[2026-01-23]President Lee Jae-myung Unveils Five Major Transformation Strategies for Korea in 2026 New Year Press Conference

President Lee Jae-myung announced five major transformation strategies for Korea at the 2026 New Year press conference, focusing on regional-led growth, inclusive growth, safety-based development, culture-driven progress, and peace-supported stability.
Key policies include the integration of Daejeon-Chungnam and Gwangju-Jeonnam, support for startups and ventures, increasing labor inspectors, expanding the cultural budget, and resuming inter-Korean dialogue.
President Lee emphasized practical governance centered on the people and a strong commitment to reforms, promising a leap forward for Korea’s future.

[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]Korean Government Unveils 2026 Policy Changes: Tax Relief, Tenant Rights, One-Stop Services

The Cabinet reviewed new 2026 policies jointly prepared by 19 ministries to improve public welfare.
Key measures include tax debt relief for low-income defaulters, enhanced support for crime victims, tenant rights, and expanded one-stop administrative services.
President Lee Jae-myung stressed the importance of tax justice, job creation, and faster legislative action for public benefit.

[2026-01-21]Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed at Gokseong Duck Farm, South Korea Tightens Biosecurity

On January 20, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed at a meat duck farm in Gokseong, Jeonnam.
This marks the 37th case in the 2025/26 winter season and the first in Gokseong, prompting nationwide reinforcement of preventive measures.
Authorities have implemented movement bans, intensive disinfection, and thorough inspections to prevent further spread.

[2026-01-21]Korea’s 2026 Fund of Funds Strategy: Boosting AI Unicorns and Regional Growth

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the 2026 Fund of Funds Strategy Committee to review 2025 performance and discuss plans for 2026.
In 2025, the Fund of Funds invested KRW 1.3 trillion, created KRW 3.3 trillion in venture funds, and produced three unicorn companies; for 2026, KRW 1.6 trillion will be allocated with a focus on AI and deep tech.
Expansion of regional growth funds, enhanced investor incentives, and greater transparency are expected to drive further growth and private capital inflow in the venture market.

[2026-01-21]South Korea Officially Designates Gadukdo Attack as Terrorism, Announces 2026 Counter-Terror Plans

On January 20, 2026, the South Korean government officially designated the Gadukdo attack on President Lee Jae-myung as an act of terrorism during the 22nd National Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting.
This marks the first government-level terrorism designation since the 2016 enactment of the Counter-Terrorism Act, with plans discussed for 2026-2027 national events and enhanced safety measures.
Authorities will strengthen protection for key figures during elections, review related laws, and implement comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies for upcoming major domestic and international events.