SingCham Korea hosts year-end celebration marking 50 years of Singapore–South Korea ties SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - SingCham Korea brought together about 150 guests on December 5 for its year-end celebration, "The Golden Ticket," held at Floating Island's Vista Hall in Seoul. The event gathered members of the Singaporean community, South Korean partners, business leaders, and diplomats to mark the close of the year and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and South Korea. The evening opened with welcome remarks from SingCham Korea CEO Justin Yong, who highlighted the presence of Singapore's Ambassador to South Korea, Wong Kaijun. "We are deeply honored to have His Excellency Ambassador Wong Kaijun," Yong said, noting the ambassador's role since arriving earlier in the year. He announced that Wong had accepted SingCham's invitation to continue serving as its honorary patron. "We look forward to working closely with you and the embassy," he said. Yong reflected on the significance of 2025, describing it as "fifty great and golden years of friendship and collaboration" between the two countries. He pointed to last month's meeting between Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the APEC Summit, where both sides elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership built on five pillars. "This new chapter is going to open exciting opportunities for innovation, trade, talent exchange and deeper business ties," Yong said. He also described SingCham Korea's growth over recent years. "We did not start with big numbers, we didn't start with big resources," he said. "But we shared the same spirit that has shaped the Singapore–Korea partnership — the spirit to connect, to build and to grow." Yong thanked SingCham's board members, volunteers, and sponsors for supporting the organization's activities. Singapore's Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun followed with remarks linking the event's theme to the idea of opportunity. "When I think of a 'golden ticket,' I recall a book that I used to read as a child," he said, referring to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." He noted that the story's theme of opportunity and adventure paralleled the business community's experiences in Korea. "Tonight, I believe that SingCham Korea is also celebrating something similar — the opportunities that have brought all of you together." The ambassador underscored the deepening ties between Singapore and South Korea. "It has been fifty great and golden years of friendship and collaboration," he said. He noted that the Singapore–Korea Free Trade Agreement, South Korea's first FTA with an Asian country, laid the foundation for today's economic cooperation. "In the last five years Singapore's investments in the ROK have doubled, while the ROK's investments in Singapore have grown by 70 percent," he said. The ambassador also emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges. "These exchanges lay a very firm foundation for all the different areas of cooperation," he said, adding that SingCham Korea "serves as a bridge between businesses in Korea and Singapore, fostering partnerships, opening doors and creating new possibilities." Guests from Singapore, South Korea and other countries joined the celebration, which featured performances, networking sessions and a program recognizing the contributions of the chamber's volunteers and partners. As the evening concluded, the ambassador encouraged attendees to carry the night's theme into the coming year. "Let us hold on to the story of the golden ticket," he said. "May we see the opportunities before us, enjoy the adventures together, and see our dreams come true." 2025-12-07 23:03:41

Experts point to trust and perception as key hurdles in South Korea–China relations SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - A media forum held in Seoul on December 5 brought together senior officials, diplomats, and scholars to assess the direction of South Korea–China relations following the recent summit between the two leaders. Participants broadly agreed that the biggest bottlenecks in bilateral ties are declining trust and widening perception gaps, compounded by intensifying U.S.–China competition. The event, titled "Future Outlook of Bilateral Relations and the Role of the Media after the South Korea–China Summit," was co-hosted by Aju Daily and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China at China Construction Bank's Seoul headquarters. Aju Daily President Yang Kyu-hyun, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Hak-young of the Democratic Party, Representative Kim Geon of the People Power Party, Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Jeong Ui-hye of South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing were among those in attendance, along with figures from business and academia. Shin Bong-seop, former Consul General in Shenyang and now a professor at Kwangwoon University, opened the first session with an analysis of how South Korea's foreign policy structure is shifting under prolonged U.S.–China strategic rivalry. He argued that the long-used formula of "security with the United States and the economy with China" has heightened structural risks, adding that security, technology, and supply-chain issues need to be managed separately. He suggested restructuring cooperation with China around so-called "blue-zone" areas such as climate, public health, food security, and small- and medium-sized enterprises, where political risk remains relatively low. Meng Guoxin, Seoul bureau chief for People's Daily, delivered the second presentation. He noted the significance of the summit, the first state visit and first in-person meeting between the leaders in five years, calling South Korea and China "partners that cannot be separated." He said the summit laid out four key directions for future ties: stronger strategic communication, economic cooperation in emerging industries, broader cultural and youth exchanges, and deeper coordination in international forums. Meng added that despite the high level of interdependence in the economic and industrial supply chain, anti-China sentiment and online misinformation in South Korea are real obstacles to stability, underscoring the media's responsibility to provide fact-based reporting. During the first session's panel discussion, Kwangwoon University Professor Kim Hee-gyo and Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies visiting professor Hwang Jae-joon, who also serves as a policy adviser to the Democratic Research Institute, described the bilateral structure as a mix of security competition, economic dependence, technological rivalry, and volatile public opinion. They stressed the need to manage domestic sentiment alongside strategic realism in foreign policy. The second session examined the role of the media and opportunities for media-sector cooperation. Lee Seok-woo, international affairs editor at Financial News, said the South Korea–China summit centered on practical, people-focused cooperation in areas such as financial-crime prevention, currency-swap discussions, follow-up negotiations to the bilateral free-trade agreement, and expanded person-to-person exchanges. He also noted that structural limitations remain in issues such as North Korea and China's restrictions on Korean cultural content. Lee warned that distorted information and hate-driven narratives circulating online continue to shape public attitudes in both countries, creating what he described as a long-term bottleneck in bilateral ties. Noh Seong-hae, Seoul bureau chief for China Media Group (CMG), outlined areas where South Korean and Chinese media could strengthen cooperation, including improving communication of national policies, easing misunderstandings, and expanding cultural and academic exchanges. He pointed to political sensitivities, rapidly shifting online sentiment, the spread of false information, and gaps in information access as major challenges. Noh proposed building a sustained cooperation platform grounded in trust and accuracy, suggesting joint reporting projects, co-produced programs, regular briefings, fact-checking partnerships, youth-reporter exchanges, and collaboration on video and AI-based content. He added that a phased roadmap — from expanding joint reporting to developing co-branded content — could help broaden cultural and economic engagement and improve public understanding in both countries. In the final discussion, former JTBC Beijing correspondent Park Sung-hoon, now with the investigative team at JoongAng Ilbo, and KBS producer Jeong Yong-jae drew on their reporting experience in China to highlight practical challenges in covering bilateral issues. Both noted that consistent reporting on youth exchanges and everyday cooperation can help improve public perceptions. Throughout the forum, speakers shared the view that South Korea–China relations now reflect overlapping dynamics: security tensions, economic interdependence, technological competition, and cooperation in daily life. Participants emphasized that for the positive momentum created by the recent summit to continue, sustained media-to-media engagement will be essential. 2025-12-07 22:52:25

KITA forecasts record exports for South Korea this year SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korea's exports are on track to top $700 billion for the first time in history, with the recovery expected to continue into 2026, according to a report released on Dec. 5 by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). KITA's Institute for International Trade said exports are projected to rise 3.0 percent this year to $704 billion, while imports are expected to slip 0.3 percent to $630 billion. That would leave the country with a trade surplus of $74 billion. Semiconductors and shipbuilding are the main drivers behind the record performance. Chip exports have climbed sharply on growing demand for AI-related components such as high-bandwidth memory, paired with limited global production capacity that has pushed up prices. Shipments of vessels are also set to increase more than 22 percent as high-value LNG carriers ordered in 2022 and 2023 are delivered. Automobile exports, which were hit earlier in the year by increased U.S. tariffs, are expected to grow 1.6 percent as South Korea shifts more shipments to Europe and other non-U.S. markets. KITA said exports to the United States rebounded in November with a 13.7 percent increase, helped by expectations of tariff reductions following recent bilateral negotiations. Steel and petroleum products, however, are expected to remain weak through the end of the year due to higher duties and falling crude prices. For 2026, KITA projects that exports will continue on a positive track, increasing 1.0 percent to $711 billion. Imports are forecast to edge up 0.5 percent to $633 billion, keeping the trade balance in surplus. Information-technology products are expected to lead next year's growth. Semiconductor exports are forecast to rise 5.9 percent as AI-related demand remains strong. SSD exports are expected to increase 10.4 percent on the back of expanding enterprise-level storage needs. Wireless communication devices are projected to grow 5.4 percent as foldable smartphones gain ground and memory-chip prices rise. Display exports are likely to post a small gain as OLED panels continue to expand in IT devices and premium smartphones. Other sectors face a more challenging outlook. Automobile exports may fall 1.0 percent due to base effects and gradual expansion of U.S. local production. Petroleum products are projected to decline 13.3 percent as crude prices settle in the mid-50-dollar range. Petrochemical exports are expected to drop 6.1 percent amid continued global oversupply, while steel exports may fall 2.0 percent under ongoing U.S. tariffs and subdued demand. KITA said next year's import trends will largely reflect weaker energy prices, though higher imports of semiconductor components and manufacturing equipment could offset some of the reduction. 2025-12-05 13:44:25

KAIST professor Choi Won-ho receives top plasma engineering prize SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said on December 5 that Professor Choi Won-ho of the Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering has received the K-T Rie Award at the Asian-European Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering, known as AEPSE 2025, one of the leading global gatherings in applied plasma science and engineering. The K-T Rie Award is presented every two years to an international researcher who has made notable contributions to applied plasma science. The prize was established in 2015 in honor of Kyong Tschong Rie, a Korean-born plasma surface engineering scholar who worked in Germany. The Asian-European Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (AEPSE) brings together researchers from the Asian Joint Committee for Applied Plasma Surface Engineering (AJC-APSE) and the European Joint Committee for Plasma Ion Surface Engineering (EJC/PISE). Held biennially, it serves as a major forum for sharing advances in plasma surface engineering across Asia and Europe. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Professor Choi has earned international recognition for research that clarifies the physical and chemical processes occurring at plasma–liquid interfaces. His team developed a plasma imaging diagnostics technique that observes the generation of reactive species and energy transfer in real time, helping to identify the core mechanisms behind interfacial reactions. Choi has also translated basic research into commercial applications. He helped establish Plasmapp, a low-temperature plasma technology company now listed on KOSDAQ. The company develops plasma sterilizers and bio-plasma products. In the space sector, he and his students created Cosmo Bee, a startup focused on plasma-based electric propulsion. Its work contributed to a cube satellite equipped with a plasma Hall thruster that flew on the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket. Choi has additionally spent a decade on the science and technology advisory committee of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in Cadarache, France. He has also served on editorial boards and organizing committees of several international journals and conferences in the field. "It is an honor to receive the K-T Rie Award, which signifies renewed recognition of Korea's competitiveness in plasma research," Choi said. He added that KAIST's environment for interdisciplinary work has supported his progress and that he plans to continue expanding plasma science and its applications. 2025-12-05 09:36:20

Thailand marks National Day in Seoul with tribute to late Queen SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - Thailand's ambassador to South Korea emphasized Bangkok's commitment to a more active global role and deeper cooperation with Seoul during a National Day reception held at Lotte Hotel Seoul on December 3. The event, hosted in the Crystal Ballroom, brought together about 300 diplomats, scholars, media members and business leaders, according to organizers. Before the formal program began, guests observed a one-minute moment of silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who passed away on October 24. Ambassador Tanee Sangrat opened his remarks by noting that Thailand's National Day marks four occasions: the National Day of the Kingdom, the birthday anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's Father's Day and World Soil Day. "Thailand's National Day is a celebration of four important occasions," he said, highlighting the late king's contribution to sustainable soil and water management. Sangrat also paid tribute to the Queen Mother. "Her Majesty was revered for her tireless work and lifelong dedication to improving the welfare of her people," he said. "Her Majesty's benevolence and grace will forever remain in the hearts of all Thais and will remain one of the guiding lights for us." He said the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to pursue "a proactive and forward-looking diplomacy," adding that Thailand hopes to restore its "visibility on the global radar screen" while strengthening ties with South Korea. He described the relationship as "a multi-faceted and future-oriented strategic partnership." Sangrat pointed to senior-level exchanges during South Korea's year as the APEC host economy. "Prime Minister Anutin and President Lee Jae-myung met on the sidelines of APEC and reaffirmed their shared commitment to forging ever closer political, security and economic cooperation," he said, including efforts to speed up negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Turning to cultural and social ties, he highlighted the Sawasdee Seoul 2025 Thai Festival, which drew more than 100,000 visitors in October, and noted the Thai community in South Korea has grown to over 170,000. He said newly formed community groups, including the Thai Women's Council and the Thai Cultural Council, will play a role in strengthening cultural collaboration. The ambassador also outlined economic priorities, saying Thailand aims to raise bilateral trade from 15 billion to 30 billion US dollars and promote two-way investment. He cited this year's Ignite Thailand-Korea Business Forums in Seoul and Bangkok, as well as emerging academic partnerships in STEM and innovation involving institutions such as KAIST. (These details were stated by the ambassador.) South Korea's Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young, attending as guest of honor, described Thailand as "a treasured friend that stood with the Republic of Korea during the Korean War." He said the two countries have maintained 67 years of diplomatic relations, adding that "last year alone, over two million citizens from both countries visited each other." Chung also called Thailand "a crucial partner in strengthening cooperation between Korea and ASEAN." Addressing regional security, he said the Lee Jae-myung administration is "doing its utmost to open a new era of peaceful co-existence on the Korean Peninsula," adding that Seoul looks to Thailand and ASEAN "to encourage North Korea's participation in the international community." He closed with a toast to the guests: "To the friendship and prosperity of our two nations, and to even closer cooperation in the future." 2025-12-04 15:50:51

Travel guidebook event highlights Kazakhstan as 'blue ocean' for Korean tourists SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - Kazakhstan's ambassador in Seoul said tourism is emerging as a new bridge between his country and South Korea, speaking at a book launch held at Lotte Hotel Seoul on December 3 for the travel guide "Travel Kazakhstan" by author Seo Byung-yong. "It's a delight for me to be in front of such a wonderful audience, the true friends of Kazakhstan and the wonderful partners who are always here to support us," Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov told guests at the Garnet Suite on the hotel's 37th floor. The audience included diplomats, officials from the travel industry and business leaders, according to event organizers. Holding up the newly published guide, Arystanov said the book arrived at a moment of deepening ties. "This book is not just yet another book. It's yet another built bridge between our two countries," he said. He noted that more than 1,800 South Korean companies now operate in Kazakhstan and pointed to roughly 20 weekly direct flights connecting the two countries. (The flight frequency figure was stated by the ambassador at the event.) He also referred to Kazakhstan as "the country in the heart of Central Asia," highlighting next year's planned C5+K summit that will bring the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan together with the South Korean president. "Central Asia is a beautiful region, beautiful food, beautiful cultures," he said, encouraging South Koreans to explore the wider region as well. Arystanov ended his speech by reciting the Korean proverb "seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times," adding that books can "open many doors, spark many dreams and bring our two nations even closer." Seo, who has written guidebooks for a decade, traced how his latest project took shape. His earlier titles on Moscow, Saint Petersburg, the Trans-Siberian Railway and Georgia had all focused on places that lacked detailed Korean-language guides at the time. He said the same gap existed for Kazakhstan. The author walked the audience through the structure of the new book, which covers Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Aktau and Ush-Tobe, along with sample itineraries that combine Kazakhstan with Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. He also pointed to the cover design, which uses yellow typography inspired by the Kazakh flag. "The blue represents the sky and water, the sun stands for abundance and the golden eagle symbolizes future flight," Seo said, adding that the cover image was provided by the Kazakhstan Embassy. A large portion of his talk focused on why he believes Kazakhstan will appeal to South Korean travelers. He listed seven points he said make the country "a blue ocean" for the travel market. The first was flight access. "There are so many direct flights now, with Air Astana, Asiana Airlines, Eastar and SCAT operating around 20 flights a week," Seo said. "This is a huge advantage when you design products or decide where to go." Second, he highlighted visa-free entry. "You do not need a visa for 30 days. If you have a passport, you can fly tomorrow," he said. Third, he argued that the perceived distance is misleading. "The flight to Almaty is about six and a half hours. Bangkok is around six hours, so it is not far at all," he said. His next points focused on scenery and food. Seo described Kazakhstan as "an Asian country that still feels exotic," pointing to places such as the rock formations and coastal desert around Aktau. At the same time, he said travelers rarely struggle with meals. "There are rice dishes, noodle dishes and plenty of meat," he said. "I don't think many people suffer because of the food." His sixth point centered on history, especially the legacy of ethnic Koreans who were deported to Central Asia in the 1930s. "For people interested in the history of Koreans abroad, Ush-Tobe and other sites linked to Koryoin history are very meaningful places," he said. Finally, he mentioned local attitudes and Kazakhstan's policy focus on tourism. "There is almost no discrimination, and the level of friendliness toward Koreans is something you have to experience yourself," he said, noting that Korean convenience store chains and food brands have been expanding in Almaty. (Expansion of Korean brands was mentioned by Seo at the event.) Seo said he hoped the book would be useful for independent travelers, pointing to sections covering local transport, currency, ride-hailing apps, SIM cards and practical travel tips. "We live in an era when more than 30 million South Koreans travel abroad each year," he said. "If this book can help turn curiosity about Kazakhstan into actual journeys, then I think it has done its job." 2025-12-04 15:24:13

Kookmin University professor named among world's top 2 percent food science researchers SEOUL, December 02 (AJP) - Kookmin University said in a recent announcement that Jang Yoon-ji, who teaches in the university's Department of Food and Nutrition, has been listed among the 2025 Top 2% Scientists compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier. The listing evaluates citation indicators and research impact to identify leading scholars across global fields, and the university noted that Jang's inclusion highlights her influence in food safety and food science research. Jang's recent work focuses on global food safety challenges, including the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and foodborne pathogens. She has concentrated on bacteriophage-based technologies that selectively eliminate harmful bacteria while avoiding the broad-spectrum limitations of conventional antimicrobials. Her team has developed powder, hydrogel and antimicrobial film formulations with improved stability and controlled-release features, applying them to food surfaces and packaging materials to explore more precise and environmentally sustainable safety solutions. Her research portfolio includes several projects supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, such as studies on microbiome shifts and safety assessments related to phage applications in food systems, as well as the development of selective pathogen control using surface-modified carbon dots. With support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, she is also working on postbiotic formulations tailored to the intestinal environments of older adults and infants. Additional work includes designing phage-control technologies that regulate phages inhibiting beneficial microorganisms during fermentation. These projects contribute to functional materials for vulnerable populations, offer pathways toward antibiotic alternatives and support the development of sustainable food safety technologies across the broader food industry. "It is meaningful to expand the scope of research based on selective microbial-control technologies and to contribute to building sustainable food safety capabilities for both Kookmin University and Korea," Jang said. 2025-12-02 17:47:51

SingCham Korea prepares Golden Ticket year-end event for 50th anniversary of ties SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - The Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Korea is preparing to host its Golden Ticket year-end event next week as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The event will take place on December 5 at Floating Island’s Vista Hall in Seoul. It follows SingCham Korea’s year-end gala event held last year at Signiel Seoul, where more than 200 guests from the business, diplomatic and cultural sectors gathered for an evening that underscored the chamber’s growing profile in South Korea. Singapore and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1975, making 2025 the 50th year. SingCham Korea said the anniversary offers an opportunity to bring the business communities of both countries closer. In its event material, the chamber also noted the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, a step that outlines cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, green industries and defense-linked technology. The upcoming Golden Ticket event is expected to draw business leaders, diplomats and representatives from Singaporean companies active in Korea. Guests will be served a course dinner, with the chamber noting that the evening will provide space for networking and engagement. The Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Korea is a non-profit organization that supports Singaporean businesses in Korea and promotes trade, investment and community links. The chamber said it plans to expand its activities throughout the anniversary year. 2025-11-30 17:00:28

Retail investors not to blame as NPS drives bigger dollar demand SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - Growing attention has been placed on Korean retail investors pouring money into U.S. stocks, with some blaming their buying streak for the recent jump in the exchange rate. New data, however, show that the National Pension Service has been buying far more overseas equities, reinforcing the view that individual investors are not the main driver of the won's weakness. According to Bank of Korea figures released on November 30, overseas equity purchases categorized as "general government" reached 24.514 billion dollars in the first three quarters of the year. The central bank noted that this category generally reflects the National Pension Service. The amount is nearly double the 12.785 billion dollars recorded a year earlier. A separate category used to indicate individual retail investors, "non-financial corporations and others," showed offshore stock purchases of 16.625 billion dollars in the same period. That figure was up 74 percent from last year, but still smaller than the pension fund's buying. The gap between the two groups has widened. Last year, the National Pension Service bought about 1.3 times more overseas equities than retail investors during the January to September period. This year, the ratio has risen to about 1.5 times. When measured against all offshore equity purchases by Korean residents, the pension fund accounted for about 34 percent, compared with 23 percent for individuals. Retail activity has still been unusually strong. Data from the Korea Securities Depository show that individual investors bought a net 12.337 billion dollars in overseas stocks during October and November. October alone reached a record 6.813 billion dollars, followed by 5.524 billion dollars in November. If combined with earlier Bank of Korea data, retail investors' total offshore buying could reach 28.962 billion dollars through November. This figure is a simple addition of the two sets of data. The rise in retail demand coincided with a sharp climb in the exchange rate. After staying below 1,400 won per dollar in August and September, the currency began strengthening in the holidays and then reversed course in October. On November 24, it touched 1,477.3 won in intraday trading, the highest level since April 9. Many analysts say the exchange rate reflects a wider set of pressures beyond retail investor behavior. They point to the high cost of U.S. investments, the parallel weakness in the yen and the won, and foreign investors selling Korean stocks. In their view, retail buying is only one piece of the market, and the larger shifts are being driven by broader economic conditions. 2025-11-30 15:11:41

Super-aged South Korea sees record share of one-person households SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - South Korea's population structure is shifting faster than expected as the share of one-person households climbed to a new high last year and the number of older adults passed the 10 million mark for the first time. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's annual social security statistics released on November 30, the number of people living alone reached 8.045 million in 2024, accounting for 36.1 percent of all households. The steady rise reflects long-term changes in living patterns, including delayed marriage, lower birthrates and a growing preference for independent living. In 2015, one-person households made up 27.2 percent of all homes, or 5.2 million. The figure passed 30 percent in 2020 at 6.64 million and has increased each year since. If current trends continue, the ministry projects that single-person households will reach 8.55 million in 2027, 9.71 million in 2037 and approach 9.94 million in 2042. The country's aging curve is steepening at the same time. Last year, the number of people aged 65 or older reached 10 million, the highest on record. Older adults now make up 20.1 percent of the population, placing Korea in what officials classify as a super-aged society. The demographic shift is expected to influence everything from labor supply to social spending in the years ahead. The decline in younger families is most visible in early childhood services. The number of childcare centers nationwide has fallen steadily for more than a decade, dropping from 43,770 in 2013 to 30,923 in 2022 and 28,954 in 2023. By last year, the total had declined further to 27,387. While the overall number has shrunk, the share of public childcare centers has grown, accounting for 23.8 percent of all facilities last year. Private education spending also continued to rise. The proportion of students receiving private tutoring reached 80 percent in 2024, up from 78.5 percent a year earlier. Average monthly spending on private education was 474,000 won per student. High school students spent an average of 520,000 won, middle school students 490,000 won and elementary school students 440,000 won. The number of practicing doctors totaled 109,274 last year, down 4.7 percent from 114,699 the previous year. Koreans continued to see doctors far more frequently than people in other advanced economies. Based on 2023 data, the average number of annual doctor visits per person was 18, compared with the OECD average of 6.7. Government spending on social welfare, health and related services came to 237.6 trillion won last year, equal to 36.2 percent of all national expenditures. The Ministry of Health and Welfare publishes its annual statistical report under the Framework Act on Social Security, compiling data from national surveys and administrative records to analyze trends across household structure, income and employment security and access to social services. 2025-11-30 14:09:27