Starting in 2026, the Korean government will implement significant policy changes across various sectors, including public welfare, regional revitalization, environment, and entrepreneurship. Key measures include a 2,000 KRW increase in passport issuance fees, a 50% travel cost refund for trips to rural depopulation areas, free sports classes for seniors, and expanded support for zero-emission vehicles. The government will also introduce label-free bottled water and mandate the use of recycled plastic materials in beverage production. Startup support centers and the ‘Commercial Renaissance 2.0’ initiative will further boost local business competitiveness.
From March 2026, passport fees will rise by 2,000 KRW, setting the 10-year electronic passport at 40,000 KRW and the 5-year version at 35,000 KRW. Travelers to 20 selected rural depopulation areas will receive a 50% refund on travel expenses via local currency, with individual and group limits of 100,000 KRW and 200,000 KRW, respectively. Transport companies purchasing electric or hydrogen buses will be eligible for long-term, low-interest loans of up to 200 million KRW per vehicle. Compensation for third-party damages from electric vehicle fires will increase to a maximum of 10 billion KRW per incident. Beverage producers making over 5,000 tons annually must use at least 10% recycled materials from 2026, rising to 30% by 2030.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the passport fee hike addresses increased production costs and a long-standing deficit due to unchanged fees for 20 years. The government expects the local currency refund system to boost tourism and small business revenues, while free sports classes for seniors will enhance health and social interaction. Additional reforms include expanded access to school sports facilities, stricter qualifications for sports instructors, revised driver’s license renewal periods, and tougher penalties for drug-impaired driving. Disaster alert systems will be upgraded with new heatwave and earthquake warnings for faster, more effective responses.
To support startups and local economies, the government will launch one-stop support centers and the ‘Commercial Renaissance 2.0’ project. The national ‘Everyone’s Idea’ initiative encourages public participation in policy innovation, offering rewards for creative ideas. A new reward system for reporting overseas trade secret leaks will also be introduced to prevent technology theft. These comprehensive policy changes are expected to improve quality of life, promote balanced regional development, accelerate the transition to a green economy, and strengthen Korea’s innovation ecosystem.
These policy changes reflect Korea’s strategic shift toward sustainable development, regional revitalization, and innovation-driven growth. The introduction of local currency refunds, green mobility support, and mandatory recycled materials demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and resource circulation. Enhanced startup support and intellectual property protection will foster a robust innovation ecosystem, positioning Korea for greater global competitiveness. Collectively, these measures are poised to elevate public welfare, drive structural transformation, and ensure long-term national resilience.