[2026-01-23]Explore Geumsan Ginseng Market: Festivals, Cuisine, and the Heart of Korean Ginseng

Geumsan in Chungcheongnam-do is Korea’s largest ginseng-producing region, bustling each autumn during the harvest season with markets and festivals.
Geumsan ginseng is renowned for its high saponin content and was designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the UN FAO in 2018.
Visitors can experience ginseng culture through dishes like samgyetang and fried ginseng, as well as exhibitions, hands-on programs, and traditional markets.

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

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.

[2026-01-21]President Lee Jae-myung Stresses Field Inspections for Policy Success

President Lee Jae-myung highlighted that policy success requires thorough field inspections and swift improvements, despite achieving the highest government performance rating since 2013.
Key topics at the cabinet meeting included new public welfare policies for 2026, enhanced tax delinquency management, and support for crime victims.
Strict management of North Korean drone issues, cold wave measures, and public sector innovation are expected to be prioritized.

[2026-01-21]Startup Numbers Rise in 2023, but Revenue and Employment Decline

In 2023, the number of startups in Korea reached 4.902 million, marking a third consecutive year of growth, but both employment and revenue declined.
Tech-based and youth-led startups drove the increase, with 83.2% of founders leveraging prior work experience.
Despite broader startup activity, challenging business conditions and funding difficulties persist, while the government plans to boost support funding to KRW 3.5 trillion in 2026.

[2026-01-21]Foreign Favorability Toward Korea Hits Record High, K-Content Drives Image

In 2023, foreign favorability toward Korea reached a record 82.3% since the 2018 survey began.
A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism survey of 13,000 people in 26 countries found K-content had the greatest positive impact.
Middle Eastern and African nations showed especially high favorability, with positive trends also seen in Japan and China.

[2026-01-21]2024 Year-End Tax Settlement: Income Tax Reduction and Deductions for Young and Career-Interrupted Workers

Young employees at SMEs receive a 90% income tax reduction for five years after employment, and career-interrupted men are now also eligible.
Various deductible items include spouse parental leave pay, university student work scholarships, monthly rent, and housing loan repayments.
The National Tax Service advises that thoroughly checking deduction and reduction items during year-end settlement can reduce the need for additional filings.