[Insight & Opinion] Gyeonggi-do's Recognition Falls Short of Suwon

Between Gyeonggi-do and Suwon-si, which is more internationally recognized? On Google, searching in English for 'Gyeonggi' and 'Gyeonggi-do' yields 17 million and 2.14 million pieces of content respectively. Searching for 'Suwon' returns 21.2 million, surpassing Gyeonggi. Then what about 'Seoul'? It has 551 million results. In terms of international recognition, Seoul overwhelmingly outshines both Gyeonggi-do and Suwon.

Although the Governor of Gyeonggi-do is considered a presidential contender, Gyeonggi-do’s global status is modest. Metropolitan governments inherit the administrative system of the Joseon Dynasty’s eight provinces from the feudal era, making them outdated. In terms of area and self-sufficiency, they lag far behind U.S. states or Chinese provinces. According to Saskia Sassen, who advocated the concept of the 'global city,' internationalization progresses centered on 'cities.' Against the unstoppable wave of city-centered internationalization, metropolitan governments inevitably become obstacles.

The famous advertising theory of 'positioning' advises placing a product within a single concept. If there are too many concepts, interference occurs, and consumers remember nothing. When it comes to Suwon-si in Gyeonggi-do, the unnecessary and ambiguous higher-level concept of Gyeonggi-do dilutes Suwon’s brand value and diminishes its status.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi-do is attempting to create a new province by linking Gimpo-si and ten northern Gyeonggi cities and counties. His party, the Democratic Party of Korea, has proposed a special law regarding the establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Autonomous Province. Many Gimpo citizens oppose this. The 'anti-Gyeonggi Northern Province' sentiment triggered the ruling party’s Seoul-Gimpo megacity plan. The Gyeonggi Northern Province also goes against city-centered internationalization. While the trend should be toward abolishing Gyeonggi-do, proposing to create another province is regressive. As metropolitan governments increase, basic local cities are blocked and shrink. Furthermore, the name Gyeonggi Northern Province lacks historical and cultural origins. It does not evoke a sense of identity, prestige, or renown. It has no international recognition. The Gyeonggi Northern Province also contradicts the natural desire of people who want their neighborhood’s image to improve. Corporations and capital are concentrated in the southern part of Gyeonggi-do. The moment Gyeonggi Northern Province emerges, a hierarchy between Gyeonggi Northern Province and Gyeonggi Southern Province will form. This is why many Gimpo citizens hope to be incorporated into Seoul rather than Gyeonggi Northern Province.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon criticized the Seoul-Gimpo connection using expressions like “a global laughingstock” and “a nationwide scam.” He also said a referendum on Gyeonggi Northern Province should be held early next year. It is understandable that a metropolitan governor might feel threatened during policy competition and resort to harsh language for self-protection. However, if he stubbornly insists on matters that raise reasonable doubts about being against national and local interests, the situation changes. His qualifications and character will be questioned, and he may be pushed out of the presidential candidate pool.

Cities are national competitiveness. Our country, with limited land, has opportunities. Besides Seoul, Busan-Ulsan-Changwon, Incheon, Daejeon-Sejong, Daegu-Gumi-Pohang, and Gwangju-Yeosu-Gwangyang can become global cities like China’s first-tier cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The difference in land area between Korea and China becomes meaningless. Suwon-Yongin-Hwaseong can become the 'Silicon Valley of Asia.' Many basic local governments like Pyeongtaek, Geoje, and Gangneung-Sokcho have the potential to grow into international cities.

Recent polls showed many opposing the Seoul megacity. However, there was no hatred or resentment in this opposition. The ruling party’s approval rating rose, which supports this context. If the division of Gyeonggi-do is halted and administrative district reorganization is discussed in the direction of revitalizing local areas, it will be a valuable step toward preparing for the future.

Heo Man-seop, Professor at National Gangneung-Wonju University

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.