Yangyang in Gangwon Province is renowned for its pine mushrooms, especially during the peak season from September to October.
Pine mushrooms only grow near living pine trees over 20 years old, and prices can exceed 1 million KRW.
Visitors can enjoy specialty restaurants, traditional markets, and the Songi Salmon Festival held every October in Yangyang.
‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ on Netflix surpassed 300 million views, becoming the platform’s most-watched film.
Choreographer Ha Sung-jin’s ‘Soda Pop’ routine, inspired by Taekwondo, gained worldwide popularity, and the OST ‘Golden’ topped the Billboard Hot 100.
As K-content and Korean choreographers gain global recognition, discussions continue on creators’ rights and establishing Taekwondo-based dance as a genre.
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.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will invest 43 billion KRW to nurture 3,400 K-content professionals in response to AI technology expansion.
In 2024, new initiatives like the AI-specialized content academy and targeted training for international expansion will be implemented.
Applicants can join various programs according to the annual schedule, with details available on KOCCA and EduKOCCA websites.
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.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced a five-year plan (2026–2030) to improve the drug side effect compensation system.
Coverage will expand to outpatient care before and after hospitalization, and the compensation limit will increase from 30 million to 50 million KRW.
Key strategies include simplifying application procedures, enhancing guidance for medical staff, and rationalizing system operations.