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Seoul Housing Prices Approach 1.6 Billion Won, Rent Surpasses 700 Million Won The average sale price of apartments in Seoul has nearly reached 1.6 billion won, while the average rent has surpassed 700 million won for the first time. The simultaneous rise in both sale and rental prices is increasing the housing cost burden for prospective buyers. According to KB Real Estate's housing price trends released on July 28, the average sale price of apartments in Seoul is recorded at approximately 1.59 billion won, indicating that it is on the verge of surpassing the 1.6 billion won mark. Regionally, the average sale price in the 11 districts of Gangnam is around 1.977 billion won, nearing the 2 billion won threshold. The 14 districts in Gangbuk also show an average price exceeding 1.02 billion won, reflecting a general increase in prices across Seoul. The average sale price of apartments in the metropolitan area is reported to be around 780 million won, while the national average ranges from 510 million to 520 million won. The rental market is experiencing similar trends. The average rent for apartments in Seoul has exceeded 700 million won for the first time since KB Real Estate began compiling statistics. The average rent in the 11 districts of Gangnam is recorded at 810 million to 820 million won, surpassing the average sale price of apartments in the metropolitan area. The 14 districts in Gangbuk also show an average rent of 580 million to 590 million won, continuing the upward trend. The average rent for apartments in the metropolitan area is reported to be between 450 million and 460 million won, while the national average ranges from 320 million to 330 million won. Industry experts attribute the simultaneous rise in sale and rental prices to a decrease in the number of upcoming housing units and a concentration of housing demand in the metropolitan area. The ongoing situation of supply not keeping pace with demand is exerting continuous upward pressure on prices. Kim Hyo-sun, a senior real estate official at NH Nonghyup Bank, stated, "The continuous rise in average housing prices indicates that it is not just specific price ranges that are increasing, but the overall price level in the market is rising as well." She added, "While the temporary suspension of capital gains tax has led to transactions in the mid to low price range, there has been an increase in cases where properties are sold at prices higher than previous transactions." She further noted, "Despite various regulations, the strength of the housing market, including rentals, continues. Sellers, anticipating further price increases, are reluctant to list properties at lower prices, contributing to the ongoing upward trend in prices." Market analysis suggests that the combination of supply shortages and expectations of further price increases is leading sellers to maintain their asking prices. As long as this expectation of price increases persists, both the sales and rental markets are likely to continue at elevated price levels for the foreseeable future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:05:00 -
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei Missing for Five Months Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public for five months, prompting the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israeli intelligence agency Mossad to intensify efforts to determine his whereabouts and survival.According to the British daily The Times on July 27, tracking Mojtaba's location has become a top priority for U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies.Mojtaba was appointed Supreme Leader on March 8, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike on February 28. However, he has not appeared in public or released any audio messages since then, and he did not attend his father's funeral.The Times reported that the difficulty in tracking Mojtaba stems from his complete isolation from external contact. He is said to have left no electronic traces, avoiding the use of mobile phones or laptops.The Times speculated that Mojtaba may be hiding in a underground bunker after sustaining significant facial injuries from the airstrike on February 28. It is believed he is avoiding detection by U.S. reconnaissance satellites by remaining underground. While Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has claimed to have met him, the actual occurrence of such a meeting has not been confirmed.In the past, the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and Israel's Unit 8200 hacked Tehran's closed-circuit television to track Ali Khamenei's movements. However, with Mojtaba cutting off electronic device usage, locating him through cyber surveillance has become challenging.As a result, the CIA and Mossad are relying more on human intelligence (HUMINT) rather than electronic surveillance. Their efforts focus on confirming Mojtaba's survival and narrowing down potential hiding places, including underground tunnels in Tehran and military bunkers near the religious city of Qom.Former Mossad chief Ramy Igra told The Times, "Even if Mojtaba does not use a phone, if he is alive, he will communicate through small pieces of paper, and there will be multiple layers of couriers to deliver messages." He explained that, similar to how Osama bin Laden's couriers provided clues for CIA tracking, Mossad is also focusing on identifying individuals who communicate with Mojtaba.However, Igra noted that verification of Mojtaba's associates within Iran is extremely strict, suggesting that only two or three people within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may know how to contact him, making tracking very difficult.The possibility of using a double is also considered a variable. Abner Abraham, a former Mossad colonel, stated, "Even the personnel preparing Mojtaba's meals may not know if the food is actually delivered to the Supreme Leader. Even if they believe they are serving him, it is possible that it is a double."Not releasing audio messages is also seen as a measure to avoid revealing his location. Abraham explained that information about the type of recording device or location could be extracted from audio files.The Times noted that even if U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies manage to locate Mojtaba, they may face a strategic dilemma regarding whether to eliminate him.A former high-ranking U.S. intelligence official stated, "If there is no strong conviction that a leader will emerge to lead Iran toward a democratic future, we must consider whether removing the current leader is truly beneficial."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:04:00 -
Trump Says Agreement with Iran Possible, Threatens Military Action if Talks Fail President Donald Trump stated that there is a possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran. However, he continued to pressure for a resolution, warning that military action against Iran would resume if negotiations fail."Plenty of Time" Yet Urges Quick ResolutionOn July 27, while en route to Michigan on Air Force One, Trump told reporters, "Iran wants to meet, and we are currently meeting. We are having good conversations."He added, "I think there is quite a possibility that something will happen," stating that a successful agreement would be beneficial, but if not, the U.S. could revert to its previous military actions against Iran. This implies a potential resumption of airstrikes if negotiations fail.When asked how long he would allow for negotiations, Trump responded, "I have a lot of patience," asserting that "there is plenty of time." He also claimed that Iran had requested talks with the U.S. both through intermediaries and directly.However, in a separate interview with Axios released the same day, he stated, "There is not much time," pressing for a swift agreement.Trump emphasized that the U.S. is engaged in "very deep negotiations" with Iran, but insisted, "It will either happen quickly or not at all." He warned that if negotiations do not yield results, he would return to "very strong military action." This dual messaging suggests an attempt to keep the door open for negotiations while warning Iran of potential military consequences to encourage concessions.Iran, however, denied Trump's claim of having requested direct negotiations.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated, "The mediating country is conveying messages from the U.S. side, but we are not negotiating directly with the U.S."Qatar and Pakistan are mediating indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, discussing ways to revive a collapsed interim agreement. Oman is also working on ensuring safe passage for vessels through the Hormuz Strait.Current mediation efforts are reportedly focused more on maintaining a ceasefire between the two sides and normalizing shipping through the Hormuz Strait than on a comprehensive agreement regarding Iran's nuclear issues.Direct Attacks Halted, but Tensions in Hormuz PersistMeanwhile, the U.S. has halted airstrikes in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz Strait and assaults on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, which had been ongoing for about two weeks. Iran also ceased direct attacks on the U.S. while the airstrikes were paused, resulting in three days without direct exchanges of fire between the two sides.However, regional conflicts continue. Saudi Arabia reported that it intercepted drones launched by Iran-backed Iraqi militias targeting its oil facilities. The Houthi rebels in Yemen also claimed to have attacked Saudi oil facilities, and drone attacks have been reported in Jordan and Iraq.Shipping conditions in the Hormuz Strait have not yet normalized. While Trump described the situation in the strait as "very good," Iran maintains that it still controls the strait, asserting, "The strait is still closed." The volume of commercial shipping has reportedly dropped to its lowest level in the past three weeks.There are also speculations that the U.S. may conduct limited ground operations in Iran in preparation for a potential breakdown in negotiations.According to a report by dpa, citing Pakistani intelligence officials, "There is a possibility that President Trump may order limited ground operations in Iran."These officials analyzed that the U.S. might seek to seize parts of the Iranian coastline to disrupt connections between southern coastal areas and the interior before reaching a relatively long-lasting peace agreement.However, the possibility of limited ground operations is merely the analysis of Pakistani intelligence officials, and the U.S. government or military has not officially confirmed any operational plans.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 15:59:00 -
HD Hyundai Electric Expects 16% Share of Data Center Orders Amid Market Growth HD Hyundai Electric continued its double-digit growth in the second quarter of this year, driven by increased demand for power equipment in key markets such as North America and Europe. The company plans to expand its data center business by negotiating supply agreements for power and distribution equipment with global tech giants.On July 28, HD Hyundai Electric reported consolidated revenues of 1.1418 trillion won and an operating profit of 287 billion won for the second quarter. This represents a 26.0% increase in revenue and a 37.3% rise in operating profit compared to the same period last year.The growth in revenue was fueled by increased sales of domestic and international power and distribution equipment. Although sales in the power equipment sector decreased from the previous quarter due to delivery schedules for transformers bound for North America, they still rose by 10.7% year-on-year. Sales of high-voltage circuit breakers continued to grow, particularly in overseas markets.Sales of distribution equipment surged by 70.1% from the previous quarter, bolstered by increased deliveries for domestic semiconductor projects and approximately 20 billion won in sales from the Anjwa battery energy storage system (BESS).Profitability also improved, with higher margins for power transformers in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The profitability of all distribution equipment products expanded, particularly those aimed at the domestic semiconductor market. Increased high-margin shipments to the Americas and the impact of mutual tariff refunds also contributed to the rise in operating profit.New orders in the second quarter totaled $1.44 billion, a 44.6% increase from the same period last year. The order backlog now stands at $8.49 billion, up 29.6% year-on-year.During a conference call on the earnings announcement, Executive Director Hwang Jong-hyun stated, "We are currently negotiating for supply volumes that exceed existing contract sizes for deliveries from 2029 to 2030. We are also creating good opportunities in the low- and medium-voltage circuit breaker market for North American data centers and for generators and motors installed behind the power systems of data centers."Hwang noted, "While I cannot disclose the names of the companies due to confidentiality, we are engaged in in-depth discussions with three major global tech firms. We expect the share of data center orders in our new power sector contracts to grow from 1.8% last year to 6.3% this year, and to 16% next year."He added that the supply of generators for HD Hyundai Heavy Industries engines is expected to be secured in the third quarter, and that expanding new business opportunities centered around data centers will further strengthen the company's long-term growth foundation.When asked whether the decline in high-voltage circuit breaker sales in the Middle East is related to the war in Iran, Hwang clarified that the fluctuations are temporary and related to delivery schedules for specific contracts. In the second quarter, sales in the Middle East fell by 19.7% from the previous quarter and by 25.4% year-on-year due to these delivery schedules.Although the growth rate of orders in the Middle East has slowed somewhat due to localization policies, there are signs of gradual recovery through additional orders. HD Hyundai Electric is also maintaining a strategy of reallocating some production slots originally designated for the Middle East to Europe.Hwang stated, "The gradual slowdown in the increase of orders in the Middle East due to localization policies has led us to shift some slots to Europe. However, we have secured additional orders at planned levels from clients who highly value our past performance for the ultra-high voltage direct current (HVDC) project we won last year, as well as for the second and third phases scheduled for this year. Orders in the Middle East are also gradually increasing compared to last year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 15:57:00 -
Small Business Owners Face Crisis Amid Minimum Wage Hike and Early Morning Delivery Discussions The recent confirmation of a minimum wage increase for next year, coupled with discussions about allowing early morning delivery by large retailers, has heightened the sense of crisis among small business owners. With rising labor costs and intensified competition from major retail corporations, small business owners are calling for protective measures for local markets.According to industry sources, the Small Business Federation submitted an objection to the Ministry of Employment and Labor on July 27, requesting a reconsideration of the minimum wage decision for 2027. The minimum wage committee has set the minimum wage for next year at 10,700 won per hour, a 3.7% increase (380 won) from this year. This translates to a monthly salary of approximately 2,236,300 won.The federation estimates that businesses employing four workers will incur an additional labor cost of over 10 million won annually, including social insurance. This is expected to place a significant burden on local markets, which are already struggling with declining profitability due to the economic downturn. According to a survey by the federation, four out of ten small business owners reported average monthly operating profits of less than 2 million won. Song Chi-young, the federation's president, stated, "The minimum wage applicable in 2027 has completely surpassed the payment capacity of small business owners."This is the first request for a reconsideration of the minimum wage since 2022. However, there is a prevailing belief that the likelihood of acceptance is low, as there has been no precedent for a reconsideration since the implementation of the minimum wage system.Meanwhile, discussions in the government and political circles regarding the allowance of early morning delivery by large retailers have intensified, further amplifying the crisis among small business owners.Lawmakers are forming a consensus that the regulations on large retailers should be rationally improved to align with the e-commerce-driven retail market environment. The need for offline retailers to regain competitiveness has been highlighted following Homeplus's corporate rehabilitation process, accelerating discussions on early morning delivery. The absence of nationwide elections until the 2028 general elections has also reduced the political burden of adjusting interests, lending momentum to the reform of regulations.Small business owners are strongly opposing these developments. The Korea Supermarket Cooperative Federation criticized the policies as ignoring the realities of small supermarkets and local markets, asserting that allowing early morning delivery by large retailers would severely impact neighborhood supermarkets in both price and delivery competition. On July 28, various small business organizations, including the Korea Federation of Small Business and the Korea Mart Association, are set to hold a press conference at the National Assembly to officially express their opposition to the allowance of early morning delivery by large retailers.Experts agree that policies significantly affecting local markets should be accompanied by protective measures for small businesses. Kim Dae-jong, a professor at Sejong University, suggested that "the minimum wage should be reviewed for differential application based on industry, region, and business size in the long term, and the allowance of early morning delivery by large retailers should be conditionally permitted during specific hours, premised on coexistence with small businesses." He added, "The key to such policies is to enhance consumer benefits and market competitiveness while ensuring that small businesses have time to adapt to changes, emphasizing the need for sufficient support measures alongside regulatory relaxation." 2026-07-28 15:50:00 -
Kia Launches Blue Carbon Project to Restore 50,000 Pyeong of Tidal Flats in Seocheon Kia is set to restore 50,000 pyeong of tidal flats in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, by 2029 as part of its Blue Carbon ecological restoration project. On July 28, Kia signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, South Chungcheong Province, Seocheon County, Marine Environment Corporation, and Korea Marine Foundation to advance the "Seocheon Tidal Flat Blue Carbon Ecological Restoration Project." Key figures at the event included Kia President Song Ho-sung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo, South Chungcheong Province Governor Park Soo-hyun, Seocheon County Mayor Yoo Seung-kwang, Marine Environment Corporation Chairman Kang Yong-seok, and Korea Marine Foundation Chairman Kim Yang-soo. The agreement aims to restore the tidal flat ecosystem in Seocheon by planting halophytes, thereby expanding blue carbon absorption sources. The plan includes planting halophytes over an area of approximately 168,000 square meters (about 50,000 pyeong) in the Jangam, Soli, and Songnim tidal flats by 2029 to enhance carbon absorption capabilities. Tidal flats are recognized as a key blue carbon ecosystem that absorbs and stores carbon through sediment layers and halophytes. The Jangam tidal flat will be developed into a blue carbon garden, utilizing idle land from abandoned fish farms, complete with walking paths and observation decks. Kia anticipates that the natural expansion of halophyte colonies will not only enhance carbon absorption and pollutant purification but also improve habitat conditions for seabirds and restore biodiversity. "This memorandum of understanding represents a new collaborative model for ecosystem conservation involving businesses, government, and local communities," said Kia President Song Ho-sung. Additionally, Kia has been working on ecological restoration efforts since 2022 in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, focusing on the restoration of tidal flat vegetation in Maehyang-ri, Hwaseong, and planting halophytes in the area. 2026-07-28 15:49:00 -
Jung Kyung-tae Calls Disciplinary Action Against Him Political Retaliation Jung Kyung-tae, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, criticized the Central Ethics Committee's initiation of disciplinary proceedings against him on July 28, calling it "clear targeted punishment and political retaliation." He argued that party leader Jang Dong-hyuk should also face disciplinary action.At a press conference held at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "This will serve as a litmus test to determine whether the People Power Party is a political party that has severed ties with insurrectionist forces or if it still turns a blind eye to insurrection."Jung defended his actions in requesting that Democratic Party lawmakers help defeat Park Deok-heum, the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, saying he was merely fulfilling his duty as a constitutional body. He explained that he was voicing the public's demand not to elect someone who opposed the impeachment of an insurrection leader.He criticized Jang, saying, "The leader of the main opposition party is disrupting national order by claiming election fraud. This is a clear act that tarnishes the party's honor and undermines public trust." He urged the Ethics Committee to immediately initiate severe disciplinary procedures against Jang, who has supported claims of election fraud and defended insurrection.Jung also called for a review of the disciplinary process, which he claimed lacked procedural legitimacy, citing issues with quorum and fairness. He noted that the party's rules stipulate that the Central Ethics Committee should consist of no more than nine members, but after the local elections, the committee was reduced from seven to five members. "As the number of committee members decreases, the required number for decisions also diminishes," he pointed out.He added that one committee member had raised concerns about the chair's unilateral management style and chose not to participate, while another left due to concerns about personal exposure. "Can a decision made by just three members be considered legitimate?" he questioned.Jung emphasized that a committee member had admitted to being a "proxy for the party leader," suggesting that the Ethics Committee had abandoned its role as a fair adjudicator and had devolved into a "private disciplinary committee" for Jang. He argued that it should be referred to as Jang's "avatar committee" instead.Regarding fellow lawmakers Jung Jong-o and Kwon Young-jin, who are also facing disciplinary action, he stated, "While I have been in politics for a long time, it is not desirable for the Ethics Committee to be activated for every issue."He also criticized floor leader Jeong Seok-ki for the chaos surrounding the assignment of standing committee chairs, stating, "Selecting the party's standing committee chairs is an important matter, and the floor leader must do everything possible to avoid controversy. Assigning committees unilaterally is not acceptable for a floor leader."When asked if he was contesting the results of the internal election for the Vice Speaker, he replied, "While Kim Moon-soo was selected as a candidate through democratic procedures, the process of replacing him with Han Deok-soo was clearly illegal. All 62 lawmakers who supported the candidate change should also face disciplinary action." He added that the 45 lawmakers who visited the residence of the insurrection leader should also be subject to discipline, emphasizing that this could lead to numerous lawmakers facing disciplinary action.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 15:48:00 -
Nation Faces Extreme Heat as Heat-Related Illnesses Surge Extreme heat and tropical nights are causing a rapid increase in heat-related illnesses across the country. According to Yonhap News and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of July 27, there have been 1,399 reported cases of heat-related illnesses since the monitoring system was activated on May 15, including eight fatalities.Individuals aged 65 and older accounted for 30.2% of the cases. Notably, all but one of the fatalities were among those aged 65 and above, with the exception of one individual in their 50s.Heat-related illnesses occur due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and can manifest as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat edema. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, vomiting, and altered consciousness. If left untreated, these conditions can pose life-threatening risks.Heat stroke, in particular, is an emergency condition characterized by a rapid rise in body temperature, confusion, or seizures. If a patient loses consciousness or is unable to communicate properly, simply providing water is insufficient. Immediate action should include calling emergency services and moving the patient to a cool location while loosening their clothing to help cool their body.On July 27, Yonhap News, the government, and the medical community reported that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the heat wave disaster warning to 'serious' as of 3 p.m. the previous day and activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters. This decision follows the issuance of heat wave advisories across most regions after the end of the monsoon season, with forecasts indicating that the oppressive heat and tropical nights will continue for the foreseeable future.Heat-related illnesses do not only occur during the hottest hours of the day. They can also arise in workplaces with high humidity, poorly ventilated indoor spaces, or homes without air conditioning. Continued tropical nights, where temperatures do not drop significantly, can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue, further impairing the body's ability to regulate temperature.In 2025, there were 4,460 reported cases of heat-related illnesses and an estimated 29 fatalities. Of these cases, 79.2% occurred outdoors, particularly in outdoor workplaces, fields, and along roadsides. The majority of incidents were concentrated between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.Online discussions have highlighted the need to improve outdoor working conditions during extreme heat. Users have expressed that individual caution is insufficient in such heat, advocating for mandatory breaks during heat advisories and calling for an end to workplaces that penalize employees for taking breaks.One user noted, “Even in an air-conditioned office, stepping outside can be suffocating. Imagine how difficult it is for those working outdoors all day,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring actual time and space for rest rather than just providing bottled water.Conversely, some have pointed out the practical challenges of enforcing work stoppages or extended breaks. “Even with regulations, many cannot take breaks due to construction schedules or delivery times,” said one commenter. “Contract workers or day laborers often find it hard to voice their discomfort. Supervisors need to take the initiative to halt work.”There is also a growing call to strengthen protections for the elderly. Older adults may not feel thirst as acutely or may have impaired temperature regulation due to medications and chronic conditions. The risk increases significantly for those engaged in fieldwork or long-distance travel during peak heat hours.Users have shared their concerns, stating, “I call my parents every day to remind them not to work in the fields during the day,” and “It’s crucial to check on elderly individuals living alone during heat waves.” They also noted that even if cooling centers are available, distance can be a barrier to access, highlighting the need for community-level support.Concerns about outdoor activities for children and teenagers have also been raised. “Kids can get carried away playing and may not realize how hard they’re pushing themselves,” one user commented. “School sports and outdoor activities should be adjusted based on temperature and heat index,” while another warned against leaving children unattended in strollers or vehicles.Many have expressed worries about the financial burden of cooling costs. Some users pointed out that vulnerable populations may hesitate to use air conditioning due to concerns about electricity bills, arguing that extreme heat is not just a weather issue but also a matter of housing, labor, and welfare, calling for increased support for cooling costs and expanded cooling centers.To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is advisable to drink water frequently before feeling thirsty. When going outside, wearing hats or using umbrellas to block sunlight and donning light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can help. During the hottest parts of the day, it is best to reduce outdoor work and exercise and to rest in cool places as much as possible. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends that individuals with kidney conditions or other health issues consult with healthcare providers regarding their fluid intake.If someone suddenly experiences dizziness, headaches, vomiting, or muscle cramps, they should immediately stop their activities and move to a shaded or air-conditioned area. However, forcing a disoriented patient to drink water can pose a choking hazard. If a patient exhibits altered consciousness, seizures, or high body temperature, emergency services should be contacted without delay. Even if symptoms temporarily improve, it is advisable for older adults or those with chronic conditions to seek medical attention to ensure their safety.Experts and authorities emphasize that extreme heat should not be viewed merely as an uncomfortable summer phenomenon. High temperatures combined with humidity can expose even healthy individuals to heat-related illnesses in a short time. Online discussions reflect this sentiment, with comments such as, “Enduring the heat is not a sign of strength,” and “Feeling dizzy may be a warning sign from your body.” Users also stressed the importance of checking on colleagues or family members who may be speaking or moving differently than usual.As the heat wave persists, it is crucial not only for individuals to remain vigilant but also for workplaces, schools, and local governments to take proactive measures. It is essential to monitor heat advisories and adhere to basic guidelines of hydration, rest, and seeking shade, while also being attentive to vulnerable neighbors, such as elderly individuals living alone and outdoor workers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 15:31:00 -
South Korea to Sequentially Open Four Dams on Nakdong River to Combat Algal Blooms 정부가 최근 낙동강 유역의 녹조 확산에 대응하기 위해 낙동강 하류 4개 보를 순차적으로 개방한다. 녹조가 더 확산될 경우에는 낙동강 8개 보 전체를 순차 개방하는 방안도 추진할 계획이다. 기후에너지환경부는 오는 30일부터 다음 달 5일까지 강정고령보와 달성보, 합천창녕보, 창녕함안보 등 낙동강 하류 4개 보를 순차 개방한다고 28일 밝혔다. 이번 조치는 녹조계절관리제(5월15일~10월15일)와 연계해 녹조가 집중적으로 발생하는 낙동강 하류 구간의 녹조를 저감하기 위한 것이다. 국립환경과학원의 시나리오 분석 결과를 토대로 보별 수위를 0.54~0.9m 낮출 예정이며 현장 여건과 추가 분석 결과에 따라 개방 수위는 조정될 수 있다. 기후부는 보 개방에 앞서 지난 6월25일 낙동강 자연성회복 민관협의회를 열고 지역 주민 의견을 수렴하는 등 지역사회와 협의를 진행해왔다. 보 개방은 어·패류 피해와 수생태계 영향을 최소화하기 위해 시간당 3㎝씩 수위를 낮추는 방식으로 이뤄진다. 기후부는 개방 전후 수생태계를 면밀히 조사하는 한편 양수장 운영과 지하수 이용에 제약이 발생하는지도 지속적으로 점검할 계획이다. 기후부는 낙동강 지역의 녹조가 더욱 확산될 경우 낙동강 8개 보 전체를 순차 개방하는 방안도 검토할 방침이다. 송호석 기후부 수자원정책관은 "이번 낙동강 하류 4개 보 순차 개방은 녹조와 폭염 등 기상 상황을 고려해 시행하는 조치"라며 "보 개방으로 인한 주민들의 물 이용 불편을 최소화할 수 있도록 지역사회와 긴밀히 소통하겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 15:29:00 -
South Korea to Sequentially Open Four Dams on Nakdong River to Combat Algal Blooms 정부가 최근 낙동강 유역의 녹조 확산에 대응하기 위해 낙동강 하류 4개 보를 순차적으로 개방한다. 녹조가 더 확산될 경우에는 낙동강 8개 보 전체를 순차 개방하는 방안도 추진할 계획이다. 기후에너지환경부는 오는 30일부터 다음 달 5일까지 강정고령보와 달성보, 합천창녕보, 창녕함안보 등 낙동강 하류 4개 보를 순차 개방한다고 28일 밝혔다. 이번 조치는 녹조계절관리제(5월15일~10월15일)와 연계해 녹조가 집중적으로 발생하는 낙동강 하류 구간의 녹조를 저감하기 위한 것이다. 국립환경과학원의 시나리오 분석 결과를 토대로 보별 수위를 0.54~0.9m 낮출 예정이며 현장 여건과 추가 분석 결과에 따라 개방 수위는 조정될 수 있다. 기후부는 보 개방에 앞서 지난 6월25일 낙동강 자연성회복 민관협의회를 열고 지역 주민 의견을 수렴하는 등 지역사회와 협의를 진행해왔다. 보 개방은 어·패류 피해와 수생태계 영향을 최소화하기 위해 시간당 3㎝씩 수위를 낮추는 방식으로 이뤄진다. 기후부는 개방 전후 수생태계를 면밀히 조사하는 한편 양수장 운영과 지하수 이용에 제약이 발생하는지도 지속적으로 점검할 계획이다. 기후부는 낙동강 지역의 녹조가 더욱 확산될 경우 낙동강 8개 보 전체를 순차 개방하는 방안도 검토할 방침이다. 송호석 기후부 수자원정책관은 "이번 낙동강 하류 4개 보 순차 개방은 녹조와 폭염 등 기상 상황을 고려해 시행하는 조치"라며 "보 개방으로 인한 주민들의 물 이용 불편을 최소화할 수 있도록 지역사회와 긴밀히 소통하겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 15:29:00


