While states were the only actors in international politics in the past, regions, along with firms, civil organizations, and individuals, have become important actors in international society in the present age of globalization. South Korea is not an ...
While states were the only actors in international politics in the past, regions, along with firms, civil organizations, and individuals, have become important actors in international society in the present age of globalization. South Korea is not an exception in this trend. As local governments get more autonomy in their administration, their roles in international matters become more important.
Having a deep interest in international society and developments, Gyeonggi Province has persistently explored and expanded its role in international policies and programs for the last ten years. Especially, the last government in Gyeonggi Province has set “Gyeonggido, Global Inspiration” as its catch-phrase for the provincial administration. It can be evaluated as a well planned and timely policy movement if we consider the role and status of Gyeonggi Province in South Korea and the direction of its future development.
The goals of Gyeonggi Province in its Northeast Asian and international policies should be ensuring the prosperity and development of the province by successfully coping with the current international issues and changes and strongly promoting the international competitiveness and prestige of the province. Based on these goals, Gyeonggi Province should promote “strengthening of economic cooperation with China”, “keeping up and expansion of inter-Korean cooperation”, “coping with
changes in international trade environments and supporting the advance in international markets”, “promotion of cooperation with the metropolitan areas in core states and substantiation of the current networks of local governments in foreign countries”, “dealing with the relocation of USFK military bases and the increase of foreign laborers, and “increase of international capabilities and skills of the provincial and local governments in Gyeonggi Province” as the key programs in its Northeast Asian and international policies.