Card Fees Reduced for 3.09 Million Small Merchants; Refunds for New Businesses
Starting on the 14th, approximately 3.09 million small and micro credit card merchants will see a reduction in card fees. Additionally, about 61.5 billion won in excess card fees will be refunded to 159,000 newly opened small and micro merchants from the first half of this year.The Financial Services Commission announced the results of its selection of small and micro merchants for the second half of the year on the 11th. From the 14th, a preferred fee rate will apply to 309,400 of the 323,500 t
Semiconductor Boom Drives 57.3% Increase in Q2 Exports, Top 10 Companies Account for Over 55%
In the second quarter of this year, exports continued to rise, driven by the semiconductor sector, with the trade concentration of the top 10 exporting companies exceeding 55%, indicating a deepening trend of concentration among large enterprises.According to the '2026 Q2 Trade Statistics by Company Characteristics (Provisional)' released by the National Data Agency and the Korea Customs Service on August 21, the trade concentration of the top 10 exporting companies was recorded at 55.3%. This m
Democratic Party Demands National Assembly Session on August 13 to Address Key Legislation
The Democratic Party has called on National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik to convene a session on August 13, citing the urgent need to address pending legislation related to people's livelihoods and housing supply.Han Byung-do, the party's acting leader and floor leader, spoke to reporters on August 11 after visiting the Speaker's office with Chief Deputy Floor Leader Cheon Jun-ho. He stated, "Since the People Power Party has also discussed housing supply, they should naturally cooperate in hold
Gimhae Daeseongdong Tombs See Surge in Visitors After UNESCO Recognition
Since being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gimhae Daeseongdong Tombs have seen a significant increase in visitors.The Daeseongdong Tomb Museum has already surpassed last year's total visitor count within just seven months of this year. The initial annual visitor target has also been exceeded, prompting a reassessment of goals.According to the city of Gimhae, from January to the end of July this year, the museum recorded 73,622 visitors, exceeding last year's total of 71,233 by 2,38
Noroo Paint Enters Automotive Water-Based Paint Market with Racing Team Partnership
Noroo Paint has made its entry into the automotive water-based paint market by partnering with a car racing team.On August 11, Noroo Paint announced the official launch of the 'WaterQ I-Rain Racing' team after signing a sponsorship agreement with 'I-Rain Motorsport,' which participates in the 2026 O-NE Super Race Championship.Noroo Paint will apply its automotive repair water-based paint brand 'WaterQ' to vehicles competing in the top-tier Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 class, using the motorsport sce
Ruling Party Accelerates Housing Supply Efforts Amid Market Concerns
The Democratic Party of Korea is ramping up efforts to increase housing supply. The party plans to hold the first meeting of its housing market stabilization task force (TF) on the 12th and a general meeting of lawmakers on the 13th to gather consensus.Kim Seong-hwa, the party's floor spokesperson, shared this information with reporters after a policy meeting at the National Assembly on the 11th. He noted that if the general meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on the 13th, there may be insufficient
When and How to Display the South Korean Flag on Liberation Day
As Liberation Day approaches, interest is growing regarding when, where, and how to display the South Korean flag.According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Liberation Day is one of five national holidays, along with March 1st Movement Day, Constitution Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangeul Day, when the flag should be displayed. On these commemorative days, the flag is to be raised properly without separating the flagpole from the flag. In contrast, on days of mourning, such as M
Dispute Over 10 Billion Won Security Deposit Continues in Appeals Court
Tenants who entered into sublease agreements for officetels, relying on the name of the Korea Construction Technology Association, are at risk of losing security deposits totaling 10 billion won. This situation arose after the leasing company, Sovereign State, invested the deposits in an electric vehicle charging business, leading to corporate debts exceeding 30 billion won. As the lease was terminated due to unpaid rent, the burden fell entirely on the tenants, but the first-instance court did
Baemin Enhances Pickup Service with Exclusive Menu; Chicken for $9.90
Baedal Minjok is accelerating its pickup service enhancements.Woowa Brothers, which operates Baemin, announced on the 11th that it has launched a pickup-exclusive menu in collaboration with Jang's Food, the operator of 60Gye Chicken and Stella Tteokbokki.The new pickup-exclusive menu from 60Gye Chicken features a value fried chicken option. To celebrate the launch, Baemin is offering a discount of 5,000 won on the menu until the 16th. Additionally, customers can receive a 3,000 won discount coup
Icheon Mayor Seong Su-seok Reviews Semiconductor Solution Center Operations
On August 10, Icheon Mayor Seong Su-seok visited the Korea Ceramic Technology Institute's Icheon branch to discuss collaboration strategies aimed at enhancing the local semiconductor industry.During the visit, Mayor Seong held a meeting with Yoon Jong-seok, president of the Korea Ceramic Technology Institute, and Han Yoon-soo, head of the Icheon branch, to review key projects and research outcomes. He also toured the cleanroom and testing and evaluation equipment at the Semiconductor Solution Ce