City Resident “The availability of these masks helps us protect our bodies from microdust. People of advanced ages appreciate it…” ► Childcare Center, Siheung City Ddabok Masks are also available free of charge to children under 7 years of age. ► Ddabok Masks Distributed to 400,000 Children under 6 These masks are being distributed to children through childcare facilities, children’s shelters and local children’s centers. ► Yun Mi-ra / Director, Childcare Center “We have always been concerned about microdust and yellow dust. With these masks, the safety and health of our children can now be ensured and they can even play outdoors.” ► Ddabok Masks Available on Buses during Microdust Emergency Periods During each microdust emergency period, 100 Ddabok Masks will be placed in a dispenser on each of the 12,500 buses in the province for free use by the general public. ► Kim Tae-su / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Microdust Measures team “We will do our utmost to enable our residents not to worry about microdust anymore.” In addition to the free distribution of Ddabok Masks, Gyeonggi Province is also pursuing diverse microdust reduction measures such as the installation of air purifiers and bus idling-prevention devices. Article 5. Gyeonggi Provides Homeless with Education in the Humanities (0319-3) [Anchor’s headline] With the number of homeless individuals in the province surpassing 1,000, Gyeonggi Province has been successfully operating a special education program for these individuals so as to help them restore their hopes in life. ► Hanshin University (March 15) ‘Shoulder-to-shoulder Humanities School’ Opening Ceremony On March 15, the opening ceremony of this humanities school was held in a university lecture room. More than 30 homeless individuals who have enrolled in this free education course, titled Shoulder-to-shoulder Humanities School, attended the ceremony and listened intently to the opening-day lecture. ► Park Deuk-seo / Homeless Individual, Humanities School Attendee “I want to rediscover what I am worth and what I have. Beyond that, I also want to find my aptitude and a new job to give myself a chance to become closer to society.” ► Curriculum Customized for Individuals The education course includes subjects in the humanities such as movies, art and literature, therapeutic programs such as physical education, camping and psychological counselling, and vocational certification courses. ► Jeong Chang-seop / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Muhandolbom Team “Restoration of self-respect is very important for the realization of self-reliance by homeless individuals. Humanities education combined with psychological and therapeutic programs is provided to help them readapt to society…” Out of 187 humanities school graduates, 146 have succeeded in attaining economic independence to date. Home to the third largest number of homeless individuals in Korea following Seoul and Daegu (대구), Gyeonggi Province is opening a path to a new life for those who once believed they had lost everything. Article 6. Gyeonggi Supports Small Business Startups (0320-3) [Anchor’s headline] Gyeonggi Province has been operating a small business startup support program titled ‘Success Package for Promising Small Businesses’. Program participants are provided with customized support in a range of fields from financing to actual business establishment. ► Lee Ju-yeon, Handicraft Shop Proprietor, Anseong City Last September, Lee (이주연) opened a one-person handicraft accessory business. Despite initial difficulties, she was able to steer her business in the right direction thanks to Gyeonggi Province’s small business startup support. Achieving stable monthly sales of KRW 2 million, she is now looking at entering overseas markets. ► Lee Ju-yeon / Former ‘Success Package for Promising Small Businesses’ Participant “I was almost completely lost at first. However, after receiving nearly ninety hours of education, I was able to have some idea of what steps to take to open a business.” ► ‘Success Package for Promising Small Businesses’ Program This small business startup support program is open to anyone who has ideas and techniques of good business potential. Participants are provided with customized personal assistance through the entire business startup processes as well as financial support of up to KRW 8.5 million. ► Heo Jeong-ho / Deputy Manager, Small Business Support Center, Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator “We provide aspiring small business founders who have potential business ideas and techniques with a comprehensive business startup support package.” ► Applications Received Until April 5 Applications for this small business startup support program are being received at the Small Business Support Center of the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator until April 5. Article 7. Illegal Alternative Medicine Practitioners Uncovered in Gyeonggi (0321-3) [Anchor’s headline] The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police recently uncovered a large number of unlicensed tattooists and alternative medicine therapists. The public is cautioned to be wary of these illegal practitioners and the health-related consequences that their services may entail. ► Semi-permanent Makeup Parlor - Hair Salon in Goyang City Using various tattooing and medical supplies, this hair salon in Goyang (고양) City has been offering semi-permanent makeup services. Unbeknownst by its clients, this shop has been operating without a license. ► Semi-permanent Makeup Parlor – Nail Salon in Yangju City This nail salon also has been offering permanent eyebrow and eyeline tattooing services without a license. [Sync]. “You were going to begin the (tattooing) service, weren’t you?” “Yes, I admit I was.” ► Cupping Therapist – Sauna in Goyang City There is also a cupping therapist who has been practicing at a sauna without a license. Client records show the dates of the procedures performed. Cupping therapy is an alternative medicine practice that must be performed only by qualified therapists to prevent serious medical and hygienic issues. ► Cho Hang-rae / Dermatologist “Eyebrow tattooing increases the risk of secondary infections and may cause allergic reactions to the pigments used.” ► 130 Violators Uncovered in Gyeonggi During the crackdown, 130 unlicensed providers of such services were apprehended and charged for criminal practices. These illegal services were primarily provided at hair salons, saunas, and even private studios. ► Yu Ye-na / Inspector, Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Goyang Center “The crackdown was conducted based on information that eyebrow tattooing is being performed widely at hair salons. Out of 358 suspected locations, we discovered violations at 130 locations.” The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police have decided to deal with the apprehended violators strictly according to criminal laws. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV. We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2018.03.22
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. Gyeonggi Local Fruits Replace Imports (180312-1) [Anchor’s Headline] In recent years in Gyeonggi Province, the production of foreign fruits, especially tropical fruits such as guavas that are primarily imported from South America and Southeast Asia, has been increasing and gradually replacing imports. ► Orchard in Pyeongtaek City At an orchard in Pyeongtaek (평택) City, a forest of passion fruit trees is heavily laden with well-grown fruit. These strongly aromatic, purple fruits are of Brazilian origin and grow at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. ► Lee Gil-hwan / Passion Fruit Orchard Farmer “The required environmental conditions are similar to those for red peppers. You can grow them easily as long as you keep temperatures right.” ► Pineapple Farm, Icheon City Choi (최종웅), who changed his main crop to pineapples this year, can produce fully ripe pineapples without having to harvest prematurely for prolonged shipping. ► Choi Jong-wung / Pineapple Farmer “You will be able to experience a big difference in taste compared to unripe imported pineapples. You can enjoy the full taste and aroma…” There are also an increasing number of other foreign fruits as well as Jeju Island specialty tangerines being produced in Gyeonggi Province. ► Tropical Fruit Production Increases in Gyeonggi Province Such an increase in tropical fruit production in the province is attributed to climatic change stemming from global warming. ► Lee Mun-mu / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Horticultural Products Team “The cultivation limits of sub-tropical and tropical fruits have been moving north and progressively reaching Gyeonggi Province over the past five years. Production also increased during this period.” With local production of tropical fruits increasing, imported fruits in markets are gradually being replaced by tastier and fresher fruits grown locally. Article 2. Gyeonggi to Promote Adoption of Abandoned Pets (180312-3) [Anchor’s Headline] With the number of pets increasing, issues relating to abandoned animals are also increasing in Korea. In order to address such issues, Gyeonggi Province will launch an abandoned animal adoption support program in cooperation with the central government this year. These days, Choi (최선자) is in love with her new dog, Happy, who follows her everywhere. Deserted by its previous owner after being injured in a car accident last year, Happy was lucky to be rescued and later adopted by a new owner. ► Choi Seon-ja / Deserted Dog Adopter, Yongin City “When I first looked at his eyes, I saw the sorrow of an abandoned animal. I wanted to wash that look from his eyes, so I took him home.” In Korea, approximately 100,000 pet dogs are abandoned annually, of which 40 percent end up dying of health issues or being euthanized while in shelters. Although animal abandonment is a well-publicized social issue, health problems and treatment costs lead to only 29 percent finding new homes. ► Gyeonggi Provides Support of up to KRW 100,000 for Abandoned Animal Adoption Gyeonggi Province’s abandoned animal adoption support program aims to promote the adoption of such animals. Support of up to KRW 100,000 per animal will be provided for treatment and vaccination costs. ► Yeo Wun-chang / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province “We expect that this program will help promote respect for animal lives and reduce animal abandonment.” This year, Gyeonggi Province has set aside KRW 650 million for this program with the aim of supporting the adoption of 6,500 animals. Those wishing to apply for provincial support should produce evidence of medical tests and treatments after adopting the animal from a local animal shelter. Beneficiaries will also be subject to regular post-adoption monitoring by the province. Article 3. Local Economy Support after Provincial Government Relocation (180****-*) [Anchor’s Headline] In order to help maintain the livelihood of areas around the current site of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex after its relocation in 2021, the provincial government allocated a budget of KRW 50 billion for local economic support. ► Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex There is increasing concern among owners of local businesses such as cafes and restaurants in these areas, which have enjoyed close proximity to the provincial government complex for the past 51 years, regarding possible ‘dead city’ effects that may occur after its re// ► Song Bong-su / Restaurant Proprietor “Gyeonggi officials use my restaurant in groups for lunches and dinners. Without them, this street will be almost empty.” ► Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex (March 21) Gyeonggi Province and Suwon City Join in Local Economic Restoration Efforts Gyeonggi Province and Suwon City agreed on four local economic restoration projects so as to prevent the economic decline of these areas after the relocation of the provincial government. ► Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil “… so as to establish a foundation for economic prosperity as well as for the vitality of culture and art…” [CG] These projects include the establishment of culture streets for youths and additional parking lots as well as the creation of a safe environment through the installation of safety features. ► Suwon City Mayor Yeom Tae-yeong “We hope that the provincial government will help create an area that will remain as economically lively as it was before the relocation of the provincial government complex…” In addition to local economic restoration projects, Gyeonggi Province also plans to relocate a number of provincial organizations to the vacated site so as to prevent a vacuum effect after the relocation of the provincial government complex. Article 4. Spring Stream Clean-up Underway in Gyeonggi Province (180****-*) [Anchor’s Headline] With the spring thaw almost complete, many local streams are seeing large amounts of debris swept up by the melt water. In order to prevent contamination downstream, a province-wide spring stream clean-up is underway in Gyeonggi Province. ► Pungdeok Stream, Hanam City The banks of this stream in Hanam (하남) City are covered with piles of trash created by flotsam including paper, styrofoam and plastic. ► GTV Reporter Gu Yeong-seul “If you look closely, you can see all kinds of trash from drink cans to half-empty gas cartridges that have been thrown away together with the scruples of their users.” The trash accumulated on and under the ice until being washed away with the melt water. ► Kang Seong-gu / Hanam City Resident “When I stroll along the stream, unsightly trash and contaminated water are too offensive for comfort while foul odors cause headaches.” Stream clean-up is being performed throughout the province, especially for streams that flow into the Han River, a water source for a large population. ► Spring Stream Cleanup in Gyeonggi Province The spring stream clean-up is being performed by Gyeonggi Province in cooperation with K-water and local governments. At each clean-up site, work is performed for hours by dozens of personnel using special equipment. ► Choi Yeong-nam / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Paldang Water Source Management “Stream clean-up aims to ensure water source safety while promoting good practices for keeping streams clean among local residents…” In addition to stream clean-up work, Gyeonggi Province will strengthen the monitoring of Paldang (팔당) Watershed areas for illegal practices and introduce stringent management of 15 tributaries so as to protect the water source. Article 5. Rural Childcare Center Personnel Requirements Mitigated (180****-*) [Anchor’s Headline] Childcare centers in rural areas face difficulties finding teachers due to established personnel requirements. To alleviate such difficulties, Gyeonggi Province recently adjusted these requirements based on practicality. ► Childcare Center, Goyang City Childcare center teachers in rural areas often have to commute for more than an hour. ► Kim Mi-seon / Rural Area Childcare Teacher “When I started working here, I commuted by car for about an hour and a half. It wasn’t easy but was worth it because I was happy to be able to work in a rural area.” Remoteness sometimes forces childcare centers in rural areas, especially those in northern provincial regions, to close due to difficulties in recruiting teachers and in operations. ► Gyeonggi Adjusts Childcare Teacher-to-Child Ratio In order to help resolve such issues, Gyeonggi Province approved special exceptions in childcare teacher requirement criteria exclusively for 885 childcare centers in northern Gyeonggi regions. For these childcare centers, the maximum number of children per teacher will be increased to four, and teachers will be paid a rural teacher’s allowance. ► Sin Ji-ae / Director, Rural Area Childcare Center “Although the supply of childcare teachers in rural regions is difficult due to geographical reasons, the rural teacher’s allowance seems to be helpful in recruiting teachers.” The adjustment also includes an increase in the maximum number of children from 21 to 39 for a childcare center in which a director can double as a teacher. ► Park Ki-suk / Gyeonggi Province Childcare Support Team Official “Difficulties in supplying childcare teachers and in the operation of childcare centers in rural regions will be significantly alleviated (by this special exception approval).” The application of these special exceptions based on practicality is expected to significantly improve the operational efficiency of childcare centers in rural regions. Article 6. Gyeonggi Continues Commercial Sign Replacement Support (180****-*) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been operating a commercial sign replacement support program so as to improve the appearance of urban environments by replacing excessive commercial signage with pleasing, simpler designs. ► Street in Namchang-dong, Suwon City The appearance of this small street in Suwon (수원) City, which is lined with handicraft shops, changed significantly when disorderly signage disappeared. The previous board-style signs that covered building fronts were replaced with stylish three-dimensional signs with characteristic designs for individual shops. ► Park Yeong-hui / Handicraft Workshop Proprietor “Those chaotic, protruding signs were removed completely during the implementation of the sign replacement support program. We now have a wider and farther view without obstruction…” Since 2004, more than 34,000 signs have been replaced in Gyeonggi Province through this program. ► Creation of Streets with Beautiful Signs This year, Gyeonggi Province will use KRW 3.6 billion to support the replacement of more than 1,300 commercial signs on selected streets in the cities of Yeoju (여주) and Anseong. ► Hwang In-hwan / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Design Policy Team “The purpose of this program is to improve the appearance and environment of the cities through the replacement of commercial signs and to promote good practices in street advertisement.” Streets in Gyeonggi Province are transforming with appearances improved simply by the replacement of signs. Article 7. Tram System to Relieve Siheung-Ansan Smart Hub Traffic Problems (0314-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province announced its plan to introduce a tram tem for the Siheung-Ansan (시흥-안산) Smart Hub, a large industrial complex that is home to more than 18,000 enterprises, so as to alleviate long-standing public transportation problems in this region. ► Siheung-Ansan Hub With limited public transportation service availability in this region, a large proportion of the more than 250,000 workers at this industrial complex use private cars for commuting, worsening the situation even further by choking streets with their illegally parked vehicles. With a population increasing with the development of neighboring regions, the transportation outlook is near hopeless. ► Kang Gyeong-hui / CEO of Chemical Enterprise “Streets are choked by parked cars that often suffer damage from passing vehicles. In most cases, car owners are unable to trace the vehicles that inflicted the damage.” Gyeonggi Province has been seeking solutions to the traffic problems of this region jointly with the central and local governments. ► Introduction of Tram Systems The proposed solution is the introduction of a tram tem. [CG] This tram tem will cover a 16.2 kilometer route from Oido (오이도) Station though to the Siheung-Ansan (시흥-안산) Smart Hub to Hanyang (한양) University Station. The construction of this tram tem only needs the approval of the related ministry in July to proceed. ► Nam Dong-gyeong / Director, Gyeonggi Province Metropolitan & Urban Railroad Division “Once ministry approval has been obtained, we will do out utmost to implement the construction plan in cooperation with local governments and related organizations.” This is one of the tram tems currently planned by Gyeonggi Province including those slated for Dongtan (동탄) New Town, Suwon (수원) City and Seongnam (성남) City. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
EnglishNews | 2018.03.16
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. KTX Departures from Suwon to Open in 2021 (180306-1) [Anchor’s Headline] On average, 1.36 million travelers use KTX, the Korean express rail tem, from Suwon Station annually. Despite such high demand for KTX services, these travelers have been inconvenienced by the lack of departures from this station. ► Suwon Station In addition, KTX trains stop at Suwon Station only eight times daily in both directions combined. [Sync] “You’ll have wait for about two hours. Will that be OK?” Even the Seoul-Busan line, the only KTX line currently accessible from Suwon Station, is slow in some sections near Suwon due to incomplete railway construction. ► kim Sang-yeop / KTX User, Suwon City “It often takes longer (to travel south) because I have to go up to Seoul Station to get a KTX train since there are very few departures (from Suwon Station)...” ► Gyeonggi Urged Korean Government for KTX Work since 2014 Gyeonggi Province has been urging the central government to improve KTX service. Recently, the Korean government announced a working plan. [CG] According to this plan, work will begin to enable KTX departures from Suwon Station by completing the delayed rail section. [CG] When this work, which will cost approximately KRW 270 billion, is completed, KTX travel times both southwest and southeast will be significantly reduced. The number of daily KTX runs will also be increased significantly to 36 times. ► Hong Ji-seon / Director General, Gyeonggi Province Railroad Bureau “Although the commencement of construction work was originally slated for the second half of next year, Gyeonggi Province plans to begin the work including design earlier.” When departure services begin in 2021 as targeted, the annual number of KTX users from Suwon will increase to 3.3 million. Article 2. Libraries Open at Gyeonggi Subway Stations (0305-3) [Anchor’s Headline] Following the first subway station library that opened in Gyeonggi Province in 2016, two more such libraries have opened in the province with the latest one in Gwangyo (광교) Central Station. This library also hosts a variety of book-related events. ► Gwangyo Central Station, Sinbundang Subway Line In the middle of the waiting area of this station, a large table entices passers-by to a moment of knowledge-gathering from more than 400 books on contemporary topics as well as books by independent writers. ► Cho Hye-jin, An Seo-yeon / Suwon City Residens “This library helps me save time since I can read books using extra time while traveling. This library also draws me into it even though I hadn’t planned to read books.” ► Anyone Can Borrow Books for up to 2 Weeks Free of Charge At this library, anyone can read or borrow books for up to two weeks free of charge. This library is the third of its kind following the one established in Dongcheon (동천) Station in 2016 and in Jeongja (정자) Station last year. ► ‘Subway Study’ Opens at Gwangyo Central Station (February 27) On the day of its opening, this library hosted a meeting with authors that featured a drama writer and professor as well as a bestselling novelist. ► Kim Yeong-ha, Novelist “I used to memorize a poem every time I traveled by subway. All those poems I read at the time might have made me become a writer.” Subway libraries in Gyeonggi Province also feature various events such as book readings and meetings with writers. ► An Dong-gwang / Director, Gyeonggi Province Contents Industry Division “The Subway Study is an unmanned library in which citizens can borrow and return books freely. Gyeonggi Province will continue to support such libraries based on the results of their operations.” These are open libraries operated autonomously by users. ► GTV Reporter Choi Chang-sun “Let us hope that the subway libraries of Gyeonggi Province will lead to the opening of similar libraries nationwide. This is Choi Chang-sun, GTV. Article 3. Revisit Art World of Baek Nam-jun at His Memorial Art Center (180307-3) [Anchor’s Headline] The late Nam June Paik (백남준) was a renowned Korean video artist who attempted to convey the message of ‘communication’ even before the advent of the information age. A special exhibition that enables viewers to revisit his artistic vision opened at his memorial art center. ► An Experiment by Me and David Edward (1969) Paik used space generously to arrange devices that generate moving images. This work depicts the state of a ‘high’ induced by drugs that were widely used during the 1960s. ► Hand in Hand with the World (1988) In this work, images of artists from around the world are displayed in an endlessly turning video editing machine. Created to commemorate the Seoul Olympic Games held in 1988, this work depicts the world the way the artist viewed it. ► Lee Mi-reu, Lee Hyeon-seo / Viewers from Yongin City “At first, I thought that those were random images. However, as I watched them for a while, I found that they were relating a kind of messages.” Paik used video equipment as a vehicle upon which to create his philosophical world. ► ‘More than 30 Minutes’ Exhibition, Nam June Paik Art Center Titled ‘More than 30 Minutes’, this exhibition features more than twenty works that require at least that much time to truly appreciate. ► Gu Jeong-hwa / Curator, Nam June Paik Art Center “If you look at the video artworks of Nam June Paik, you will be able to see the visions that the artist wanted you to see…” Paik’s message of communication makes us wonder what his message would be if he could see the communication technologies of today. ► Exhibition Opens until September 26 The ‘More than 30 Minutes’ exhibition will run until September 26. Article 4. Farm Sharing Spreads over Gyeonggi Province (180305-1) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province’s shared economy policy is spreading into agriculture. Last year, the province introduced a farm sharing program so as to help farmers increase their income while providing urban consumers with opportunities to run farms. ► Family Dinner, Suwon City Last year, under this program, Jeong (정혜선) rented a small rice farm plot for an annual fee of KRW 100,000. Today, she is busy preparing dinner for her family using rice she harvested from this farm. She and her family are happier having dinner with rice they grew themselves. ► Choi Yu-gyeong, Jeong Hye-seon / Farm Share Participants “We seldom have opportunities to experience rural life. We really enjoyed the rice farming and various other experiences we had in this program as well as eating the rice we grew ourselves.” Farmers who rented their farms to annual tenants also acted as farming instructors throughout the year. ► Han Tae-hui / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Emerging Agriculture Team “Participants from cities can enjoy safe food while farmers can increase their income through extra earnings.” Consumers from cities and farmers work together in all of the farming processes. This program also provided farmers with opportunities to sell their produce directly to consumers while enabling consumers to experience actual farming. ► Farm Share Program This year, Gyeonggi Province plans to diversify the agricultural production activities of the Farm Share program so as to enable more agricultural producers to connect with consumers. The Farm Share program will be open to farmers for participation throughout the year. Article 5. Gyeonggi Conducts Landslide Prevention Inspections (180305-2) [Anchor’s Headline] This time of year, the risk of landslides increases in mountainous areas as snow and ice melt and the ground begins to thaw. In order to prevent possible disasters, Gyeonggi Province began inspections of areas with higher risks of landslides in cooperation with related bodies. ► Mountain Village, Yongin City Residents of this mountain village are concerned since a frozen mountain stream and snow will soon begin to thaw and may cause landslides as the water flows. ► Ko Won-sang / Mountain Villager “When snow melts, the water flow brings with it collapsed soil. We are really scared everyday. It is also very difficult to move around and very inconvenient.” Finding this area to be highly risky, inspectors recommend the construction of barriers below steep slopes to prevent landslides. [Sync] “Upstream water may overflow and continue down the slope in that direction. So a barrier should be placed there to prevent overflow.” ► 2,200+ Landslide Risk Areas Located in Gyeonggi Province There are more than 20,000 areas known to be subject to higher risks of landside in Korea, of which more than 2,200 are located in Gyeonggi Province. ► Gyeonggi to Inspect Landslide Risk Areas for Safety In cooperation with the Korea Forest Service and local governments, Gyeonggi Province began safety inspections of these areas. The resulting data will also be used for the creation of a map for a landslide disaster manual. ► [PiP] Kim Seong-gak / Deputy Director, Gyeonggi Province Landslide Response Team “We are performing joint inspections as part of national safety inspections in 2018 so as to prevent disasters and accidents that may occur during the spring thaw.” The landslide prevention inspections are taking place in 29 localities of the province and will continue until April 13. Article 6. 1-on-1 Consultation Services for Job Searchers (180306-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been operating a job search cost support program for youths who are unable to afford employment preparation. Support is granted to selected applicants. For those not selected, the provincial government recently launched a free employment consultation program. ► Song Jeong-ju, Job Searcher Having obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Song (송정주) spent a full year preparing for employment at a power plant. After repeated job application failures, he was almost lost and had no idea what he was lacking. However, he regained his confidence after receiving one-on-one specialist consultation services provided by Gyeonggi Province. ► Song Jeong-ju (Aged 26) / Job Searcher “Although I worked with friends, I was nervous since I wasn’t able to properly prepare myself for employment without knowledge in areas of my interest. However, I feel more comfortable now after receiving personal consultation services from a specialist.” ► Employment Preparation Support Program, ‘Chuieolup’ Song was one of the participants of this employment consultation program. Gyeonggi Province initially selected more than 300 youths and provided them with 1-on-1 consultation services for one month. Consultations were customized for different job fields in subjects that included interview skills and lectures as well as personal grooming. ► Kim Min-ki / Job Search Support Team Leader, Gyeonggi Province Employment Foundation “Youths who are preparing for employment for the first time or seeking better employment will have a better chance of finding employment after receiving consultation services and advice from specialists.” Customized personal services will help program participants find employment. Gyeonggi Province plans to expand the coverage of this program as well as the number of its service recipients. Article 7. More Universal Designs in School Zones in Gyeonggi (180308-2) [Anchor’s Headline] Gyeonggi Province has been employing universal designs to improve safety and convenience for residents, especially children, in school zones. After such improvements, these areas have become significantly safer for young schoolchildren. ► Dogok Primary School, Gwangju City The front gate of this primary school is crowded with parents who came to pick up their children. Although the road is narrow, everyone is safe in this area with street parking away from the gate and wooden decks protecting pedestrians. ► Sin Se-jeong / Parent “Children tend to run without looking. In this area, however, children are safe since no cars are allowed here. I like that very much.” Titled Safe School Road, this is one of the areas transformed with universal designs by Gyeonggi Province. ► Universal Design Concept Applied to School Roads in Gyeonggi Since 2016, ten Safe School Roads have been created with universal designs in school zones in Gyeonggi Province. Universal design focuses on the safety and convenience of users and includes the levelling irregular surfaces and the installation of safety features and signs for drivers as well as for pedestrians. ► Song Hae-chung / Director, Gyeonggi Province Architecture & Design Division “These designs aim to serve individuals with different physical conditions and primarily focus on the safety of children who are more vulnerable to road accident risks…” Local residents have expressed high satisfaction with this program. Gyeonggi Province has set aside KRW 2.5 billion to create five more Safe School Roads this year and plans to expand the program to include parks and local public office areas. Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV We look forward to seeing you again next week.
