Month: January 2026

[2026-01-23]2026 Annual Climate Outlook: Higher Temperatures and Sea Surface Warming Expected

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The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced that average temperatures and sea surface temperatures in 2026 are expected to be higher than normal.
Using an advanced Earth system climate model, the forecast predicts above-normal temperatures (12.3–12.7°C) and near-normal precipitation (1193.2–1444.0mm) for South Korea.
The KMA urges preparedness for heatwaves, high sea temperatures, and variable rainfall, with detailed information available on the official KMA website.

[2026-01-23]Korea to Launch 4.4 Trillion KRW Venture Fund in 2026 Focusing on AI and Regional Growth

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The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and two other ministries announced a 2.1 trillion KRW investment to create a 4.4 trillion KRW venture fund in 2026.
Key focuses include AI and deep tech unicorns, regional growth, global expansion, and revitalizing the startup and exit markets across 13 sectors.
Fund proposals are accepted online from February 19 to 26, with final fund managers to be selected in April.

[2026-01-23]President Lee Jae-myung Unveils Five Major Transformation Strategies for Korea in 2026 New Year Press Conference

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President Lee Jae-myung announced five major transformation strategies for Korea at the 2026 New Year press conference, focusing on regional-led growth, inclusive growth, safety-based development, culture-driven progress, and peace-supported stability.
Key policies include the integration of Daejeon-Chungnam and Gwangju-Jeonnam, support for startups and ventures, increasing labor inspectors, expanding the cultural budget, and resuming inter-Korean dialogue.
President Lee emphasized practical governance centered on the people and a strong commitment to reforms, promising a leap forward for Korea’s future.

[2026-01-21]Korea’s 2026 Fund of Funds Strategy: Boosting AI Unicorns and Regional Growth

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The Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the 2026 Fund of Funds Strategy Committee to review 2025 performance and discuss plans for 2026.
In 2025, the Fund of Funds invested KRW 1.3 trillion, created KRW 3.3 trillion in venture funds, and produced three unicorn companies; for 2026, KRW 1.6 trillion will be allocated with a focus on AI and deep tech.
Expansion of regional growth funds, enhanced investor incentives, and greater transparency are expected to drive further growth and private capital inflow in the venture market.

[2026-01-21]Financial Services Commission Launches 1,240 Trillion KRW Productive Finance Initiative

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The Financial Services Commission held a regular council with financial institutions to drive a major shift toward productive finance.
A five-year support plan totaling 1,240 trillion KRW was discussed, including 614 trillion from private finance and 626 trillion from policy finance.
The government and financial sector aim to boost funding for advanced industries, startups, and regional growth through close cooperation.

[2026-01-21]Korea Eases Industrial Complex Regulations to Boost High-Tech Investment

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The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced regulatory reforms to expand eligible businesses and ease facility restrictions in industrial complexes and knowledge industry centers.
The revision allows 17 new business types, including electrical and IT construction, and expands the scope of high-tech and knowledge industries to 92 and 95 categories, respectively.
Companies can now install cafes and convenience stores without changing building use, and open cultural and sports facilities to local residents, reducing costs and improving worker welfare.