[2025-12-17]Korea Disease Control Agency to Revamp Traveler Health Screening System

The Korea Disease Control Agency will expand its quarantine system from focusing on blocking infectious diseases to prioritizing traveler health prevention and information provision.
This initiative aims to implement the national agenda of ‘Improving Infectious Disease Crisis Response System’ by the Lee Jae-myung administration, targeting institutionalization by 2027.
The agency plans to gradually introduce AI-based quarantine systems, provide tailored health information for travelers, and strengthen hygiene management of transportation means.

[2025-12-17]Expansion of Tax Exemption Limits for Childcare Costs and Inclusion of Arts Academy Fees

Starting next year, the tax exemption limit for childcare costs will be expanded to 200,000 KRW per child per month.
Arts academy fees for children under the age of 9 or in the second grade or below will also be included in the education tax credit.
The Ministry of Government Legislation has passed 35 legislative bills, 16 of which are budget-related.

[2025-12-17]Warning Issued for Winter Road Ice Accidents

From 2020 to the recent five years, there have been 4112 traffic accidents due to road icing, resulting in 83 deaths and 6664 injuries.
78% of these accidents occurred in December and January, with more accidents happening on clear or cloudy days than on snowy or rainy days.
The Ministry of Interior and Safety has requested drivers to ensure sufficient safety distance and check weather and road conditions to prevent winter road ice accidents.

[2025-12-17]’2026 Korea Grand Sale’ Opens with Largest Scale Ever

The ‘2026 Korea Grand Sale’, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Visit Korea Committee, opened on the 17th.
The event features participation from over 1,750 companies across various sectors such as aviation, accommodation, and shopping, offering discounts up to 96%.
Various experience programs and shopping benefits are provided for foreign tourists.

[2025-12-17]Ministry of Industry Prioritizes Regional Economic Growth

The Ministry of Industry has designated regional economic growth as its top priority for next year and selected the ‘5 Poles 3 Special Growth Engines’ industries for focused support.
By 2030, the ministry plans to increase the number of AI factories nationwide to 500 and establish 15 AI leading models and 13 AI demonstration industrial complexes.
The ministry has set three major policy directions for next year: regional-centered economic growth, advanced manufacturing AI transformation, and maximizing national interests through new trade strategies.

[2025-12-17]Ministry to Foster 10,000 Youth Local Startups and Support Small Business Vouchers

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will focus on fostering 10,000 youth local startups and supporting small business vouchers starting next year.
The ministry aims to restore the growth ladder for SMEs, ventures, and small businesses with four major tasks, concentrating policy resources in local areas.
Additionally, it will provide AI-based management analysis and tailored policy guidance, allocating over 60% of the 3.4 trillion won small business policy fund to non-metropolitan and depopulated areas.