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  • Record Rainfall in Geoje Avoids Major Disaster
    Record Rainfall in Geoje Avoids Major Disaster Unprecedented heavy rainfall, the highest recorded in South Korea, struck Geoje and the southern coast, raising interest in how the damage was mitigated despite the extreme weather.The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters reported that from midnight on August 15 to 5 p.m. on August 17, Geoje recorded a cumulative rainfall of 910.0 mm.Intense rain led to a landslide near an apartment in Okpo-dong, Geoje, burying homes and vehicles, resulting in one death and four injuries. Reports of flooding in homes and on roads, as well as fallen trees, exceeded 2,300, prompting 240 households and over 380 residents to seek temporary shelter.However, despite the severity of the rainfall, experts noted that a major disaster was averted.The area from Jangpyeong-dong, where Samsung Heavy Industries is located, to the Geoje intercity bus terminal and Gohyeon-dong is prone to flooding due to the height difference between landfill sites and existing ground levels. This region, densely populated with shopping centers, cinemas, and large supermarkets, was at high risk of significant urban casualties.A key factor in preventing urban disaster was the disaster prevention infrastructure established by Geoje City several years ago. In 2018, as part of the Gohyeon Port redevelopment project, approximately 70 billion won was invested to construct a super large drainage pump station in the Gohyeon Bay landfill area. This facility is designed to pump out 110,000 tons of floodwater per hour.Although initial flooding submerged roads up to waist height due to the unprecedented rainfall, the drainage pump station successfully removed most of the water from the city within just three hours. This allowed local authorities and fire departments to quickly assess road damage and begin recovery efforts. Additionally, the island's geography, surrounded by water, facilitated drainage, further reducing damage.Online, users compared the situation to past disasters, such as the tragedy in Venezuela, which saw thousands of casualties from 911 mm of rain over three days, and the flooding at Gangnam Station, which involved 350 to 400 mm of rain. Many praised Geoje City's proactive flood control measures.Comments included, "In Venezuela, with similar rainfall, thousands perished, but with 70 billion won, we achieved benefits worth hundreds of billions," and "Officials and civil servants involved in the flood control project should be rewarded," as well as, "Clearing the water within three hours is a model case of flood management." 2026-08-18 08:20:00
  • Bespin Global Named OpenAI Select Partner to Enhance AI Solutions
    Bespin Global Named OpenAI Select Partner to Enhance AI Solutions Bespin Global announced on August 18 that it has been selected as an OpenAI Select Partner within the OpenAI Partner Network.The OpenAI Partner Network is a global program that supports partners in building, selling, and providing AI solutions based on OpenAI's technology and products. It offers various technical resources, training, and support programs to partners with industry expertise and capabilities in AI development and operations, helping businesses effectively utilize OpenAI's latest AI technologies.Bespin Global stated, "Through this partnership, we will be able to leverage the technical resources, training, and support programs provided by the OpenAI Partner Network." The company plans to support domestic corporate clients in adopting AI based on OpenAI and continuously enhance its AI service capabilities across various industries.As the use of generative AI expands, companies are moving from simple proof of concept (PoC) to actual operational and scaling phases. Bespin Global aims to support businesses in various sectors in driving AI transformation (AX) and ensuring stable operations by assisting in the entire process from AI development to operation and optimization.As an OpenAI Select Partner, Bespin Global will help corporate clients effectively integrate and utilize OpenAI's latest GPT models and ChatGPT Work in their work environments. The company plans to build AI services tailored to clients' business environments and requirements, providing an AI utilization environment that enhances productivity and operational efficiency.ChatGPT Work is an AI work platform that goes beyond personal AI chatbots to perform actual business tasks. It can respond based on corporate data, including internal documents (PDF, Excel), CRM, ERP, and emails. This allows it to connect with company data to draft and analyze documents, summarize meetings, and automate repetitive tasks.Bespin Global has strengthened its AI service portfolio by utilizing its AI operational framework, the Bespin 7 Layer AI Stack, along with OpenAI's latest models and APIs. This comprehensive approach supports the entire process from AI infrastructure to data, models, agents, security, governance, and operational optimization.The 7 Layer AI Stack is an integrated framework designed to help companies reliably build, operate, and optimize AI in production environments. It includes stages for infrastructure and deployment (supporting cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments), data platform and workflow (systematic management of corporate data and business processes), model, knowledge, and AI operations (operating AI models and knowledge assets), agent orchestration (building and linking AI agents), five levels of governance, trust, and security (supporting access control and compliance, audit trails), operations and optimization (continuously monitoring and optimizing the performance of AI services), and performance realization (supporting the connection of AI implementation results to business outcomes).With its participation as an OpenAI Select Partner, Bespin Global plans to expand its capabilities in building and operating AI services utilizing OpenAI models across the entire 7 Layer AI Stack. This will enable the company to offer a wider range of managed AI services (AI MSP) to corporate clients.Heo Yang-ho, CEO of Bespin Global Korea, stated, "Being selected as an OpenAI Select Partner is significant for Bespin Global as it allows us to participate in the OpenAI Partner Network based on our capabilities in AI development and operations. We will continue to support our clients in effectively applying OpenAI's latest AI models in their work environments and connecting them to business outcomes." 2026-08-18 08:16:00
  • Celltrion Expands in Europe with Direct Pharmacy Sales Model
    Celltrion Expands in Europe with Direct Pharmacy Sales Model Celltrion Chairman Sung-jin Seo is conducting on-site inspections in France to launch a direct pharmacy sales model across Europe.On August 18, Celltrion announced that it has completed the integration and restructuring of Gifrer, a French healthcare company acquired in May, and is now ready to leverage its pharmacy channel as a new growth engine.Since last week, Chairman Seo has been inspecting the operational status of the French subsidiary and Gifrer as part of a global sales review for the second half of the year. He has outlined a management direction to combine Gifrer's pharmacy sales network with the competitiveness of Celltrion's products to achieve tangible results. Following the acquisition of Gifrer, Celltrion has been restructuring its collaboration systems, workforce management, and sales strategies for each product. The company states that it has now moved beyond stable operations to the stage of creating synergies.Gifrer boasts a network of over 9,000 pharmacies across France, along with supply chains to more than 800 hospitals and a product portfolio of over 140 items, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and health supplements. Celltrion plans to stabilize Gifrer's existing business foundation while integrating the direct sales capabilities in biopharmaceuticals that the French subsidiary has developed, aiming to establish a sales system that encompasses both hospitals and pharmacies.Historically, Celltrion's direct sales system in Europe has primarily focused on hospitals, healthcare professionals, and bidding organizations, with limited coverage of pharmacies. The company emphasizes the strategic value of the newly acquired pharmacy channel, which connects prescriptions initiated in hospitals to actual dispensing and repeat purchases.Particularly, subcutaneous injection (SC) formulations, which patients administer themselves, rely heavily on pharmacy channels as a key distribution network. Since 2022, France has been implementing alternative dispensing for certain biopharmaceuticals in pharmacies. As the range of applicable products expands, pharmacy networks are becoming crucial for the competitiveness of biosimilars.In response to these regulatory changes, Celltrion plans to utilize Gifrer's pharmacy network to promote the sales of SC formulation drugs and to expand its biosimilar sales scope in anticipation of future increases in alternative dispensing targets. The company is currently preparing to sell the osteoporosis treatment 'Stoboclo-Osenbelt' (active ingredient denosumab) through pharmacies in accordance with French regulations and alternative dispensing schedules.Gifrer's growth strategy extends beyond just selling Celltrion's products. The company is also considering licensing and local launches of third-party biosimilars, generics, and healthcare products that are in high demand at pharmacies, without competing directly with its own products.Synergies at the group level are also set to intensify. Celltrion Skin Cure plans to launch its dermacosmetic brand 'Zipiderm' in the French pharmacy distribution market early next year, with Gifrer handling local sales and distribution. The French subsidiary aims to combine the medical network it has built through the sales of skin disease-related biopharmaceuticals, such as Uplyma and Omriclo, with Gifrer's pharmacy sales network to create synergies.Kim Dong-sik, Celltrion's Global Head for Europe, stated, "We will focus on combining Gifrer's pharmacy network with Celltrion's product competitiveness to achieve tangible results. We will also expand our portfolio to include non-competing third-party products and gradually extend the pharmacy sales model validated in France to other European countries in accordance with local regulations." 2026-08-18 08:12:10
  • Rising Prices for Brand Name Large Apartment Complexes Amid Regional Housing Instability
    Rising Prices for Brand Name Large Apartment Complexes Amid Regional Housing Instability As the regional real estate market shows mixed trends, large apartment complexes with established brands are recording new high prices across various areas. As market uncertainty increases, buyers are gravitating towards 'proven complexes' that offer relative stability.According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's real transaction disclosure system, the 99-square-meter unit at 'Daeyeon Hillstate Prugio' in Busan's Nam-gu was sold for 1.1 billion won on June 11, marking a new record. This is an increase of over 200 million won compared to the 890 million won transaction from June of last year.In Cheongju, the 80-square-meter unit at 'Doosan We’ve Gwell City 2' was sold for 1.05 billion won in July. In Daegu's Suseong-gu, the 84-square-meter unit at 'Suseong Beomeo W' was sold for 1.81 billion won in the same month, setting a new record.In May, the 100-square-meter unit at 'Yongji I-Park' in Changwon, Gyeongnam, was sold for 1.23 billion won. The 84-square-meter unit at 'Saetdeum 10 Complex The Sharp Hillstate' in Sejong was also sold for 959 million won, establishing a new high.Industry experts cite residential satisfaction and asset security as key factors behind the preference for brand-name large complexes. These developments often see a significant influx of residents upon completion, leading to improvements in transportation, education, and commercial infrastructure. The landscaping and community facilities that reflect brand value also enhance the convenience of living.From an asset value perspective, the advantages of large complexes are becoming more apparent. They often lead regional price trends during market upswings and demonstrate relatively high liquidity and price resilience during downturns.In a polarized local sales and leasing market, apartments that combine size, brand, and competitive location are showing trends of both price stability and appreciation potential.An industry insider noted, “As uncertainty in the real estate market grows, buyers are increasingly inclined to prefer more stable options. Nowadays, they are considering not just price comparisons but also location, brand, complex size, and the potential for value appreciation after moving in.”Interest in the supply of brand-name large complexes is expected to continue in the second half of the year. In Geoje, Gyeongnam, 'Centrebill Asterium Geoje' will be launched, featuring 1,307 units across 10 buildings, with sizes ranging from 84 to 99 square meters, and contracts starting on August 24.In Cheonan, Chungnam, Daewoo Engineering & Construction plans to launch 'Dujeong Station Prugio Grand Peak' in September, consisting of 1,438 units across 10 buildings, with sizes from 59 to 114 square meters.In Gwangju, Jeonnam, the residential complex 'Champions City Phase 1' from the mega-project 'All New Champions City,' developed on the former Jeonbang and Ilshin Textile sites, is set to be launched in September. The project, constructed by Woosung Construction and Shin Young C&D, will feature 3,216 units across 12 buildings, with sizes ranging from 84 to 214 square meters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 08:12:00
  • LS Electric to Supply $34.25 Million Power Distribution Solutions to Bloom Energy
    LS Electric to Supply $34.25 Million Power Distribution Solutions to Bloom Energy LS Electric will supply approximately 486 billion won ($34.25 million) worth of power distribution solutions to a hyperscale data center in the United States. As demand for power infrastructure grows with the expansion of AI data centers, the company is strengthening its focus on the large data center market by utilizing its local production system in North America.On August 18, LS Electric announced that it has signed a contract with global power company Bloom Energy for the supply of power distribution solutions worth $34.25 million. LS Electric will provide key distribution systems, including low-voltage switchgear, for the hyperscale data center being developed by Bloom Energy in Wyoming.The supply is scheduled to take place between January and June of next year. This contract is significant as it expands existing business with current customers. LS Electric emphasized its competitiveness in distribution technology and quality, as well as its ability to respond to local demand in terms of delivery times.LS Electric is also expanding its local production base to target the North American data center market. The company operates major production hubs in Utah and Bastrop, Texas, establishing a system for sales, design, production, and services locally.Additionally, LS Electric is investing in next-generation power technologies. The company is developing a 'DC Factory' at its facility in Cheonan, applying direct current distribution and enhancing its DC distribution solutions.The expansion of LS Electric's North American data center business is reflected in its financial performance. In the second quarter of this year, the company reported record quarterly revenues of 1.577 trillion won and operating profits of 178.5 billion won. North American sales reached approximately 400 billion won, marking a quarterly high. Cumulative orders have exceeded 7 trillion won.As the demand for power in AI data centers surges, the need for stable power distribution infrastructure within the data centers is also increasing, suggesting that the role of distribution solutions will grow in LS Electric's North American operations.LS Electric plans to secure additional orders in the North American data center power infrastructure market by expanding its collaboration with Bloom Energy. A company official stated, "We will strengthen our strategic partnership with Bloom Energy and actively utilize our local infrastructure to expand our market share in the North American data center sector."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 08:04:00
  • Despite Foreign Investors Net Selling, Brokerage Firms Overseas Stock Commissions Surpass 1 Trillion Won
    Despite Foreign Investors' Net Selling, Brokerage Firms' Overseas Stock Commissions Surpass 1 Trillion Won ◆Aju Economy Major News▷Brokerage firms' overseas stock commission revenue reaches 1 trillion won for the first time- The commission revenue from overseas stocks for 12 domestic brokerage firms in the second quarter reached 1.0176 trillion won, marking a 59.7% increase from the previous quarter and surpassing 1 trillion won for the first time on a quarterly basis.- Toss Securities showed the most significant growth, with commission revenue soaring from 124.4 billion won to 219.3 billion won, a 76.3% increase, while Mirae Asset, Kiwoom, and Samsung Securities also exceeded 100 billion won each.- The surge in commission revenue is attributed to the increased trading volume of overseas stocks by retail investors, known as 'Seohakgaemi,' with trading volume in U.S. stocks rising from $149.2 billion in the first quarter to $170.5 billion in the second quarter.- Although Seohakgaemi turned to net selling of $775.74 million in U.S. stocks in the second quarter, the overall trading volume, including both buying and selling, actually increased.- The heightened market volatility has led to active buying and selling, which is believed to have significantly boosted brokerage firms' overseas stock commission revenue despite the net selling.◆Major Reports▷Speed of Retracement - Last week, the KOSPI rose for five consecutive trading days, nearing the 7,000 mark, as improvements in U.S. employment and inflation indicators coincided with expectations for AI infrastructure investment, leading to a strong performance in technology stocks across Asian markets, including South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.- The expansion of shareholder returns by Micron and SanDisk, along with NVIDIA's push for a $500 billion AI infrastructure financing platform, alleviated concerns over free cash flow damage from big tech AI investments, improving investor sentiment.- In terms of supply and demand, foreign investors led the upward trend by net buying 6.5 trillion won in KOSPI spot and 1.4 trillion won in futures, with a significant portion of the net buying focused on semiconductor stocks such as SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, SK Square, and Samsung Electronics preferred shares.- The VKOSPI dropped sharply by 20.3 points to 55.3, easing volatility concerns; however, expected volatility is decreasing faster than realized volatility, indicating that market expectations may be ahead of actual conditions.- With the KOSPI and KOSDAQ's 20-day ADRs entering overheating territory at 125% and 118%, respectively, next week’s scheduled earnings report from NVIDIA, the Jackson Hole meeting, and the Bank of Korea's monetary policy committee could lead to renewed market volatility.◆Key Disclosures After Market Close (14th)▷NG Chem Life Science reports 'disclaimer of opinion' for first half consolidated and separate reviews▷Jongkundang Bio applies for product approval for botulinum toxin 'Timeverse' in China▷EoFlow adds reasons for substantial review of listing eligibility due to revenue shortfall and capital erosion▷Samsung Electronics sees a surge in exports to China amid semiconductor boom, reaching 88 trillion won▷Medipost reports a consolidated operating loss of 41.2 billion won in the first half, with global clinical costs rising▷Dunamu Chairman Song Chi-hyung's compensation for the first half is 3.9 billion won, with an average employee salary of 140 million won◆Fund Trends (as of the 13th, excluding ETFs)▷Domestic equity: -24.6 billion won▷Overseas equity: -3.9 billion won◆Key Schedule for Today (18th)▷Germany: ZEW Economic Sentiment Index (August)▷U.S.: Import and Export Price Index (July), Housing Starts, Building Permits (July), Industrial Production (July)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 08:00:20
  • Game Companies Expand Strategies to Discover Small Games
    Game Companies Expand Strategies to Discover Small Games Domestic game companies are diversifying their strategies for discovering small games. Approaches range from establishing in-house development teams to specialized publishing organizations and supporting external indie developers in distribution and global expansion.According to the gaming industry on August 18, Com2uS Holdings has launched a publishing brand called 'Latel' that specializes in discovering indie and small developers' games. Latel is an internal organization consisting of around 10 members, rather than a separate legal entity.Com2uS Holdings introduced the Latel brand for indie and small games. Currently, titles like 'Paw Pop Match' and 'Color Sweeper' are being released under the Latel brand, along with 'Woongdang Tang Runners' in North America. A representative from Com2uS Holdings stated, "Latel is a brand aimed at fully launching the discovery and publishing of indie and small games, serving as a declaration of our indie game business strategy moving forward."The trend of discovering small games through internal development teams continues. Mint Rocket is a game development brand launched by Nexon in 2022, focusing on a small elite development team. The initiative aims to present unique games and was spearheaded by Kim Dae-hwon, who was then the Vice President overseeing new game development at Nexon.Mint Rocket's flagship title, 'Dave the Diver,' has exceeded 8 million units sold since its official release in 2023, achieving success in the global market, particularly on PC and consoles. Following this, Nexon plans to establish Mint Rocket as a separate legal entity in 2024 to enhance its development autonomy.Some companies are directly supporting external developers. Smilegate continues to discover external games by supporting indie developers in distribution and marketing through its game platform, Stove.According to Stove Indie, the number of games available on the Stove store has surpassed 1,500, with sales increasing by 304% compared to the previous year. Smilegate has also signed a global publishing contract for 'Alley: Gwiheun,' developed by AIX Lab, continuing its support for external developers' games and their entry into the global market.The push by game companies to discover small games is influenced by the increasing burden of developing large projects that require long development times and significant manpower, alongside the expanding global distribution environment that offers more opportunities for small games to enter the market.Market research firm VGI reports that the share of indie games in Steam's sales revenue has grown from 24% in 2018 to 48% in 2024.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 07:56:00
  • The Evolution of the Idiot Box in the AI Era: Algorithmic Manipulation of Public Opinion
    The Evolution of the 'Idiot Box' in the AI Era: Algorithmic Manipulation of Public Opinion Past television (TV) captivated the public's attention but earned the label 'idiot box' for fostering uncritical acceptance of information.Authoritarian regimes and entrenched interests exploited TV as a one-way medium to control the flow of information and steer public opinion in favor of the government. However, this manipulation required national-level intervention to control broadcasting rights and transmission channels, and viewers consumed the same news, leaving room for public discourse.In the current AI-dominated era, the past 'idiot box' has transitioned to smartphone screens and YouTube. Algorithms that analyze user preferences and biases relentlessly recommend content. While TV once injected the same message to a large audience, algorithms delve into individual confirmation biases, maximizing the so-called 'echo chamber' effect.It has also become possible for a small number of creators or organized groups to deceive the algorithmic interpolation system by mobilizing numerous fake accounts. Modern media manipulation has evolved into a much more covert and rapid process than in the TV era, becoming a dangerous tool that exacerbates social division and conflict.A recent report from Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG), titled 'Q2 2026 Influence Operations Report,' clearly illustrates that these risks are not mere concerns but realities. According to the report, Google shut down approximately 18,500 channels worldwide suspected of engaging in organized opinion manipulation during the second quarter of this year. Notably, 449 of these channels were in Korean.Monthly statistics reveal that 22 channels were sanctioned in April, 367 in May, and 60 in June. During May, leading up to the June 3 local elections, 81.7% of the total channels were blocked. A detailed analysis of the blocked channels in May shows that the most common content was critical of the government, with 142 channels, followed by government support (71), support for specific politicians (58), simultaneous criticism of the government and specific parties (53), and support for the government while criticizing specific parties (43).This demonstrates that 'inauthentic coordination activities' were indiscriminately carried out, disguising numerous accounts as spontaneous public opinion based on political interests.It is fortunate that a global platform company like Google is conducting its own regulation. However, relying solely on self-regulation by platforms makes it difficult to uphold the hard-won values of democracy. Manipulation of public opinion hidden behind algorithms fundamentally undermines national decision-making systems and democratic legitimacy. If organized external forces are involved, it poses a security threat.Now is the time for our government and academia to take proactive measures. The government should strengthen cooperation with platform companies while clearly establishing legal and institutional standards for algorithm transparency and responses to opinion manipulation forces.Academia must also closely analyze the patterns of intelligent opinion manipulation emerging in the digital media environment and continue diverse research to enhance citizens' media literacy. To prevent YouTube from devolving into a stage for provocative incitement and manipulation, society as a whole must activate public oversight systems, allowing us to finally escape the temptations and dangers of the 'more dangerous idiot box.' * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 07:52:00
  • North Korea Promotes Hostility Towards South Korea Amid Peace Proposals
    North Korea Promotes Hostility Towards South Korea Amid Peace Proposals North Korea is reportedly conducting ideological training for its military to instill hostility towards South Korea. In contrast, President Lee Jae-myung has officially proposed discussions on ending the war, highlighting a stark divergence in messages from both Koreas.According to recent reports from the North Korean-focused media outlet RFA, an internal source revealed on August 12 that "ideological training to foster hostility towards South Korea is being conducted across the military." The source added, "Kim Jong-un's intention is that the conflict with South Korea must be resolved through military means." Reports suggest that North Korea is also instilling this anti-South sentiment among its citizens.Conversely, a contrasting message has emerged from South Korea. In a Liberation Day speech on August 15, President Lee stated, "We will embark on a journey to transform the unstable armistice system on the Korean Peninsula into a peace system," and proposed initiating discussions among the parties involved to end the long-standing war. He also indicated that discussions on ending the war could lead to effective measures to halt North Korea's nuclear capabilities.The government's proposal aims to reduce mutual threats between the two Koreas and promote peaceful coexistence while initiating dialogue to transition from an armistice to a peace system. Since last year, President Lee has emphasized respect for the North Korean regime, the exclusion of absorption unification, and the prohibition of hostile actions as key principles in dealing with North Korea.Opposition parties have raised security concerns regarding President Lee's proposal to end the war. The People Power Party criticized it as "a pathetic plea for peace that disarms us," while lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo argued that a peace agreement not predicated on denuclearization could lead to the acknowledgment of North Korea's nuclear arsenal, advocating for the strengthening of nuclear deterrence.As of now, North Korea has not issued any official response to President Lee's proposal for discussions on ending the war. Kim Jong-un was reported to have attended events in Pyongyang on Liberation Day.Online, reactions criticizing the government's North Korea policy have surged. Netizens expressed sentiments such as, "We are begging for peace even after witnessing the destruction of the inter-Korean liaison office," and "This regime is compromised by the North due to the remittance scandal," among other criticisms.Further comments included, "With declining approval ratings, they are resorting to desperate measures," and "Isn't it obvious what North Korea wants? Guarantees for its regime, economic support, a reduction in U.S.-South Korea joint exercises, and easing of sanctions?" 2026-08-18 07:52:00
  • Half of Travel Expenses Refunded for Visitors to Hwacheon Starting in September
    Half of Travel Expenses Refunded for Visitors to Hwacheon Starting in September Tourists visiting Hwacheon in Gangwon Province will receive half of their travel expenses back in mobile local currency starting in September. Individuals can receive up to 100,000 won, while groups can get 200,000 won, and families can claim up to 500,000 won.According to Hwacheon County, the area was selected on August 6 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the 'Local Love Vacation Support' pilot project. Hwacheon is the only area in Gangwon Province chosen for this initiative in the second half of the year.The program will run from September to December. Tourists from outside the region, excluding residents of neighboring cities and counties, will receive 50% of their spending at participating local merchants back in mobile local currency.The refund limits are set at 100,000 won for individuals, 200,000 won for groups of two or more, and 500,000 won for families. Specific eligibility criteria and details will be finalized later.Tourists interested in participating must pre-register on a dedicated website that Hwacheon County will establish. The site will provide information on participating accommodations and restaurants.The refunded local currency can be used again at participating merchants in Hwacheon. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on tourists while encouraging them to spend locally, thereby boosting sales for small businesses and local markets.This program is noteworthy as it seeks not only to increase tourist numbers but also to translate that into actual local consumption, reflecting Hwacheon County's tourism policy experiment. As the range of participating sectors, including accommodations, dining, and experiences, expands, it is expected that tourists will stay longer and explore more.To coincide with the launch of the program in the fall, the county plans to host a nationwide park golf tournament and other sporting events. It also aims to promote key tourist attractions such as the Oxygen Road, Paroho Lake, the Peace Dam, and the Baegamsan Cable Car.The strategy is to guide sports event participants to general tourist sites, accommodations, and restaurants, connecting natural and security tourism resources into a cohesive travel route that encourages 'visit-stay-consume' tourism.The success of the program will depend on securing sufficient participating merchants, simplifying the application and refund process, and effectively encouraging tourists to reuse the local currency. The county plans to disclose detailed operational plans after completing the system setup and merchant recruitment.Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwacheon County, stated, “With this selection, we will actively market Hwacheon’s tourism resources nationwide to attract more visitors without financial burden. We aim to establish a sustainable model where tourist influx revitalizes the local economy.”Information on application methods and refund criteria will be provided through the Hwacheon County website and official social media channels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 07:48:00