The Asian Development Bank has raised South Korea’s economic growth forecast for this year and next by 0.1 percentage points to 0.9% and 1.7%, respectively. This adjustment reflects South Korea’s stimulus measures and increasing global semiconductor demand. However, risks such as the weak real estate market and renewed geopolitical tensions remain.
The budget for the Carbon Neutrality Points program will increase by 13.1% to 18.1 billion won next year. The unit price for high-quality recycling items will increase, while the price for commonly practiced activities will decrease. The revised system will be implemented starting January next year after consultations with relevant agencies.
The government will establish port and installation vessel infrastructure to support an annual 4GW of offshore wind power by 2030. Efforts by relevant ministries and industries target accumulating 25GW by 2035 and achieving a power generation cost of 150 won/kWh or lower, with detailed execution plans discussed. A mid- to long-term roadmap will be announced next year, and a bureau-level ‘Offshore Wind Power Promotion Team’ will be launched early this year.
President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of national policy at a semiconductor industry development strategy meeting. He stated that the direction of fostering the semiconductor industry would also help the growth of individual companies. He also expressed interest in establishing an industrial ecosystem in the southern regions using renewable energy.
The State Coordination Office held the 7th National Policy Coordination Meeting at the Government Complex Seoul. The meeting addressed the response to Coupang’s customer data breach and measures against winter infectious diseases like influenza. Additionally, preparations for the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee and responses to AI false and exaggerated advertising were announced.
Incheon International Airport will begin trial operations of autonomous robots that move carriers from parking lots to the departure terminal. On the 10th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, along with Incheon International Airport Corporation and others, signed an agreement to expand AI-based mobility intelligence services. This agreement is expected to improve convenience for transportation vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and the disabled.
