언론협력담당관 gnewstv@naver.com
2015.12.04
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. Gyeonggi Boosts Infectious Disease Prevention (1123-3)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Following the MERS outbreak earlier this year in which Gyeonggi Province was the epicenter of the nationwide epidemic, provincial officials as well as related organizational and academic personnel convened to review and discuss the enhancement of the provincial infectious disease response systems.
[Report]
Although six months have passed since the first MERS patient was diagnosed in May, the end of the outbreak in Korea has yet to be officially announced. The virus was detected again in the latest patient treated and suspected cases are still being reported.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Institute of Health & Environment (November 19)
Infectious Disease Response System Review Meeting
This meeting was organized by Gyeonggi Province in recognition of the need for systems that are permanently ready to respond to any infectious disease outbreaks. This also coincides with the Korean central government’s national quarantine system reformation policy announced this past September.
▶ Choi Won-seok / Professor, Korea University Ansan Hospital
“What makes it difficult for existing systems is their lack of readiness.”
▶ Kim Yang-ri / Professor, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital
“No matter whether it is tuberculosis or MERS, or Ebola that strikes without warning, there should be doctors capable of handling infectious diseases available at medical institutes.”
During the meeting, the shortcomings of current systems were identified and necessary medical and nursing resources as well as specialized infectious disease management teams were highlighted.
▶ Epidemic Surveys and Consultation Teams to be Established
In addition to establishing an immediate response system linking related public and medical organizations, Gyeonggi Province will operate special teams for epidemic surveys and consultations.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Social Integration Vice Governor Lee Ki-woo
“The private medical service provider cooperation committee played the role of a control tower on the previous occasion and showed it was capable. We will establish a similar but permanent committee…”
Gyeonggi Province also earmarked KRW 10 billion for the improvement of infectious disease control infrastructure including special medical facilities by the year 2017.
Article 2. Gyeonggi Areal Folk Culture Exhibition (1124-3)
[Anchor’s Headline]
The Gyeonggi Provincial Museum in Yongin (용인) City is showcasing a Gyeonggi folk culture exhibition for each geographic area divided into north, south, east and west. Our reporter was there.
[Report]
▶ Gyeonggi provincial Museum (Until Feb. 28, 2016)
‘Gyeonggi Eotteohaniitgo’ (How Do You Find Gyeonggi?)
Gyeonggi Province has been the political, economic, social and cultural center of Korea for centuries.
▶ Northern Gyeonggi Area – River Basins
Embracing two major river systems, the Imjin (임진) River and the Han (한) River, the northern area of Gyeonggi Province abounds with agricultural and freshwater fishing culture.
▶Southern Gyeonggi Area – Flat Agricultural Plains
The flat southern part of the province has been the source of some of the best quality rice and farm products. Showcased items include farming implements as well as farmers’ music, one of the Important Intangible Assets of Korea.
▶ [PiP] Lee Geon-ju / Visitor
“This exhibition reminds me of the old days. I think my child found it interesting to see things that are different.”
▶ Eastern Gyeonggi Area – Bordering with Mountainous Gangwon Province
Bordering mountainous Gangwon (강원) Province, much of the eastern part of Gyeonggi Province is also comprised of high mountains. People in these regions produced charcoal and a large variety of natural herb processing equipment.
▶ Western Gyeonggi Area – Fishing Villages
The west coast of Gyeonggi Province with its large foreshore areas has traditionally been a center for fisheries and saltpans.
▶ Kim Jun-gwon / Curator, Gyeonggi Provincial Museum
“For this exhibition, we collected folk culture materials and conducted on-site surveys so as to provide more systematically organized information…”
This exhibition provides viewers with a better understanding of the province through an appreciation of regional folk culture characteristics.
Article 3. Gyeonggi to Cooperate with Peers in Energy Policies (1125-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Gyeonggi Province joined with Seoul, South Chuncheong (충청) Province and Jeju (제주) Province in the declaration of new energy policies. This initiative among four second-tier governments of Korea aims to facilitate cooperation in energy source transfer projects among the four as well as with the Korean central government.
[Report]
▶ Seoul Press Center, Seoul (November 24)
Joint Statement for Cooperation in Regional Energy Source Transfer
In his provincial energy policy presentation, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil admitted the energy dependence of Gyeonggi on neighboring provinces.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“I have realized that Gyeonggi Province has been using large amounts of energy at the expense of, sacrifice by and in conflict with other localities.”
Governor Nam went on to present Gyeonggi Province’s Energy Vision 2030
▶ Gyeonggi Province Energy Vision 2030
▶ 70% Energy Self-sufficiency Targeted through ‘Consumption Down, Production Up’
Vision 2030 represents the targeted 70 percent energy self-sufficiency of Gyeonggi Province by the year 2030 through the management of energy consumption and production.
▶ Effects Equivalent to 7 Nuclear Power Plants
Plus New Energy Industry Promotion
Such an achievement will have the effect of substituting 7 out of the current 11 nuclear power plants and promoting the new energy industry at a value of KRW 20 trillion.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“We will show the central government what changes we will make while demanding careful consideration of the reconstruction of aging nuclear power plants.”
The heads of localities presented their own energy policies that focus on reducing nuclear power dependence and promoting the use of eco-friendly energy sources.
▶ 4 Localities to Cooperate in Regional Energy Transfer
At the end of the presentations, the four regional administrators adopted a joint statement on cooperation in energy transfer.
Regional cooperation will focus on the management of energy demand and the production of new and renewable energy, which will eventually be a substitute for nuclear energy. The four administrators also agreed to establish an organization that will oversee such cooperative endeavors as well as collective negotiation with the central government.
This joint statement will expedite the implementation of current regional energy source transfer projects.
Article 4. Kimchi Swindle Uncovered in Gyeonggi Province (1126-2)
[Anchor’s Headline]
A number of kimchi distributors in Gyeonggi Province were exposed in the sale of kimchi products of inferior quality that were produced in China but disguised as Korean products. The use of ingredients far past their expiry dates by other producers was also uncovered.
[Report]
▶ Kimchi Factory, Gimpo City
At the warehouse of this kimchi factory, boxes of kimchi are stacked high. All came from China and are waiting to be repacked with fake ‘Made in Korea’ labels.
▶ Kimchi Factory, Hwaseong City
Some kimchi dealers even use transparent plastic bags without any markings so as to confuse consumers.
They sought to take advantage of the price difference between Korean and Chinese kimchi products during the high season of pre-winter kimchi demand.
Chinese-made kimchi is distinguishable if examined carefully. It is more deeply fermented and contains little filling between the cabbage leaves. Some have a suspiciously deep red color.
▶ An Han-seung / Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Yongin Center Chief
“Chinese kimchi products use artificial salt instead of natural salt and are artificially fermented, so they taste saltier and more acidic instead of having natural and fresh taste.”
Producers who used ingredients two years past their expiry dates were also uncovered.
▶ Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Uncovers 25 Kimchi Frauds
During the crack-down on the illegal kimchi trade conducted before the pre-winter kimchi-making season, the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police uncovered 25 fraudulent kimchi and kimchi ingredient suppliers and prosecuted 21 for illegal practices. The judicial police will continue this crackdown since they believe there are still more violators.
Article 5. Facelift of Traditional Markets in Gyeonggi Province (151120-3)
[Anchor’s Headline]
Gyeonggi Province has been providing traditional markets with renovation support so as to help merchants improve their environment. This support program received impetus when the province’s trial 100 traditional market restaurants improvement program was introduced.
[Report]
▶ ‘Food Department Store’ / Uijeongbu Jeil Market
The food court in a traditional market of Uijeongbu (의정부) City was reborn when improvements that began in May were completed. Thirty-four restaurants at this food court underwent complete facelifts thanks to provincial support. The previously dark and dingy appearance of this basement eating plaza has become much cleaner and brighter with LED lights. These restaurants even have individual signs of uniform design.
▶ Yuk Gui-hak / Uijeongbu Citizen
“It was not easy to find my favorite restaurant since it was too dark in here. Now it’s much brighter and I can find it easily.”
[CG] It took six months to clean every nook and cranny in this part of the market while repair work was also carried out. Fans and air conditioning outlets are now free of eight-year-old grease. It is the merchants who most welcome such changes.
▶ Lee Sang-baek / President of Uijeongbu Jeil Market Merchant Association
People work here for 10 to 12 hours every day. It is natural that they are happy with the improved environment. They are also psychologically boosted since customers are happier, too.”
The traditional market restaurant improvement program was launched by Gyeonggi Province this past May on a trial basis.
▶ 100 Market Restaurants Received Support of KRW 120 Million
Since its introduction, this program has benefited 100 restaurants in the traditional markets of the cities of Uijeongbu (의정부), Yongin (용인) and Osan (오산),
▶ Lee han-gyeong / General Director, Gyeonggi Province Health & Environment Bureau
“We will increase the maximum support amount for individual restaurant to KRW 2 million next year and expand the work scope so as to improve hygiene standards and help merchants increase their income…”
The cleaner environment and improved hygiene of eating facilities in the markets improves the image of traditional markets in Gyeonggi Province and helps them attract more shoppers.
Article 6. Gyeonggi Institute Provides Greenhouse Heating Consultation (151124-1)
[Anchor’s Headline]
The Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services, or GARES, began heating consultation services so as to provide energy-saving assistance to greenhouse farmers in Gyeonggi Province during the winter.
[Report]
▶ Greenhouse in Suwon City
Greenhouse heating costs are the greatest concern among farmers during the winter season. Many outdated greenhouses lose a large amount of heat through gaps even when they are covered in double layers of plastic sheeting.
▶ Choi Yeong-lim / Greenhouse Farmer
“Heating is necessary during the winter, but the cost is a heavy burden for us. It’s the biggest problem.”
▶ Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services
GARES is helping greenhouse farmers with on-site heating consultation services by evaluating heating efficiency and heat loss using a heat-sensitive, ultraviolet-imaging device.
[CG] The measured temperature in this greenhouse is 14 degrees Celsius near the entrance while the image on the display shows red spots, indicating that heat is being lost. With an extra covering installed over the greenhouse, the temperature increased and the display shows no red spots.
▶ Energy Consulting Services Using Heat Camera
These consultation services help farmers, especially those with less heat-efficient facilities, locate areas that need extra heat conservation.
▶ Kim Jin-gyu / Consultant, GARES
“We will continue to provide farmers with technical services for heat preservation and heating cost reduction using heat-imaging cameras.”
Consultants also provide advice on heat-preserving alternatives. The consultants note that preventing heat loss is more cost-effective than using additional heating energy.
Article 7. Morning Sports Class at Gyeonggi Middle Schools (151125-3)
[Anchor’s Headline]
In cooperation with the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, Gyeonggi Province recently introduced a new class for middle school students. During this class, which runs before morning classes or at lunch time, students play sports with classmates.
[Report]
▶ Seryu Middle School, Suwon City
It is early in the morning. Students in P.E. uniforms with the words ‘Respect’ and ‘Care’ on their backs are playing soccer. This is not an ordinary P.E. class; instead, is an extra class that takes place early every morning. By playing sports, students learn to work with friends and to rely on each other.
▶ Jeon Eun-jeong / P.E. Teacher, Seryu Middle School
“In addition to physical health, this class can also be helpful for other classes as well as for nurturing altruism in students.”
This sports class was conceived jointly by Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education. Its objective is to promote a sense of togetherness among young students who, at their age, are most susceptible to the hazards of developing selfishness.
▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education Superintendent Lee Jae-jeong
“I think the ‘personality’ of schools must be allowed from here on. New concepts are necessary…”
This extra sports class is currently being operated at 600 middle schools in Gyeonggi Province with provincial support of KRW 1.1 billion. This class is run outside of regular class hours.
▶ [PIP] Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil
“Students can learn a spirit of mutual respect and care while playing sports together. This is operated jointly with the provincial office of education. What more can you wish for?”
Gyeonggi Province plans to increase the budget for this program to KRW 1.5 billion next year and will continue to expand joint projects with the provincial office of education.
Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of GTV.
We look forward to seeing you again next week.