From 2020 to the recent five years, 4,112 traffic accidents occurred due to road icing, resulting in 83 deaths and 6,664 injuries.
78% of the accidents were concentrated in December and January, with more incidents occurring on clear or cloudy days than on snowy or rainy days.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety urged drivers to maintain safe distances and check weather and road conditions to prevent accidents on icy roads.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Visitor Orientation Committee launched the ‘Korea Grand Sale 2026’ on the 17th, running until February 22 next year.
Over 1,750 companies across sectors including aviation, accommodation, shopping, dining, and experiences are participating, offering various discounts and programs for foreign tourists.
Foreign payment apps such as UnionPay and WowPass provide instant discounts, while five experience programs based on K-content are also offered.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that regional economic growth will be its top priority next year, focusing support on ‘5 Core + 3 Special Growth Engine’ industries.
It plans to expand AI factories nationwide to 500 by 2030 and establish 15 collaborative AI models and 13 AI demonstration industrial complexes.
In addition, it will promote region-specific clusters and implement trade strategies to respond to U.S.-China risks.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced policies to foster 10,000 youth-led local startups and strengthen support for small businesses from next year.
Key initiatives include expanding regional growth funds to 3.5 trillion KRW, creating smart factories, and supporting re-entrepreneurship and AI-based management analysis.
The ministry aims to transition from aid-based to growth-oriented policies, focusing on revitalizing local economies and promoting fair business ecosystems.
The Ministry of Climate and Environment aims to supply 100GW of renewable energy by 2030, revising regulations and enacting special laws to boost solar power adoption.
It plans to expand wind power to 12GW on land and 25GW offshore by 2035, while supporting next-generation technologies and energy storage systems.
Additional policies include a plastic-free circular economy, seasonal algae management, and expanded electric vehicle support.
The Ministry of Personnel Management will replace the current 9th-grade civil service exam with the Public Service Aptitude Test (PSAT) and introduce a new early promotion system for 5th-grade positions.
It also plans to strengthen oversight of high-ranking officials’ stock transactions and extend disciplinary statute of limitations for stalking and distribution of obscene materials up to 10 years.
Additional reforms include reinforcing proactive administration, improving compensation systems for work-related injuries, and expanding welfare benefits for junior civil servants.
