The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the results of the 2024 SME survey.
This survey revamped the target and methods to more accurately understand the status of SMEs.
According to the results, SMEs’ sales amounted to 2,085 trillion won, with 7.92 million employees.
The Central Accident Management Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza announced that H5N9 avian influenza was confirmed at a duck farm in Naju, Jeollanam-do.
To review the outbreak situation and strengthen quarantine measures, a meeting was held with relevant agencies and local governments.
Quarantine measures such as culling at the affected farm, epidemiological investigations, and a temporary movement ban have been implemented.
According to the FAO, the Global Food Price Index in December 2025 fell by 0.6% from the previous month to 124.3 points.
Prices for vegetable oils, dairy, and meat decreased, while prices for cereals and sugar increased.
The average Global Food Price Index for 2025 was 127.2 points, 5.2 points higher than in 2024.
Starting February, civil defense sirens will sound in disaster situations such as typhoons, floods, and wildfires.
The government decided to expand the use of sirens due to frequent urgent evacuation needs caused by rapid wildfires and extreme heavy rains.
Additionally, various new policies will be introduced from the new year, including increased reserve training fees and the implementation of a livelihood account system.
President Lee Jae-myung will visit Japan from the 13th to the 14th.
This visit is at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and the two leaders will hold a summit and dinner.
The Blue House expects this visit to enhance shuttle diplomacy and contribute to the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations.
Starting this year, the National Heritage Repair Qualification Exam will be conducted in a dispersed manner.
Outdoor categories will be held from April 11 to 24, and indoor categories from June 26 to July 16.
Candidates must check the application period and exam dates on Q-Net or the National Heritage Administration website.
