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  • Koreas Ministry of Agriculture to Establish Unified Livestock Support Agency
    Korea's Ministry of Agriculture to Establish Unified Livestock Support Agency The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to establish a new agency tentatively named the 'Korea Livestock Promotion Corporation' by integrating three existing organizations: the Korea Animal Products Quality Evaluation Institute, the Animal Disease Control Support Headquarters, and the Livestock Environment Management Institute. This initiative aims to streamline support for livestock farmers by consolidating hygiene, disease control, environmental management, and quality control functions.On September 9, the ministry announced that this integration is part of its efforts to efficiently reorganize the functions of public institutions under its jurisdiction and enhance field-oriented agricultural policy services.Currently, livestock-related tasks are distributed across various agencies at different stages of production and distribution. The Korea Animal Products Quality Evaluation Institute handles smart livestock and traceability at the production stage, while the Animal Disease Control Support Headquarters manages hygiene and disease control. The Livestock Environment Management Institute is responsible for managing livestock waste and odors. In the distribution phase, the Animal Disease Control Support Headquarters supports slaughter inspections, and the Korea Animal Products Quality Evaluation Institute oversees grading and traceability.The ministry noted that the division of responsibilities has hindered effective information sharing and coordination among agencies, causing inconvenience for livestock farmers who must identify the appropriate agency for each task.To address these issues, the ministry plans to unify the field support functions scattered across the three agencies, enhancing service quality by linking hygiene, disease control, environmental management, and quality functions. It also aims to improve organizational efficiency by consolidating overlapping administrative support functions and deploying personnel more effectively to strengthen on-site responsiveness.Additionally, the ministry is pursuing a plan to integrate the Korea Rural Community Corporation with the Agricultural and Fishery Education and Culture Information Center (Agricultural Policy Center). This integration focuses on strengthening the connection between agricultural talent development and welfare projects. The Agricultural Policy Center supports education and settlement assistance for young farmers, while the Rural Community Corporation provides scholarships for agricultural students and welfare projects for rural communities and farmers.Although the Rural Community Corporation met the criteria for public institution designation due to government funding, it has not been designated as such because it is a small organization with only 11 employees, thus lacking obligations for management disclosure. The ministry plans to reduce costs and eliminate management blind spots through the integration with the Agricultural Policy Center.The ministry aims to strengthen the support system for aspiring farmers, young farmers, and professional farmers by linking the scholarship program of the Rural Community Corporation with the youth support initiatives of the Agricultural Policy Center. It plans to connect the operational and management functions of the Agricultural Policy Center with the fundraising and distribution functions of the Rural Community Corporation to expand talent development and welfare projects.Starting this month, the ministry will form a 'Integration Promotion Task Force' to develop specific reorganization plans. It intends to gradually implement necessary procedures, including adjustments to agency functions and amendments to laws and regulations, while ensuring job security for employees and improving their compensation and welfare. The ministry will also communicate with labor unions to address potential challenges and support measures during the integration process.Furthermore, to facilitate the integration of the three livestock agencies, the ministry will draft the 'Korea Livestock Promotion Corporation Act' and revise related laws, including the Livestock Law, the Animal Infectious Disease Control Act, and the Livestock Waste Management Act. Regarding the integration of the Rural Community Corporation with the Agricultural Policy Center, the ministry will pursue amendments to the 'Basic Law on Agriculture, Rural Communities, and Food Industries' to adjust the scope of the Agricultural Policy Center's operations.Park Soon-yeon, head of the Planning and Coordination Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, 'This integration of public institutions is significant in efficiently linking dispersed functions to reshape agricultural policy services centered on demand. We will establish a field-oriented agricultural delivery system to create tangible changes that farmers and the public can feel.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:04:10
  • U.S., China, Germany, and Japan Focus on Industrial AI as South Korea Accelerates Manufacturing AI 2030
    U.S., China, Germany, and Japan Focus on Industrial AI as South Korea Accelerates 'Manufacturing AI 2030' The United States, China, Germany, and Japan are positioning artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver in reshaping manufacturing competitiveness, focusing on establishing national industrial AI ecosystems. The U.S. emphasizes AI infrastructure and software, while China leverages its strengths in physical AI. Germany and Japan are combining their existing manufacturing capabilities with supportive policies. South Korea is accelerating the spread of manufacturing AI by capitalizing on its strengths in semiconductors and information and communication technology (ICT) along with rapid field testing.The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on September 9 that it has released a report titled 'Industrial AI Policies and Trends in Major Manufacturing Countries.' The report indicates that these four countries share common goals of securing high-quality industrial data, developing proprietary AI models, expanding practical applications, and promoting AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises and local regions.The U.S. is building an ecosystem for AI robots and virtual factories, led by Nvidia. Tesla has introduced parallel assembly methods in its vehicle production, while Intel and Caterpillar are utilizing AI for semiconductor yield improvement and predictive maintenance for heavy equipment, respectively.China is using its vast manufacturing base as a testing ground for practical AI applications. It accounts for over half of global humanoid robot shipments and hosts more than 40% of the World Economic Forum's designated lighthouse factories. The Chinese government aims to cultivate 3 to 5 large AI models specialized in manufacturing and support 1,000 leading companies by 2027 through its 'AI + Manufacturing' policy.Germany is integrating manufacturing companies like Siemens and Bosch with industrial software capabilities. It is promoting 'Manufacturing-X,' a platform for sharing manufacturing data among companies. BMW and Mercedes-Benz are applying digital twins and humanoid robots in their production facilities. Japan has set a goal to introduce 10 million AI robots by 2040 and plans to invest over 10 trillion yen in AI and semiconductor sectors by 2030.South Korea's strategy focuses on increasing the speed of field applications based on its memory semiconductor and ICT infrastructure, along with advanced manufacturing facilities. The government is promoting autonomous manufacturing and the spread of industry-specific AI through its 'Manufacturing AI 2030' initiative and the Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) program.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has increased its budget for AI transformation across industries to 1.1347 trillion won this year, a 100.8% increase from the previous year, with a goal of establishing over 500 autonomous manufacturing AI factories by 2030.To support the overseas expansion of the industrial AI ecosystem, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, KOTRA, and six other organizations will host 'K-Connect AI' for four weeks starting October 13. The event will feature five exhibitions related to AI home appliances, semiconductors, AI factories, manufacturing services, and robotics. An export consultation meeting and company exhibition will also take place on October 21-22, inviting overseas buyers to Kintex.KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung stated, "As the competition in industrial AI among major countries accelerates, the entire manufacturing paradigm is changing, presenting opportunities for our companies. We will work to identify collaborative needs and do our utmost to support the overseas expansion of the K-AI ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:04:10
  • Trade Financing for SMEs to Increase to 140 Trillion Won Next Year
    Trade Financing for SMEs to Increase to 140 Trillion Won Next Year The South Korean government plans to increase trade financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from 120 trillion won this year to 140 trillion won next year. The initiative aims to lower the guarantee threshold for companies with growth potential, even if they have insufficient export performance or are in a state of capital erosion. Additionally, the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation will seek to directly invest in promising export companies through related legal amendments.On September 9, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a meeting in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, led by Park Jeong-seong, head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters, with representatives from export SMEs and financial institutions to announce the 'Plan to Expand Trade Financing Support for Export SMEs.'The scale of trade financing for SMEs will increase from 109 trillion won last year to 120 trillion won this year and 140 trillion won next year. As of September 5, the cumulative export amount has reached $709.4 billion, surpassing last year's annual performance, prompting the government to enhance financial support to prevent funding shortages from hindering export growth.Initially, the special guarantee supply for companies struggling to use general guarantees due to capital erosion will increase from 300 billion won this year to 350 billion won, with plans to expand it to 450 billion won next year. Support will be determined based on future export growth potential rather than past performance.A cooperative trade financing fund, supported by contributions from large corporations and banks, will be established this year with a scale of 10 trillion won to assist SMEs and medium-sized enterprises. For companies with insufficient export performance, the guarantee limit for export growth financing, calculated based on sales, will be more than doubled. Additionally, advance payment guarantees (RG) for small shipbuilders will be supplied at around 1 trillion won next year.For first-time exporters, the government will provide free credit investigations for up to five overseas clients per company. Companies with annual exports below $5 million will also be able to use short-term export insurance without premiums, with the number of participating organizations increasing from 78 to over 85.The support methods for trade insurance will expand from insurance and guarantees to include investments and the purchase of export receivables. The Ministry plans to amend the Trade Insurance Act this year to allow the corporation to directly invest in promising export SMEs or purchase export receivables, enabling companies to secure long-term growth funds and cash in on export receivables more quickly.New insurance products tailored to subscription-based exports and other emerging transaction types will also be strengthened.Park stated, "We will lower the support threshold and increase the speed of trade financing to ensure that necessary funding is provided in a timely manner, focusing not only on past export performance but also on growth potential from the first export to growth and leap forward."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:04:00
  • Outgoing defense minister heads to Croatia on final trip for Chunmoo deal
    Outgoing defense minister heads to Croatia on final trip for Chunmoo deal SEOUL, September 9 (AJP) - Outgoing Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back is heading to Croatia this week, the Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday. Ahn is scheduled to meet Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Thursday and attend a signing ceremony for Hanwha Aerospace's export deal for its Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher. The deal covers the supply of an integrated system including 18 Chunmoo launchers and guided missiles under a contract worth about 435.2 million euros (US$506 million). During his stay through Friday, Ahn will highlight South Korea's competitive defense technologies and reaffirm Seoul's commitment to closer partnership with the central European country. The two countries are also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to build a more systematic and strategic framework for defense cooperation. Ahn is also likely to discuss security issues including strategies for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, the trip will be Ahn's last as defense minister, as he is set to be replaced by Kang Shin-chul, former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who was tapped for the post late last month. AJP Takeaways - Outgoing South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back is visiting Croatia on his final overseas trip as defense minister to support the signing of Hanwha Aerospace's Chunmoo export deal. - Hanwha Aerospace's deal is worth about 435.2 million euros (US$506 million) and covers 18 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, guided missiles and related equipment. - South Korea and Croatia are also expected to strengthen defense cooperation through a new memorandum of understanding, while Ahn is set to discuss regional security and peace on the Korean Peninsula. 2026-09-09 11:00:40
  • KDRT Meets Families of Missing Persons in Nepal as Search Efforts Continue
    KDRT Meets Families of Missing Persons in Nepal as Search Efforts Continue The Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), dispatched to Nepal following devastating floods, met with the families of missing South Koreans. Despite conducting ground searches in areas of interest, no missing persons have been found.On September 9, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "KDRT leader Lee Gyu-ho conveyed the search results to the families during the meeting." On September 8, seven KDRT members, in collaboration with the Nepalese military, conducted precise drone searches and ground searches around the Powerhouse, Yellow Bridge, and the southeastern area of the main camp. Initially, the Nepalese side had expressed concerns about the safety of searching in the areas of interest due to the terrain but later reversed their position.Additionally, KDRT has carried out ground searches near Ramche, drone searches around the Powerhouse, and drone searches near the Weir Dam.However, KDRT is not expected to conduct search activities on the morning of September 9, considering the transition to the conclusion of search and rescue operations by the Nepalese side.Meanwhile, KDRT, which was dispatched to Nepal on September 2, is set to conclude its operations on September 11. It has not yet been decided whether to extend their mission. Currently, nine South Koreans remain unaccounted for.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:00:00
  • South Korea and France Establish Economic and Trust Alliance
    South Korea and France Establish Economic and Trust Alliance South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron have established an 'Economic and Trust Alliance' focused on practical cooperation between businesses and mutual trust between leaders. The two leaders strengthened their rapport during a state dinner where they exchanged top honors.On September 8, Lee and Macron attended a Korea-France business roundtable at the Hôtel de Marigny in Paris. The event featured over 30 business leaders and senior government officials, including Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, Choi Soo-young, CEO of Naver, and Arthur Manceau, co-founder and CEO of MistralAI.In the field of artificial intelligence (AI), discussions centered on strategic investment cooperation between Samsung and MistralAI, as well as joint global initiatives by Naver and MistralAI targeting the sovereign AI market. The aim is to create a new cooperation model that combines France's leading AI companies with South Korea's semiconductor and platform capabilities to compete in the global AI market dominated by the U.S. and China.In the quantum sector, they explored ways to integrate Qunatela's core technology with South Korea's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and AI infrastructure. LS and Hyosung proposed energy supply chain cooperation linked to France's power grid modernization project, while Hyundai presented collaboration opportunities in hydrogen ecosystems and AI-driven manufacturing innovation.L'Oréal and Cosmax discussed next-generation beauty innovations by combining their global brand and product development capabilities. Celltrion shared plans to connect South Korea's biosimilar technology with France's healthcare capabilities, using the example of its acquisition of French healthcare company Gifre.President Lee emphasized that pursuing joint R&D and large-scale investments in new fields would shorten development timelines and enhance investment efficiency compared to individual efforts. He also highlighted the importance of combining strengths in culture and the arts to create new markets and opportunities.During the state dinner, the two leaders further solidified their personal trust. Macron awarded President Lee the prestigious 'Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor' and presented the 'Grand Cross of National Merit' to First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, recognizing their contributions to the development of Korea-France relations.Seventeen figures from the economic and cultural sectors also attended the state dinner, including business leaders from the roundtable and cultural figures such as Park Kwang-soo, chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, and Han Sang-jun, chairman of the Korean Film Council. The evening concluded with a solo performance by singer Hwasa, showcasing the allure of K-culture.In his dinner speech, President Lee recounted his emotional visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe earlier that day, where he met with French veterans who participated in the Battle of Jipyeongri. He proposed expanding cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, nuclear energy, critical minerals, and cultural fields, based on the friendship and solidarity built over 140 years of diplomatic relations.President Lee emphasized that through this visit, he feels he has become a true 'copain' or 'friend who shares bread' with President Macron. The relationship between the two countries, elevated to a 'global strategic partnership' in April, has now been concretized through business cooperation and personal ties during this Paris summit.President Lee also prepared gifts to commemorate the exchanges between the two leaders during Macron's state visit to South Korea in April. He presented Macron with a 'celadon gayageum,' a traditional Korean string instrument made in a smaller size, along with Korean-French editions of works by author Han Kang, including 'The Vegetarian' and 'The Boy Who Came.'For Brigitte Macron, he gifted a complete collection of Ravel's piano works performed by pianist Cho Seong-jin, along with a mother-of-pearl clutch bag decorated with lacquer and made from layers of hemp.Chief Spokesperson Kang emphasized that this state visit is expected to further develop Korea-France relations across various fields, including economics and culture, based on the trust and intimacy established between the two leaders.Meanwhile, President Lee is scheduled to conclude his state visit on September 9 with meetings with the Speaker of the French National Assembly, a gathering with expatriates, and a meeting with the Secretary-General of the OECD before returning home. 2026-09-09 11:00:00
  • Samsung Seoul Hospital Unveils Humanoid Surgical Assistant Robot
    Samsung Seoul Hospital Unveils Humanoid Surgical Assistant Robot 삼성서울병원이 개발 중인 휴머노이드형 수술보조로봇을 처음 공개한다. 9일 삼성서울병원에 따르면 오는 16일 오후 3시 삼성생명 일원역빌딩에서 수술보조로봇을 일반에 공개하는 시연행사를 연다. 수술실의 반복 보조 업무부터 최소침습수술의 정밀 집도 동작까지 로봇이 의료진과 역할을 나누는 과정을 단계적으로 보여준다. 삼성서울병원은 지난해 '한국형 ARPA-H' 주관기관으로 선정돼 '효율적 수술환경 조성을 위한 휴머노이드형 피지컬 AI 기반 수술보조로봇 개발' 과제를 수행 중이다. 현재는 모의 수술환경에서 도구 전달·회수, 내시경 조작, 조직 견인, 음성 명령 이해, 안전 정지·복구 등 기능을 검증하는 단계다. 상용화까지는 반복 성능시험, 모의환경·전임상시험, 의료진 사용성 평가, GMP 품질체계, 임상시험과 의료기기 인허가 등의 단계를 거칠 계획이다. 첫 시연에서는 휴머노이드 로봇이 직접 수술도구를 잡아 생체조직을 째고(절개), 벗겨내고(박리), 꿰매는(봉합) 일련의 정밀 수술과정을 선보인다. 다만 아직 로봇이 환자 상태를 스스로 판단해 자동 수술하는 단계는 아니다. 숙련된 의료진이 조작 장치를 통해 로봇의 양팔과 수술도구를 실시간으로 제어하는 방식이다. 두 번째 시연에서는 기존에 사람이 하던 수술 도구 순환, 내시경 시야 유지, 조직 견인 업무를 로봇이 대신해 집도의를 돕는 장면을 보여준다. 단순히 도구를 한 번 전달하는 수준이 아니라 '요청–전달–사용–회수–정리'로 이어지는 도구 순환 과정을 완결하는 것이 핵심이다. 특히 세계 최초로 로봇 2대가 사람 의사와 협업해 수술을 진행하는 장면을 공개한다. 1호 로봇은 수술실 간호사 역할을 맡아 집도의의 음성 요청을 이해하고, 요청된 수술도구를 인식한 뒤 손잡이 방향과 전달 위치를 조정해 안전하게 건넨다. 2호 로봇은 수술 보조 의사와 간호사 역할을 동시에 수행한다. 왼손에는 복강경 내시경을 잡아 수술 부위가 화면 중앙에 유지되도록 시야를 조정하고, 오른손에는 수술용 집게를 장착해 집도의 지시에 따라 생체 조직을 지정된 방향으로 견인한다. 마지막으로는 개복수술을 모사한 환경에서 시연 참가자들이 휴머노이드 수술보조 로봇을 직접 조작해 볼 수 있는 체험 시간도 마련됐다. 정용기 삼성서울병원 이비인후과 교수는 "수술 전 과정에서 판단과 통제 권한을 가진 의료진의 명령과 조작을 따르는 휴머노이드 수술보조 로봇을 볼 수 있을 것"이라며 "제한된 의료인력으로 수술을 보다 안정적으로 운영하고 숙련된 수술보조 인력을 확보하기 어려운 야간·응급 및 필수의료 현장의 인력 공백을 보완할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다"고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:56:00
  • August Employment Rises by 184,000 Amid Recovery, Youth Job Market Struggles
    August Employment Rises by 184,000 Amid Recovery, Youth Job Market Struggles In August, the number of employed individuals increased by 184,000 compared to the same month last year, marking the third consecutive month of growth. The rise in employment was primarily driven by the service sector, while the declines in manufacturing and construction industries lessened, indicating an overall improvement in the job market. However, youth employment rates have fallen for 28 consecutive months, and sectors such as agriculture and forestry continue to face challenges.According to the National Data Agency's employment report released on September 9, the total number of employed individuals reached 29,151,000 in August, an increase of 184,000 from the previous year. This follows increases of 63,000 in June and 108,000 in July, showing a consistent upward trend. Seasonally adjusted figures indicate an increase of 82,000 from the previous month.The employment rate for those aged 15 to 64, as per OECD standards, rose to 70.4%, up 0.5 percentage points from a year ago, marking the highest level for August since records began in 1989. The overall employment rate for those aged 15 and older remained steady at 63.3%, also the highest for August since monthly records started in 1982. The labor force participation rate stood at 64.6%, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, both unchanged from the previous year.By age group, the employment rate for those in their 30s rose to 81.1%, up 0.3 percentage points; for those in their 40s, it increased to 80.7%, up 0.8 percentage points; and for those in their 50s, it reached 78.8%, up 1.3 percentage points. Conversely, the employment rate for those aged 60 and older fell to 47.6%, down 0.3 percentage points.The youth employment crisis persists, with the employment rate for those aged 15 to 29 dropping to 44.1%, a decline of 1.0 percentage point from the previous year, marking 28 months of continuous decrease. Youth employment has decreased for 46 consecutive months. The youth unemployment rate rose to 5.4%, up 0.5 percentage points from last year, the highest level since August 2022.The youth labor force participation rate also fell to 46.6%, down 0.8 percentage points, the lowest since August 2020 when it was 46.4%. A representative from the National Data Agency noted, "While there was an increase in employment in sectors like arts, sports, and finance, declines in information technology and health services contributed to the drop in the employment rate, leading to a decrease in the labor force participation rate as well."However, the number of youth classified as 'inactive' decreased by 51,000 to 395,000, marking a seventh consecutive month of decline. The National Data Agency attributed this to a reduction in the overall inactive youth population, suggesting that some young individuals may be transitioning to job-seeking activities due to policy support.In terms of industry, employment growth in the service sector accelerated, with 345,000 more jobs compared to the previous year, an increase from 295,000 in July. Health and social services added 186,000 jobs, while arts, sports, and leisure services saw an increase of 73,000. The professional, scientific, and technical services sector experienced a decrease of 5,000 jobs, significantly less than the 44,000 drop in July.In contrast, the accommodation and food services sector saw a decline of 61,000 jobs, the largest drop in 13 months. The National Data Agency suggested that this was influenced by a base effect from increased employment last August due to consumer coupon issuance.While manufacturing and construction sectors continued to see job losses, the declines were less severe. Manufacturing jobs decreased by 38,000, a reduction from the 68,000 drop in July, while construction jobs fell by 32,000, down from 57,000. Analysts believe that expectations of easing raw material costs and improved business sentiment contributed to this trend in manufacturing, while better supply conditions affected construction.In agriculture, forestry, and fishing, employment fell by 109,000, a larger decline than the 80,000 drop in July. This was attributed to structural factors such as population decline in rural areas, aging demographics, rising production costs, and increased days of extreme heat.By employment status, the number of regular workers increased by 180,000, while temporary workers decreased by 50,000 and daily workers by 17,000. Among non-wage workers, self-employed individuals with employees rose by 47,000, and those without employees increased by 62,000, but unpaid family workers decreased by 37,000.A representative from the Ministry of Finance and Economy stated, "We assess that the employment improvement trend has continued for three consecutive months since May, with growth primarily in the service sector and reduced declines in manufacturing and construction compared to last year."However, uncertainties remain regarding future employment trends. Fluctuations in oil and raw material prices due to heightened tensions in the Middle East and the base effect from last September's employment increase of 312,000 may limit future growth. A ministry official remarked, "It is difficult to say that employment has recovered to pre-Middle East war levels, and the stability of the region will be a key variable."The government plans to strengthen its response to vulnerable employment sectors, including youth and industries like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. The Ministry of Finance and Economy stated, "We will devise measures centered on job task forces for struggling sectors and expedite the implementation of three major mega-projects to enhance overall job creation in the economy." 2026-09-09 10:56:00
  • Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee Advocates for Stronger Welfare Support
    Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee Advocates for Stronger Welfare Support Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee stated on September 8, "We will listen to the voices from the social welfare field and strengthen support for social workers to create a happy welfare city for all citizens."Mayor Han made this remark during the '1st Social Workers' Day Ceremony' held at the city hall conference room, attended by over 200 social welfare workers from local facilities.The event was organized to recognize the dedication of social workers who commit themselves to enhancing citizen welfare and to reflect on the roles and values of social workers.In his encouraging speech, Mayor Han expressed gratitude for the dedication of social workers who stand by citizens despite the challenges they face, stating, "Thanks to your sense of responsibility and professionalism, Gunpo City has been able to move towards becoming a warm welfare community."He added, "We will continue to actively listen to voices from the field, enhance support for social workers, and build a welfare safety net that ensures happiness for all citizens of Gunpo."The ceremony featured a special lecture by Professor Lee Ho-sun, an expert in counseling and education, who spoke on the theme 'For You Who Care for Others.'Professor Lee emphasized the importance of self-care and mental well-being for social workers who care for others.Attendees shared the difficulties of their fieldwork and engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing the professionalism and roles of social workers.Local citizens also expressed the need for ongoing interest and support for the social welfare field. One citizen remarked, "Social workers play a crucial role in connecting help to those in need, and I hope support is expanded so they can work more securely in the field."Another citizen noted, "Identifying neighbors in welfare gaps ultimately relies on the work done in the field, and improving the treatment and working conditions of social workers will enhance the welfare services available to citizens."Meanwhile, Mayor Han plans to strengthen communication with social welfare workers and actively incorporate their feedback into welfare policies to establish a welfare safety net that citizens can truly feel. 2026-09-09 10:52:10
  • Gwangju to Increase Medium Taxi Fares by 500 Won in 22 Former Jeonnam Regions
    Gwangju to Increase Medium Taxi Fares by 500 Won in 22 Former Jeonnam Regions The Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to raise the base fare for medium taxis in 22 former districts of Jeonnam from 4,300 won to 4,800 won, an increase of 500 won. On September 9, the city submitted a proposal outlining this plan to the city council. According to the proposal, one option is to raise the base fare to 4,800 won while reducing the basic distance from 2 kilometers to 1.7 kilometers. However, the distance charge per 100 won would decrease from 130 meters to 127 meters, and the time charge would be shortened from 30 seconds to 27 seconds, resulting in an overall increase of 12.82%. The second option maintains the current distance and time charges, leading to a lower increase of 12.04%. The city suggested that the first option, which reflects the rising transportation costs and the taxi industry's feedback, is more reasonable. For deluxe and large taxis, the base fare will remain at 6,200 won, with one option reducing the basic distance from 2 kilometers to 1.7 kilometers (5.44% increase) and another option raising the base fare to 6,700 won while keeping the distance unchanged (4.67% increase). Nighttime surcharges are also being considered, with one option applying a 20% surcharge from 11 p.m. to midnight and from midnight to 2 a.m., and another option applying a 20% surcharge from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The current surcharge outside the clock remains capped at 35%, while composite surcharges will be adjusted at the discretion of the districts. 2026-09-09 10:52:10