Paradiplomacy and the Role of Local Actors: A Case Study of Bleberan Village in Collaboration with Gyeongsangbukdo, South Korea

Paradiplomacy has become a significant phenomenon in contemporary international relations, where subnational actors seek to build global networks to support local development. However, in practice, subnational actors cannot operate alone but rely on the involvement of non-state and transnational actors. This study analyzes the roles of key actors in implementing paradiplomacy in Bleberan Village, Gunungkidul, in collaboration with the Gyeongsangbukdo Provincial Government, South Korea. Data were collected through interviews with the village government, Village-Owned Enterprises (Badan Usaha Milik Desa or BUMDes), the Gyeongsangbukdo Saemaul International Foundation (YGSI), and the mushroom farming community. The results show that the success of paradiplomacy is primarily determined by the complex interactions between transnational actors (YGSI and the Gyeongsangbukdo government), local actors (BUMDes, village government, and farming communities), and individuals with stronger socio-economic capacities. Although the Korean government has provided support through grants, training, and infrastructure, the program's sustainability faces challenges, including weak financial management, limited human resource capacity, and inadequate support from the local government. These findings confirm that paradiplomacy is not simply a subnational relationship, but a multi-level practice involving networks of transnational and non-state actors. Therefore, strengthening local capacity and clarifying cross-actor collaboration mechanisms are crucial prerequisites for the sustainability of paradiplomacy.