NEAR news vol.72th(ENG)

NEAR One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR January-February 2017

Vol.

News

72

Amaharashi Beach, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

New Year's Greetings

Xu Dazhe, Chair of NEAR Governor of Hunan Province, China | Jun Jae-won, Secretary-General of NEAR

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities | Secretariat News | NEAR Member News | NEAR Member Event Schedule(Jan-Feb)

Economy News Investment Environment for Global Corporations in Gyeongsangbuk-do | Saemaul Undong with UN by Gyeongsangbuk-do Where Light is Created:Pohang Accelerator Laboratory | Global Steelmaking Company, Posco

Feature Report

2016 NEAR International Forum | The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR News

“NEAR News� was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

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Vol. 72

Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, Heilongjiang Province, China

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NEAR is... a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 82 regional governments (77 member regions and 5 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.

Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.

Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), and ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

NEAR is open to all.

Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the NEAR General Assembly.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

New Year’s Greetings

New Year’s Greetings from the Chair

New Year’s Greetings

Warmest Wishes and Blessings for all the residents in Northeast Asia!

As the new year begins, I would like to send my greetings to all citizens in Northeast Asia as the representative of the new Chair, the Hunan Provincial Government and the 73 million people in Hunan.

Established in 1996, the Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments has played an important role in contributing to the economic and social development of Northeast Asia as it has strengthened cooperation in various fields such as economy and culture among the members, as well as promoting friendship exchange and co-prosperity in the region. The Northeast region has now become the world’s top number three pillar in

Xu Dazhe

Chair of NEAR Governor of Hunan Province, China

economy, along with rapid globalization of the economy. I believe that NEAR will become a bridge for cooperation and communication, working as a platform for regional exchange and cooperation, encouraging members.

Hunan Province, the birthplace of Mao Zedong, founder of the People’s Republic of China is located in the central region of China, with total land area of 210 thousand square kilometers, 14 cities and 122 prefectures consisting of 73 million residents. Hunan, with its rich history and culture, science, and education is welldeveloped with good transportation and vast resources. Industry has been developed, and the region has been given many names: “land of fish and rice”, “land of non-metal element, a land of non-metal mining, and land of tourism. Furthermore its industry has been developed in numerous fields such as machinery industry, information technology, rail transit, new materials, and machine industry, information technology, petrochemicals, automobiles and accessories, hard alloys, and deep processing technology. Hunan Province is a part of the ‘One Belt One Road’ project. It has been leading innovation and rapidly building a central transportation hub through reform and opening strategies, and establishing beautiful and happy Hunan province through the following strategies: scientific culture innovation, four system establish and promoting five field innovation of modern manufacturing, culture creation, development of agricultural products, spread of tourist spots, and open and strong province building.

As the Chair of NEAR, Hunan Province, will promote more cooperation and exchange among the members and extend its boundaries, utilizing domestic and international markets and resources through NEAR, an effective platform.

Hunan also wishes that global supporters of our province and the NEAR member regions will unite for coprosperity and development.

We wish the health and happiness of all citizens in Northeast Asia.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

New Year’s Greetings from Secretary-General

We wish the members of NEAR the best in 2017!

We wish the members of NEAR the best as we welcome in 2017, the new year of the red rooster.

Last year, NEAR made efforts to provide a practical exchange platform among the members, holding three Sub-Committee meetings on Disaster Prevention, Education and Culture, and Mineral Resources and Coordination; Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum; NEAR Youth Contest; NEAR International Forum and the 11th General Assembly.

Since its founding in 1996, NEAR has become the largest international cooperative organization in the world,

Jun Jae-won

Secretary-General of NEAR

and with the 11th Irkutsk General Assembly, NEAR has enlarged its membership to 77 regional governments, encompassing a population of 660 million people.

NEAR will activate the membership fee system in order to carry out programs for the development of NEAR and the common goal of the members starting in 2018. Since Associate Membership has also been introduced, local autonomous and regional governments in the outer regions of Northeast Asia are now able to take part in NEAR activities and participate in cooperating with regions in Northeast Asia.

NEAR has also built up a partnership with the Assembly of European Regions (AER), the Regions of Climate Action (R20), and International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).

Today, Northeast Asia, with its opportunities for challenge and diverse fields such as politics, economy, society and culture, is the focus of much interest from all over world. The NEAR Secretariat will seek to create an environment for the members to co-exist and prosper, enhancing cooperation and exchange, as well as strengthening the trust-based relationship based on the founding spirit of reciprocity and equality.

NEAR will create Sub-Committees as practical platforms for cooperation between private experts and entrepreneurs as well as government officers. Much interest and support from NEAR members will be anticipated and appreciated.

NEAR will also maintain close ties with Hunan Province of China, the new Chair of NEAR to ensure the smooth execution of various activities of exchange and cooperation, most importantly, the Working Committee to be held this year. Your opinions and interest through your active participation in NEAR will be valued and appreciated.

Lastly, we wish you and your family health and happiness in the coming year.

Happy New Year!

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities / Secretariat News

NEAR Activities 2016 NEAR International Forum(Nov. 25-26)

Sustainable Tourism and International Cooperation; and Mutual Cooperation on Tourism in Northeast Asia. Experts from each country delivered a presentation and held discussions on the topics presented.

During the forum session, promotion booths were provided which allowed member regions to promote their tourism activities and goods among forum participants for their information on each country and member’s tourism. For more information, please see the feature article.

NEAR Subcommittee on Disaster Prevention (Mar. 6-9) The Subcommittee on Disaster Prevention will hold a meeting from March 6 to 8, 2017 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Meetings on disaster prevention have been held annually by NEAR since 2002 with an aim to build up disaster prevention capacity and reduce damage from disasters in Northeast Asia.

The NEAR International Forum was held from November 25 to 26 at Andong

The host, Hyogo Prefecture, has taken measures for disaster prevention and

Grand Hotel. Under this year’s theme, ‘The Role of Tourism on Collaboration

the overseeing of maintenance of facilities based on the lessons learned from the

and Development in Northeast Asia,’ approximately 300 participants including

Great Hanshin earthquake (or Kobe earthquake) in 1995. The meeting was

representatives of members, international, local scholars, experts and related

followed by special lectures and discussions from related international

international organizations attended the forum.

organizations as well as a visit by the participants to the disaster-preventing

Each session was themed as follows: Tourism and Local Development;

facilities in Hyogo Prefecture.

Secretariat News NEAR Secretariat’s 2016 Fall Workshop The NEAR Secretariat held the 2016 NEAR Secretariat (Fall) Workshop from October 27 to 28 for two days in Yanggu and Sokcho in Gangwon-do Province, and the East coastal region.

During the Workshop, there was a time of discussion and opinion sharing with regards to the development of NEAR and capacity-building of the staff members.

Attending to the 9th Anniversary Celebration Event of the Northeast Asian Community & Studies Institute(Nov.3) NEAR Secretary-General JUN Jae-won attended the 9th Anniversary Celebration Day of the Northeast Asian Community & Studies Institute on November 3 at Seoul Press Center.

At the Ceremony, held by the Northeast Asian Community & Studies Institute and supported by the Ministry of Unification of Korea and Hansun Foundation,

Furthermore, the Secretariat staff members visited Eulji Observatory near the

various events took place: International Conference under the theme of ‘The

Military Demarcation Line to enhance their understanding of the political

Changing State of Northeast Asia and the Direction of Korean Diplomacy’,

situation of the Korean Peninsula. They also visited Mt. Seorak, and Naksansa

‘Northeast Asia International Cooperation Prize Ceremony’, and ‘2016 Essay

to experience various cultural aspects of Korea.

Contest for Unification Award Ceremony.’

Secretary-General Jun Jae-won stated at the workshop that the ideas expressed

NEAR received the ‘Northeast Asia International Cooperation Prize’ in 2015

by the NEAR staff members at the workshop would be actively reviewed and

as a leading organization for regional diplomatic cooperation in Northeast Asia,

applied. He also encouraged everyone at the NEAR Secretariat to continue

having contributed to promoting active exchange and constructive cooperation

working hard to elevate that status of NEAR, making it the best international

among regional governments, and for creating a peaceful environment in the

organization in Northeast Asia.

region.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

Secretariat News / NEAR Member News

Attending to the Global City Forum(Nov.16) NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won attended the Global City Forum on November 16 at the Busan Westin Choseon Hotel. At the forum, under the theme ‘Earthquake Protection Management Governance through International Cooperation,’ experts from Busan and officers in the related field from Kobe, Fukushima, and Kumamoto, Japan gathered to share their expertise with regards to seeking out systems and search methods for disaster prevention.

Delegation of Ulaanbaatar City Council Members Visit NEAR Secretariat On December 7, 2016, the NEAR Secretariat held a meeting with a delegation from Mongolia headed by Natsag Bayarmunkh, a member of the Ulaanbaatar City Council, to introduce NEAR and discuss a cooperation plan.

Kwon Nam-won, Director of the Department of Public Affairs and Relations expressed his thanks for the support of the Mongolian delegation for

A Special Lecture in the East Sea Rim Off-shore Engineer Training Program(Nov.19)

encouraging Mongolian members to participate actively, and said that NEAR would support the sharing of information among NEAR members and also support the activities of the regional governments and councils of Mongolia.

NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won delivered a special lecture to the trainees of the East Sea Rim Off-shore Training Program at the Urban-Network Institute on November 19.

During the this lecture themed ‘Urban-Networking in the Region of East Sea Rim,’ the Secretary-General gave a lecture on the geopolitical significance of the East Sea Rim, national strategies of regional countries, the role of Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and the changing politics of Northeast Asia. The lecture, based on the Secretary-General Jun Jae-won’s former experiences as a diplomat, as well as his current role as Secretary-General, was well received by the trainees.

NEAR Member News China - Heilongjiang Province The 33rd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival The Opening Ceremony of the 33rd Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and the High-Level Meeting will be held on January 5, 2017. The 28th Harbin International Ice Sculpture Art Expo in Taiyangdao will also be held and Ice Disney Land will be installed on top of the Songhwa River, along with huge ice sculptures in Harbin Stalin Park. In Zhaolin Park, the Ice Lantern Festival will be held on a mega scale. More than 116 events will be taking place attracting many tourists, such as the Tourism Festival, Ice & Snow Tour, Ice & Snow sports, Ice & Snow Folk Experience, Exhibition on Cultural Photographs from regions all over Heilongjiang Province.

Harbin International Ice Festival which lasts until late February 2017, is known as the world’s longest winter festival. It aims to be the leader in the area of trade related to ice and snow, promoting ice–snow culture and tourism.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR Member News

Japan – Niigata Prefecture

order to re-build the palace, the Sejong city government launched the formation plan and commenced the process of hiring the design and planning team last

The Ninth Japan-Russia Energy and Environment Dialogue in Niigata

month.

The city plans to build the temporary palace near Chojeong Culture Park in Chojeong-ri and will utilize it in various ways. A total budget of KRW 12 billion

On November 2, the ninth Japan-Russia Energy and Environment Dialogue in

including KRW 5 billion from the central government, KRW 2.5billion from the

Niigata, Japan was held, providing opportunities for Japanese and Russian

provincial government, and KRW 4.5billion from the city government, has been

experts to share information on bilateral cooperation in energy and environment

allocated to the palace construction project which will span over 36,000㎡.

fields.

It is anticipated that the completed King Sejong Temporary Palace, replete

The opening speech addressed the importance of Russia’s role with regards to

with the cultural contents of the era, along with the Chojeong Mineral Water

energy policies of Japan and the potential of Japan-Russia relationship. In

Festival, may become the main attraction for tourists. City government staff

session A under the theme of ‘Energy Resources,’ various topics such as the

stated that specialists will be engaged to oversee work and offer expert advice so

world trends in energy supply, the energy infrastructure status of the Far East

that the reconstruction of the palace reflects the historical realities and maintains

region, and energy provision by Japanese corporations were discussed. In

the historical values of the time.

Session B, under the topic of ‘Energy Conservation and the Environment and Electricity,’ the importance of Paris Climate Agreement which entered into force in November, introduction to reusable energy in Sakha Republic, Russia, and substantiation of the Wind Turbine by Japanese corporations were introduced.

Niigata Prefecture will make further efforts to play a crucial role as the information center in the energy cooperation between Russia and Japan.

South Korea - Gyeongsangnam-do Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations by 2018 Gyeongsangnam-do Province signed an MOU with Korea Electric Power Corporation regarding the building of electric vehicle charging stations on November 10 in the Western Office Building. According to the strategy on reducing micro dust released by the government this June, the agreement lays out aims to prepare charging stations to meet the demand of 250,000 electric vehicles targeted for production by 2020. Jo Gyu-il Vice Governor for Western Region Development and Kim Si-ho, Vice-President of Korea Electric Power Corporation along with 30 others from cities and counties were present at the MOU signing ceremony.

The key point of the agreement is that the provincial and regional governments

South Korea - Chungcheongbuk-do King Sejong Temporary Palace Construction Project A temporary palace which is being constructed on the site where King Sejong resided while he completed the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, will

of cities and counties in the region will provide the land for the construction sites and that KEPCO will install and run the charging stations.

By 2018, KEPCO will invest four billion won and install more than 50 electric charging stations at main gathering points at different sites in cities and counties which are lacking in stations in order to create an environment which supports the use of electric vehicles.

be unveiled in two years. The construction is based on research released in

Jo Gyu-il, Vice Governor for Western Region Development stated that “with

January 2014 by the Cheongju Cultural Promotion Foundation which shows that

the launch of electric cars with the ability to travel 300㎞ next year, it is expected

King Sejong built his temporary palace in Chojeong-ri, Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-

that within the next two to three years, electric cars will enjoy mainstream use.

gu in Chungcheongbuk-do where he stayed for 123 days, undergoing therapy to

This agreement is a great step in preparing for the age of the electric vehicle

cure himself by drinking and bathing in Chojeong mineral water.

which will contribute to enhancing the quality of the air and reduction of

Since the palace was burned down by a fire in 1448, its exact location cannot

greenhouse gas.

be ascertained. However according to records such as the Shinjeung

On purchasing an electric vehicle which is priced around 40million won (USD

Donggukyeojiseungram which are 17th century documents regarding the Josun

34,000), the buyer can enjoy a subsidy of (USD 14,000), own a personal charger

Dynasty, it is thought that the original palace was located next to the Chojeong

priced around 4 million won (USD 3,400), and enjoy a further tax benefit of

garden near the Chojeong mineral water fountain which is in existence today. In

around 4 million won.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

NEAR Member Event Schedule

NEAR Member Event Schedule

January-February January 1 - February 28, 2017 Member Region Gangwon Province, South Korea

Event Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Date

Venue

Contact

January 7-29

Hwacheon, Gangwon Province

Reconstruction Support Division, Hyogo Prefecture (T)+81-78-362-9984 (F)+81-78-362-4459

Tourism Strategy Division Hwacheon Couunty Foundation Corporation NARA (T)+82-1688-3005

Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Hyogo Memorial Walk & Gathering and Exchange, Disaster Prevention Training

January 17

Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

International Disaster Reduction Forum (DRA Forum 2017)

January 20

Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

Prevention Division, Hyogo Prefecture (T)+81-78-362-9870 (F)+81-78-362-9914

Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

International Recovery Forum 2017

January 24

Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

Division of Disaster Prevention, Hyogo Prefecture (T)+81-78-362-9870 (F)+81-78-362-9914

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

The Earth Hall of Fame Kyoto, Award Ceremony

January 11

Kyoto

Secretariat of the Earth Hall of Fame KYOTO T: +81-75-414-4830

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

The Earth Hall of Fame Kyoto, Award Ceremony

February 11

Kyoto

Secretariat of the Earth Forum Kyoto T: +81-75-414-4830

Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Northeast Asia International Conference for Economic Development

February 14-15

Niigata

(The Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia) TELďźš+81-25-290-5545 FAXďźš+81-25-249-7550

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Investment Environment for Global Corporations in Gyeongsangbuk-do

Economy News

Beginning in 2017, NEAR NEWS will include Economy News to report on the main industries and investment environments of the regional governments of each member country.

Investment Environment for Global Corporations in Gyeongsangbuk-do Gyeongsanbuk-do, the province that was established through a millennia of Buddhist culture, mystical Gaya culture, scholarly aspects of Confucianism, and the home of Korean nationalism- the face of Korean culture.

Having successfully overcome national crisis through patriotic allegiance, the province initiated the ‘Sae-Maeul Undong,’ also known as the New Village Movement, and Nature Conservation Movement, which upheld the national spirit.

The province is 19,029㎢ which constitutes 19.1% of the total land area of South Korea and

Gyeongsangbuk-do

31 times bigger than that of the Seoul Metropolitan area. The province has 10 cities and 13 counties which make up 23 administrative districts.

With a breathtaking natural landscape and a 335㎞ long eastern coastline that remains untouched by man, Gyeongsanbuk-do has been established as the center of the textile industry in the global steel country, as well as the driving force of economic growth. Home to 38, the highest number of universities in South Korea after Seoul and nearby cities, the region is credited for educating many researchers and technicians.

Along with rich cultural resources (20% of the domestic cultural heritage), tourism destinations, and a high capacity for culture, the province has become a universal center for culture and tourism.

This issue, we will be introducing various aspects of Gyeongsangbuk-do province, including the economic

environment and investment climate for global corporations, the New Village Movement, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, and the global company, Posco.

● Industrial Complex (㎢) Division Total

Total

National Industrial Complex

General Industrial Complex

Agricultural Industrial Complex

Number

Area

Number

Area

Number

Area

Number

Area

156

155,180

9

83,724

78

59,766

69

11,690

● Free Economic Zone

※ Industry Belt - 156 Industry Belts (9 National, 78 General, 69 Farming Technology) - The National 2nd Industry Belts

Gumi High-Tech Valley •2009-2014 KRW 1.72 trillion 9.34㎢ •Electronics and Information, Mechatronics, and New Material Engineering

Pohang Blue Valley •2009-2014 KRW 0.86 trillion 6.12㎢ •Steelmaking, Machinery, Ship · Automobile Components, Energy, IT Technology

Pohang

Gumi Yeongcheon Gyeongsan

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

Remark

Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone •2008-2020, 8 Districts, KRW 5.8 trillion 19.72㎢ •5 Districts n Gyeongsangbuk-do (in Gumi, Yeongcheon, and Gyeongsan) 21.6㎢

Saemaul Undong with UN by Gyeongsangbuk-do

Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement) with UN by Gyeongsangbuk-do The Globalization of the Saemaul (New Village) Undong is focused on changing people through experiences.

This project was started to help eradicate global poverty through sharing the South Korean experience of overcoming poverty with the international community.

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province has built regional centers in different continents to promote locally-led movements based on the demand and participation of the local village. Through the local centers (Saemaul institutes), small scale training programs targeting local members and leaders will be carried out at the start. In the long term, the centers will provide training for leaders and staff and act as a center for the Saemaul Undong.

Furthermore, the province has built up a sample village, and sent the trained ‘Saemaul leaders’ to the village.

Along with the Saemaul Leaders’ Training Program, College Student Saemaul Volunteers Dispatch Programs are supported by the Province as well. So far 4,297 trainees from 86 countries have received leadership training in developing countries, and 30 villages in 11 countries have been set-up as exemplary villages for Saemaul Undong. 610 college students from six countries have been sent as volunteers.

In the near future, a committee on Saemaul ODA will be established by the central government for support the globalization of the Saemaul Undong by the regional governments.

Russia

Kazakhstan Mongolia Uzbekistan Tajikistan

Senegal

Guinea

Liberia

Nigeria

Cameroon Ghana Togo Rwanda

Uganda

Angola Namibia

India

Zambia

Dominican Republic Jamaica Saint Lucia Vietnam

Ethiopia

Republic of the Congo

Republic of Korea

Laos

Sudan Benin

China

Tanzania

Sri Lanka

Cambodia

Panama

Map Key

Philippines

Saemaul Undong Model Village Indonesia

Papua New Guinea

Colombia

Ecuador

International Trainee Saemaul Program On-site Training Program College Student Saemaul Volunteers Miscellaneous Support

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Where Light is Created:Pohang Accelerator Laboratory

Where Light is Created: Pohang Accelerator Laboratory The Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL) is the 5th third-generation light source in the world. It was established in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea in 1988. The Accelerator Laboratory, commonly called the ‘Factory of Light,’ it is often considered an essential piece of equipment in the upgrading of scientific competitiveness, as it allows for the observation of tiny particles or the inside of an object using various spectrums of light.

The 4th Pohang Accelerator Laboratory was established in 2015, providing an advanced research environment for Korean scientists. Unlike the existing 3rd accelerator which was only used to observe non-moving atoms or molecules, the 4th accelerator may allow the observation of the moving state of atoms which up until now, has remained virtually unknown.

Starting with small scale of beamline construction and the provision of support for users, currently 32 beamlines have been established with the help of active financial support from the government. Over 1,000 users working on research projects can use this facility, meaning that PAL is now considered one of the most advanced research facilities in the country, upgrading Korea’s national scientific competitiveness.

The Accelerator Laboratory can be in used in cooperation of almost every research tool which makes it economically efficient in the development of technology in national strategic fields such as IT(Information Technology), NT(Nano Technology), ET(Environment Technology), and BT(Bio-Technology). Furthermore, it provides the next generation converged technology for the growth force using the accelerator laboratory.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

Global Steelmaking Company, Posco

Global Steelmaking Company, Posco Established in 1968, POSCO is the world’s leading steelmaker with a crude steel production capacity of 38 million tons. POSCO produces carbon steel and stainless steel including rolled steel, cold rolled steel, plate and wire rods.

Currently, despite the low demand for steel world-wide, overproduction and rapid increases in steel exports from China, and the weakening of the Japanese Yen, POSCO has declared its goals to rebuild ‘POSCO the Great’ as well as highlighting its continued efforts to secure its position as a competitive world class steel company.

The world’s biggest thick steel production system was installed at the Gwangyang Steelmaking Operating Facility in South Korea. The four blast furnaces installed at the Pohang Steelmaking Operating Facility have broken the world record for steel production per day from a single blast furnace, which has resulted in an increase in steel production ability.

The announcement of the World-Class Steelmaker Ranking was made on June 9 at the 30th World Steel Dynamics Steel Success Strategies (WSD SSS). POSCO was named the most competitive steel company eight times in six consecutive years. It also received a positive evaluation in the field of climate strategies, labor and human rights, and human resources development. It was also titled the best company for sustainable management, 11 years in a row, for the longest period among companies in South Korea.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Feature Report

2016 NEAR International Forum

2016 NEAR International Forum

The 2016 NEAR International Forum was held from November 25 to 26 at Andong Grand Hotel participated by around 330 people including 85 representatives of 35 organizations from five countries: the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, Mongolia and the Russian Federation. This year, under the theme of ‘The Role of Tourism in Collaboration and Development in Northeast Asia,’ co-organized by the NEAR Secretariat and the Tourism Science Society of Korea, the forum were split into 3 sessions with different sub topics. Presentations, including examples of successful tourism policies, were given by regional governments in Northeast Asia.

● Opening Session 2016 NEAR International Forum was attended by many key figures and was a great success. In the Opening Ceremony, Secretary-General JUN Jae-won of NEAR opened the forum by delivering the opening remarks, followed by welcoming remarks by the Vice-Governor Jung Byung-yoon, congratulatory remarks by the Mayor of Andong, Kweon Young-sae. JUNG Chang-soo, CEO of Korea Tourism Organization gave the keynote speech, and Professor Eugene ROH from Central Michigan University delivered the special speech.

● Topic Presentation and Discussion Session Each session was themed as follows: Tourism and Local Development; Sustainable Tourism and International Cooperation; and Mutual Cooperation on Tourism in Northeast Asia. Experts from each country delivered presentations on regional government strategies and cases studies on tourism and held discussions on the topics presented. The participants actively asked questions at the end of each session.

In the first session, Professor Nobuyuki HATADA from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan introduced Machizuguri (community development) as a case of local tourism. Professor Elvira Lim from Sakhalin State University introduced tourism development strategies. In the Second Session Professor Munkhnasan Sarantuya from Mongolian National University gave a presentation introducing bio-tourism and several tourism projects and Professor Kim Hyun from Dankook University, South Korea gave a

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

2016 NEAR International Forum

presentation on eco-tourism and the limitation of policies. In the third session, Professor Chen Nan of Henan University, China introduced Chinese policies through ‘One Belt One Road’ and CHOI Kyung-eun from Korea Culture & Tourism Institute delivered a presentation on the international tourism trend and introduced major projects for the activation of cooperation on tourism among the countries in Northeast Asia.

During the forum session, promotion booths were provided, allowing member regions to promote their tourism activities and goods among forum participants, as well as distribute information on regional countries in Northeast Asia.

● Cultural Tour The following day, the participants toured to the new government office buildings of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. The participants also visited Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and had an opportunity to learn and understand more about Korean traditional culture.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay / Grand Award /Let’s Get to Know Northeast Asia, Let’s Dream of the Future

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay

This year’s NEAR Youth Contest marked the 4th year of the contest which was started in 2013. The annual contest is open to youths aged from 14 to 18 from the member regions in Northeast Asia. This year, in addition to the former competition format which involved essay writing only, an art contest component was combined. Under the topics of ‘Culture of Northeast Asia,’ ‘Conservation of Cultural Heritage’ and ’Environmental Issues and Proposed Solutions in Northeast Asia,’ a total of 46 entrees from five countries submitted pieces to the art contest. NEAR News vol. 72 introduces the award-winning (Grand and Excellence) essay pieces!

[Grand Award]

Let’s Get to Know Northeast Asia, Let’s Dream of the Future

- Bae Gahyun, Gyeongsan Girls’ Middle School, Gyeongsangbuk-do A land which covers a thirteenth of the globe, with more than one fifth of the world population residing there; where various people from various cultures live; a land from which one fourth of the Gross World Product is produced; a transportation cluster which reaches from the continent of Asia to the Pacific Ocean. Where could this be? It is Northeast Asia, where we are living. After the Industrial Revolution, European powers became the center of the world, and after the World War II, the U.S.A. became the G1. However, scholars anticipate that Northeast Asia will be the next ‘Center of the World,’ as an emerging power. This is Northeast Asia’s basis and goal, of which we should be aware.

First, we need to take interest in Northeast Asia in order to know about the region. It is important to constantly learn about a region’s characteristics and current events through books, news, and various media.

There are also ways to learn about a region indirectly through looking at the web-sites of organizations such as the Korean Association of Northeast Asia Studies, the Northeast Asian History Foundation, and the Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (NEAR), an organizer of this contest, not to mention the ways in which you can directly participate in various programs such as the ‘Long March across Northeast Asia.’

Around this season last year, I visited Joyo city in Japan, a sister city of my hometown, Gyeongsan city in South Korea. What was most valuable was that the participants were able to spend time together, meeting and communicating with students from Joyo Middle School in Japan. It was a little bit awkward when we first met

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay / Grand Award /Let’s Get to Know Northeast Asia, Let’s Dream of the Future

each other. However, strangely, when we started talking about ‘Hallyu’ (Korean cultural wave), it brought us closer together eventually. When our Japanese friends started talking about Korean celebrities, which became the common issue of discussion, we started to feel much closer. On the other hand, we wish we could have known each other much better, which we could have been if we had studied about Japan earlier. ‘Getting to know one another,’ especially learning about each other’s culture, would allow us to make great connections with one another.

However, simply knowing about the history, customs, and culture of this region would not be enough. There is an old Korean saying, ‘Even though one has three mal (unit) of pearls beads, they are valued when in chains.’

Also, the Chinese philosopher Confucius said:’Learning without thinking is useless. Thinking without learning is dangerous.‘ As we learn about Northeast Asia, we need to be able to understand and even embrace of the differences in histories, customs, and culture of each country. The next stage allows us to dream of the future of Northeast Asia together. This would be ’truly knowing’ Northeast Asia. For example, knowledge of the region can be applied to the historical conflicts of the region.

Northeast Asia is tied very closely together in terms of history. However, because of existing unsolved historical conflicts, there are disputes among the countries with regards to such issues as Comfort Women or the Nanking Massacre. There are also territorial disputes caused by historical issues, such as the Dokdo Islands and the Senkaku-Diaoyudao Islands disputes. These conflicts may have been caused due to the reason that the countries involved do not fully know each other. When we look at the relationship between France and Germany, as they understand each other and acknowledge one another’s faults throughout history, the two countries have achieved closeness rapidly, and it has helped the economic development of the two countries.

Similarly, we may need to learn and understand each other in Northeast Asia.

The relationships among the countries in Northeast Asia are complicated and subtle. Disputes surrounding territories, history, cultural heritage, and military training often occur in the region. The tensions cause people to walk on eggshells, and people in Northeast Asia often see each other as ‘uncomfortable neighbors’ rather than a ‘community.’

However, if we, the citizens in Northeast Asia get to know each other well, especially the youth, I believe the region will have a brighter future. We may be able to have friends from different regions in Northeast Asia: China, Japan, and even from North Korea. We can also become a family, helping one other, and dreaming together of the hopeful future. Wouldn’t that be great? The first step we may have to take is to ‘learn’ about this region,‘Northeast Asia.’

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The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay / Excellence Award / How I see the present and the future of RUSSIAN culture?

[Excellence Award]

How I see the present and the future of RUSSIAN culture?

- Pasyuta Anna, Khabarovsk Region, Russia For the beginning of my work I would like to tell a

respect and appreciate the cartoons of “Soyuzmultfilm”

On the other hand, there are many advantages in the

few words about Russian culture. Most foreigners

and telecast “Spokoinoy nochy malishi”. In cinemas

process of the globalization. First of all, it helps people

associate Russia with balalaika, brown bears, hats with

appeared cartoons “Tri bogatirya”,” Ivan-Tsarevich and

earflaps, laziness. But it is not totally truth. Russian

the Grey Wolf”,” Alyosha Popovich and Tugarin

culture has the long history. Because of it my country is

snake”. Also, many Russians spend their free time

to widen the horizons and to be culturally rich. For example, in the 21st century new kinds of hobbies appeared in Russia. They are borrowed from Western countries origin, such as carving, scrapbooking, many

rich in customs, traditions and celebrations. Russia has

culturally: read, visit the theatre and cinema, go to the

a great number of holidays, especially winter festivals:

exhibition, museums and introduce in it friends and

leveled cakes with mastic and also different kinds of

New Year, Old New Year, Christmas, Epiphany,

acquaintances.

yoga which came from India. Now various kinds of

Christmas-tide, and Shrovetide. Most of celebrations

Culture is the most influential and important thing for

floristic and landscape design are actively developing in

have Slavonic roots. A lot of holidays are favorite and

every country. It is human activity to transform the

Russia. It should be mentioned that young Russian

popular among Russian people nowadays. The fact is

natural world the influence of nature to the inner world

people like to take part in flash mobs, to visit Rock

that Russia has a very severe and heroic history. My

of a man. Culture is the complex system which consists

Festivals and different shows like, Dog’s Show, Old-

country had won in many battles and wars that’s why

of such subsystems as technology, art, architecture,

fashion cars shows and to celebrate Western holidays,

we have a lot of memorable days, Like Borodino Battle.

spiritual life, religion, cinema, theatre, music, human

like Saint Valentine’s Day and Hallowing. Today many

But the Great Patriotic War is the most magnificent and

behavior, hobbies and others. And in the twenty-first

the Russians can’t imagine life without Italian pizza

unforgettable. So, Victory Day is the greatest holiday

century globalization is a part of development of a

and pasta, Japanese sushi, and exotic Chinese food. But

for Russian people. Our culture is very rich in folk

country. Modern Russian culture, like many others of

people from different countries prefer Russian food:

songs and dances, fairy-tales, music and musical

the world, is involving in the process of globalization.

blinies, borsch, okroshka, pelmeny, solyanka, kvas and

instruments. My country has unusual and special kinds

Globalization refers to the idea that the world is

vodka. Next, globalization erases the boundaries

of sport. People do these sports during holidays, like

developing single culture as a result of improved

between nations that leads to mutual understanding

Shrovetide, I mean climbing the pole for presents.

technology and communications. How this process

between countries and provides their tolerant attitude to

Moreover Russia has much national creativities, like

21st

affects the formation of the culture of Russia of the century? What can we expect from Russian culture in

each other and helps to live in peace all over the world.

Gzhel, Khokhloma, Orenburg shawls, Dymkovo toy, Ural malachite, Tula samovar. The products of these

the 22nd century?

go abroad, you should be aware of culture and customs

Moreover, globalization is useful for travelers. If you

creativities are popular now among well-known people

On the one hand, globalization has some

of a country which you want to visit and to have an

and tourists. I want to mention rich Russian Cuisine and

disadvantages. Firstly, many young people are too

opportunity to avoid cultural shock. Then, a person who

hospitality of Russian housewives. Actually, if you go

much involved in subcultures and it is not always good

owns the information about the culture of different

to Russian housewives, they will put on the table all,

for them and people around them. Because, at times is

countries has the right to own the whole cultural world.

that stand in theirs refrigerators. Also, all around the

difficult for youth to differentiate between positive

In the conclusion I would like to say that the lack of

world is famous phrase of “wide Russian soul”. In my

point of cultural aspects and negative influence of this

culture leads to immoral behavior that leads to

opinion, it means emotion, sweetness, heartiness,

culture on their values, like in the situation with

misconducts that lead to crimes. But I think if the

sincerity, generosity, naturalness of my nation.

subcultures. For example, in Russia there are a lot of

Russians learn how to appreciate and respect their

Russian literature and art are well-known in the world.

subcultures which came from Western countries, such

cultural values they can keep them forever. My predictions are the following: in the next century,

Everyone knows writers: Alexander Pushkin, Leo

as Skinhead, Emo, Bikers, Goth, Hippy, Ravers,

Tolstoy, Mikhail Bulgakov, artists: Viktor Vasnetsov,

Gopniks. These groups are sometimes dangerous for

majority of people will be more careful about cultural

Ivan Aivazovsky, Isaac Levitan, Karl Bryullov, Kazimir

society because of their rebellious behavior. Subculture

Malevich, famous scientists: Mendeleev, Lomonosov,

is different from mainstream culture. Secondly, people

values and the process of globalization. In the 22nd century the Russians will retain the originality and

Popov, Yablochkov, cosmonauts Gagarin and

who immerses in other culture sometimes forgets about

uniqueness of Russian culture that will not let to destroy

Tereshkova, ballet dancers: Maria Plisetskaya, Anna

their natural own traditions and values. We should keep

Russia.

Pavlova, Anastasia Volochkova and other great people

our ethnic roots. Every person has the right to choose

of Russia.

culture according his interests but it should be done

I decided to present my work in English because of my love for English.

carefully and wisely, not to ruin its own culture.

I am sure, English language is a part of the

the crisis. For example, on television there are more and

Unfortunately, there are students of Russian schools,

globalization process as it is a mean of communication

more good, simple, sincere cartoons and films such as

colleges and universities consider literature and history

among people all over the world. I think that English is

“Svati”, “Friends” dedicated to the memory of Marina

are not very important subjects. But without knowledge

considered to be the international language for a long

Golub, cartoons “Barboskiny , “Smeshariki”, “Masha

about the past of our country we can’t build worthwhile

time in future.

and the Bear”. Many of today’s children and adults

future for the following generations.

Modern Russian culture is gradually emerging from

18

NEAR NEWS Vol. 72

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay / Excellence Award / An Observation: Tree Leaves

[Excellence Award]

An Observation: Tree Leaves

- Batsukh Otgonchimeg, Baruun-Urt School No.3, Sukhbaatar Aimag, Mongolia After the tear-like rain drops have wet the land and

shadows and negative aspects may remain.

the sun appears, I, a half-moon eyed girl, open up the

Therefore, each leaf, 3,093,143 leaves of the three of

window of the roof and push away the curtains and

Mongolia, growing out of 22 branches may have to

start to write. Light and shadow make up both sides

light up their minds and share with one another so

of everything. Wouldn’t it be great if more things

that together, the shadows will disappear and

came under the light?

eliminate bad aspects.

Mongolia has become a young and beautiful tree,

Light represents positive aspects such as good

full of leaves, growing at the center of the world. As

personality, nature, sympathy, righteousness, loving

a tree absorbs the sunlight, it grows tall, but at the

nature and progress. Even though our nations are

same time, its shadow grows.

separated by boundaries, our hearts may reach out

Since the nation of Mongolia was built, a seed was

beyond the walls and limits such as boundaries.

planted, and it grew over a long period of time. At

Life is the most important thing in the world. We,

times it withered, sometimes the roots got rotted, and

the human beings must love and protect every life.

a other times buds appeared. It also experienced

Loving those in need, protecting the river, and

wind, and finally, in the soil of socialism, it finally

preserving Mother Nature are acts of loving and

stretched out its roots and sprouted. In the 1990s, the

protecting lives. However, between if we try our best

seeds of democracy nourished the soil and the tree,

and set good examples for one another, the impact

and the tree of the nation finally grew strong,

seems small because I think that I, a small leaf,

upwards towards to the sky.

placed in the East part of Mongolia how knows

Surrounding this young tree, are the big trees of

about ‘the Association of Northeast Asia Regional

China in front, and the Russian Federation behind it.

Governments,’ an international organization for both

Alongside Mongolia, there are trees of the Republic

the individual and the wider community. Even its

of Korea, Japan, and the Democratic People’s

name, ‘NEAR’ also delivers the meaning of

Republic of Korea. Since September 1996, these

closeness. After thinking for a while of what I can do

trees have become connected by their roots, and

for the next generation, I realized that it is my

started to grow, gathering their leaves.

responsibility to light up the people around me and

Now we, the countires in Northeast Asia have formed a big family within the boundaries of the

to enlarge my sphere of influence through walking together with others as one.

‘Association of Northeast Asia,’ the big forest. We

The tree will soon grow and bear fruits, and

have established our aims to create a ‘Utopia’ of

Northeast Asia will shine brightly as the world’s

peace and happiness. However, what are we to do

bridge, economy development resource, helping

with the showdows of these huge trees?

hands, and doorway for happiness.

Shadows are the negative aspects of our society,

I, a leaf from the eastern part of Mongolia, am

regressing against the flow of the time. Such

going to finish this essay as the sun goes down on

problems originating from disasters, climate change,

the grassland.

a decrease in ethics, and discrimination make up the shadows of the trees. However, where there is a problem, there is a solution. I think that nations in Northeast Asia have gathered in order to find the solutions together.

How can one stress the importance of such a gathering? Countries of the Earth, under one sky, as neighbours; we all need to try best to gather our hearts and minds with aim of brightening up the shadows. On the other hand, at the top of the tree, several people may hold the light high to the shadows as a good deed. However, even then, some

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (37668) 3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK T. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail near@neargov.org Website www.neargov.org