Jeju Special Self-Governing Province marks 20 years amid calls for greater autonomy

Twenty years ago, on July 1, 2006, then-President Roh Moo-hyun celebrated the launch of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, pledging full support and embodying his belief that "democracy's hope lies in local autonomy." The special self-governing province, designed to have high autonomy in all areas except foreign affairs, defense, and judiciary, was envisioned as a testing ground for an international free city with free movement of people, goods, and capital.

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Please show the power of Jeju. Please succeed and create an island of peace and prosperity that our people, and indeed the world, will love.

Over the past two decades, 5,321 central government authorities have been transferred to Jeju. This has led to the establishment of educational cities with international schools and unique Jeju-style autonomous schools. The operation of autonomous police units for community-based security services and an increase in local tax revenue are also cited as achievements. However, a significant portion of Jeju residents do not feel that their lives have particularly improved since the province's inception. A 2021 survey revealed that four out of ten residents were unaware of the background and meaning of the special self-governing province.

Instead, many express that their daily lives have become more difficult. The influx of people and capital has driven up real estate prices, exacerbated traffic and waste management issues, and damaged the natural environment. Critics point to the concentration of authority, including development project approvals, in the hands of a single provincial governor after the abolition of four basic local governments for administrative efficiency. This has created a paradoxical situation where an experiment in decentralization has weakened grassroots democracy and accelerated neoliberal development.

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The hope of democracy lies in local autonomy.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is calling for "adult autonomy" with full responsibility and authority. Citing numerous remaining affairs that still require government approval, the province is demanding "comprehensive authority transfer" aligned with the current administration's national balanced growth strategy. Other provinces that have since become special self-governing provinces, Sejong, Gangwon, and North Jeolla, share similar demands. While transferring central government authority is key to decentralization, achieving Jeju's unique potential may also require building a unique structure where residents can independently decide and control policies.

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Four out of ten residents did not know the background and meaning of the special self-governing province.