[2025-12-19]Tax Benefits Expanded for Childbirth and Childcare Costs

Starting next year, the non-taxable limit for childbirth and childcare expenses will be expanded to 200,000 KRW per child per month.
The government will also include extracurricular education costs for children under 9 years old in tax deductions and regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products.
Additional reforms include higher corporate tax rates, increased support for social enterprises, and separate taxation on dividend income.

[2025-12-19]4,112 Road Icing Accidents in 5 Years, 83 Dead

From 2020 to the recent five years, 4,112 traffic accidents occurred due to road icing, with 78% happening in December and January.
A total of 83 people died and 6,664 were injured; black ice was particularly dangerous as it is hard to detect.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety urges drivers to maintain safe distances and check weather and road conditions during winter.

[2025-12-19]Korea Grand Sale 2026 Opens with Record Scale

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Visitor Orientation Committee launched the ‘Korea Grand Sale 2026’ on the 17th, which will run until February 22 next year.
Over 1,750 companies across sectors such as aviation, accommodation, shopping, dining, and experiences are participating, offering various discounts and benefits for foreign tourists.
Enhanced tourism experiences based on K-content, including themed programs, a Welcome Center, and mobile Play Trucks, aim to revitalize local economies.

[2025-12-19]Ministry of Industry Promotes Regional Growth and AI Transformation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced regional economic growth as its top priority for next year, with bold support for ‘5 Core + 3 Special Growth Engine’ industries.
It plans to accelerate the fusion of manufacturing and AI (M.AX), aiming to establish 500 AI factories, 15 collaborative AI models, and 13 AX demonstration industrial complexes by 2030.
In addition, it will pursue a new trade strategy to expand global markets, while strengthening economic security through expanded trade insurance and support for key materials.

[2025-12-19]Growth-Oriented Policies for SMEs and Small Businesses Launched

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will promote growth-centered policies from next year, focusing on nurturing 10,000 youth-led local startups and supporting small business owners.
Four major policy goals include revitalizing local economies, fostering youth entrepreneurship, innovating manufacturing SMEs, and building a fair and collaborative ecosystem.
Specific initiatives include AI-based crisis monitoring for small businesses, creation of localized commercial zones, expanded venture investment, and construction of smart factories.

[2025-12-19]Korea Aims for 100GW Renewable Energy by 2030

The Ministry of Climate and Environment plans to supply 100GW of renewable energy by 2030, improving regulations and expanding support for solar and wind power.
It will promote initiatives such as ‘Sunlight Income Villages,’ next-generation technology development, and the 12th Basic Plan for Power Supply and Demand.
Environmental policies including a revised disposable cup deposit system and seasonal algae management, along with expanded EV adoption, are also planned.