Esteemed Gyeonggi residents!

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Gyeonggi Province for once again granting me the privilege of serving as your governor. To honor the mandate entrusted to me, I will strive to realize comprehensive innovation in all provincial policies.

I will serve all provincial residents every hour of each day throughout the entire year. By assigning superior public officials to the 24/365 Public Service Center, I will foster a civil administration that focuses on needs of the residents of the province at time and place of their choosing.

I will go wherever you are - including subway stations, bus terminals, traditional markets and elsewhere - throughout the 31 cities and counties of the province. Together with the main provincial executives, I will undertake a monthly field volunteer program so as to ensure that provincial policy prioritizes the needs of all provincial residents.

Through an administration that focuses on the needs of the public, including programs such as Infinite Care, Dream Tree Schools and more, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government will care for the disadvantaged and provide customized welfare through the unification of numerous welfare systems.

We will also engage in expedited administration in accordance with the will of the people of the province, integrating a broad range of administrative services including child care, education, welfare, medical care, housing, employment and more.

My fellow Gyeonggi residents,

Gyeonggi Province is the only divided province in the world. Lying on the Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korean, Gyeonggi has been on the very frontline in the protection of the Republic of Korea Republic for the past 60 years.

With your support, I will develop northern Gyeonggi as an advanced base for security and for the ultimate reunification of the nation.

I will also improve the Gyeongui, Gyeongwon, and Central Railways, and advance road networks while constructing GTX, the cutting-edge express train system, to connect all areas of the capital region.

Through the attraction of world-leading academic institutions and organizations to the site allocated for the relocation of US military forces and reassignment of Korean military units, Gyeonggi Province will foster regional growth poles.

We will establish a university in northen Gyeonggi to cultivate human resources for national reunification and undertake research on North Korea. Moreover, we will activate trade and collaboration between North and South Korea at the level of private companies and NGOs as well as the development of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, the prevention of flooding along the Imjin River, the pursuit of the Gaeseong tree nursery project, the joint prevention of malaria, the enhancement of agricultural cooperation and more.

We will actively support the education and employment of North Korean defectors while striving for the realization of human rights and democratization in North Korea.

Dear residents of Gyeonggi Province,

Our province accounted for 76% of jobs created nationwide over the past 4 years in spite of the global economic recession.

Building on this, we will establish an R&D complex featuring superlative research and residential environments that connect the Gwacheon Government Complex with Seoul National University.

We will foster the Gwacheon, Uiwang and Hanam regions - where green belts account for almost 90% of the total urban area - as green and environment-friendly scientific and technological cities with universities as well as educational and research facilities.

We will also attract more foreign direct investment and create more jobs by relaxing restrictive regulations such as those pertaining to the capital region, water conservation zones, military facilities and green belt areas so that domestic organizations can freely pursue their interests without being compelled to go abroad.

Ultimately, we will develop our region as an Asian hub that surpasses the Beijing and Tokyo capital areas in innovative urban design and spatial structures with the concurrent construction of three GTX lines.

Fellow residents of Gyeonggi Province,

Currently, our nation has no truly empowered local self-government. Instead, the central government and the National Assembly monopolize all relevant power.

Ruinous populism should be eliminated so that impetuous election pledges such as heedless capital relocation and the chaotic dismemberment of governmental organizations can excised.

We should liquidate serious ills such as oligarchal structures, regionalism, top-down standardization, and populism so that we can establish a leadership of serving and sharing based on local autonomies and decentralization. Indeed, local policies such as urban design and housing provision should be handed to the regions immediately.

Esteemed Gyeonggi residents,

Our province is the representative region of the Republic of Korea on the global stage.
Accordingly, we develop Gyeonggi Province as a haven
for international organizations, both public and private.

Gyeonggi is an open province and a region of tolerance, communication and concord.
By working together, we can transform Gyeonggi Province
into a land of opportunity in which all people,
including North Korean defectors and multi-cultural families,
can realize their Korean dreams.

To this end, and together with all of you,
I will do my utmost to take Gyeonggi Province to even greater heights
in the realization of all our dreams.

Thank you.

Kim Moon-Soo
Governor of Gyeonggi Province

July 1st, 2010

the source-http://english.gg.go.kr/renewal/about/goverment/organization.jsp

New Year’s Greetings from the Governor

Esteemed residents of Gyeonggi Province and friends from overseas!

The Year of the White Tiger has come, and I wish you good health and fortune in the year 2010.

As we embark on a new decade, the next ten years will determine whether or not Korea will rise as an advanced and respected nation.

The year 2010 is very symbolic. A century has passed since we suffered under colonization, 60 years since the Korean War, 50 years since the April 19 Democratic Movement, and 30 years since the May 18 Democratic Movement.

The year 2010 will also be the time when Gyeonggi Province, with its millennium of history, builds a foundation for the next millennium.

The province was officially established in 1018 A.D under the name Gyeonggi during the Goryeo Dynasty. As it did over the past 1000 years, the province will again design a new future for Korea.

Gyeonggi Province will do its utmost to create a business-friendly environment, generate jobs, offer a high standard of living, and fully develop human resources.

As the home to world-leading Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia Motors and the center of high-tech, knowledge-based industries, Gyeonggi Province will lead the growth of the Korean economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Despite numerous challenges, we have achieved remarkable results through the cooperative efforts of our 12 million residents.

The integrated public transportation fare system of the metropolitan area launched in July 2007 was introduced to the entire metropolitan area, and has helped citizens save precious time and money.

We also reaffirmed the enormous potential of the metropolitan express train system known as GTX.

In 2009, the province significantly eased business and military regulations to help businesses and attract leading companies from overseas.

Gyeonggi Province is the leading local government in terms of labor-management cooperation. We have created a labor-management culture which makes people a top priority, and a tripartite agreement among labor, management and public agencies was proudly declared for the first time in Korea.

Gyeonggi also became much safer by ensuring that each of its 31 cities and counties has its very own fire station and police station.

The Unlimited Care Program for families in crises launched by Gyeonggi Province has helped deprived neighbors get back on their feet, and has become the nation’s representative welfare program.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Expanding investments is the only way to revive our economy and create more employment opportunities.

We need to heighten our support for promising SMEs and assist their success on the global stage. Gyeonggi Province will also exert its fullest efforts to lead future industries which will emerge as the new market drivers, such as green vehicles and renewable energy.

GTX is a true green transportation revolution which will improve our competitiveness by resolving the chronic traffic congestion problems of the Korean metropolitan area while reducing environmental emissions. This will help us transform into one of the key hub regions of Northeast Asia.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are now escaping from the long, dark tunnel of the global economic crisis, and entering a hopeful New Year.

Gyeonggi Province, which has served as the center of Korea for the past thousand years, has unlimited potential. I have no doubt that, by working together, we can write a bright new chapter in history.

People say that only those who dream can conquer the world. Let’s all dream and work hard to make our dreams come true in 2010.

I wish you a very happy New Year!

January 1, 2010

Governor Kim Moon-Soo
Gyeonggi Province
Republic of Korea

 

The Symbol of Gyeonggi Province (GyeongGi-Do)
Gyeonggi's new symbol represents the ambition, fortitude and resolve of the
province to emerge as a leader in a prosperous world.

Slogan of Gyeonggi Province
We are living in the global era in which the ideas and inspiration at the core of each country's competitiveness are merging. Against this backdrop, the Gyeonggi slogan - "Global Inspiration, GyeongGi-Do" - embodies the determination of the province to become the center of Northeast Asia as well as the world with its advanced knowledge, cutting-edge technology, creative thinking and innovative actions.

Logo of Gyeonggi Province
The logo represents the strong network and solidarity of the 31 cities and countries within the province as well as a robust global network. The logo also characterizes a dynamism that is reaching out to the world in search of limitless growth potential and opportunities. Furthermore, it reflects the province's ambition to promote co-existence among all peoples, paving the way by first overcoming conflicts in Korea and then expanding to the world.

Colors of Gyeonggi Province
'Gyeonggi Blue', the primary color, symbolizes cutting-edge knowledge and technology, creative thinking and innovative actions, while sky blue signifies the province's infinite potential and opportunities. 'Gyeonggi Orange', one of the two additional colors, expresses the warmth and cooperative spirit of Gyeonggi residents, while, 'Gyeonggi Green', represents the affection of provincial residents for Mother Earth and the environment.


Mascots of Gyeonggi Province

‘Blue Ring’
- The central circle represents the Earth, and the arms and legs extend outwards to depict ‘Gyeonggi Province reaching out to the world’.
- The circles and straight lines are organically connected, which is an expression of the effort to ‘unite’ through the network of cities and counties within the province while respecting each others’ individuality.
- The color blue symbolizes high technology, creativity, and innovation, and the thumbs up of the hand expresses the aspiration of being the best in the world.
- The “Blue” in the name of ‘Blue Ring’ signifies high technology, creativity, and innovation, while “Ring” conveys the meaning of living together in a harmonious network and also denotes Gyeonggi Province as a positive network.

Toya
Toya was developed by combining the characters for fertile earth and the region’s cultural inheritance of ceramics. It is equivalent to the Chinese characters 土地: 土 is the earth, which is the origin of the soil, and 地 is the ground on which we walk.

Hyohaengi
This is the typical character of Gyeonggi Province and originates from the model of young King Jeongjo. It stands for the one who is dutiful to parents. Wearing a traditional costume and doing good deeds, Hyohaengi represents Korean filial piety.





Flower of Gyeonggi

Forsythia
A great number of forsythia grow in the area of Gyeonggi Province and they multiply easily. They symbolize prosperity as well as friendliness, gaiety and grace.





Bird of Gyeonggi

Dove
As the dove symbolizes peace worldwide, it also represents the aspirations of provincial residents for peace and their hopes for the peaceful unification of Korea.

 



Tree of Gyeonggi

Gingko
A gingko tree endures hardship and has a very long life. Its magnificent appearance symbolizes great prosperity. The tree also yields high quality wood and fruit. A gingko tree is one of the most admired trees in Korea with its fresh verdure and splendid yellow leaves

Gyeonggi Province is located in the central western part of Korea. It surrounds the metropolis of Seoul and city of Incheon, borders Hwanghae Province in the north, Gangwon Province in the east, South-Chungcheong Province in the south and the Yellow Sea in the west. Gyeonggi Province is a fertile plain along the Han River that people have settled since the prehistoric period, as proven by the discovery of Old Stone Age sites in Jeongok-Ri, Yeoncheon-Gun, New Stone Age sites in Misa-Dong, Hanam City, and various Bronze Age sites.

During the 2nd century BC, the northern part of the Gyeonggi region is believed to have been the location of Jin country (辰國). Then, the Gyeonggi region came under the Mahan confederation. Of the 54 small countries (小國) of the Mahan confederation, 10 were located within Gyeonggi Province.

The strategic importance of Gyeonggi Province has remained unchanged since BC18, when King Onjo, the founder of Baekjae, designated Wirye Castle in Hanam the seat of a provincial government. By the mid-5th century, this region of the Han River had merged with Goguryeo and in 553 (14th year of King Jinheung) it became the territory of Silla.
Thereafter, the Unified Shilla implemented a 9-state system and established the state of Hansan in the Gyeonggi Province region. In the post three-nation period, this region was ruled by Gungye.

Since the designation of Gaeseong as the royal capital by founding king Wanggeon of Goryeo, the Gyeonggi region has been center stage of Korean history.
The name Gyeonggi was established under the administrative jurisdiction of the Goryeo Dynasty. In 995 (14th year of King Seongjong, Goryeo), it established 6 Jeokhyeon (赤縣) and 7 Gihyeon (畿縣) around Gaegyeong. In 1018 (9th year of King Hyeonjeong, Goryeo) these two Hyeon combined and were formally named Gyeonggi, the regional outskirts of the capital city.

Originally, Gyeong meant “capital city designated by the king” and Gi meant “150 km of land in the four directions from where the king lived” The word Gyeonggi was derived from the Tang period when it ruled the vicinity of the capital region in Gyeonghyeon (京縣,赤縣) and Gihyeon (畿縣).

In 1069 (23rd year of Munjong, Goryeo), 39 Hyeon were transferred from Yanggwang (楊廣). Gyoju (交州). Seohaedo (西海道) and 13 Hyeon added, expanding Gyeonggi to a total of 52 Hyeon. A short time after, the region of Gyeonggi was reduced to the size that it was in the King Hyeonjong period during the Goryeo period.

In 1390 (2nd year of King Gongyang, Goryeo), Gyeonggi expanded to the size it was in 1069 (23rd period of King Munjong, Goryeo), with a total of 44 Hyeon, and became the first provincial organization. At that time, Gyeonggi was governed by separate Left-Province and Right-Province administrations.

The Joseon designated Hanyang as the new seat of government and redrew the boundary of Gyeonggi. During the rule of King Taejong, Left and Right Gyeonggi combined and were renamed Gyeonggi. The northwestern part, comprising Suan, Gokju, and Yeonan areas, came under the region of Punghaedo (豊海道: Hwanghae Province) and the southeastern part, comprising Suwon, Yeoju, and Anseong, transferred to Gyeonggi to form the current regional jurisdiction.

The founding of the Joseon Dynasty and moving of the seat of government to Hanyang was the turning point in shaping the contours of Gyeonggi Province as we know it today.

the source - http://english.gg.go.kr/

Welcome to the official English homepage of Gyeonggi Province!

Gyeonggi Province has long served a key role in the development of Korea through its strategic location and vibrant economy.  Home to world-leading enterprises such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai-Kia, our province accounts for one-fifth of the nation’s exports and GDP.  Also, as the fastest growing regional economy in Korea, Gyeonggi is one of the most sought after destinations for foreign investment.

Since Gyeonggi Province borders on North Korea, the region is strategically important in terms of international relations and business opportunities.

At the same time, the west coast of Gyeonggi Province is increasing in prominence as the core of Northeast Asianlogistics through the full-scale development of Pyeongtaek Port, the closest seaport to China.

Gyeonggi is regarded as the center of Korea’s culture – both ancient and modern – and as the heart of its agriculture.  We are blessed with countless cultural artifacts and remains as well as beautiful mountains, lakes and coastlines and a bounty of agricultural products. For all these reasons, we pride ourselves on being the epitome of Korea.

From lucrative business opportunities to exciting travel experiences, Gyeonggi Province has what you are looking for and much more. I invite you to explore Gyeonggi Province and discover why we truly are the heart of Korea!

Kim Moon-Soo
The Provincial Governor 

the source - http://english.gg.go.kr/renewal/about/governor/message.htm


English is introduced links.

Early Years: Labor & Democracy Activist
Starting out as a student activist, Kim Moon-soo, now Governor of Gyeonggi Province, experienced many twists and turns which closely parallel Korea's own turbulent course of development.

Born in 1951 in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, Kim was an exemplary student who was raised with strong Confucian principles. Excelling in school, Kim was the aspiring hope for his family who struggled to make ends meet, but Kim's life underwent a dramatic change in high school after his eyes were opened to widespread social injustice. He was later admitted to Seoul National University as a business major, but even after entering college, he continued to fight against the military dictatorship and worked at factories alongside workers for the advancement of their basic rights.

Entrance Into Politics
After witnessing the fall of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Kim began to recognize the shortcomings of pro-socialist policies and realized that an open market economy was essential in propelling Korea's development and maintaining the nation's democracy. He then joined the party of former opposition leader Kim Young-sam, which later evolved into what is currently the main opposition party in Korea, the Grand National Party.

Kim was first elected to the Korean National Assembly in Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province, in 1996 and served a total of three terms. Throughout his ten years in the Assembly, he was well known for his passionate legislative activities and was selected as the Best Assembly Member by civic groups and reporters on a number of occasions.

Defender of North Korean Human Rights
While serving as a member of the Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee at the National Assembly from 2004, Kim devoted himself to advocating North Korean human rights and protecting North Korean refugees. In 2005, Kim showed a video of North Korean public executions in the National Assembly for the very first time and submitted the North Korean Human Rights Act to the Assembly. Still awaiting passage, the bill aims at improving the human rights conditions in the communist regime and calls for the repatriation of South Korean abductees and prisoners of war still held in the North.

While Kim is one of the strongest critics of the government's passive policy on North Korean human rights, he is also supportive of providing humanitarian aid for the North Korean people. He firmly believes that guiding North Korea toward the path of reform, openness and human rights is essential in preparing for unification.

Vision as Gyeonggi Governor
Now, as a leader of Korea's foremost province of 11 million people, Kim has embraced a new and challenging mandate - developing Gyeonggi Province as a driving force for the advancement of Korea.

Located at the center of the Korean peninsula and surrounding the Korean capital of Seoul, Gyeonggi Province has long served a key role in the development of Korea through its strategic location and vibrant economy. Home to world-leading enterprises such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hyundai-Kia Motors and LG Display, Gyeonggi Province accounts for one-third of the nation’s workforce and one-fifth of the nation’s GDP. In terms of exports, the province recorded 63 billion dollars in 2006, making it the top exporter in the nation. And as the fastest growing regional economy in the country, the province is one of the most sought-after destinations for foreign investment.

Capitalizing on these attractive features, Kim strives to build Gyeonggi Province into one of the major global hubs of Northeast Asia by easing regulations and providing custom-made administrative services for foreign corporations. His vision is to develop Gyeonggi Province as one of the leading global centers for both conventional and knowledge-based industries.

As Gyeonggi also borders on North Korea, the region is strategically important in terms of international relations as well as business opportunities. With the strengthening of North and South Korean relations, the northern Gyeonggi area is emerging as the center of inter-Korean exchange. Prior to the division of the Korean peninsula, North Korean cities such as Gaeseong, where the Gaeseong Industrial Complex is currently located, were originally part of Gyeonggi Province. Kim is reaching out to these former Gyeonggi regions and working to strengthen economic cooperation with the North, so that Gyeonggi can serve a role in building up a mutually beneficial relationship between the two Koreas.

At the same time, the west coast area of Gyeonggi Province is increasing in prominence as the core of Northeast Asia's logistics through the full-scale development of Pyeongtaek Port, the closest seaport to China.

Other major missions he is undertaking include the environment-friendly development of the Paldang Reservoir, the main drinking source to the 23 million residents of the Seoul-Gyeonggi metropolitan area, and the upgrading of the province's public transportation systems. After assuming one year in office, Kim was selected as the leading local government leader in terms of campaign pledge implementation by a key Korean watchdog group. He was also honored with the 5th Forbes Management Quality Award in the public innovation category as presented by Forbes Korea and the Korean Society for Quality Management.

Kim has a wife and one daughter. He assumed office in July of 2006 and his current 4-year term will end in June 2010.

32nd Governor NAME : Kim, Moon-Soo TENURE : 2006. 7. 03 ~ Present		31st Governor NAME : Sohn, Hak-Kyu TENURE : 2002. 7. 1 ~ 2006. 6. 30
30th Governor NAME : Lim, Chang-Ryol TENURE : 1998. 7. 1 ~ 2002. 6. 29		29th Governor NAME : Lee, In-Je TENURE : 1995. 7. 1 ~ 1997. 9.18
28th Governor NAME : Lee, Hae-Jae TENURE : 1995. 2.21 ~ 1995. 6.30		27th Governor NAME : Kim, Yong-Sun TENURE : 1994.12.26 ~ 1995. 2.20
26th Governor NAME : Lim, Kyeong-Ho TENURE : 1994. 3. 7 ~ 1994.12.25 25		25th Governor NAME : Yoon, Se-Dal TENURE : 1993. 3. 4 ~ 1994. 3. 6
24th Governor NAME : Shim, Jae-Hong TENURE : 1992. 4.21 ~ 1993. 3. 3		23th Governor NAME : Lee, Jae-Chang TENURE : 1990. 6.21 ~ 1992. 4.20
22nd Governor NAME : Lim, Sa-Bin TENURE : 1987.12.30 ~ 1990. 6.20		21st Governor NAME : Kim, Young-Lae TENURE : 1986. 1. 9 ~ 1987.12.29
20th Governor NAME : Lee, Hae-Gu TENURE : 1984.10.10 ~ 1986. 1. 8		19th Governor NAME : Kim, Tae-Ho TENURE : 1983.10.15 ~ 1984.10. 9
18th Governor NAME : Youm, Bo-Hyeon TENURE : 1980. 9. 9 ~ 1983.10.14		17th Governor NAME : Kim, Ju-Nam TENURE : 1980. 1.17 ~ 1980. 9. 2
16th Governor NAME : Son, Jae-Sik TENURE : 1976.10.12 ~ 1980. 1.16		15th Governor NAME : Jo, Byeong-Kyu TENURE : 1973. 1.16 ~ 1976.10.12
14th Governor NAME : Son, Su-Ik TENURE : 1972. 6.30 ~ 1973. 1.15		13th Governor NAME : Kim, Tae-Kyeong TENURE : 1971. 6.12 ~ 1972. 6.30
12th Governor NAME : Nam, Bong-Gin TENURE : 1968. 9. 4 ~ 1971. 6.12		11th Governor NAME : Pack, Tae-Won TENURE : 1964. 7. 8 ~ 1968. 9. 4
10th Governor NAME : Lee, Heung-Bae TENURE : 1963.12.19 ~ 1964. 7. 8		9th Governor NAME : Pack, Chang-Won TENURE : 1961. 5.24 ~ 1963.12.16
8th Governor NAME : Shin, Kwang-Gyun TENURE : 1960.12.29 ~ 1961. 5.24		7th Governor NAME : Yoon, Won-Sun TENURE : 1960.10. 7 ~ 1960.12. 3
6th Governor NAME : Choi, Moon-Kyoung TENURE : 1960. 5.12 ~ 1960.10. 7		5th Governor NAME : Choi, Hun-Gil TENURE : 1956. 5.26 ~ 1960. 4.30
4th Governor NAME : Lee, Ik-Heung TENURE : 1953.11.23 ~ 1956. 5.21		3rd Governor NAME : Kim, Young-Ki TENURE : 1952. 9.12 ~ 1953.11.22
2nd Governor NAME : Lee, Hae-Ik TENURE : 1950.10.13 ~ 1952. 9.11		1st Governor NAME : Guh, Ja-Ock TENURE : 1946. 2.15 ~ 1950. 7.

the source - http://english.gg.go.kr/renewal/about/governor/successive.htm