Inje County Announces National Woodcraft Competition with 5 Million Won Grand Prize Inje County, Gangwon Province, will accept submissions for the '2026 8th Inje Traditional Woodcraft National Competition' from October 1 to 13. According to Inje County on the 10th, the competition is open to traditional wooden crafts that reinterpret Inje's traditional techniques and designs, as well as modern wooden items that exhibit originality, functionality, and aesthetics. Participants, including woodworkers, university students, and the general public, can submit up to two pieces each.Th September 10, 2026

International Oil Prices Surge Past $100 a Barrel, Driving Up Hanjin Oil Shares International oil prices have surged, leading to a strong performance by oil distributor Hanjin Oil.On September 10, the Korea Exchange reported that at 9:30 a.m., Hanjin Oil shares rose by 2,300 won (19.02%) to 12,090 won. Other energy-related stocks, including SK Innovation (up 2.92%), Kido Chemical (up 3.18%), and Korea Shell Oil (up 1.19%), also experienced gains.The rise in energy stocks is attributed to renewed concerns over military conflicts in the Middle East and increasing security fea September 10, 2026

Daewoo Engineering & Construction Identifies Nine Innovative Technologies for Smart Construction Daewoo Engineering & Construction is enhancing its competitive edge in smart construction technology through collaboration with startups possessing innovative technologies.On September 8, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, in partnership with the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, held an 'Open Innovation Day' at its headquarters in Euljiro, Seoul.The Open Innovation initiative aims to discover promising startups that can drive innovation in the construction industry a September 10, 2026

IMBOX CEO Offers Solutions for Vacant Commercial Spaces As vacancies in commercial real estate, including retail spaces and knowledge industry centers, continue to persist, there is a growing movement to repurpose these empty areas. Self-storage, driven by rising living costs and an increase in single-person households, is emerging as a new use for commercial properties.Nam Seong-hoon, CEO of IMBOX, recently told Aju Economy, "Self-storage is not heavily dependent on location or market conditions, so it can be established in areas with high vacancy r September 10, 2026

Market Preview: Oil Prices Exceed $100 Amid Middle East Tensions; Can KOSPI Hold 7000? International oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, and a surge in U.S. Treasury yields led to a broad decline in the New York stock market overnight. However, with semiconductor stocks remaining strong, attention turns to whether the domestic market can maintain its position above 7000 on September 10.On September 9, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.77% on the New York Stock Exchange, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices dropped by 0.48% and 0.64%, respectively.The September 10, 2026

Exchange Rate Rises to 1340 Won Amid Soaring Oil Prices The won-dollar exchange rate fluctuated again in the 1340 won range.As of 9:15 a.m. on September 10, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market was 1340.0 won against the U.S. dollar. At 6 a.m. that day, the rate was trading at 1340.6 won, up 4.5 won.The escalation of military conflict between the U.S. and Iran has led to a surge in international oil prices and rising U.S. Treasury yields, which has weakened the appetite for riskier assets.Brent crude for November delivery closed at September 10, 2026

Yeongam County Engages Residents to Address Local Issues, Focuses on Fair Pricing for Agricultural Products Yeongam County has sought solutions to local issues, ranging from agricultural distribution and sales to tourism promotion, urban revitalization, and the settlement of foreign residents, in discussions with residents from 11 towns and villages. The county announced on September 10 that it has concluded the '2026 Basic Happiness Dialogue with Residents,' which took place from August 31 to September 7. This year's dialogue moved beyond traditional methods of explaining county policies or addressin September 10, 2026

DRTec Shares Surge 29% Following Stock Consolidation and Export Expansion Medical and precision equipment company DRTec saw its shares rise by more than 25% on the first day of trading after completing a stock consolidation.As of 9:33 a.m. on September 10, DRTec's stock was trading at 6,170 won, up 29.58% (1,380 won), according to the Korea Exchange.DRTec, listed on the KOSDAQ, manufactures digital X-ray and medical diagnostic imaging equipment, supplying diagnostic and surgical imaging solutions to domestic and international medical institutions and global companies. September 10, 2026

Lotte Hotel Produces Seven Culinary Masters, the Most in the Industry Lotte Hotel & Resort announced on September 10 that Chef Kim Se-han from the Grand Lotte Seoul has been selected as the latest recipient of the '18th Master Craftsman of Korea' award, designated by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Industrial Manpower Corporation.With this selection, Lotte Hotel & Resort has produced seven out of the 18 Master Craftsmen in the culinary field, setting a record for the most in the industry.The title of Master Craftsman of Korea is the highest hono September 10, 2026

Seo In-young Reveals She Spent Up to 200 Million Won a Month During Her Prime Singer Seo In-young disclosed that she spent up to 200 million won a month during her prime. On September 9, a video titled 'Finally Preparing a New Album After 10 Years: Seo In-young's First Reveal' was posted on her YouTube channel 'Gaegwacheonseon Seo In-young.' During the video, Seo In-young asked Soyeon from the group (G)I-DLE, 'Who manages your finances?' to which Soyeon replied, 'My parents and I do it together.' Seo In-young then added, 'I’m personal, but my dad took my card away.' When September 10, 2026