July 1st was the tenth anniversary of Jeju gaining its semi-autonomous status. Since then, the island has seen unprecedented growth and development. Although much has changed, many of the island’s residents don’t see any direct benefit from the special status. Joseph Kim has more.

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Jeju gains semi-autonomy July 1, 2006

On July 1, 2006, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province was launched to complete the model of the free international city. By transferring most of the administrative authority to the provincial level, Jeju became a model of local governance.

SYNC)
Han Myeong-sook / Former prime minister (July 1, 2006)
As prime minister, I will support the development of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
씽크)한명숙 전 국무총리 (지난 2006년 7월 1일)
총리로서 저는 여러분과 함께 제주특별자치도의 성공을 위해 노력하고 지원을 아끼지 않겠습니다..

Ten years have passed since the establishment of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. approximately 4,500 specific orders were transferred to the local government through 5 amendments of the Jeju Special Law. Additionally, an audit committee and municipal police force was established, a first in the nation.

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59 companies relocate from mainland to Jeju

To boost core projects, including the Jeju Science Park, the Global Educational City, and the investment promotion zone, 59 domestic companies have relocated to Jeju and foreign investment has been tallied at 15 trillion won.

As Jeju’s visa free status has expanded to 180 countries, the number of foreign visitors went from 540,000 in 2007 to 2,620,000 last year- a fivefold increase.

Moreover, the population grew by 80,000 from 560,000 in 2006 to 640,000 in 2015, the economic growth rate in 2014 rose from 1.9% to 4.8%, and, GRDP increased from 8 trillion won to 13.8 trillion won.

Interview)
Cho Sang-beom / Jeju Special Self-Governing Province promotional team
Five years after Jeju gained its special status, China became a G2 member. That had a positive effect on Jeju’s growth in terms of population, visitors, and investment.
인터뷰)조상범 道 특별자치제도추진단장
특별자치도 5년 이후에 중국이 G2 국가로 성장하면서
인구, 관광객, 투자, 이런 전반적인 제주경제가 발전하는...

However, the last 10 years has left much to be desired.

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Many Jeju residents ‘unsatisfied’

As 4 cities and towns were integrated into 2 cities, it caused disruptions in civil appeals. Additionally, carrying out over 4,500 institutional improvements, policies pertaining to Jeju residents’ needs are lacking.

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Infrastructure inadequate for rapid population growth

Rapid population growth has created further difficulties into the daily lives of Jeju’s residents. Jeju faces environmental infrastructure challenges at the airport, concerns with sustainable water supplies and waste management issues as well as the dramatic rise of real estate prices. Additionally, dealings with the central government are often dragged down in bureaucracy.

Interview)
Kim Hwang-gook / Provincial council member
I think the actual satisfaction level of Jeju residents has dropped.
인터뷰)김황국 제주도의회 의원
제주도민들이 체감하는 실질적인 체감지표는 떨어졌다고 생각합니다.

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Kim Seung-cheol

[REPORTER]
Joseph Kim

It seems that the province has long way to go in terms of addressing youth unemployment and real estate problems. Though Jeju has operated with partial autonomy over a decade, now is the time to honestly evaluate the last 10 years of self-governing and prepare for the future.

Joseph Kim KCTV