Latest by
-
Gwangju City Launches National Agricultural AI Platform with $254.6 Million Investment Gwangju City is partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to officially launch the National Agricultural AX (AI Transformation) Platform, aimed at transforming South Korea's agriculture through artificial intelligence (AI).The city announced that it has signed an implementation agreement with the ministry for the National Agricultural AX Platform construction project, marking the start of a national strategic initiative to create an advanced agricultural ecosystem based on AI and data.This project will be carried out through a public-private consortium involving Gwangju City, Muan County, Daedong Co., Daedong AgriTech, LG CNS, Daeyoung GS, and Art Farm Agricultural Cooperative. The consortium was selected as the preferred bidder in April and has since finalized the project plan.The core of the project is to establish the National Agricultural AX Platform in the Haeseong-myeon area of Muan County, with a total investment of 254.6 billion won by 2030.Key components of the project include a 21.6-hectare AI-based smart greenhouse, a smart agricultural product distribution center (APC), an AI-based agricultural service system, and the development and demonstration of AI farming solutions.Once the platform is established, farmers will have access to AI-based agricultural services, regardless of their management scale or digital capabilities. The goal is to transition the entire agricultural process—from cultivation management to production and distribution—into a data-driven model to enhance productivity and management efficiency.Gwangju City plans to develop a global business center, a demonstration center, and an AI-based growth support data center in Muan, creating a 'triple infrastructure' for the Agricultural AX, positioning it as a data hub and innovation center for South Korean agriculture.To facilitate this, a special purpose company (SPC) will be established through public-private joint investment within the year, which will oversee the platform's construction and operation. The SPC will manage the development of AI farming models, advanced agricultural machinery-based services, and smart farm operations.Jung Won-jin, head of the Food and Horticulture Division of Gwangju City, stated, "The National Agricultural AX Platform is a key project that will determine the future competitiveness of South Korean agriculture based on AI and data. We aim to organically link the Agricultural AX triple infrastructure and platform centered in Muan to increase farmers' incomes and drive innovation in the local agricultural industry."Gwangju City is committed to establishing a 'complete agricultural AX ecosystem' that connects technology demonstration, high-quality agricultural data production and standardization, commercialization, and international expansion, positioning itself as a leader in the future of advanced agriculture in South Korea.Moreover, this project is significant as it goes beyond merely creating smart farms; it connects AI technology, data, distribution, research and development, and commercialization into a unified national agricultural innovation initiative. If Muan establishes itself as a core hub for Agricultural AX, it is expected to attract related industries, facilitate the demonstration of advanced agricultural technologies, and cultivate agricultural professionals. 2026-07-29 11:05:00 -
KyoWon Life Sees 137% Increase in Transition Service Usage in First Half of 2026 KyoWon Life reported a 137% increase in the usage of its transition services in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.According to KyoWon Life on July 29, the first half results already exceeded the company's annual performance for 2024 by 26% and achieved 75% of last year's total. If the current trend continues, the annual performance for this year is expected to surpass last year's record.The increase in performance is attributed to the expansion of travel transition services linked to KyoWon Tour, the group's travel business. The usage of travel transition services in the first half of this year rose by 169% compared to the previous year. This surge reflects a growing demand for customers to utilize their prepaid funeral service fees for travel instead. By developing exclusive travel products for funeral service members and expanding available travel options through KyoWon Tour, customer satisfaction has improved, leading to increased usage.As a result of this growth, travel accounted for 64% of the total transition service usage, the highest proportion, followed by healthcare at 18%, wedding and marriage information at 13%, and other services at 5%.KyoWon Life's transition service usage has shown consistent annual growth. The year-on-year increase rates were 122% in 2023, 80% in 2024, and 67% in 2025. Despite the base effect from the expanded performance scale, the demand for transition services continues to grow.Meanwhile, KyoWon Life is also focused on expanding its directly operated funeral homes. In February, it opened the 'KyoWon Yeoum Chungju Citizen Funeral Home,' marking its eighth directly operated funeral home, following locations in Seoul (West Seoul), Gyeonggi (Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong), Chungnam (Asan), Gangwon (Chuncheon), Gyeongnam (Gimhae), and Gyeongbuk (Pohang).A KyoWon Life official stated, "The expansion of travel transition service usage is a result of our collaboration with KyoWon Tour, providing customers with more diverse options and differentiated benefits. We will continue to leverage synergies with our group and partner companies to broaden our life care services tailored to customers' life stages, establishing ourselves as a lifelong life care partner." 2026-07-29 11:05:00
-
Prosecutor Gu Ja-hyun Warns Against Abolishing Supplementary Investigation Rights Acting Prosecutor General Gu Ja-hyun expressed serious concerns on July 29 regarding the proposed abolition of supplementary investigation rights in the criminal procedure law, stating, "If the effective supplementary function of prosecutors disappears, the truth will be concealed, and South Korea's criminal justice system will collapse."In a statement, Gu said, "As the acting Prosecutor General, I cannot help but feel a heavy heart and deep concern about the ongoing discussions in the National Assembly regarding the abolition of supplementary investigation rights and other amendments to the criminal procedure law."He emphasized, "As has been confirmed in numerous recent cases, if the effective oversight, supplementation, and correction functions of prosecutors regarding the investigations conducted by primary investigative agencies are eliminated, the truth will be concealed, and South Korea's criminal justice system will collapse. The resulting harm will be borne by the citizens who need the protection of the state the most."Gu noted that many citizens believe supplementary investigations by prosecutors are necessary, and various sectors, including the legal community and women's and victims' organizations, have consistently expressed concerns. He stated, "The current situation shows that the reforms envisioned by the public should not merely aim to eliminate prosecutorial power but should be directed toward protecting citizens from crime."He added, "I believe the National Assembly is well aware of this point and I urge them to thoroughly consider what the criminal justice system should be like for the people during the upcoming discussions, including the full committee meeting of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, to ensure that all citizens receive robust legal protection and that no one is left to suffer injustice."Gu's statement comes as the National Assembly moves forward with the legislative process to abolish supplementary investigation rights.The Legislative and Judiciary Committee's subcommittee approved the amendment the previous day, led by the ruling Democratic Party. The party plans to finalize the legislation during the full committee meeting and the plenary session on July 30.The amendment includes the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights and investigative powers, while establishing a right for police to request supplementary investigations and strengthening victim protection procedures. The prosecution has opposed this, arguing that the elimination of supplementary investigation functions would hinder effective oversight and correction of police investigations, potentially leading to harm for the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 11:03:00
-
18-Year Delay in Hyun-deok District Development Raises Concerns in Gyeonggi Province The development project for the Hyun-deok District in the Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone, which has been stalled for 18 years, faces renewed uncertainty following a feasibility review by the Local Public Enterprise Evaluation Institute that deemed its economic and financial viability insufficient. This has led to increased calls for Gyeonggi Province and Pyeongtaek City to formulate comprehensive measures to minimize resident impacts.Lee Eun-woo, chair of the Pyeongtaek Citizens Foundation, stated on July 28 via social media, "The Hyun-deok District development project has caused significant restrictions on property rights and inconveniences for residents due to its prolonged delay," urging Gyeonggi Province and Pyeongtaek City to quickly devise realistic alternatives for normalizing the project.He added, "We need to reassess the feasibility by enhancing the project's viability and supplementing the project plan, while also incorporating qualitative factors such as regional balanced development and policy necessity. A thorough review considering the unique characteristics of the western region and Hyun-deok area is essential."Furthermore, he emphasized that residents, who have endured various regulations for 18 years while relying on the development project, should not bear further sacrifices. He called for realistic support measures for residents affected by long-term development restrictions, regardless of the project's status.Earlier, the Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone Authority announced plans to proceed with the project using a public development model in partnership with the Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Corporation (GH) and the Pyeongtaek Urban Corporation as joint project implementers. At that time, the Authority expressed intentions to normalize the Hyun-deok District through public development and stimulate the local economy, projecting that phased compensation could begin in 2027 if the project proceeded as planned.However, a feasibility review conducted by the Local Public Enterprise Evaluation Institute in June found that both economic and financial viability fell short of the required standards, and there were insufficient policy needs regarding regional underdevelopment. Overall, the evaluation indicated that the conditions for advancing the project were somewhat lacking, introducing significant variables into the swift implementation of the public development model.Ahn Gye-myung, a member of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly's Urban Environment Committee, also held a meeting on July 22 to assess the current status of the Hyun-deok District development project and explore swift implementation strategies.During the meeting, discussions focused on analyzing the feasibility review results, supplementary measures to enhance project viability, and future timelines for the project.The project, which encompasses approximately 700,000 pyeong in the Jangsu-ri and Gwonmyeon areas of Pyeongtaek City, has an estimated total cost of about 1.8 trillion won. The main challenges identified include rising construction costs and a lack of corporate demand due to economic downturns.Ahn Gye-myung pointed out, "Since the designation of the area in 2008, the Hyun-deok District project has been stalled for 18 years, causing severe infringements on property rights and living inconveniences for local residents due to land transaction restrictions. Given the Local Public Enterprise Evaluation Institute's conservative assessment, residents' disappointment is significant, and there should be no further delays."Lee Eun-woo urged for transparency in the progress of the Hyun-deok District development project to residents and called for comprehensive measures to activate the project to alleviate uncertainties, expressing hope that urban development strategies would be publicized and lead to improved quality of life for local residents.Meanwhile, the prolonged delay in the development plan has resulted in restrictions on construction activities such as new builds and expansions, leading to various issues including limitations on property rights, financial burdens, community conflicts, and neglected infrastructure. Residents have reported accumulating mental and economic distress due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the project's future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 11:03:00
-
Blue House Denies Reports of Considering Deployment of Patrol Ships to Hormuz The Blue House stated on July 29 that it has not heard of any plans to consider deploying patrol ships to the Hormuz Strait, amid speculation.A Blue House official said, "The government is closely monitoring the escalating tensions and is reviewing practical measures to contribute to the freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, taking into account various factors such as readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures."The official added, "These government efforts have been consistently maintained and are not new."Earlier, a media report indicated that the National Security Council (NSC) had discussed military contributions related to the Hormuz Strait, including the potential deployment of patrol ships.The Defense Ministry emphasized that the South Korean government has been in continuous discussions with the international community, including the United States, regarding cooperation measures since the beginning. It reiterated that it is reviewing practical contributions to ensure freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, considering readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures.The ministry also expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding the situation in the Hormuz Strait.Furthermore, the government maintains that the safety of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation align with the interests of all nations and are protected under international law. It has actively participated in international efforts to normalize global maritime logistics.Since February, following the war with Iran, the United States has been urging its allies to contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait. In response, South Korean military authorities have been considering a four-phase contribution plan, contingent on the end of hostilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 11:03:00
-
Bangladesh CEPA Negotiations Near Completion, Trade Chief Says It Will Enhance Business Predictability As negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Bangladesh approach their conclusion, the South Korean government has discussed support strategies with companies looking to enter the market.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Trade Negotiations Chief Yeo Han-goo held a meeting on July 29 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry with companies currently operating in Bangladesh and those considering entry. Nine companies from the textile manufacturing, engineering and construction, transportation, and ICT sectors attended the meeting.Bangladesh, with a population of approximately 170 million, has shown promising growth, averaging about 6% annually over the past decade. As it prepares to graduate from the least developed country status this year, the nation is pushing for industrial diversification and market opening, with significant demand for infrastructure expansion in areas such as roads and aviation.South Korean companies are also entering Bangladesh's manufacturing sectors, including textiles and electronics, as well as infrastructure projects like plants and airports. Bilateral trade reached $2.37 billion last year, marking a 19.6% increase from the previous year.The CEPA negotiations between South Korea and Bangladesh have progressed through four official rounds since the declaration to commence talks in November 2024. The two countries have made advancements, including agreements on trade technical barriers and customs facilitation. The fifth round of negotiations, which began on July 27 in Seoul, is currently addressing remaining issues related to market access for goods and services.During the meeting, companies expressed a strong demand for South Korean involvement in Bangladesh's energy and power grid, transportation and logistics infrastructure, and digital transformation sectors. However, they requested the government to simplify customs procedures, establish cooperation platforms among businesses, and ensure stability in foreign remittances and payments to facilitate smoother market entry.Yeo Han-goo emphasized, "The government can help our companies operating in manufacturing, infrastructure, and services by reducing time, costs, and uncertainties through mutually beneficial intergovernmental agreements." He noted the importance of verifying whether the contents of the CEPA align with actual business conditions as the negotiations near completion.He added, "Once the CEPA is signed, tariff burdens will decrease, and a framework to address on-site challenges will be established, enhancing business predictability. We will strive to achieve tangible results that our companies can feel based on feedback from the field." 2026-07-29 11:03:00
-
Gwangyang Port to Become a Testbed for Port Automation with $617 Million Investment by 2029 The South Korean government will invest 772.4 billion won (approximately $617 million) by 2029 to transform Gwangyang Port into a testbed for port automation, accelerating innovations in physical artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to achieve full automation of port operations, from loading equipment to operational systems.The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on July 29 that a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Port Automation Testbed' will take place on July 30 at Gwangyang Port. The ceremony is expected to be attended by about 150 officials, including Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo, Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City Deputy Mayor Hwang Gi-yeon, and Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority President Choi Kwan-ho.To establish a fully automated container port, the ministry plans to invest 772.4 billion won in Gwangyang Port by 2029. This investment will include the introduction of AI technologies in domestic loading equipment, container transport systems, and port operational systems. The initiative aims to create a stable environment for the introduction of automated ports in South Korea and to develop the domestic port technology market.The details of this initiative were also included in the 'Physical AI Port Strategy' announced on July 23. The strategy aims to establish Gwangyang Port as a demonstration hub for physical AI technologies and to proactively introduce related technologies.According to the strategy, the Gwangyang Port testbed will be developed into a next-generation smart port equipped with AI technologies. Agentic AI technology for optimizing yard operations and AI systems for real-time analysis of cracks and subsidence in automated guided vehicle (AGV) routes will be prioritized.HD Hyundai Samho, which is involved in the production of the dock cranes for this project, has successfully entered the overseas market based on its participation in this initiative. On July 26, it signed a supply contract for four port cranes with WUT, which operates the Port of Tacoma in the United States.Minister Hwang Jong-woo stated, "The Gwangyang Port automation testbed will be an advanced port that enhances our country's export and import logistics competitiveness and will serve as a key hub for strengthening port technology competitiveness and leading the innovation of physical AI ports in South Korea." 2026-07-29 11:03:00
-
South Korea's Digital Services Rank Lowest Among Top 10 Exporting Countries 우리나라 디지털서비스 수출이 빠르게 늘고 있지만 주요 수출국과 비교한 국제경쟁력은 최하위 수준이라는 분석이 나왔다. 특히 국내에 진출한 넷플릭스·구글 등 외국계 기업을 통한 서비스 수입이 우리 기업의 해외 현지법인을 통한 수출보다 크게 많은 것으로 나타났다. 산업연구원은 29일 발표한 'TISMOS 자료를 활용한 서비스 수출경쟁력 분석: 디지털서비스 분야를 중심으로' 보고서에서 이같이 밝혔다. 보고서는 해외 현지법인을 통한 서비스무역인 'Mode 3(상업적 주재)'를 포함한 세계무역기구(WTO)의 TISMOS 통계와 유엔 컴트레이드(UN Comtrade)의 제조업 수출 통계를 결합해 서비스 수출경쟁력을 분석했다. 기존 국제수지 기준 통계에는 전 세계 서비스무역의 56.1%를 차지하는 Mode 3가 반영되지 않았다. 분석 결과 우리나라의 연평균 서비스 수출액은 2010∼2014년 2201억 달러에서 2020∼2022년 3094억 달러로 증가했다. 같은 기간 디지털서비스 수출액은 664억 달러에서 1249억 달러로 88.1% 늘었고, 전체 서비스 수출에서 차지하는 비중도 30.2%에서 40.4%로 확대됐다. 그러나 경쟁력 지표는 여전히 낮았다. 2020∼2022년 디지털서비스의 무역특화지수(TSI)는 -0.14, 비교우위지수(RCA)는 0.52로 수입특화와 비교열위 상태에 머물렀다. TSI는 0보다 작으면 수입특화, RCA는 1보다 작으면 비교열위를 의미한다. 특히 통신·컴퓨터·정보·시청각서비스 수출액은 42억 달러에서 173억 달러로 4배 이상 늘었지만 TSI는 -0.45, RCA는 0.25에 그쳤다. 이 분야에서 국내 진출 외국계 현지법인을 통한 수입 비중은 75.3%에 달했지만 국내 기업의 해외법인을 통한 수출 비중은 25.0%에 불과했다. 미국·중국·일본·독일 등 주요 10개 수출국과 비교해도 우리나라의 디지털서비스 경쟁력은 최하위 수준이었다. 디지털서비스 수출액은 연평균 1249억 달러로 10개국 가운데 가장 적었다. 디지털서비스 4개 분야 중 수출특화와 비교우위를 동시에 갖춘 분야의 비중도 우리나라만 0%를 기록했다. 다만 지식재산권 사용료는 중장기 유망 분야로 꼽혔다. 지식재산권 사용료의 TSI는 -0.36에서 -0.18로, RCA는 0.57에서 0.69로 개선됐다. 한류 콘텐츠 지식재산권(IP)과 제조업 특허·기술료 수출이 확대된 영향이다. 보고서는 서비스산업발전기본법을 제정해 서비스 수출 지원의 법적 근거를 마련하고 컨트롤타워를 일원화해야 한다고 제언했다. 콘텐츠·관광에 집중된 지원의 축을 고부가가치 디지털서비스로 확대하고 국내 ICT·콘텐츠 기업의 해외법인 설립과 현지 진출에 대한 행정·금융 지원도 강화해야 한다고 강조했다. 고대영 산업연 연구위원은 "디지털서비스 분야에서 수출보다 수입이 많은 구조가 고착화하고 있다"며 "서비스산업발전기본법 제정과 해외 직접진출 지원을 서둘러야 한다"고 말했다. 2026-07-29 11:03:00
-
Retail Sales Increase 7.3% in First Half of 2026, Department Stores Up 20% Retail sales among major companies in South Korea increased by more than 7% in the first half of 2026. The surge in department store sales was driven by improved consumer sentiment and an increase in foreign tourists, while large supermarkets and super supermarkets (SSMs) continued to struggle with declining food sales.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported on July 29 that the total sales of 26 major retail companies rose by 7.3% compared to the same period last year. Offline sales increased by 6.2%, while online sales grew by 8.1%.In the first half of the year, department stores experienced significant growth due to improved consumer sentiment and increased sales from foreign tourists. Convenience stores also showed signs of recovery, and online retail continued its stable growth. However, large supermarkets and SSMs faced ongoing challenges.By sector, department store sales led the overall growth with a 20.1% increase. This was attributed to the transformation into experiential spaces and the rise in foreign tourists. Convenience stores grew by 3.7%, benefiting from a low base effect from the previous year's decline and early summer heat. Online retail sales increased by 8.1%, although this was a slowdown compared to last year's 14.4% growth due to the base effect.In contrast, large supermarkets saw a 7.3% drop in sales in the first half, marking nine consecutive quarters of negative growth since the second quarter of 2024. SSMs also experienced a 6.6% decline, continuing a downward trend for four consecutive quarters since the third quarter of last year. This decline is largely due to ongoing poor performance in their key food categories.The retail trends in the first half of the year indicate that the recovery in consumer spending is uneven across sectors. While department stores benefited from foreign tourists and a rebound in high-end spending, large supermarkets and SSMs are facing structural pressures as grocery shopping shifts online. The movement of food purchases to online platforms is particularly undermining the core business of large supermarkets.In June alone, total sales increased by 9.5% compared to the same month last year. Offline sales rose by 6.4%, while online sales grew by 11.7%. Department stores saw a 22.2% increase, and convenience stores grew by 5.1%, whereas large supermarkets and SSMs experienced declines of 10.5% and 10.8%, respectively. 2026-07-29 11:03:00
-
Incheon Education Chief Emphasizes Student Growth in AI Era Do Seong-hoon, the Superintendent of the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, emphasized that in an educational environment where artificial intelligence quickly generates answers, the essential skills students need are not merely accepting information but rather thinking independently, asking questions, and solving real-life problems. He stated that teachers must lead the transformation of future education by focusing on people and relationships.On July 28, the superintendent delivered a special lecture titled 'Incheon Education in the Age of AI: Thinking, Questioning, and Acting' to 240 educators participating in a training program for Level 1 teachers at the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education Training Center.This training was designed for mid-career teachers who will be responsible for classroom instruction, life education, and school organization, equipping them with the expertise and educational leadership needed to respond to changes in future society and to connect AI technology with students' lives and growth.Despite the rapid capabilities of generative AI in knowledge retrieval, writing, and data analysis, the superintendent stressed that the role of education in determining what questions students ask and how they interpret results is becoming increasingly important. He explained that lesson design should prioritize fostering critical thinking, creativity, and community over mere technological utilization.He particularly highlighted the need to use AI not as a tool that provides answers but as an educational means to help students explore problems from different perspectives and express their thoughts. Teachers should create learning processes that involve reviewing the accuracy and potential biases of information provided by AI alongside their students.The lecture also showcased examples of teachers tailoring materials and assignments to match students' levels, interests, and learning speeds, utilizing AI to diversify participation and feedback methods. Educators were encouraged to become active agents in designing school-specific curricula rather than passive recipients of change.This year, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education is expanding its digital infrastructure to support teachers' lesson preparation and personalized student learning through three AI educational services: an AI-customized teaching and learning platform, EBS question provision service, and Incheon AI education assistant.Additionally, a project is underway to systematically manage teachers' AI and digital competencies. The Incheon AI Convergence Education Center is introducing digital certificates that validate the training and activities completed by teachers, enabling them to assess their competencies and supplement necessary education. This initiative is linked to the expansion of 'Read, Walk, Write AI' education, which combines humanistic reflection with AI technology.The 'Read, Walk, Write' initiative, a core policy of Incheon education, aims to help students grow as active participants in life by reading books and the world, experiencing through walking, and expressing their thoughts through writing and various outcomes. The platform encourages integrated learning that promotes joyful reading and active participation in life processes.Previously, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education has included digital literacy courses in training for new administrators and Level 1 teachers, and has operated basic and advanced training for teachers along with remote content to enhance their ability to make educational judgments and utilize digital technology effectively.One participating teacher remarked, 'This was a time to reflect on what kind of learning we should provide to students in the AI era. I will create lessons that empower students to think and question independently rather than relying on AI's answers.'Superintendent Do Seong-hoon stated, 'No matter how advanced technology becomes, the essence of education lies in student growth and human-centered values. We will continue to support the enhancement of teachers' professionalism to expand lessons that cultivate students' critical thinking and creativity while responsibly utilizing AI.'Meanwhile, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education plans to expand AI and digital education for teachers through the AI Convergence Education Center and the training center, sharing teaching examples and educational materials used in schools to reduce the technology utilization gap. There are also plans to strengthen digital citizenship education for students, focusing on AI competency, assessing information reliability, and respecting the rights and ethics of others.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 11:00:00