This week three government-drafted bills were approved by the Cabinet that will convert Jeju (Cheju) into a special autonomous province in July next year, if passed by the National Assembly. Many powers, including that of granting casino licences, would be delegated by central government to the provincial government. At present there are five casinos and a racecourse on Jeju island.

The move has been seen as granting a province of Korea similar status to a state in the United States. The proposal allows for Jeju to have an independent police force and autonomy over education, taxes, finance and employment, including of foreign nationals. The Jeju Special Autonomous Province would also turn the city of Jeju into an international free city able to host foreign schools and hospitals.

The plan to turn the island of Jeju into an environmentally friendly and competitive region of northeast Asia has wide support. Jeju-do is the smallest province in South Korea and the largest island, but claims to be Nature’s paradise in the North Pacific with rare species of flora and a mild oceanic climate. A Declaration of the Special Act of Jeju Free International City was made in January 2002, after the confirmation of the basic Jeju Free International City plan in November 2001. (E-11.23.05)

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