Seminar on Administrative System Reform for the Promotion of Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province Held

Discussion on Policy Directions and Essential Requirements for Establishing Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province
Public Deliberation and Review (Draft) by the Future-Oriented Administrative System Reform Advisory Committee under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for Efficient Response
Exploring Administrative System Reform to Promote Balanced Development and Alleviate Metropolitan Area Overcrowding

Gyeonggi Province held an ‘Administrative System Reform Expert Seminar’ on the 19th at the Seoul Biz Center located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to promote the establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province.

Gyeonggi Province held an "Administrative System Reform Expert Seminar" on the 19th at the Seoul Biz Center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to promote the establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province. Seminar participants are shouting "Fighting" and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

This event was the first seminar held after the enactment of special policies for the establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province, promoted by Gyeonggi Province. Experts from various fields, including Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Research Institute, participated to confirm the justification and necessity of establishing the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province, and discussed the feasibility of specific administrative system reforms and future plans for this purpose.

In the first session, under the theme of ‘Administrative System Reform,’ various opinions and policy tasks were shared focusing on the necessity and justification for establishing the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province.

Professor Kang In-ho of Chosun University, an expert in Korean local politics, emphasized, “The Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province should be a momentum to realize the spirit of coexistence and a model to implement the spirit of local autonomy and decentralization,” adding, “We need to seek ways to secure the justification for its establishment and directions for coexistence strategies.”

Jo Yong-ho, director of the Transformation Korea Legislative Policy Research Institute, explained, “Aiming for autonomous development through expanded autonomy of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province tailored to regional characteristics and deregulation of the metropolitan area, we need to explore expansion of autonomous legislation and financial independence measures.”

In the second session, themed ‘Essential Elements for Promoting the Special Self-Governing Province,’ Professor Kang In-ho of Chosun University proposed securing publicness through cooperation between the government and local communities and suggested plans for establishing new public institutions reflecting the characteristics of northern Gyeonggi.

Kim Min-seong, director of OCS Architects Co., Ltd., shared plans for preparing essential infrastructure and support facilities for government buildings, which are critical requirements for the successful establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province.

Gyeonggi Province plans to reflect the diverse perspectives of experts presented at the seminar to promote the successful establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province aimed at improving the quality of life of residents and balanced development.

Oh Hu-seok, Deputy Governor for Administration 2, stated, “The establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Self-Governing Province is a national task to resolve overpopulation in the metropolitan area and promote balanced development between regions, as well as an important policy reflecting the long-standing aspirations of residents in northern Gyeonggi,” adding, “The current administrative system reform review being promoted by the government mainly approaches the integration of metropolitan local governments, lacking sufficient consideration of a separated approach reflecting the unique characteristics of the metropolitan area. To ensure the independent development of northern Gyeonggi, balanced development within the metropolitan area, and ultimately strengthening national competitiveness, a reform plan that fully reflects the metropolitan context must be prepared.”