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  • Lotte Mart to Build 10,000㎡ Shopping Center in Ha Long, Vietnam
    Lotte Mart to Build 10,000㎡ Shopping Center in Ha Long, Vietnam Lotte Mart is expanding its distribution network in Vietnam by constructing a new shopping center exceeding 10,000 square meters in Ha Long, a prominent tourist city. This move broadens its reach beyond established cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City into regions with high economic and tourism growth potential. On September 16, Lotte Mart Vietnam held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Lotte Mart Ha Long Shopping Center' in the Quang Ninh province's Bai Chay area. The event was attended by local officials, including the Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Finance, and representatives from BIM Group. The new shopping center will be located on Hoang Quoc Viet, a major road in the Ha Long Marina urban development area. The site spans over 10,000 square meters, and Lotte Mart plans to develop it into a mixed-use shopping space that caters to the daily needs of local residents and the experiential shopping desires of domestic and international tourists visiting Ha Long. Lotte Mart is collaborating with BIM Group on this project. The two companies aim to create a modern commercial space aligned with Ha Long's urban development direction, contributing to the expansion of local service and distribution infrastructure. Once opened, the shopping center will feature an international-standard hypermarket, various food courts, and essential amenities. Lotte Mart intends to operate the store as a combined space for shopping, dining, and lifestyle services, moving beyond traditional retail. This expansion into Ha Long aligns with Lotte Mart's long-term growth strategy in Vietnam. Lotte Group considers Vietnam a key overseas market, and Lotte Mart is extending its business not only in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but also into new economic and tourism growth areas. The entry into Ha Long is part of a local expansion strategy led by Lotte Mart's Global CEO, Cha Woo-cheol. The company plans to maintain its presence in existing key commercial areas while proactively responding to consumer demand in high-growth new regions. Shin Joo-baek, CEO of Lotte Mart Vietnam, stated at the groundbreaking ceremony, "Today’s ceremony marks the starting point for Lotte Mart’s long-term partnership in Quang Ninh. We will focus our capabilities to ensure the project is completed on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality." He added, "Lotte Mart will continue to activate the local supply chain and create jobs, positively contributing to the overall development of the community." Since entering the Vietnamese market in 2008, Lotte Mart has continued its local operations. Recently, it has been expanding its stores while also enhancing operational efficiency and engaging in ESG activities. In fact, Lotte Mart Vietnam was named one of the top 10 'Innovative and Efficient Companies' in the retail sector by local financial and investment publications Viet Research and others in 2026. The same year, it was also recognized as one of the top 10 'Green ESG Companies' in Vietnam's retail sector for the second consecutive year. The company is also investing in environmental initiatives. Lotte Mart has installed rooftop solar power systems in eight shopping malls across Vietnam, resulting in annual cost savings of approximately 137 billion VND (about $6 million) and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 3,000 tons. Digital operations are also being expanded. Since April of this year, Lotte Mart has implemented electronic payment functions in 15 stores in Vietnam, reducing paper usage and enhancing order confirmation features through its online application. Meanwhile, Lotte Mart plans to continue expanding its presence in Vietnam, including the new shopping center in Ha Long, while pursuing environmentally friendly and digital operations to strengthen its long-term business foundation in the country. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:12:00
  • Seouls Jongno 3-ga named worlds coolest neighborhood by British magazine
    Seoul's Jongno 3-ga named world's 'coolest neighborhood' by British magazine SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - Seoul's Jongno 3-ga has been named the world's "coolest neighborhood" for 2026 in a list released Wednesday by British travel magazine Time Out. Jongno 3-ga, which ranked third on the magazine's 2021 list, rose to No. 1 this year. Time Out attributed the rise to the neighborhood's growing late-night dining scene, street food, characteristic shops and its blend of Seoul's historic character with newer cultural trends. The area's Ikseon-dong district, known for century-old hanoks or traditional wooden houses, has become a major attraction, while its pojangmacha, or late-night street food stalls, draw younger crowds with a variety of dishes, "driving the neighborhood's current renaissance." Nearby Seosulla-gil offers a quieter contrast, with craft workshops, jewelry studios and wine bars alongside the stone walls of Jongmyo Shrine. The neighborhood is also home to an arcade in Nagwon, a longstanding hub for musical instrument shops that has become part of the area's evolving cultural scene. Morocco's L'Ocean district in Rabat ranked second, followed by Neos Kosmos, an up-and-coming neighborhood in Athens, Greece. Los Angeles' Chinatown in the U.S., Glasgow's Govanhill in Scotland and Osaka's Kitakagaya in Japan were among the other neighborhoods included on the list. Time Out said its rankings were compiled by its global network of local experts and reviewed by editors based on factors including nightlife, independent businesses, livability and community character. AJP Takeaways - Seoul's Jongno 3-ga ranked No. 1 on Time Out's list of the world's coolest neighborhoods for 2026. - Time Out highlighted Jongno 3-ga's late-night dining, street food, unique shops and mix of historic and modern culture. - Rabat's L'Ocean district ranked second, followed by Neos Kosmos in Athens, Greece. 2026-09-17 11:09:52
  • Icheon City Moves Forward with Horse Racing Park Plans, Confirms Local Support
    Icheon City Moves Forward with Horse Racing Park Plans, Confirms Local Support Icheon City, led by Mayor Seong Su-seok, has officially announced plans to relocate the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) horse racing park and confirmed local residents' support for the initiative.In a recent survey conducted in the city's rural areas, residents from Janghowon-eup, Bubal-eup, Sindun-myeon, Hobak-myeon, and Yul-myeon expressed their approval for the project.Notably, Janghowon-eup held a public opinion meeting, formed a resident promotion committee, and submitted an initial petition with over 4,000 signatures to the city, demonstrating strong support for the relocation.The primary motivation for Icheon City to pursue the KRA relocation is the significant economic impact it is expected to have on the local economy.If operated on a scale similar to that of Gwacheon City, the city estimates an annual revenue increase of approximately 49 billion won, including about 6.3 billion won from leisure tax allocations.Additionally, the relocation is anticipated to bring about 3,000 existing jobs in the horse racing sector and related businesses, with new job opportunities created through local hiring for facility management.Icheon is already designated as a horse industry special zone, with 26 farms raising around 470 horses, accounting for about 10% of the national horse population. The city operates a specialized veterinary hospital that treats over 5,600 horses annually and has equestrian facilities, fulfilling the necessary infrastructure for the project.The city plans to develop the horse racing park not just as a sports facility but as a regional growth hub that integrates the horse industry, tourism, and leisure.Mayor Seong emphasized, "Based on the strong desire of our citizens and the existing horse industry infrastructure, we will ensure the successful relocation of the Korea Racing Authority. We will do our utmost to revamp our future industries for the next 100 years."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:08:20
  • Peak Travel Day for Chuseok Holiday Expected on September 25
    Peak Travel Day for Chuseok Holiday Expected on September 25 As the Chuseok holiday approaches from September 24 to 27, traffic is expected to peak on the holiday itself, September 25.On September 17, SK Telecom (SKT) and Tmap Mobility released their traffic flow predictions for major roads during the holiday period.According to the report, congestion on the outbound journey is expected to be spread across September 23 and 25, while the return traffic is anticipated to concentrate on September 25.The busiest routes for outbound travel from Seoul to Busan, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Gangneung will vary by date.On September 23, the Seoul-Daejeon segment is expected to experience the most congestion. Departing at 3 p.m. is projected to take 4 hours and 5 minutes, about an hour longer than usual. Traffic is expected to be heavy from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.On September 24, congestion will peak on the Seoul-Gwangju and Seoul-Gangneung routes. Departing at 11 a.m., the trip from Seoul to Gwangju is expected to take 4 hours and 59 minutes, while the journey to Gangneung will take 3 hours and 49 minutes, adding an hour and 30 minutes, respectively, to the usual travel times.On Chuseok day, September 25, the Seoul-Busan route is predicted to have the longest travel time for outbound trips. Departing at noon is expected to take 7 hours and 3 minutes, about 2 hours longer than normal.To avoid congestion on the outbound journey, it is advisable to leave late on the night of September 23 or early on September 24. After 7 p.m. on September 24 and after 5 p.m. on September 25, traffic is expected to flow similarly to normal conditions.Return traffic is expected to peak on September 25. Congestion will begin to increase at 8 a.m. and reach its highest point around noon, with heavy traffic expected to continue into the evening.From Busan to Seoul, congestion is expected from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 25, peaking at noon with an estimated travel time of 8 hours, about 2 hours and 30 minutes longer than usual.The Gwangju-Seoul route is also expected to take 6 hours and 23 minutes if departing at noon, adding about 2 hours to the usual travel time.The Daejeon-Seoul trip is projected to take 4 hours and 20 minutes if leaving at noon, about 1 hour longer than normal, while the journey from Gangneung to Seoul is expected to take 3 hours and 54 minutes if departing at 1 p.m., about 30 minutes longer than usual.Reverse traffic from Seoul to the provinces is also expected to be busiest on September 25. Departing at noon, the trip from Seoul to Busan is expected to take 7 hours and 3 minutes, 4 hours and 35 minutes to Gwangju, and 3 hours and 30 minutes to Daejeon.The journey from Seoul to Gangneung is expected to take 3 hours and 36 minutes if departing at 11 a.m.Congestion on the return journey is expected to continue on September 26. The trip from Busan to Seoul is projected to take 6 hours and 10 minutes if departing at 11 a.m., while the Gwangju-Seoul route is expected to take 4 hours and 54 minutes if leaving at 1 p.m.The Daejeon-Seoul trip is expected to take 3 hours and 16 minutes if departing at 3 p.m., and the journey from Gangneung to Seoul is projected to take 3 hours and 17 minutes if leaving at 1 p.m.On the final day of the holiday, September 27, traffic flow is expected to return to normal levels across most routes. The trip from Busan to Seoul is projected to take 5 hours and 45 minutes if departing at 1 p.m., while the Gwangju-Seoul route is expected to take 4 hours and 24 minutes, the Daejeon-Seoul trip 2 hours and 57 minutes, and the Gangneung-Seoul journey 3 hours and 13 minutes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:08:10
  • Kwangdong Pharmaceutical Takes Legal Action Against Illegal Comparative Advertising
    Kwangdong Pharmaceutical Takes Legal Action Against Illegal Comparative Advertising Kwangdong Pharmaceutical has announced it will take legal action against illegal comparative advertising targeting its product, Kwangdong Gyeongokgo, which has been spreading in pharmacies. According to Kwangdong Pharmaceutical, numerous promotional materials, including posters and banners, have been found in pharmacies containing phrases such as 'same ingredients, same dosage' and 'same ingredients at a good price.' These materials directly compare Kwangdong Gyeongokgo's ingredients, dosages, and prices. Under the current Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, advertising for pharmaceuticals is prohibited from disparaging other products, regardless of the truthfulness of the claims. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical has determined that these promotional activities, which highlight price differences by directly comparing its product, clearly violate relevant regulations. As a result, Kwangdong Pharmaceutical has demanded that the involved pharmaceutical companies immediately cease the unfair comparative advertising and remove all previously distributed promotional materials. The company also plans to pursue necessary civil and criminal legal actions against the offending pharmaceutical companies. A Kwangdong Pharmaceutical representative stated, "Even if the active ingredients and dosages are the same, differences in raw material characteristics, excipients, and manufacturing processes can affect efficacy and bioavailability. Therefore, it is essential to provide objective and accurate information to prevent consumer misunderstanding." The representative emphasized the company's commitment to strict action in order to protect consumers and establish a sound market order.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:08:10
  • Park Yoon-joo: Trump Committed to Peace on Korean Peninsula
    Park Yoon-joo: Trump Committed to Peace on Korean Peninsula Park Yoon-joo, the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on September 17 that "President Donald Trump has a strong commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." He also clarified that no decision has been made regarding the deployment to Hormuz.During a meeting of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Park expressed, "I do not believe President Trump's commitment has reached the stage of recognizing North Korea's nuclear possession."Regarding the Hormuz deployment, he noted, "No specific issues have been decided. The safety of the Hormuz Strait is closely linked to supply chains. We need to consider how we can contribute from the perspective of national interest." He added, "The Hormuz issue involves consultations between South Korea and the U.S., but it is also a multilateral issue involving countries like the UK and France."Park addressed concerns that President Trump is strongly pressuring allies for deployment to Hormuz, stating, "Whatever conclusion is reached, it will be a decision made independently by the government based on national interest."Meanwhile, both Park and Second Vice Minister Kim Jin-ah attended the committee meeting, while Foreign Minister Park Jin was absent due to a scheduled meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This absence drew some criticism from committee members.Before departing for the meeting, Minister Park told reporters at Incheon International Airport, "If a breakthrough is achieved in North Korea-U.S. relations, it would be welcomed by our government," reiterating that no position has been established regarding the Hormuz deployment. 2026-09-17 11:08:10
  • Lee Gi-seung of Sekyung High-Tech Awarded Silver Tower Industrial Medal for Advancing Display Material Localization
    Lee Gi-seung of Sekyung High-Tech Awarded Silver Tower Industrial Medal for Advancing Display Material Localization The South Korean government awarded the Silver Tower Industrial Medal to Lee Gi-seung, CEO of Sekyung High-Tech, for his efforts in increasing the localization rate of display materials, components, and equipment.On September 17, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 17th Display Day ceremony at the Lotte Hotel World in Jamsil, Seoul, in collaboration with the Korea Display Industry Association. Display Day was established to commemorate the achievement of $10 billion in panel exports in October 2006, and the annual event has been celebrated since 2010.This year, 36 individuals who contributed to the development of the display industry were recognized. Lee Gi-seung received the Silver Tower Industrial Medal for his contributions to enhancing the localization rate of materials, components, and equipment, as well as for his role in designating the display industry as a national advanced strategic technology.The Presidential Citation was awarded to Yoon Ji-hwan of Samsung Display for leading the development of the world's first quantum dot organic light-emitting diode (QD-OLED) technology and contributing to market expansion and supply chain collaboration. QD-OLED is a next-generation display technology that combines a blue self-emissive source with a quantum dot color conversion layer to achieve accurate colors.The Prime Minister's Citation went to Hwang Sang-keun, Executive Director of LG Display, and Lee Jae-hyuk, CEO of ELP. Executive Director Hwang was recognized for expanding exports of domestic panels in the global market and leading the premium market. CEO Lee contributed to the localization of inspection equipment over 34 years and the self-reliance of next-generation extended reality (XR) equipment technology.The Ministry plans to strategically and systematically promote research and development based on future display demand. It aims to identify technology and process innovation tasks in five key technology candidate groups: digital life, mobility, human interface, public/media, and sustainability, through expert meetings.Lee Min-woo, head of the Industrial Growth Office at the Ministry, stated, "The reason K-Display has maintained its global leadership amid fierce competition for technological supremacy is due to the hard work of industry professionals. The government will fully support technological innovation, new market creation, and ecosystem strengthening in the display industry to achieve an irreplaceable competitive edge."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:04:20
  • South Korea Pushes for Rapid Implementation of WTO Investment Facilitation Agreement
    South Korea Pushes for Rapid Implementation of WTO Investment Facilitation Agreement South Korea is initiating discussions for the swift implementation and enforcement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Investment Facilitation Agreement (IFDA). The aim is to enhance transparency and predictability in investment-related administrative procedures, thereby expanding investments in the services sector and strengthening global supply chains.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, in collaboration with the Korea International Trade Association, hosted a session titled 'Strengthening Supply Chains through Investment Facilitation' at the 2026 WTO Public Forum held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 17. This year's forum, which runs from September 15 to 17, focuses on the future of trade in services.During the session led by South Korea, participants discussed the importance of investment facilitation for expanding trade in services and strengthening supply chains, as well as the urgent need for the prompt implementation of the IFDA and future challenges. The IFDA is a multilateral agreement aimed at increasing the transparency, predictability, and efficiency of investment-related administrative procedures. Negotiations were finalized during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2024, with 131 WTO member countries currently participating.Since 2017, South Korea has co-chaired the negotiations alongside Chile, leading efforts to reach an agreement. In March, South Korea also participated in discussions regarding the incorporation of the agreement into the WTO legal framework during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference. However, these discussions were stalled due to opposition from India.In response, the government is taking steps to facilitate the implementation of the IFDA. The session was chaired by Gabriel Marceau, a professor at the University of Geneva, with representatives from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Consumer Technology Association of the United States addressing the effects of improving the investment environment and the challenges faced by businesses.Nan Li Collins, Director of Investment at UNCTAD, emphasized that the implementation of the agreement could contribute to improving investment conditions in the services sector. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of ITC, discussed the impact of a friendly and transparent investment environment on attracting investment and growth in developing countries. Ed Brzytwa, Vice President of the Consumer Technology Association, highlighted the regulatory and administrative challenges businesses face during the actual investment process and the importance of a predictable investment environment.Yoon Chang-hyun, a legal officer at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, 'The IFDA will play a crucial role in expanding global investment, including in developing countries, through the simplification of investment-related administrative procedures and improvement of the investment environment. It is essential to seek practical and realistic measures for the prompt implementation and enforcement of the IFDA, and South Korea will fulfill its necessary role in this regard.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:04:20
  • August Auto Exports Plunge 29.8% Amid Strikes and Production Cuts
    August Auto Exports Plunge 29.8% Amid Strikes and Production Cuts Last month, South Korea's auto exports fell nearly 30%, accompanied by declines in production and domestic sales. The shift in summer vacation timing compared to last year reduced working days, and strikes at some companies disrupted production.According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's report on the '2026 August Automotive Industry Trends' released on September 17, the value of auto exports in August was $3.851 billion, a 29.8% decrease compared to the same month last year. The number of vehicles exported dropped to 146,499 units, down 26.9%.Exports decreased across all regions. Exports to North America, the main market, fell to $1.835 billion, a 28.2% decline. Exports to the United States alone were $1.478 billion, down 29.5%. The European Union saw a 16.8% decrease, while exports to Asia dropped by 41.9%, the Middle East by 23.6%, and Latin America by 12.9%.Although exports of eco-friendly vehicles also declined, the drop was less severe than that of overall auto exports. The number of eco-friendly vehicles exported was 58,126 units, down 16.4%, with export value at $1.722 billion, a 20.9% decrease. By vehicle type, hybrid car exports totaled 35,723 units, and electric vehicle exports were 21,404 units, reflecting decreases of 17.5% and 5.0%, respectively, from a year earlier.Production volume fell to 206,064 units, a 35.8% decrease. The shift in the industry's summer vacation from late July last year to early August this year significantly reduced the average number of working days by four. Additionally, production disruptions due to strikes at some companies compounded the issue.Domestic sales also saw a decline, totaling 109,920 units, down 20.8%. Sales of domestic cars fell by 28.5% to 78,881 units, while imports increased by 9.0% to 31,039 units. Sales of eco-friendly vehicles in the domestic market were 68,808 units, a 2.3% decrease. Hybrid sales dropped by 17.6% to 36,102 units, while electric vehicle sales rose by 27.6% to 31,060 units. Eco-friendly vehicles accounted for 62.6% of total domestic sales, maintaining a steady trend.From January to August this year, cumulative auto export value reached $46.013 billion, a 3.5% decrease compared to the same period last year. Cumulative production was 2,668,941 units, down 2.9%, and domestic sales totaled 1,096,740 units, a 0.7% decline. During the same period, eco-friendly vehicle export value increased by 18.2% to $19.664 billion.The Ministry stated, "With wage negotiations at major automakers concluded, we expect production and exports to gradually recover in the second half of the year as we make up for lost production. We will communicate with the industry and provide support to resolve on-site challenges."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:04:20
  • Spigen Korea, OpenNote, and MT Recognized for Excellence in Talent Development
    Spigen Korea, OpenNote, and MT Recognized for Excellence in Talent Development Spigen Korea, OpenNote, and MT have been recognized as the top companies in human resource development for their integrated talent development systems that link recruitment, evaluation, and training.The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation held the '2026 Human Resource Development Excellent Institution Certification Ceremony' on September 17 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul in Yeouido.The certification for excellent human resource development institutions comprehensively evaluates systems related to human resource management, including recruitment, evaluation, compensation, training, and career development. Since its inception in 2006, 2,661 companies have applied, with 1,319 institutions receiving certification. The evaluation considers not only training results but also how member capabilities are connected to corporate performance and competitiveness.This year's evaluation included companies participating in AI training, outstanding online training providers, and companies investing in pre-employment learning. A total of 95 companies received certification, including 19 in the large enterprise category, 56 in the small and medium-sized enterprise category, and 20 in the pre-employment learning category. Among these, 60 received new certifications, while 35 were re-certified.Certified companies will receive a certificate and plaque. They will also benefit from a three-year exemption from regular labor inspections and additional points when applying for various government support and grants. Additionally, Spigen Korea, OpenNote, and MT, which received the highest scores in their respective categories, will be recognized as the best institutions and receive commendations from the Minister of Labor.Spigen Korea, the top company in the large enterprise category, connects personnel management and training by analyzing individual performance evaluation results and incorporating them into individual development plans. The company has implemented blind recruitment to exclude unrelated information and operates a promotion and compensation system based on performance and capabilities.OpenNote was selected as the top company in the small and medium-sized enterprise category. It focuses its training on competencies needed for future core businesses, such as artificial intelligence, cloud, and energy information technology, linking training outcomes to job application, performance evaluation, and career development.MT, recognized as the best company in the pre-employment learning category, provides training for new hires tailored to practical work, including automation equipment and robotics. The company offers allowances for those who obtain qualifications and conducts site-specific safety training, including risk assessment and electrical safety.Byun Do-in, Director of the Ministry of Labor's Vocational Competency Policy Bureau, stated, "To respond to the rapidly changing industrial environment due to AI and digital transformation, systematic talent development is crucial. We will continue to promote training policies to equip individuals with the necessary competencies for change."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:04:10