Month: January 2026

[2026-01-16]Korean Government Unveils 2026 Public Relations Strategy and K-Industry Support

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Prime Minister Kim Min-seok led the first 2026 National Policy Coordination Meeting, focusing on strengthening public relations and supporting K-industries.
The government announced plans to increase policy transparency through live broadcasts, tailored content, and AI-driven PR strategies.
Efforts also include regulatory reforms for SMEs, certification system improvements, and enhanced safety management for household chemical products.

[2026-01-16]Ministry of Employment Launches Roadmap Task Force for Reduced Working Hours with KRW 936.3 Billion Support

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The Ministry of Employment and Labor reorganized the task force for reducing actual working hours into an implementation monitoring team.
A total of KRW 936.3 billion will be invested this year in government support programs, including the Work-Life Balance+4.5 Project and smart factory expansion.
The team will strengthen on-site monitoring of the tripartite declaration, accelerating efforts to shorten working hours and improve work practices.

[2026-01-15]Nationwide Expansion of Meal Management Centers and Nutrition Labeling for Chicken

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The government will expand integrated meal management support centers to all 228 cities, counties, and districts to enhance hygiene and nutrition for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled.
This year, nutrition labeling will be extended to chicken, and a pilot project for ‘Healthy Food Stores’ will be launched at 300 convenience stores nationwide.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety aims to strengthen evidence-based nutrition information to create a healthier dietary environment for all citizens.

[2026-01-14]Comprehensive Guide to 2024 Regular Employment Support and Parental Working Hour Policies

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The government has resumed the regular employment support program after two years, now including companies with fewer than 30 employees.
Family-friendly policies such as the 10 a.m. parental start time and reduced working hours are expanded, with up to KRW 600,000 per month in support for workers and employers.
Authorities plan to closely review policy effectiveness and continue improving systems to address labor market gaps and protect workers’ rights.

[2026-01-14]Korea Establishes Permanent R&D Budget Council to Boost Efficiency

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The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Science and ICT will permanently operate an R&D budget council starting this year.
Of the total 2024 R&D budget of KRW 35.5 trillion, 85.3% (KRW 30.5 trillion) is allocated to major R&D projects.
Both ministries aim to enhance expertise and financial efficiency through strengthened cooperation, applying these improvements from next year”s budget process.

[2026-01-14]Korean Green Bond Support Expanded to Boost SME Decarbonization Investment

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The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and KEITI announced a major expansion of green bond and green ABS issuance support this year.
Revised green taxonomy now includes next-generation low-carbon technologies and operating funds, broadening support for SMEs.
Interest cost support is extended up to 3 years, with up to KRW 300 million per company, aiming to strengthen private-led green investment.