Objectives and History

  2. Introduction
  3. About GAOK
  4. Objectives and History
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Objectives and History

Governors Association of Korea aims to contribute to the balanced development of regions nation-wide as well as foster healthy local autonomy through promotion of mutual exchange and cooperation amongst metropolitan cities and provinces, discussion on matters of common interest and support on local government international affairs.

Establishment and function

Establishment

  • GAOK is an association consisting the heads of the 17 metropolitan and provincial governments that was established based on Article 165 of Local Autonomy Law in January 1999 .
  • Since the official opening of the secretariat in April 7th, 2005, GAOK has been continuously promoting localization and supporting the common interests of local government more systematically.
    • January 23rd, 1999: Establishment of GAOK
    • April 7th, 2005 : Opening of GAOK Secretariat
    • January 1st, 2010 : Undertaking functions of Korea Local Authorities Foundation for International Relations(KLAFIR) Establishment of Glocalization Office in GAOK

Function

  • Convene, inform and organize meetings hosted by the Association
  • Communicate with local governments for proceeding with the works of the Association
  • Manage financial and accounting for the operation of the Association
  • Collect, distribute and provide information on local autonomy development
  • Research local autonomy system and analyze local government policy
  • Conduct programs for empowering local decentralization
  • Support international affairs of local governments
  • Any other matters related to the operation of the Association

Presidents

  • The 1st Chairman
    Goh Kun     Seoul Metropolitan city
    1999.01~2002.06
  • The 2nd Chairman
    Lee Myung-Bak     Seoul Metropolitan city
    2002.07~2006.06
  • The 3rd Chairman
    Kim Jin-Sun     Gangwon Province
    2006.07~2008.10
  • The 4th Chairman
    Hur Nam-Sik     Pusnan Metropolitan city
    2008.10~2011.08
  • The 5rd Chairman
    Park Joon-Yung     Jeollanam-do
    2011.08~2012.10
  • The 6rd Chairman
    Kim Kwan-Yong     Gyeongsanbuk-do
    2012.10~2013.10
  • The 7rd Chairman
    Bak, Maeng-Woo     Ulsan Metropolitan City
    2013.10~2014.03
  • The 8rd Chairman
    Lee Si-Jong     Chungcheongbuk-do
    2014.03~2015.10
  • The 9rd Chairman
    Yoo Jeong Bok     Incheon Metropolitan City
    2015.10~2016.09
  • The 10rd Chairman
    Choi Moon Soon     Gangwon Province
    2016.09.05~2017.07.26
  • The 11th Chairman
    Kim Kwan-Yong     Gyeongsanbuk-do
    2017.07~2018.06
  • The 12th Chairman
    Park Won-soon     Seoul Metropolitan City
    2018.08.14~2019.07.23
  • The 13th Chairman
    Kwon Young Jin     Daegu Metropolitan City
    2019.07.24~2020.08.05
  • The 14th Chairman
    Song Ha Jin     Jeollabuk-do
    2020.08.06~2021.08.25

Secretary Generals

Secretary Generals
The 1st Executive director Beak Sung-won 2005.04~2006.11
The 2st Executive director Kim, Tae-Kyum 2006.12~2012.01
The 3st Executive director Lee, Jong-Bum 2012.01~2014.11
The 4st Executive director Park, Sung-Hwan 2014.01~ 2016.01
The 5st Executive director Doh Youn Ho 2016.01 ~ 2017.01
The 6th Executive director Kwon Young Soo 2017.01 ~ 2018.09
The 7th Executive director Kim Yun Sig 2018.09 ~ 2019.08
The 8th Executive director Jeon Seong Hwan 2019.08 ~ 2021.08