Cheong Wa Dae reaches out to public on Web

Written by changthai11 on Saturday, October 11th, 2008

The government yesterday launched an online policy encyclopedia to enhance two-way communications with the public.

Officials expect Dream Korea (www.dreamkorea.org) to develop into a major reference of policies and an effective channel to listen to citizens’ opinions.

The project is modeled after Wikipedia, a Web-based, free content encyclopedia written collaboratively by volunteers.

“Dream Korea will offer a chance for citizens to participate in the policy-making process. This will be a key instrument of participatory democracy in an era of Web 2.0, characterized by sharing and openness,” a Cheong Wa Dae official said.

For the time being, Dream Korea will run on a trial base with only officials and experts allowed to write and edit, before it fully opens to the public, he said.

The site consists of two sections. The Future Vision Encyclopedia will share information and policy proposals on key national agendas and emerging challenges. Creative economy, green growth and soft power are among currently hot topics in the section.

Community Life Encyclopedia will deal with policies and issues concerning 232 townships across the country. Everything related to local communities from history to specialty products are featured.

The site also provides links to internet sites run by government ministries and organizations.

Dream Korea is operated jointly by two presidential committees, each in charge of formulating future national vision and commemorating the 60th anniversary of the republic, along with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

By Hwang Jang-jin

(jjhwang@heraldm.com)