KakaoMap Launches Dedicated Map for Oktoberfest Seoul 2026 Kakao's mapping service, KakaoMap, will provide a digital map for the 'Oktoberfest Seoul 2026' event.Kakao announced on the 11th that it has collaborated with Deutsche Oktoberfest Korea to offer a dedicated map of the 'Oktoberfest Seoul 2026' festival on KakaoMap.'Oktoberfest Seoul 2026' is designed to allow attendees to experience the traditions and culture of Germany's iconic folk festival. The event will take place from September 12 to 21 at the Cultural Storage Base in Mapo-gu, Seoul.This fe September 11, 2026

China's New Energy Vehicle Sales Exceed 60% for Two Consecutive Months In August, the sales share of new energy vehicles (electric and hybrid cars) in China reached 60.6%, marking the second consecutive month above 60%.According to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, total vehicle sales in China for August were 2.71 million, a 5.1% decrease from the previous year. Of these, new energy vehicle sales amounted to 1.64 million, representing a 17.8% increase year-on-year. The share of new energy vehicles in total new car sales was 60.6%. September 11, 2026

Indoor Air Quality Exceeds Recommended Standards in Some New Apartments in Jeonnam Indoor air quality inspections conducted before move-in at some new apartment complexes in Jeonnam revealed that levels exceeded recommended standards, prompting authorities to guide remediation measures.The Jeonnam Health Environment Research Institute announced that it assessed the management of indoor air quality in new apartment complexes ahead of occupancy.This inspection was carried out in accordance with the Indoor Air Quality Management Act to ensure proper management of indoor air quali September 11, 2026

Kakao Integrates AI Strategy into KakaoTalk for Enhanced Commerce and Services Kakao is positioning KakaoTalk as the core service of its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. With nearly 50 million users, the company aims to connect actual services such as commerce, reservations, and payments, allowing AI to translate user requests into actions.As of September 11, industry sources indicate that Kakao is expanding the integration of AI with key services like commerce, reservations, and payments through KakaoTalk.Kakao is broadening its product range to include fresh produc September 11, 2026

Experts from China's National Museum Visit Gwangjin, Home of Goryeo Celadon Cultural heritage experts from China's National Museum visited Gwangjin, a key production site for Goryeo celadon, to examine research and preservation efforts related to the pottery.The Gwangjin County government announced that four experts from the China National Museum visited the Goryeo Celadon Museum in conjunction with their attendance at a conference hosted by the National Museum of Korea.This visit was part of a five-day academic exchange program held from September 7 to 11, focusing on September 11, 2026

KRX to Host 'Value-Up Week' to Support Low PBR Companies The Korea Exchange (KRX) is set to hold a series of informational sessions aimed at enhancing corporate value for listed companies on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ. This initiative comes ahead of the first public announcement of low price-to-book ratio (PBR) companies in November, designed to assist listed firms in timely planning for value enhancement.The KRX announced that it will conduct 'Value-Up Week' from November 11 to 18, featuring six sessions across the country, starting in Seoul and continuing September 11, 2026

Yongsan Park Negotiations: Urgency or Inaction? House prices have continued to rise, but negotiations for supply have stalled.Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon met again on the 26th of last month, just six days after their initial meeting on the 20th. They aimed to find land for housing in Seoul. Since their second meeting, 16 days have passed, and apartment prices in Seoul have risen for 83 consecutive weeks, poised to surpass the 85-week record set during the Moon Jae-in administration. September 11, 2026

Future Response Fund to Invest in Future Growth Amid Budget Discussions Experts are calling for institutional improvements regarding the Future Response Fund, which the government is promoting to invest an unprecedented increase in tax revenue into future growth drivers. While they agree with the intention of utilizing surplus tax revenue as a resource for future generations rather than one-time expenditures, they emphasize the need to secure the National Assembly's budget review authority, establish operational principles for the fund, and ensure the reliability o September 11, 2026

South Korean Prime Minister Denies Kim Hyun-ji Made Recommendations for Ministerial Candidates South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stated on September 11 that the recommendations for controversial ministerial candidates Kim Seung-won and Yong Hye-in were not made by Kim Hyun-ji, the head of the Presidential Secretary's Office. "That is absolutely not the case," she said during a government Q&A session in the National Assembly.Han explained that there are procedures within the personnel committee and organizations that specialize in verifying recommendations. She emphasized that the September 11, 2026

Finance Minister Gu Yoon-cheol Reaffirms Focus on Actual Residence for Housing Tax Benefits Finance Minister Gu Yoon-cheol reaffirmed the government's principle of concentrating tax benefits on actual residence rather than mere home ownership during a parliamentary session on September 11. The opposition criticized the government's proposal, arguing that homeowners who cannot reside in their properties due to work or children's education may face increased tax burdens.During the economic sector question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, Gu explained that the aim of the real September 11, 2026