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Korea’s ambassador to Jeju |
| Moon Hayong believes in Jeju’s future |
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| ▲ Moon Hayong, Ambassador and Advisor for International Relations. Photo by Tracie Barrett |
To a foreign visitor, the idea of a Korean ambassador to Jeju seems strange, but it’s actually a service the Central Government provides for all its provinces. Moon Hayong has held that role in Jeju for the past year and a half, with the additional title of Advisor for International Relations.
“Basically,” he said, “I’m advising the governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in terms of international relations, international cooperation and investment promotion.”
His role on Jeju is similar to that of ambassador-cum-advisors to other provinces, he said, but with the added features that come into play with Jeju trying to position itself as an “International City.”
“My government wants Jeju to play a leading role in terms of opening its economic system, getting foreign investment and getting foreigners to be comfortable staying here,” he said.
To these ends, he is involved in major projects including the Global Education City, which aims to service 3,000 to 4,000 students, a tourism resort project and Jeju’s science park.
“Jeju will become a center of education and tourism in Asia,” Moon said.
A graduate of Seoul National University with a master’s degree in international relations from Boston University and honorary doctorates in both politics and international relations, Moon is well-suited for his current role and is a believer in Jeju’s future.
“This is one of the most beautiful places in the world,” he said, “not only in Korea, but in the world. I traveled a lot during my earlier days and this is definitely one of the most beautiful [places]. I think Jeju has a great future. It will become more and more famous and more and more people will come to enjoy it and to stay.”
Asked to identify any obstacles to the province reaching its full potential, Moon said one is island’s small market, with only a little more than half a million residents. This could be overcome, however, he said, by developing the province’s education, medical treatment and research and development sectors. Focusing on these would also aid Jeju in balancing its development with environmental policies.
“Jeju doesn’t have a significant manufacturing sector. The major industries here are services and trade. Therefore, I think we can balance development and the environment.”
A good example was the island being chosen to host the World Conservation Congress in 2012, he said. The province is also working, with the assistance of the Central Government, to develop low-carbon industries. A more difficult obstacle was the mindset of some Jeju natives and language barriers, not only with English but also Chinese and Japanese. “Jeju people should be globalized, should be more open-minded to work with foreign people in order to become one of the hubs in Asia.”
Moon’s family presently live in Seoul as his second son is completing his high school studies there, but they enjoy vacations on Jeju Island, which he sees as a very healthy place to live. Not only is the climate 5 to 8 degrees warmer than Seoul, he said, but on Jeju there is easy access to horse-riding, mountain climbing and walking.
“During vacation, my family came to this island and stayed about one month. They were very happy and they enjoyed much of Halla Mountain and the sea. Last summer we went to Hyeopjae Beach where we could see Biyangdo, Biyang Island. I think that is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen during my lifetime.”
Moon’s posting to Jeju Island is open-ended and he does not know when it will end or where his career will take him next. For now though, he will do what he can to help the province grow.
“There is more and more widespread understanding that Jeju is aiming to be an international city,” he said. “People will learn to live together with other people.
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ⓒ Jeju Weekly 2009 (http://www.jejuweekly.com)
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