K-Tourism Aims for 40 Million Visitors with Regional Airport Focus
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has unveiled a tourism policy blueprint aimed at achieving a 'K-Tourism era of 40 million visitors.' The strategy focuses not only on increasing the number of foreign tourists but also on enhancing regional tourism competitiveness through regional airports and fostering high-value tourism sectors such as medical and beauty tourism, thereby extending tourists' stay and spending.During a report on the second half of the year held at the Blue House, the m
Government Revises Tax Policies, Eroding Trust in Existing Regulations
The government is revising the Individual Savings Account (ISA) system to attract funds to the domestic stock market, which will also reduce benefits for existing account holders. This change, along with alterations to real estate tax policies, has led to growing dissatisfaction among taxpayers who invested and disposed of assets based on government announcements.According to the Ministry of Finance, the proposed '2026 Tax Reform Plan' includes the introduction of a 'Productive Finance ISA' that
KOSPI Surges Over 3% Amid U.S. Market Rally, KOSDAQ Nears 800
The South Korean stock market surged on August 5, buoyed by a record-setting performance in the U.S. markets and strong gains in major semiconductor stocks. The KOSPI index closed up more than 3%, while the KOSDAQ approached the 800 mark, continuing its upward trend for four consecutive days.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished at 6,598.26, up 239.30 points (3.76%) from the previous trading day. A program trading halt was triggered at around 9:24 a.m. due to a surge in buy orders,
Preparation is Key: How Prior Planning Can Shape a Company's Fate After a Fire
A fire that broke out on July 18 at a large logistics center in Incheon took 109 hours to extinguish completely. The eight-story building, with a total floor area of 300,000 square meters, prompted a national firefighting mobilization order, and nearby residents were advised to evacuate due to the potential for structural collapse.A key point to note is that, according to firefighting authorities, the fire shutter and sprinklers operated normally. The company had also strengthened its fire detec
Korean Agency to Collect and Inspect Home Medical Devices Ahead of Chuseok
The Food and Drug Administration is set to conduct a focused collection and inspection of home medical devices ahead of the Chuseok holiday. This initiative aims to proactively check the quality of medical devices that are expected to see increased use during the holiday period, thereby enhancing safety management.On August 5, the agency announced that it will carry out the third quarter collection and inspection of medical devices in collaboration with six regional food and drug safety offices.
Why Extreme Heat Causes Drowsiness and Fatigue
As record-breaking heat continues, many people are feeling unusually drowsy and lethargic. While heat itself does not directly induce sleep, the physical strain from regulating body temperature, dehydration, and sleep deprivation caused by tropical nights can significantly increase daytime fatigue and drowsiness.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the maximum daytime temperatures across the country are expected to range from 31 to 39 degrees Celsius, with similar highs forecast
Korea Zinc Reports Record Half-Year Operating Profit of 1.33 Trillion Won
Korea Zinc achieved its highest half-year performance since its establishment this year. The company reported record sales and operating profit, driven by strong sales of key non-ferrous metals, including silver, and improved profitability.On August 5, Korea Zinc announced that its consolidated sales for the first half of the year reached 12.445 trillion won, with an operating profit of 1.333 trillion won. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 62.5%, and operating profit rose
Baemin Partners with Seoul to Promote K-Delivery Culture to Foreign Tourists
Baemin is launching a campaign to promote delivery culture aimed at foreign tourists.Woowa Brothers, the operator of Baemin, announced on August 5 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to spread 'K-delivery' culture in light of the anticipated influx of 20 million tourists visiting South Korea.The agreement aims to create an environment where anyone can conveniently experience delivery services, regardless of language or payment methods. Th
Kakao Games Aims for Profitability in Q1 2027, Following Weak Q2 Results
Kakao Games reported disappointing results for the second quarter, following a weak first quarter. Co-CEOs Lee Si-woo and Kim Tae-hwan stated that launching new titles in the second half of the year is their priority to boost revenue in Q4 and achieve profitability in Q1 2027.On August 5, Kakao Games announced that its consolidated revenue for Q2 was 75 billion won, with an operating loss of 23 billion won. This represents a decrease of about 35% compared to the same period last year, continuing
SK Telecom Plans to Fund AI Data Center Expansion Through External Capital
SK Telecom (SKT) plans to secure funding for its expansion of artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC) through project financing and financial investors, minimizing its direct investment burden due to the scale of the project.On August 5, SKT Chief Financial Officer Park Jong-seok acknowledged during a second-quarter earnings conference call, "We fully understand the market's concerns regarding the 5-gigawatt (GW) AIDC project," adding, "We are considering various options in light of this."Pa