Gyeonggi Province (–Do) (경기도) – Republic of Korea

The Capital (Seoul / Gyeonggi) Area

This includes Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi-do, the province surrounding both. The capital area, as the name implies, is the centre of all political, economic and cultural activity in South Korea. Clustered around Seoul are also a number of smaller cities, which form a continuous and sprawling urban area. In and around Seoul is the largest concentration of the nation's industries. As the hub of South Korea's transportation networks, with Gimpo and Incheon international airports, the Port of Incheon, and high-speed and regular rail networks (Korail) that connect to all parts of the country, the capital area serves as South Korea's gateway to the world.

Politics & International Relations

Exchange partnership with North East England

1996 Jun: Sisterhood Established
1996 Jun: The 1^st UK Day in Gyeonggi Province
1997 Mar: English Students' 1 year Internship in Gyeonggi Province
1997 Jul: The 1^st Gyeonggi Province Day in England
1997 Jul: Visit to Hermitage School by the Headmaster and a Student from Buan Junior High School in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province
1997 Nov: Visit to Gyeonggi Province by NEA Delegates
2003 Dec: Visit by Korean Delegation to Newcastle
2004 May: Visit by NEA, ANEC and One NorthEast Delegation to Technology Park Conference in Gyeonggi Province
2004 Aug: 1st Gyeonggi English Village, Ansan Camp opens
2004 Sep: Visit by Delegates of Gyeonggi Provincial Women's Hall to Newcastle
2005 Nov: Visit by North East England Trade & Investment Officer to Gyeonggi Province
2005 Nov: Visit of Korean Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry to North East England
2006 Mar: 2nd Gyeonggi English Village, Paju Camp opens
2006 May: Visit by Director General of Gyeonggi Province to Newcastle
2007 Feb: Secondee Mr Jong Suk Kim arrives for a 1-year placement at One NorthEast and the NEA
2008 Jan: Korean Stem Cell Firm, RNL Biom opens its European Division at Newcastle University
2008 Feb: Secondee Mr Yong Cheol Yoo arrives for a 1-year secondment at One NorthEast
2008 Apr: 3rd Gyeonggi English Village, Yangpyeong Camp opens

Exchange partnership with the rest of the world

Gyeonggi Province's exports in 2000 were USD 38 billion while imports for the same period were USD 35.6 billion, accounting for more than 22 per cent of all South Korean exports and imports. High-tech items, such as computers and semiconductors, have experienced favourable export increases. Gyeonggi Province has a flattering record of exports to both developed and developing countries with ongoing exports increasing to neighbouring countries, Japan and China.

UK:                  North East England
Netherlands:   North Holland Province **
Sweden:          Västmanland **
Spain:             Generalitat de Catalunya **
Russia:            Moscow Oblast **
South Africa:  Gauteng Province
China:             Liaoning Province, Shandong Province, Guangdong Province
Taiwan:           Taipei City
Japan:             Kanagawa Prefecture
Cambodia:      Kampot Province
Indonesia:      South Sulawesi Province
Vietnam:         Hà Tây Province
Australia:        Queensland Government
USA:                Utah State, Commonwealth of Virginia, Florida State
Canada:           British Columbia State
Mexico:            New Mexico State
Paraguay:       Alto Paraná

** Potential Sister Regions with North East England

Economics & Business

South Korea

Moderate inflation 2.5%, low unemployment 3.3%, GDP (purchasing power parity) USD 1.2 billion, and an export surplus in 2007 characterise South Korea's solid economy.

In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies, becoming one of the strongest economies in the world.

South Korean economy is now well-known for electronics, telecommunications, automobiles, chemicals, shipbuilding and steel industries.

Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved an incredible record of growth and integration into the high-tech modern world economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia like Sudan. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies. Today its GDP per capita is roughly the same as that of Greece and Spain. This success was achieved by a system of close government/business ties including directed credit, import restrictions, sponsorship of specific industries, and a strong labour effort. The government promoted the import of raw materials and technology at the expense of consumer goods and encouraged savings and investment over consumption. For more up-to-date information about the South Korean economy go to the CIA World Factbook.

Gyeonggi Province

Export:            USD 55.7 Billion (2005)
Import:            USD 51.7 Billion (2005)
Total Number of Companies: 577,633
(Knowledge-based manufacturing firms: 11,736)
(Foreign-invested companies - based on headquarters: 2,251)
(Research & Development companies: 468)

Gyeonggi Province is the source of one-third of South Korea's companies, workforce, and manufacturing, including such major corporations as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai-Kia.

Gyeonggi Province is located in the centre of the Republic of Korea, which is linked to the USA and Japan through the Pacific Ocean and with China and other neighbouring countries through the Yellow Sea. There are 43 megalopolises with the population of a million or more within three hours of a flight at Gyeonggi Province. Many large cities in China and Japan are also within a short distance, with Port Pyeongtaek offering the most direct route to Dalian, Tianjin, and Qingdao in China. Pyeongtaek Port, open since 1986, is one of Korea's fastest growing shipping facilities, and is forecast to handle 2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) by 2011.

As the logistical hub of Northeast Asia, and with full support of the local government for foreign invested firms, it is easy to do business in Gyeonggi-do. The province even boasts an industrial complex designated exclusively for foreign companies. As the logistic hub of the Northeast Asia, people will find it quite comfortable to do business here, since it provides the full support of foreign investment firms. Gyeonggi Province is proud of having an industrial complex, exclusively designated for foreigners.

Gyeonggi-do was the site of the 1988 Olympic Gamesand the 2001 World Ceramics Exposition, and hosted a match between France and South Korea as well as four main games during the 2002 World Cup when South Korea historically reached the semi-final.

Companies in North East England interested in trading with Gyeonggi Province or attracting inward investment can contact Ben Fisher at One NorthEast on ben.fisher@onenortheast.co.uk

A guide to business language and etiquette is available on the One NorthEast website.

English Village  The English Villages are designed for children and families who would like to experience English and foreign cultures, offering a wide range of immersion programmes. The English Villages are part of a Gyeonggi Provincial government-run programme which has a partnership with UNICEF teaching global citizenship and multicultural education. Native English speakers are offered an excellent job package as a teacher or edutainer, including a salary starting from 28,800,000 Korean Won (GBP 14K), plus accommodation and return flight tickets.

Contacts

Address: Gyeonggi Provincial Government, 63, DoCheongapgil (1 Measan-ro 3-ga), Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province 442-703, Republic of Korea

For any enquiries related to Gyeonggi Province and its relations with the North East Assembly, please contact the Europe and Government Liaison Manager, Aidan Stradling on 0191 497 8452 or email to aidan.stradling@northeastassembly.gov.uk. (Last updated on 8 July 2008)