[2026-01-23]Korea to Launch 4.4 Trillion KRW Venture Fund in 2026 Focusing on AI and Regional Growth

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The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and two other ministries announced a 2.1 trillion KRW investment to create a 4.4 trillion KRW venture fund in 2026.
Key focuses include AI and deep tech unicorns, regional growth, global expansion, and revitalizing the startup and exit markets across 13 sectors.
Fund proposals are accepted online from February 19 to 26, with final fund managers to be selected in April.

[2026-01-23]Korea Railroad Industry Association Wins Top Prize for Transport Innovation Video

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A team led by Kang Beom-cheol from the Korea Railroad Industry Association won the top prize in the video category of the ‘National Agenda Contest for All.’
Their music video creatively showcased Agenda No. 57, ‘Expansion of Transport Innovation Infrastructure,’ among the 123 national agendas.
The contest received 205 entries and held its award ceremony on December 8, 2025.

[2026-01-23]CES 2026 Highlights: K-Robots and AI Wellness Devices Shape Future Living

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At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, over 4,500 companies from 150 countries showcased advanced K-robots and AI wellness devices.
Innovative technologies such as Hyundai Motor Group’s humanoid robot Atlas, LG’s home robot CLOiD, and Bodyfriend’s AI healthcare robot 733 drew significant attention.
The integration of AI and robotics into daily life and industry signals strong growth prospects for smart homes and wellness markets.

[2026-01-23]Key Policy Changes in 2026: Passport Fee Hike, Travel Subsidies, and More

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The Korean government will implement major policy changes in 2026, including a passport fee hike, rural travel subsidies, and expansion of zero-emission vehicles.
Passport issuance fees will rise by 2,000 KRW from March, and travelers to designated rural areas can receive up to 50% of travel expenses reimbursed.
Additional measures include free sports programs for seniors, mandatory recycled plastics, and enhanced support for startups, signaling broad changes for citizens.

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

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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

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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.