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DRTec Shares Surge 29% Following Stock Consolidation and Export Expansion Medical and precision equipment company DRTec saw its shares rise by more than 25% on the first day of trading after completing a stock consolidation.As of 9:33 a.m. on September 10, DRTec's stock was trading at 6,170 won, up 29.58% (1,380 won), according to the Korea Exchange.DRTec, listed on the KOSDAQ, manufactures digital X-ray and medical diagnostic imaging equipment, supplying diagnostic and surgical imaging solutions to domestic and international medical institutions and global companies.The company recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification for its orthopedic surgical X-ray device, 'Extron6,' which has opened new export opportunities.In the first half of this year, DRTec reported sales of 68.9 billion won, a 17% increase compared to the same period last year, and an operating profit of 1.3 billion won, marking a return to profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:36:00 -
Lotte Hotel Produces Seven Culinary Masters, the Most in the Industry Lotte Hotel & Resort announced on September 10 that Chef Kim Se-han from the Grand Lotte Seoul has been selected as the latest recipient of the '18th Master Craftsman of Korea' award, designated by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Industrial Manpower Corporation.With this selection, Lotte Hotel & Resort has produced seven out of the 18 Master Craftsmen in the culinary field, setting a record for the most in the industry.The title of Master Craftsman of Korea is the highest honor awarded to skilled professionals who have contributed significantly to technological advancement and industrial competitiveness after working in the field for over 15 years.Since the appointment of the second Master, Park Byeong-hak, in 2001, Lotte Hotel & Resort has produced Master Craftsmen including Moon Mun-sul (2008), Lee Byeong-woo (2010), Kim Song-ki (2016), Nam Dae-hyun (2020), and Cheon Deok-sang (2022). This latest selection continues the legacy of culinary excellence after a four-year hiatus since 2022.Chef Kim Se-han, the seventh Master Craftsman from Lotte Hotel & Resort, has worked at the Grand Lotte Seoul for approximately 34 years since 1992, making significant contributions to the advancement of culinary techniques and the globalization of Korean cuisine. He has also obtained four cooking method patents, including for the production of bisque sauce and sous-vide smoked pig's feet.He has received multiple awards at international competitions, including the Luxembourg World Cup Culinary Competition and the Culinary Olympics in Germany. His practical skills have been recognized through his successful participation in national events such as the APEC Summit and the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where he managed large-scale banquets and international events.Chef Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I owe this achievement to the unwavering support of Lotte Hotel & Resort and the encouragement of my colleagues. I will continue to contribute to the advancement of the culinary field through ongoing research and technology development, and I will strive to pass on my experiences and know-how to younger chefs."Currently, Lotte Hotel & Resort has two Master Craftsmen, including Kim Song-ki, the 11th Master and head of the Culinary R&D Department, and the newly appointed Kim Se-han. Lotte Hotel & Resort is the only hotel with active Master Craftsmen. Additionally, it boasts 34 culinary experts across various fields, including Korean, Western, Chinese, Japanese cuisine, and bakery.Lotte Hotel & Resort has also produced numerous skilled technicians based on a systematic talent development system. It provides opportunities for young chefs to showcase their practical skills through internal competitions, allowing them to develop creative ideas into actual products and menus.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:32:10
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Park Mun-ok Calls for Objective Standards in Gwangju's Public Relations Budget Concerns have been raised that the public relations budget of Gwangju, a special city in South Jeolla Province, should be governed by objective and transparent standards to avoid being perceived as a means of rewarding or pressuring specific media outlets.During the first regular session of the third meeting on September 9, Park Mun-ok, a member of the Gwangju City Council from the Democratic Party, focused on the fairness of public relations spending and the effectiveness of the public information project for the 2025 fiscal year.Park first addressed the execution of the public relations budget in the spokesperson's office during the supplementary budget review, stating, "If the public relations funds are not genuinely needed, they should be decisively cut in this supplementary budget."He emphasized the need for clear principles in the budget execution process, considering the potential impact of local government advertising on the management of regional media outlets.Park Mun-ok noted, "Public relations funds from local governments are a significant source of income for media outlets and can influence their management. If advertising funds are withheld for a period and then concentrated on media outlets that publish favorable articles, it could be perceived as an attempt to control the press."However, Park clarified that his comments were not pointing to any specific incidents in the special city.He stated, "While this may not be a case in the special city, the mere circumstances could lead to misunderstandings, so we must be cautious in our actions. We need to establish clear and objective execution principles to prevent public relations funds from being seen as a means of rewarding or pressuring specific media outlets."Park also referenced the budget management examples of 10.2 billion won from the former South Jeolla Province spokesperson's office and 11.2 billion won from the former Gwangju City media officer, arguing for enhanced transparency in public relations budget execution following the merger.In response, Lee Sang-yong, spokesperson for the Gwangju special city, stated, "We will pay special attention to public relations budget expenditures to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings."Park called for a review of the effectiveness of the public information project, which has a budget of 793 million won.He insisted that the focus should be on actual subscription rates and the effectiveness of policy information delivery, suggesting a reevaluation of the paper-based publication method in light of changing information consumption environments centered on mobile and social media.As specific improvement measures, he proposed expanding subscription applications and utilizing digital platforms such as KakaoTalk and mobile services. This would reduce printing and mailing costs, allowing the saved funds to be used for other administrative services.Park remarked, "The budget review process is not just about confirming past expenditures but is also a means to ensure more efficient use of the budget. With the launch of the special city, we should reassess all public relations projects based on efficiency, citizen accessibility, and effectiveness."Additionally, the budget review raised the issue of how to adjust and execute public relations projects that were previously operated separately before the merger. Park emphasized the need to enhance the transparency and efficiency of public relations policies after the merger by examining the effectiveness of existing projects and the criteria for budget execution.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:32:00
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Seo In-young Reveals She Spent Up to 200 Million Won a Month During Her Prime Singer Seo In-young disclosed that she spent up to 200 million won a month during her prime. On September 9, a video titled 'Finally Preparing a New Album After 10 Years: Seo In-young's First Reveal' was posted on her YouTube channel 'Gaegwacheonseon Seo In-young.' During the video, Seo In-young asked Soyeon from the group (G)I-DLE, 'Who manages your finances?' to which Soyeon replied, 'My parents and I do it together.' Seo In-young then added, 'I’m personal, but my dad took my card away.' When Soyeon asked, 'I heard you saw 10 billion won. It was said on the show, but you must have spent a lot on your company and music, right?' Seo In-young responded, 'No, I spent it all on shopping.' Seo In-young explained, 'Even if I earn money, I spend several million won, 100 million, or 200 million won each month, so even if I have money, it feels like I don’t. My wallet is empty.' Soyeon remarked, 'It’s not easy to spend 200 million won,' to which Seo In-young humorously replied, 'Why? Is it hard to spend 200 million won?' Seo In-young debuted in 2002 as a member of the girl group Jewelry, releasing hit songs like 'One More Time' and 'Super Star.' She also debuted as a solo artist in 2007, with notable tracks including 'Cinderella.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:32:00
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16 Women's Choirs from Seoul to Perform in Yanggu on December 12 and 19 Six hundred twelve members from 16 women's choirs in Seoul will perform in Yanggu on December 12 and 19.According to Yanggu County on September 10, the Yanggu Cultural Foundation will host the "2026 Chuncheon Yanggu Choir Festival: Sing and Tour!" at the Yanggu Cultural and Sports Center on two occasions this month.The stage will feature choirs affiliated with the Seoul City Women's Choir Association. Each choir will present a variety of performances with unique song selections and harmonies for local residents and tourists.This year's festival, now in its third iteration, runs from July to October in a relay format. A total of 48 choirs, including those from the Gyeonggi Province Music Association, the Seoul City Women's Choir Association, and the Korean General Choir Association, will participate, involving over 1,500 members nationwide.In July, 580 members from 16 choirs under the Gyeonggi Province Music Association kicked off the festival. In October, over 500 members from the Korean General Choir Association will conclude the event.The foundation is also running programs that connect performances with tourism and the local economy. Participants and visitors can join the "Yanggu Nine Scenic Spots Tour" and a free market selling local agricultural products.This strategy aims to ensure that the visits from external choirs extend beyond one-time performances to foster tourism and consumption. It also seeks to establish ongoing exchanges with choirs nationwide to broaden the local population.Alongside the choir festival, Yanggu County is expanding its cultural events with the summer highlight, the National Central Youth Yanggu Belly Button Festival, and a planned exhibition at the museum highlighting local cultural heritage.From September 25 to October 31, the Yanggu Modern History Museum will host a special exhibition titled "Eighteen-Year-Old Han Soo-ja, Singing Again for Independence," focusing on the life of the independence activist from Yanggu. This initiative combines large-scale festivals and performances with exhibitions that utilize local history and figures, reinforcing the foundation as a cultural and artistic city.Kim Jong-gu, the secretary of the Yanggu Cultural Foundation, stated, "The harmony created by the choirs brings inspiration to the community and helps foster relationships through music. We will ensure the events proceed smoothly until October, striving to establish Yanggu as a cultural and artistic city that attracts choirs from across the nation." 2026-09-10 09:32:00
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Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Questions Necessity of Gyeonggi Province Amid Funding Controversy Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin expressed strong concerns on September 9 regarding the ongoing controversy over provincial funding, suggesting that the necessity of Gyeonggi Province itself should be reconsidered.In a post on his Facebook page, Mayor Shin criticized the province's move to reduce its funding support ratio, stating, "How about we consider abolishing Gyeonggi Province altogether?" He voiced his discomfort with the situation.The Gyeonggi provincial government is proposing to lower its matching fund ratio due to worsening financial conditions, which could increase the financial burden on cities and counties to as much as 70-90% for certain projects. This has led Mayor Shin to call for a reevaluation of the current administrative structure of Gyeonggi Province.He pointed out, "Gyeonggi Province claims it is facing financial difficulties and wants to lower the matching fund ratio to a maximum of 30%, shifting the remaining 70% burden onto cities and counties. For some municipalities like Seongnam, Hwaseong, and Yongin, the province may only cover 10%, leaving cities to shoulder 90% of the costs."Mayor Shin specifically highlighted the structure of local taxes and administrative responsibilities. He noted, "In 2025, Gyeonggi Province's local taxes are essentially split 50-50 between provincial and municipal taxes. Cities collect a significant portion of taxes and are responsible for administrative tasks directly affecting residents' lives. If the province continues to push the majority of project costs onto cities, we must question this arrangement."He raised fundamental questions about the necessity of maintaining the current administrative tier of 'do' (province) that has existed since the Joseon Dynasty. "Is it really necessary to keep the intermediate administrative level of 'do' in its current form?" he asked.Mayor Shin argued that if the province retains authority over policies and projects while cities bear most of the costs and administrative responsibilities, a fundamental change in the local administrative system is required. He suggested that discussions should focus on simplifying the administrative structure to center around basic local governments, integrating the national administrative system with regional governance.His vision includes restructuring the national local administrative system into approximately 50 basic local governments based on regional integration.Mayor Shin believes this controversy should not be viewed merely as a budgetary issue for Seongnam but as an opportunity to reform the local administrative system. He emphasized, "We should use the current debate over the provincial funding ratios of 10%, 30%, and 50% as a chance to fundamentally redesign South Korea's local administrative system."As the provincial funding ratio decreases, cities and counties will need to allocate additional local funds to continue projects, inevitably increasing their financial burdens. This is particularly concerning for projects closely tied to citizens' lives, such as welfare, childcare, and support for people with disabilities, as increased local financial burdens can lead to greater fiscal strain on municipalities.With the provincial funding ratios potentially dropping to 10%, 30%, or 50%, the growing financial burden on cities and counties is likely to intensify discussions about the discrepancies in authority and cost-sharing between provincial and local governments.Citizens of Seongnam are also voicing their opinions, urging that the issue of reduced provincial funding should not be seen merely as a conflict between local governments but as a matter of financial and authority distribution. One citizen remarked, "We need to examine whether it is appropriate for Gyeonggi Province to impose most of the costs on cities and counties while pursuing projects. Ultimately, the shortfall will be covered by citizens' taxes, making this a significant issue from the citizens' perspective." Another citizen added, "If Seongnam decides on its own projects, it is right for the city to take responsibility. However, when the province makes policy decisions and shifts costs to cities and counties, that is a different matter. We need to clarify the roles of the province and cities at this opportunity."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:28:00
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Kangjin County Aims for AI Integration in Administrative Tasks Kangjin County is accelerating its transition to 'AI administration' by utilizing generative artificial intelligence (AI) across various administrative tasks. Currently, approximately 72% of the county's employees are reported to be using generative AI in their work processes.On September 10, Kangjin County announced that it is expanding its support system to utilize generative AI as a key tool for enhancing administrative efficiency, moving beyond its role as a simple work assistant.Kang Jin-won, the county mayor, recently urged employees to enhance their capabilities to the extent that they can handle about half of their tasks with AI.About four years ago, the county established a dedicated organization for the Fourth Industrial Revolution to integrate technologies like AI into administration.To ensure that employees do not incur personal costs, the county has been supporting the use of paid accounts and fees for generative AI platforms through its budget.With the recent government emphasis on expanding the use of generative AI in the public sector and supporting the costs associated with AI usage, there is growing interest in the policies being pursued by Kangjin County.The county is also conducting AI training and encouraging independent research activities among employees. It operates a 'Fourth Industrial Revolution Research Club' and provides incentives such as overseas training for outstanding teams.In the past two years, 47 public officials have obtained the 'AI-POT' qualification for AI prompt utilization.Based on this support, Kangjin County has identified that approximately 72% of its employees are utilizing generative AI in their work. This usage spans various areas, including report writing, policy and tourism planning, data analysis, and the development of automated administrative programs.However, as the scope of generative AI in administration expands, ensuring the protection of personal and confidential administrative information, as well as verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content, are identified as future challenges.Kang Jin-won stated, “We have created an environment where employees can utilize AI in their work without incurring personal costs,” adding, “In the future, we will introduce customized AI services based on public data and further expand the scope of AI utilization in administrative tasks.”He emphasized the importance of enhancing administrative efficiency through AI while connecting it to services that citizens can feel. He also stated, “We will continuously build an administrative system that responds to the transition to AI.”Looking ahead, Kangjin County plans to expand the use of generative AI beyond simple document creation and data organization to include policy planning, data analysis, and the automation of repetitive administrative tasks. The county will also monitor whether AI utilization leads to reduced administrative processing times and improved public services through ongoing employee training and research activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:24:00
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Samsung Life Launches New Pension Insurance Product for Retirement Savings Samsung Life has introduced a new pension insurance product that allows customers to make a lump-sum payment and receive retirement benefits.The company announced on September 10 the launch of its digital-only pension insurance product, 'Samsung Rolling Pension Insurance.'This product requires a one-time premium payment at enrollment, with a minimum accumulation period of 10 years before benefits are received. For those who enroll this month, a guaranteed interest rate of 4.40% will apply for the first 10 years. Interest will be compounded annually on the amount after deducting business expenses.During the first 10 years, the fixed interest rate will remain unaffected by market fluctuations. After this period, the accumulated funds will be managed based on the company's asset management returns and market interest rates.The product is available in two types: a basic version and an enhanced pension version. If the enhanced version is maintained for a long time, customers will receive a total of 10% in maintenance bonuses, with 5% awarded at the 5-year and 10-year marks. According to Samsung Life, as of September 2026, a 55-year-old male who enrolls in the enhanced version with a one-time premium of 100 million won can expect an accumulated amount of approximately 150 million won after 10 years.Enrollment is open to individuals aged 20 to 80, with a minimum investment of 2 million won. This digital-only product can be purchased through Samsung Life Direct and the integrated Samsung Financial app, 'Monimo.'A Samsung Life representative stated, “This product is suitable for customers looking to prepare a lump sum for retirement savings, as it reduces the burden of interest rate fluctuations with a guaranteed rate for 10 years.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:20:00
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Transforming Aging Apartments: Remodeling Without Reconstruction On September 9, remodeling work was underway at the 30-year-old Neutimaeul Complex 4 in Bundang, Seongnam. The project aims to transform the aging apartments into a new complex. The existing corridors and balconies have been removed to create expanded living spaces, while construction is ongoing for a four-level underground parking facility.Unlike reconstruction, which involves demolishing and rebuilding, remodeling retains the main framework of the existing building. This process not only updates the exterior and finishes but also expands living areas and alters parking and circulation routes. On this day, Posco E&C was overseeing the remodeling at Neutimaeul Complex 4 and the completed The Sharp Dunchon Forest in Gangdong-gu, Seoul. Neutimaeul Complex 4, Over 30 Years Old, Expands by 143 UnitsCompleted in 1994, Neutimaeul Complex 4 is currently undergoing remodeling after residents moved out in 2023. The project aims for completion by October 2027, adding one new building to the existing 16, resulting in a total of 17 buildings with 1,149 units, an increase of 143 units from the previous 1,006.The existing 16 buildings will undergo horizontal expansion, increasing the area in front and behind each unit, and an additional pilotis level will be added. The floor plans will diversify from four to 28 options. Some existing 58-square-meter units will be expanded to 74 square meters, adding an extra room. This simultaneous expansion of existing buildings and construction of a new building is taking place within the same complex. Remodeling Addresses Long-Standing Parking Issues in 40-Year-Old BuildingsThe remodeling will also tackle chronic parking shortages in older apartments. The previous parking capacity of 601 spaces will be expanded to 1,966 spaces with the new underground facility. Elevators will connect directly to the underground parking, while the existing surface parking will be converted into green space.Given that the existing structure is being retained, the construction requires advanced techniques. The 30-year-old framework must be reinforced while integrating new structures. At the site, existing slabs are being connected to new slabs, and carbon fiber sheets are used to strengthen the existing framework. A top-down construction method allows for simultaneous work above and below ground.A Posco E&C representative stated, "While remodeling typically incurs higher costs and requires more technical expertise than new construction, expanding the underground parking is essential. The complexity of the project arises from the simultaneous execution of earthworks, reinforced concrete work, surface finishing, and structural work."According to site officials, above-ground structural work is over 90% complete, while the underground parking construction is about 80% finished. Above ground, structural and finishing work is being conducted concurrently.Transforming a 40-Year-Old Building: New Life After RemodelingAt The Sharp Dunchon Forest in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, the completed remodeling of the complex was evident. Originally built in 1984, the Dunchon Hyundai 1st Complex was remodeled and opened for residents in October 2024. The traces of the 40-year-old framework are hardly noticeable from the exterior.The original complex, consisting of five buildings with 498 units, has been expanded to eight buildings with 572 units by adding three new buildings between the existing ones. The additional 74 units were made available for general sale, with an average subscription competition rate of 93 to 1 during the sales period.The most significant changes are in parking and landscaping. Previously lacking an underground parking facility, the complex now features two levels of underground parking, increasing capacity from 368 to 703 vehicles, nearly doubling the number. The parking ratio per unit has also increased from about 0.7 to 1.2 spaces. On the surface, the former parking area has been transformed into landscaped spaces, including rock gardens, ponds, tea houses, walking paths, and playgrounds. A Posco E&C representative noted, "The most important aspect of apartment landscaping is to create spaces where people can relax and feel comfortable. We designed the area to enjoy green spaces and allow families to play and stroll together."The flow from the parking area to the residences has also been improved. Initially, the design required residents to ascend from the underground parking to the surface via stairs before accessing their units. However, the existing elevators have been extended to the second basement level, allowing residents to go directly from the parking area to their units, similar to new apartments. The interiors of the units have also been expanded. The original 84-square-meter units have been increased to 93 to 95 square meters, and the layout has changed from three bedrooms and one bathroom to four bedrooms, including an alpha room, and two bathrooms. A Posco E&C representative explained, "While the usable area has increased by about three pyeong, including balcony extensions, the actual perceived area inside has expanded by approximately nine pyeong."The new buildings feature modern layouts, including four-bay designs. The complex also includes community facilities such as a reading room, gym, screen golf, and a daycare center. The remodeled units utilizing the existing framework and the newly constructed buildings now share parking, landscaping, and communal facilities, creating a cohesive residential community.Since entering the remodeling market in 2014, Posco E&C has accumulated contracts for 46 complexes, totaling 47,562 units and approximately 14.3 trillion won. Currently, demolition work is underway at sites including Gwangjang Sangnok Tower, Yongin Suji Choiup Village, and Bundang Hansol Village 5. Plans for next year include relocations and construction at Yongin Suji Dongbu Apartments, Bundang Maehwa Village 2, and Suwon Yeongtong Byeokjeokgol Jugong 8. 2026-09-10 09:20:00
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Korean Ministry of Culture Establishes Five Major Tourism Zones Centered on Regional Airports The effort to expand the entry points for international visitors from Incheon and Gimpo airports to regional airports is gaining momentum. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on September 10 that it has established the 'Five Major Tourism Zones Centered on Regional Airports' to create new growth axes for regional tourism.The budget allocated by the ministry amounts to 935 billion won, which includes 659 billion won from the national budget and 276 billion won from local governments, based on the 2027 government budget proposal. The goal is to attract 30 million international visitors by 2029, with 5 million of those entering through regional airports. This year, the number of visitors arriving at regional airports and ports within the five tourism zones is projected to reach 2.56 million.The selected tourism zones include: Gimhae Airport (Busan–Gyeongju–Ulsan–Geoje–Tongyeong), Daegu Airport (Daegu–Gyeongju–Andong), Cheongju Airport (Cheongju–Gongju–Buyeo–Iksan–Jeonju), Yangyang Airport (Yangyang–Gangneung–Sokcho), and Muan Airport (Muan–Mokpo–(former) Gwangju–Yeosu).A selection committee composed of tourism experts evaluated proposals from regional governments, considering data on tourist demand, tourism appeal, transportation conditions, and potential for expansion. The committee decided to integrate the Gimhae and Daegu tourism zones, taking into account their physical proximity and the travel patterns of international visitors, with Gyeongju serving as a connecting link. Gimhae Airport is a gateway for visitors to the southeastern coast, while Daegu Airport serves as an inland entry point with well-connected airport and rail services. The integration of these two zones is expected to foster growth comparable to that of the capital region.The Gimhae Airport tourism zone will link Busan's K-culture and urban marine and leisure content, Ulsan's industrial tourism and MICE resources, Geoje and Tongyeong's scenic coastal views and wellness and cultural arts, and Gyeongju's historical resources. The Daegu Airport tourism zone will highlight the region's K-cultural heritage, medical tourism, urban tourism, and modern historical tourism, with Andong's Confucian cultural tourism and Gyeongju's Silla historical tourism receiving high marks for their appeal and uniqueness.The Cheongju Airport tourism zone will focus on the historical and traditional culture of Baekje, covering the area from 'Cheongju–Gongju–Buyeo–Iksan–Jeonju.' The potential for Cheongju Airport visitors to travel beyond the capital region to the inland areas of Chungcheong and Jeonbuk was a key consideration. This zone will connect Cheongju's cultural and artistic offerings, shopping and MICE resources, the UNESCO Baekje Historic Areas in Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan, and Jeonju's traditional cultural tourism. Expanding the travel routes for international visitors to include Muan Airport is expected to provide new momentum for tourism development in the southwestern region.The Yangyang Airport tourism zone will encompass 'Yangyang–Gangneung–Sokcho.' Gangwon Province is the second most visited area by domestic tourists after the capital region, highlighting the need to attract more international visitors through Yangyang Airport and enhance connections among local tourist sites. The committee selected Gangneung and Sokcho based on the efficiency and accessibility of travel routes for visitors arriving at Yangyang Airport. The potential for a combined tourism zone featuring the natural beauty of Seoraksan National Park, surfing tourism along the East Coast, sports tourism leveraging K-content filming locations and Winter Olympic heritage in Gangneung, and marine tourism resources in Sokcho is highly regarded.The Muan Airport tourism zone is designed as a triangular belt connecting air, sea, and inland transportation. It includes 'Muan–Mokpo (Airport)–(former) Gwangju (KTX)–Yeosu,' considering that Yeosu Port and Gwangju's KTX station can serve as gateways for international visitors. By linking the culinary culture of Namdo with the coastal tourism of Muan and Mokpo, the cultural and artistic resources of (former) Gwangju, and the island and leisure resources of Yeosu, this zone aims to develop into a representative stay-type tourism area for the southwestern region.The Ministry of Culture has established a 'Gold' strategy to shift the current concentration of inbound tourism in the capital region to the local level. This strategy aims to promote regions globally (Global Branding), facilitate direct entry into local areas (One-Stop & Pass), ensure seamless transportation and payment (Linkage), and create diverse attractions (Diversity).For specific projects, 18 billion won will be invested in overseas marketing centered on the tourism zones. Previously, promotional efforts were conducted separately by individual regions, but now they will be consolidated under tourism zone brands, with the Korea Tourism Organization and local governments collaborating on content creation and overseas advertising.Additionally, 14.3 billion won has been allocated to attract visitors through connections between regional airports and ports (cruise destinations). The current structure, which takes 4 to 5 hours to travel from Incheon and Gimpo airports to major regional tourist sites, will be transformed to allow direct entry through regional airports and ports. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will work with local governments to expand international flight routes from regional airports and develop tourism products linked to these airports.Furthermore, 14.9 billion won will be invested in improving transportation networks and payment convenience for shopping. The plan includes enhancing public transportation connections between cities within the tourism zones based on regional airports and introducing a 'Korea Tourism Integrated Pass' that combines transportation payments with discounts at tourist sites. An additional 18.7 billion won will be allocated to discover and develop specialized tourism content unique to each tourism zone.The Ministry of Culture will collaborate with relevant ministries, local governments, and the Korea Tourism Organization to establish a medium- to long-term plan from 2027 to 2030 for each tourism zone. This plan aims to foster super-regional tourism zones that transcend individual administrative areas, connecting the five regional airports with tourism in the capital region and Jeju.Minister Choi Hwi-young stated, 'Thanks to the K-culture wave, the number of inbound tourists is reaching record highs. However, to open the era of 30 million visitors and move toward 40 million, the current structure centered on the capital region is insufficient. We need a 'Golden Route' for inbound tourism centered on regional airports to encourage visitors to explore local areas.'He added, 'The Ministry of Culture will work closely with local governments and the Korea Tourism Organization to enhance the international recognition of regions, improve transportation, shopping, and accommodation readiness, and discover and develop tourism appeal. Through the development of tourism zones, we aim to achieve 30 million visitors and 5 million regional visitors by 2029.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 09:16:20