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  • KOSPI Surges 11% in a Week, Approaching 7000 Mark
    KOSPI Surges 11% in a Week, Approaching 7000 Mark The KOSPI index has risen for five consecutive trading days, nearing the 7000 mark. Next week, the domestic stock market is expected to be influenced by semiconductor earnings and foreign investment trends. Analysts believe that the KOSPI's valuation normalization will continue, supported by easing inflation concerns in the U.S. and strong performances from AI infrastructure companies. However, profit-taking from the recent surge and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are seen as potential variables.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed at 6977.94, up 164.60 points (2.42%) from the previous trading day. Over the past week, it has jumped 719.17 points from 6258.77, marking an increase of 11.49%.The upward trend accelerated towards the end of the week. The KOSPI rose by 0.65% on August 10, 0.73% on August 11, and then surged by 3.68% and 3.56% on August 12 and 13, respectively. It continued to rise by 2.42% on August 14, marking five consecutive days of gains.Foreign investors have contributed to the index's rise, with net purchases of 3.384 trillion won in the securities market on August 14, marking four consecutive days of net buying. In contrast, individual and institutional investors sold a net 1.9847 trillion won and 1.1269 trillion won, respectively, as they took profits.The KOSDAQ also saw an 8.24% increase this week, rising from 798.81 on August 7 to 864.65 on August 14. However, after a 6.97% surge on August 10, the gains from August 11 to 14 were limited to 0.12% to 0.39%, indicating a slowdown in the upward momentum following a sharp rebound in oversold stocks.Market analysts suggest that it may be time to refocus on large-cap stocks in the KOSPI following the short-term rebound from oversold conditions. Earnings estimates for the KOSPI continue to rise, and foreign capital is flowing into major semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.Investor sentiment surrounding semiconductors is also recovering quickly. South Korea's semiconductor exports from August 1 to 10 reached $10 billion, a 155.4% increase compared to the same period last year, with DRAM export prices continuing to rise. Additionally, strong performances and investment expansions from U.S. AI infrastructure companies like CoreWeave and Supermicro have alleviated concerns about demand in the AI sector.Given these improvements, the KOSPI's valuation burden is still considered low. The KOSPI's 12-month forward earnings per share (EPS) has increased to 1218.3 points, up from 1105.1 points at the end of June. However, the 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio (PER) remains at around 5.6 times, indicating that the stock prices have not yet fully reflected the upward revisions in earnings forecasts.Na Jeong-hwan, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "As concerns about AI demand ease, the market is entering a recovery phase where it re-reflects earnings. Given that IT accounts for 77.3% of KOSPI net income, it is essential to maintain a focus on the IT sector."Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "If concerns about the semiconductor industry subside and easing interest rate pressures are added, the KOSPI's valuation normalization will continue. In the short term, it is crucial to see if the index can stabilize between 6500 and 6800, as doing so could open up possibilities for further index level increases."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 08:08:00
  • Major Insurers Report Significant Profit Increases in First Half of 2026
    Major Insurers Report Significant Profit Increases in First Half of 2026 Major insurance companies increased their net profits in the first half of 2026, but the drivers behind these results varied. Life insurers benefited from their financial affiliates compensating for fluctuations in core insurance performance, while property and casualty insurers saw improvements in long-term insurance profitability.According to the insurance industry on August 15, the combined net profit of Samsung Life, Hanwha Life, and Kyobo Life reached 3.37 trillion won, an increase of 1.425 trillion won (44.8%) compared to the same period last year. However, despite the sharp rise in consolidated net profit, the performance of core insurance operations varied by company.The impact of financial affiliates was most pronounced at Kyobo Life. The company's standalone net profit decreased by 18.2% due to changes in actuarial assumptions and losses from the evaluation and disposal of financial assets. In contrast, its consolidated net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 21.0%. The performance of Kyobo Securities and the recently acquired SBI Savings Bank, which was integrated into the consolidated results starting in the second quarter, contributed to this divergence between core and consolidated results.This structure, where financial affiliates support consolidated performance, was also evident in other major life insurers. Samsung Life saw a 35.9% decline in insurance service profits, but increased its consolidated net profit due to contributions from subsidiaries and the reversal of one-time provisions. Hanwha Life improved both insurance and investment profits, bolstered by earnings from Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Investment & Securities, and overseas subsidiaries. While all three major life insurers reported increased consolidated net profits, it is difficult to view this as a recovery in core insurance operations.However, indicators of future insurance profits showed improvement. The new contract service margin (CSM) for the Big Three life insurers totaled 3.8236 trillion won in the first half, a 32.6% increase from the previous year, driven by expanded sales of protection products such as health insurance.In the property and casualty sector, performance improvements stemmed from core insurance operations. The Big Five property and casualty insurers (Samsung Fire & Marine, DB Insurance, Meritz Fire & Marine, Hyundai Marine & Fire, and KB Insurance) reported a combined net profit of 4.4701 trillion won, a 7.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This recovery was attributed to improvements in long-term insurance loss ratios and the gap between expected and actual results.However, auto insurance posed challenges for these insurers. Rising loss ratios due to premium reductions and increased accidents led Hyundai Marine & Fire to report a loss in its auto insurance segment, while KB Insurance was the only one among the Big Five to see a decline in net profit for the first half.An industry official stated, “For life insurers, the recovery of insurance profits will be crucial, while for property and casualty insurers, managing the rising loss ratios in auto insurance will determine their performance in the second half.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 08:00:20
  • Increased Demand for Laundry Services Amid Rain and Heat
    Increased Demand for Laundry Services Amid Rain and Heat As this summer's rainy season and heat waves continue, laundry service providers are experiencing a surge in demand. High humidity is making it difficult for clothes to dry, leading consumers to rely on laundry services for everyday items as well as bedding and towels that are hard to dry.Washiswat, which operates the Washiswat laundry service, reported on August 15 that the volume of everyday laundry orders in July increased by 65.6% compared to the same month last year. Compared to June, when the rainy season began, orders rose by 14.7%.This increase is attributed to the hot and humid weather that has enveloped the Korean Peninsula in recent weeks. The heat has shortened laundry cycles, and the high humidity has made drying difficult, prompting more consumers to seek professional services.Washiswat explained that consumers are turning to professional laundry services as they experience the limitations of home washing due to climate factors. A company representative stated, "Consumers who have faced the challenges of home laundry due to the heat and humidity are finding the convenience of professional laundry services appealing, making it a regular part of their laundry routine."Lundrigo, a laundry service company under the Living and Food Company, has also seen a significant increase in demand during the rainy season. An analysis of collection data from June 1 to July 16 revealed that the average daily volume of laundry received during the peak rainy days from July 10 to 12 exceeded 20,000, marking a 16.7% increase compared to the period before the rainy season from June 1 to 10.The volume of everyday laundry items such as towels, underwear, and T-shirts increased by 20.4% during the same period. Demand for bedding, which is directly affected by humidity, also rose. The average daily volume of comforters and bedding received increased by 7.3% compared to before the rainy season, while pillow and cushion covers rose by 21.5%, and coverlets and comforter pads increased by 17.7%.Additionally, the volume of shoes, which are prone to getting wet or muddy, increased by 9.7%. Regular sneakers saw an increase of 11.4%, while suede and leather sneakers rose by 13.1%.A Lundrigo representative noted, "During the rainy season, not only does the volume of laundry increase, but there are also more items that are difficult to dry and require repeated washing, adding to household burdens. We aim to expand our services to help customers manage the hassle of everyday laundry and bedding through mobile solutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 07:04:00
  • Hansem and Shinsegae Casa Report Gains, Hyundai Livart Holds Steady, Persis Turns to Loss
    Hansem and Shinsegae Casa Report Gains, Hyundai Livart Holds Steady, Persis Turns to Loss The second-quarter performance of four major furniture companies in South Korea varied significantly. Hansem and Shinsegae Casa both reported improvements in sales and operating profit. Hyundai Livart, despite a decline in sales, managed to increase its operating profit through cost efficiency. In contrast, Persis experienced a shift to an operating loss.According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system on August 15, Persis recorded an operating loss of 5.4 billion won in the second quarter, marking a transition to a deficit from the previous year. During the same period, sales rose by 6.4% to 87.6 billion won.The prolonged slump in the domestic market has been analyzed as a factor contributing to the decline in demand for office furniture, which is Persis's core business.A Persis representative stated, "We expect unfavorable business conditions to persist this year, but we aim to enhance customer experience through competitive quality and service proposals, solidifying our position in the domestic office furniture market." They added, "In the medium to long term, we plan to actively explore overseas opportunities to achieve growth and establish a global brand presence."Hansem and Hyundai Livart both increased their operating profits despite a drop in sales. Hansem's consolidated sales for the second quarter were 417.2 billion won, a decrease of 9.2%, while its operating profit surged by 400.2% to 11.3 billion won.Despite being the off-season for the home interior industry, business-to-consumer transactions showed resilience. The remodeling segment, which involves complete home renovations, saw a 13% increase in sales compared to the same period last year, driving the overall performance improvement.A Hansem representative commented, "We have achieved 13 consecutive quarters of profit and a fivefold increase in operating profit year-on-year through healthy improvements in our fundamental competitiveness. We will continue to strengthen the competitiveness of our core products, enhance customer experience, and implement marketing focused on key products in the second half of the year."Hyundai Livart reported a 9% decrease in sales to 373.1 billion won in the second quarter, but its operating profit rose by 9.4% to 5.6 billion won. Although the furniture business saw a 17.7% decline in sales due to a downturn in the construction and housing market, the company improved profitability by reducing selling and administrative expenses by 15.1%.Shinsegae Casa achieved both revenue growth and a return to profitability. Its second-quarter sales reached 119.2 billion won, a 104.5% increase, while operating profit turned positive at 2.4 billion won. The acquisition of the 'Jaju' business segment from Shinsegae International in January this year is cited as a key factor behind this performance expansion.A Shinsegae Casa representative stated, "We plan to continue expanding our customer experience through differentiated content and marketing that combines furniture with fashion and lifestyle, while strengthening the brand competitiveness of Jaju to sustain growth and improve profitability."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 07:04:00
  • Trump Declares Hormuz Strait Will Soon Become U.S. Territorial Waters
    Trump Declares Hormuz Strait Will Soon Become U.S. Territorial Waters President Donald Trump declared on August 14 that after defeating Iran, the Hormuz Strait will become U.S. territorial waters.According to Yonhap News on August 15, Trump made this statement during a speech in Nassau County, New York, asserting, "Essentially, that is correct. We are blocking it, so no ships can pass through unless we want them to."Regarding the conflict with Iran, he noted, "More military force was used than I wanted, but we cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons."Earlier in the day, in an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed, "We have complete control of the Hormuz Strait," adding, "In a true sense, we own the Hormuz Strait."He further stated, "Due to America's 'steel barrier' blockade, Iran is losing hundreds of millions of dollars every day," and warned, "If Iran attacks, we will retaliate 100 times stronger."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 06:40:00
  • Free Admission to Major Historical Sites in Seoul on Liberation Day
    Free Admission to Major Historical Sites in Seoul on Liberation Day On August 15, marking the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day, major historical and cultural sites in downtown Seoul will open their doors to the public for free.On Liberation Day, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung, along with Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs, will all be accessible without charge. Visitors can explore Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, which typically charge admission, without needing a separate ticket. Notably, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung will also offer free nighttime access, likely attracting many visitors looking to enjoy a stroll through the palaces on a cool summer evening.However, certain restricted areas, such as the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung, require prior reservations and are not included in the free admission. Additionally, visitors wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, will receive the same benefits as all other guests on this day.The Seodaemun Prison History Hall and the Independence Gate area, which deeply reflect the significance of Liberation Day, will also be open for free and host special events.On Liberation Day, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall will allow free entry, featuring a memorial event honoring fallen patriots, along with various activities for children, including independence movement experience booths and historical interpretation programs.Due to its popularity, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall is expected to draw large crowds, so early visits before 10 a.m. are recommended.For those looking to escape the heat and enjoy cultural activities indoors, national cultural facilities are a great option.The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul and Deoksugung branches) and the National Museum of Korea will also offer free or discounted admission in celebration of Liberation Day. The National Museum of Korea will feature special exhibitions and a variety of cultural performances.However, major thoroughfares such as Sejong-daero, Gwanghwamun, and Seoul Station will experience traffic restrictions due to large gatherings and Liberation Day events. Visitors using personal vehicles should expect significant congestion and are encouraged to use the subway instead.To ensure safe visitor management, some facilities may operate on an online reservation basis, so checking the official websites of each institution before departure is advisable.Most sites will close by 6 p.m., but Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung, which offer nighttime access, will remain open until 9 or 10 p.m.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 06:12:00
  • Bestseller Surge: Classic Literature Inspired by Odyssey Film
    Bestseller Surge: Classic Literature Inspired by 'Odyssey' Film The success of the film 'Odyssey' has sparked a surge in interest for classic literature this summer. Homer's Odyssey has jumped to the top of bestseller lists, with related books also seeing a significant increase in sales.According to Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24, in the second week of August, Seneca, For Those Who Are Losing Today topped the charts at both bookstores. At Kyobo, it rose four spots to claim the number one position, while Yes24 maintained its number one ranking for the second consecutive week. The book is a simplified version of writings by the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca, adapted by the self-improvement YouTube channel 'Hawaii Mansion.'One of the most notable trends in bookstores is the popularity of Homer's Odyssey. The film's success has led to an increase in readers seeking the original work and related literature. At Kyobo, it surged 30 spots in just one week to reach eighth place, while Yes24 also recorded it at eighth.Books that simplify the classics, such as Odyssey in One Night and Odyssey in One Volume, have also gained attention. Yes24 reported that five books related to the film, including Odyssey, Odysseus, and Illiad, simultaneously entered the top 20.In fiction, titles favored by readers in their 20s are performing well. At Kyobo, Yoo Rae-hyuk's Aquarium secured second place, while Yang Gwi-ja's Contradiction climbed five spots to sixth. Interest in world literature collections, including Siddhartha and Demian, remains steady. Carl Sagan's scientific classic Cosmos is also popular during the vacation season.Yes24 showed a similar trend, with Siddhartha at sixth, Nietzsche's Transcendentalist at seventh, and Yang Gwi-ja's Contradiction at ninth. Keigo Higashino's Transparent Spiral has maintained its position in the top five for three consecutive weeks.A representative from Kyobo Bookstore stated, "As interest in the film 'Odyssey' grows, Odyssey is gaining popularity among female readers in their 40s, as well as among those in their 50s and 30s. We expect the film's continued success to lead to a broader interest in novels and world literature, sparking a classic literature trend."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 06:12:00
  • New Book Compiles 500 AI Tools in Comprehensive Global Encyclopedia
    New Book Compiles 500 AI Tools in Comprehensive Global Encyclopedia With the surge of artificial intelligence (AI) services, how can one choose the right tools for their work and objectives? A new book has been released that classifies and compares 500 AI tools used both domestically and internationally based on their functions and purposes.Academy Soft, a publishing company specializing in education, announced the release of "Global AI Tools Encyclopedia" by author Choi In-ho on August 1.This 560-page book categorizes 500 AI tools into six industry groups and 30 categories, comparing key features, prices, advantages, and disadvantages. It covers a wide range of tools, including generative AI like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, as well as tools for business automation, data analysis, marketing, design, translation, education, finance, and law.The categories include: 114 generative AI tools, 82 productivity and work tools, 73 business and marketing tools, 86 creative tools, 78 industry-specific tools, and 67 other industry tools. The generative AI section introduces not only chatbots but also services related to images, videos, and audio. The industry-specific section includes tools related to healthcare, finance, law, insurance, and education.Considering the rapidly changing nature of the AI market, the book focuses on explaining the basic characteristics and functional structures of each tool rather than listing specific version details. It aims to provide information necessary for determining what type of AI can be utilized for various tasks, rather than detailing usage methods that may change with updates.The book also includes recommendations from 33 individuals from academia, industry, and media, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, KAIST, KBS, and the Korea Creative Content Agency. Baek Hyung-ryeol, head of the KAIST AI Mathematical Science Research Institute, described the book as a guide to exploring the AI ecosystem through comparison charts and analysis cards.The publisher has linked the book with an online AI education platform. Buyers can register a certification key included with the book to access related video lectures on the subscription-based AI education platform 'AIDA' for 30 days.AIDA offers approximately 1,200 educational contents across various work fields, including basic AI concepts, major tool usage, and prompt engineering. The platform will also add related educational content in line with AI service updates.Additionally, the course includes practical features that allow users to experiment with AI tools directly. About 150 AI tools can be utilized on the course screen, along with AI curation and prompt-related features linked to the learning content.For businesses and organizations, a SaaS-based learning management system (LMS) is available. It supports department-specific training programs, learning status management, and certificate issuance, and can integrate with existing LMS and SSO systems.Choi In-ho stated, "The competitiveness in the AI era comes not from memorizing how to use specific tools but from the ability to quickly find and combine the right tools for the intended purpose. I hope this book and AIDA serve as a starting point for developing that insight."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 06:04:00
  • Young People Value Emotional Stability in Rural Areas, Seek Income for Settlement
    Young People Value Emotional Stability in Rural Areas, Seek Income for Settlement Young people interested in or visiting rural areas prioritize emotional stability and the peace found in nature. However, for those actively engaged in rural activities, income and job opportunities are the key factors for settlement. Experts suggest that support strategies should vary based on the level of engagement.According to a report by the Korea Rural Economic Institute titled 'Economic Activity Support Measures for Expanding Youth Entry and Settlement in Rural Areas,' there are clear differences in the values pursued by low to medium involvement youth compared to highly involved youth.The term 'relationship population' refers to individuals who, while not residing in rural areas, have a sustained interest in and visit specific regions. The researchers categorized urban youth interested in rural activities as low to medium involvement, while those who reside or operate businesses in rural areas were classified as highly involved.In terms of what they value most in rural activities, low to medium involvement youth ranked emotional stability as their top priority at 80.5%. They also reported a sense of peace from being connected to nature and life at 72.4%.In contrast, highly involved youth placed the highest importance on economic income from their activities at 80.0%. Opportunities for future economic activities, such as entrepreneurship or employment, were also significant at 79.0%. Their priorities for emotional stability and peace from nature were lower, at 49.0% and 59.0%, respectively.Differences also emerged in their desired lifestyles. Among low to medium involvement youth, 37.6% preferred a lifestyle that allows them to work flexibly as needed. Following this, 31.0% favored a 'half-farming, half-working' approach, where they work part of the day and engage in preferred activities during the rest.Among youth already active in rural areas, 48.0% expressed a commitment to pursuing economic growth and personal fulfillment through entrepreneurship or employment. This indicates that as they become more involved, the foundation for sustainable economic activity becomes more important than leisure.Intentions to continue rural activities were high, with 88.5% of highly involved youth indicating they would continue their current activities, while 4.5% expressed interest in engaging in other rural areas. Only 7.0% stated they would return to urban life.The primary reason for continuing rural activities was 'economic opportunities found in rural areas,' cited by 61.3%. Additionally, 48.9% valued a lifestyle they could not experience in urban settings, while 17.2% appreciated the values of agriculture, community, nature, and ecology.However, the process of relocating to rural areas presented significant challenges, particularly regarding livelihood and housing. About 63.5% of highly involved youth reported that maintaining their livelihood was a major concern when deciding to move to rural areas. Other challenges included securing housing (58.5%), adapting to unfamiliar rural lifestyles (53.5%), and lacking acquaintances in the area (41.5%).Despite their interest in rural areas, many faced informational barriers when attempting to engage in activities. Approximately 28.0% of low to medium involvement youth reported having abandoned their exploration of rural activities, with 27.1% citing a lack of information and accessibility as reasons. When asked about the most challenging aspects of their exploration, 53.2% mentioned insufficient information and difficulties in access.Furthermore, the perceived effectiveness of existing support programs was low. A significant 91.2% of low to medium involvement youth reported that they did not find any specific policies or programs helpful during their exploration of rural activities. Among highly involved youth, only 28.0% indicated that any policies or programs had been beneficial.The researchers recommend providing housing, job, and local cultural information to low to medium involvement youth, along with support for temporary housing and living/activity expenses. They also suggested programs that connect urban and rural areas, such as academies and youth residencies, as well as multi-regional living programs where individuals work in the city during the week and spend weekends in rural areas.For highly involved youth, the researchers emphasized the need for not only initial funding for startups but also investment and market support during the business expansion phase. They proposed peer learning opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop business models together, specialized coaching for closely supporting the startup process, and pilot stores to test business viability using vacant spaces.The researchers stressed the need to shift rural policies focused on attracting permanent residents to those centered on relationship building and economic activities. They argue that while providing information and opportunities for temporary stays is essential for those interested in rural areas, supporting income, housing, and business foundations is crucial for those who have already engaged.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 06:04:00
  • Airlines Expand Routes Amid Strong Travel Demand During Liberation Day Holiday
    Airlines Expand Routes Amid Strong Travel Demand During Liberation Day Holiday The domestic airline industry is gearing up to capitalize on the peak travel season. With robust demand for overseas travel and favorable exchange rates, some routes are experiencing full bookings. Airlines are launching new routes and offering ticket discounts to capture passenger demand.According to the airline industry on August 15, major routes for Liberation Day are seeing full capacity. All seats on the Gimpo-Jeju route operated by Eastar Jet were sold out as of the previous day. Key routes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka in Japan also recorded over 97% booking rates as of the same day.An Eastar Jet official stated, "Short-haul routes to Jeju, Japan, and Taiwan departing on the first day of the holiday are nearly full, and the same goes for return flights on the 17th." The airline's average load factor for the first half of this year was 93%.Domestic low-cost carriers (LCCs) are accelerating the expansion of their international networks, focusing on Japan, China, and Southeast Asia in the second half of the year. With the summer vacation season continuing until the end of this month and the Chuseok holiday approaching, airlines are strategically positioning themselves to capture overseas travel demand.Efforts are also underway to expand routes to China alongside existing popular routes to Japan. The demand for travel to China is rapidly recovering, supported by the visa-free policy between South Korea and China and the expansion of air transport rights.According to the Air Transport Information Portal, the number of international passengers from South Korea from January to July this year reached 59,125,842, a 9.8% increase compared to the same period last year (53,823,297). During this period, passenger numbers on routes to Japan increased by 20% to 18,536,492, while those to China rose by 22.2% to 11,486,154, significantly outpacing the overall growth in international passengers.New route launches are also on the rise to capture the increased demand. Jeju Air recently launched new routes from Incheon to Singapore and from Busan to Shanghai last month, with plans to introduce a new route from Incheon to Guilin in October.Jin Air is also expanding its routes, having launched a new route from Incheon to Kobe this month and resuming flights on the Incheon to Yantai route. Next month, it will introduce a new route from Incheon to Yichang, enhancing its competitiveness in short-haul international flights. Eastar Jet has begun operations on the Incheon to Hohhot route and plans to launch a new route from Daegu to Zhangjiajie next month.T'way Air, which positions itself as a selective service carrier (SSC), is expanding into medium- and long-haul routes, starting with a route to Vancouver, broadening its portfolio that has been focused on short-haul routes.Recent easing of exchange rate pressures is also a positive factor for overseas travel demand. As of August 13, the won-dollar exchange rate stood at 1,419.40 won, while the won-yen exchange rate dropped to around 890 won per 100 yen, the lowest level in nearly two years since July 23, 2024 (884.1 won). The won-yuan exchange rate is also hovering around 210 won per yuan.The strengthening of the won and the weakening of the yen create favorable exchange rate conditions, potentially lowering costs for travelers, such as local accommodation and food expenses, which could improve the sentiment for overseas travel.Airlines are also expanding various promotions, including discounted tickets and partnership benefits, to secure demand during the peak season. T'way Air is currently running a promotion offering discounts for payments made through KakaoPay, TossPay, and BC Card throughout this month. Jin Air is offering a 5% fare discount for passengers who set different arrival and departure airports.An airline industry official stated, "With strong passenger demand and favorable exchange rate conditions, the effects of the peak season in the third quarter are becoming evident. We will actively attract the increasing travel demand by further expanding new routes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 06:04:00