South Korea - South Korea Jeju Island draws much worldwide recognition

Editor's note: Jeju is the southernmost island of South Korea and home to the Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC), an organization with the mission to make Jeju a free international city like Hong Kong and Singapore.

China Daily talked with JDC Chairman Byon Jong-il about plans this year to strengthen infrastructure and develop growth engines for the future.

Q: What is the current status of JDC and its achievements?

A: Major achievements in last year include completion of site preparation for a resort residential complex, the sale of 95 percent of lots for industrial facilities at Jeju Science Park, increased business at JDC duty-free shops, opening of NLCS Jeju at Jeju Global Education City and attaining Green Management System Certification.

JDC also signed memorandum of understandings (MOU) with local and international investors for our Jeju Healthcare Town and Myths and History Theme Park projects.

Q: Are there any Chinese investors in JDC's main projects?

A: Several Chinese real estate firms have recently expressed their intention to join the Jeju Healthcare Town project, brightening its future as an Asian hub for medical tourism.

In December 2011, JDC selected a consortium to develop the Jeju Healthcare Town project.

Comprised of the Neulproon Medical Foundation, Seowoo Co Ltd, Zhong Da Real Estate and ADI Health Care Co Ltd, the consortium plans to invest 467 billion won ($415.3 million) in the 449,490 square meter site.

Major facilities include a medical checkup center and clinic, rehabilitation center, health community, resort and commercial amenities that integrate medical services and tourism.

Zhong Da Real Estate from Kunshan, Jiangsu, will be responsible for overseas marketing, while Neulproon Medical Foundation will become the main operator of healthcare facilities at the resort complex. ADI Health Care Co Ltd will build and operate healthcare facilities.

JDC also signed an MOU with Greenland Group from Shanghai in December to build facilities at the Wellness Park and R&D Park in Jeju Healthcare Town. JDC will provide administrative, PR and marketing support in moving the project forward.

Q: What's the plan for Jeju Global Education City?

A: Jeju Global Education City will use its experience from the successful UK-based NLCS Jeju facility developed last year to ensure that construction of Branksome Hall Asia - the first overseas campus of Canada's Branksome Hall - goes smoothly and opens in October this year.

In addition, American schools - Wilbraham & Monson and Perkiomen School - have signed MOU agreements with JDC to establish campuses. I hope many Chinese students take interest in Jeju Global Education City schools.

Q: Jeju Science Park is the most developed project at JDC, so what's the goal in 2012?

A: As you mentioned, Jeju Science Park is the most developed project, with 95 percent of its lots for industrial facilities already sold. We plan to pre-sell the rest this year while supporting resident companies including Daum Communications and ESTsoft. We will select business partners for the development of a housing complex and better amenities for companies in the park.

To attract foreign companies to Jeju, JDC is hosting the Asian Science Park Association Leaders Meeting in 2012 and will ensure investment for key projects.

Q: What do you foresee for JDC over the next 10 years?

A: Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, JDC has been praised for building a solid foundation for its free international city projects. It has acquired land, won regulatory approvals and worked on infrastructure construction with sustained effort and passion amid difficult conditions.

Our ultimate goal for the next 10 years is to share our achievements with the people of Korea and Asia, customers, investors and Jeju islanders so they can enjoy a better quality of life.

China is JDC's core target in the six projects, so I hope many Chinese companies and investors show their interest in JDC.

China Daily

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