The population of Gyeonggi Province reached a record high of 13.631 million in 2023, the largest among all provinces in the country, approaching one-fourth of the national population. Although its economic level recorded the highest total production among the 17 provinces, its per capita production ranked seventh and per capita income ranked fourth. It also recorded the fourth lowest level of inequality nationwide. Greenhouse gas emissions ranked third highest nationwide, with the second highest growth rate over the past decade. In summary, the current state of Gyeonggi Province indicates a relatively sluggish economy, a relatively advanced society, and ecological concerns on a dangerous trajectory.
South Korea is facing a crisis characterized by extreme low birth rates and aging population, ongoing low growth trends, continuous polarization, and widening regional disparities. Externally, it is confronted with climate crisis, energy transition, digital transformation, and changes in the international order. In order to navigate through these internal and external challenges, it is essential to explore ways to transform them into opportunities.
We must strive for a bold transition from the "third way" to the "fourth way." The recent vision of the central government is in the process of balancing the pendulum between the economy (growth) and society (equality). It is imperative to halt this either-or movement and achieve a paradigm shift towards "sustainable prosperity" (sustainable true growth) through the convergence (balance) of economy (growth), society (equality), and ecology (environment). In other words, we need to seek a path of coexistence that not only acknowledges the equal value of all human beings living in the present age, but also embraces future generations and all ecological environments on Earth, continuously and inclusively.
In order to achieve this, Gyeonggi Province's plan for 2030 is as follows: It champions a thriving life, sustainable prosperity, and an opportunity-driven economy as its vision. A thriving life entails nurturing and developing the potential and capabilities of every individual. Sustainable prosperity involves seeking a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and social welfare.
To achieve this vision, three main goals are outlined: ① Innovative Economy Creating More Opportunities, ② Equitable Society Sharing Opportunities Fairly, ③ Coexistent Ecology Transforming into Better Opportunities.
To attain these three goals, five key strategies are proposed: ① Establishing an Innovative Industrial Ecosystem, ② Enhancing Fairness and Innovation in Regulations, ③ Accelerating the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy, ④ Enhancing Spatial Competitiveness, ⑤ Strengthening Global and Local Governance Capacity.
The key tasks for the 20s can be summarized as follows:
(Innovative Economy) ① Attract strategic corporate investments and create innovative jobs, ② Foster venture and startup clusters, ③ Establish digital knowledge commons, ④Activate social innovation economy
(Equitable Economy) ⑤ Introduce capability-enhancing youth opportunity accounts, ⑥ Introduce care and climate action opportunity income, ⑦ Strengthen capacity for just transition, ⑧ Introduce 360-degree care and foster care economy
(Coexistent Economy) ⑨ Support carbon-neutral industries and future technologies, ⑩ Establish RE100 low-carbon economic foundation, ⑪ Build sustainable and healthy cities, ⑫ Develop digital platforms for disaster safety
(Balanced Economy) ⑬ Create multiple economic growth hubs, ⑭ Redevelop urban centers and promote integrated living SOC, ⑮ Expand housing services, including comprehensive consulting on housing issues, ⑯ Introduce THE Gyeonggi Pass
(Collaborative Economy) ⑰ Establish international exchange systems to expand opportunities for businesses and resident, ⑱ Strengthen region-specific administrative systems, ⑲ Enhance performance management of fiscal projects, ⑳ Introduce climate citizen councils.
If we were to achieve the vision outlined, it is estimated that by 2030, the population of Gyeonggi Province will approach 14,421,123 people. Additionally, the per capita production is expected to reach 73.301 million won, ranking third nationwide, while per capita income is estimated to be 67.73 million won, ranking second nationwide. Inequality will decrease further, reaching the second lowest level nationwide. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced to the level of 9th nationwide, indicating a departure from the dangerous path.