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  • Gwangju Education Office Trains School Facility Management Staff
    Gwangju Education Office Trains School Facility Management Staff The Gwangju Education Office is providing training for facility management staff to prepare for the mandatory appointment of facility managers in schools and educational institutions. According to the Gwangju Education Office, training is underway for 45 facility management staff working in schools and institutions in the Jeonnam region to obtain HVAC technician certification. The training began on September 4 and will continue until October 23 at the Jeonnam campus of Korea Polytechnic University, which currently offers programs for training technical personnel, including energy facility automation. This training is designed to ensure that schools and institutions of a certain size can appoint facility managers without relying solely on external personnel, thereby securing in-house specialists capable of managing mechanical systems. The education office explained that starting April 17, 2027, the appointment of facility managers will be mandatory for schools and institutions with a total floor area of over 10,000 square meters. The training is divided into two sessions, with participants receiving theoretical and practical education necessary for the HVAC technician practical exam. The focus of the training is to enhance understanding of mechanical systems such as heating, cooling, and air conditioning that are continuously operated in schools, as well as to develop the ability to respond to malfunctions or anomalies. The facility manager system is intended to ensure the stable maintenance and management of mechanical systems in buildings, with relevant standards including buildings over 10,000 square meters as targets for appointment. These buildings are required to appoint qualified staff or manage through specialized companies. Park Jun-soo, head of the Education Facilities Division, stated, "We hope this training will enhance the expertise and practical capabilities of facility management staff. We also plan to continue training for entry-level facility managers in 2027." Meanwhile, the scope of maintenance and management for educational facilities includes not only buildings but also the safety of electrical, mechanical, gas, and fire systems. The current enforcement decree of the Educational Facilities Act also stipulates that safety checks for electrical, mechanical, gas, and fire systems are included in the safety certification standards for educational facilities, highlighting the growing need for expertise among school facility management personnel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:16:10
  • YK Law Firm Partners with EverX for Workplace Safety Collaboration
    YK Law Firm Partners with EverX for Workplace Safety Collaboration YK Law Firm, led by Managing Partner Kang Kyung-hoon, announced on September 18 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with digital healthcare company EverX. The two organizations plan to combine digital healthcare technology aimed at preventing musculoskeletal disorders with legal expertise in workplace safety and labor law to support the health management and safety systems of corporate employees.The signing ceremony took place on September 15 at YK's Gangnam office in Seoul, attended by Kang Kyung-hoon, YK's Managing Partner; Choi Chang-deok, Senior Advisor; Jo In-sun, Head of the Labor Major Accident Group; Kim Ji-hoon, Senior Attorney; and Yoo Sang-jin, Attorney. From EverX, attendees included CEO Yoon Chan, CFO Seo Hae-sang, Director Lee Yong-il, and Sales and Marketing Team Leader Yoo Ip-sae.EverX, a digital healthcare company specializing in musculoskeletal health, was founded by orthopedic surgeon Yoon Chan, a graduate of Seoul National University College of Medicine. The company supports corporate employee health management and disease prevention through its AI-based musculoskeletal health management solution, MORA Care, which won an innovation award at CES 2026. MORA Care has been adopted by major corporations, including Samsung and LG, as well as various manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical, and public institutions.The core of this partnership is to integrate MORA Care with corporate occupational safety and health management. The two organizations plan to conduct legal reviews and provide advice to utilize health management data and reports generated by MORA Care in corporate safety and health activities. This includes addressing regulations related to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accident Punishment Act, as well as the legal implications and precautions regarding the reports, and providing training and webinars for companies.They also aim to connect musculoskeletal health management and legal support for workplace safety across various job sectors, including manufacturing, office, and research positions. This initiative is designed to support the establishment of safety and health management systems from the prevention stage of musculoskeletal disorders.YK plans to leverage its expertise accumulated in the fields of industrial accidents and occupational diseases for this collaboration. Jo In-sun has served as a member of the Occupational Disease Assessment Committee at the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service from 2016 to 2025. Attorney Song Young-joo has worked at the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service for three years and is currently a member of the Occupational Disease Assessment Committee in 2026. Based on this expertise, YK aims to support EverX in addressing the legal needs of companies related to occupational safety, health, and occupational diseases.The two organizations also plan to expand their collaboration to include legal needs related to overseas business and investments, particularly addressing legal issues such as contracts and regulations that may arise during EverX's U.S. business and investment processes.Kang Kyung-hoon, Managing Partner of YK, stated, "Preventing and managing musculoskeletal disorders is a critical task not only for worker health but also for effectively operating safety and health systems. By combining EverX's digital healthcare technology with YK's expertise in workplace safety and labor law, we will support companies in systematically addressing these issues from the prevention stage and will also respond to legal needs arising during future overseas business activities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:16:00
  • International Oil Prices Drop Amid Saudi Supply Increase; Global Markets Rise
    International Oil Prices Drop Amid Saudi Supply Increase; Global Markets Rise International oil prices fell due to an increase in crude supply from Saudi Arabia and expectations of pipeline normalization. As concerns over high oil prices eased, stock markets in the U.S., Europe, and Japan also saw gains. However, uncertainties remain due to the potential for U.S. military action against Iran and trade tensions between the European Union and China, suggesting increased volatility in response to Middle Eastern dynamics, oil prices, and major countries' monetary policies.According to the International Financial Center, on September 17 (local time), the price of Brent crude closed at $104.82 per barrel, down 0.95% from the previous trading day. The forecast that the Saudi East-West pipeline, which had been shut down due to drone attacks, would resume operations within days contributed to the decline in oil prices.Additionally, Saudi Arabia has been increasing the volume of crude oil supplied to Asian refiners through ship-to-ship transfers in the Oman region, alleviating supply concerns. The International Financial Center reported that the volume of crude oil transferred between ships in Oman recently reached 2.7 million barrels per day, an 80% increase from the previous month's 1.5 million barrels.Despite this, tensions in the Middle East persist. President Donald Trump stated on September 17 (local time) that the U.S. is at a "critical juncture" regarding the resumption of large-scale attacks on Iran. He also noted that Iran is seeking an agreement and has been in contact with the U.S. President Trump is scheduled to meet with leaders from six Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, on September 22 to gather their opinions.The decline in oil prices has somewhat eased inflationary pressures, leading to a generally positive performance in major stock markets.The S&P 500 index in the U.S. rose by 1.14% compared to the previous trading day, influenced by reduced uncertainty surrounding monetary policy and falling oil prices. The volatility index (VIX), which reflects market anxiety, dropped by 12.82% to 15.44. The European Stoxx 600 index also increased by 0.86%, buoyed by gains in U.S. markets, while Japan's Nikkei 225 index rose by 0.33%.Global bond yields also fell across the board. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note decreased by 9 basis points to 4.93%, driven by buying interest and the Federal Reserve's commitment to controlling inflation. Yields on 10-year government bonds in Germany and Japan also fell by 3 basis points and 1 basis point, respectively.Looking ahead, market attention is likely to focus on the Federal Reserve's potential for further interest rate hikes. According to Bloomberg analysis, the market is pricing in the possibility of one to three additional rate increases by the end of next year. However, given the current high level of interest rates, there is also speculation that the rate hike cycle could end without further tightening, similar to 1997.The Bank of Japan's monetary policy decision-making meeting is also a key variable for short-term financial markets. Prime Minister Takaichi has expressed respect for the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decisions, and market interest will likely center on how much the yen and Japanese government bond yields reflect potential changes in monetary policy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:16:00
  • Gwangju City Council Member Visits Mokpo Senior Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok
    Gwangju City Council Member Visits Mokpo Senior Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok Gwangju City Council Member Kang Seong-chan (Democratic Party, Mokpo 2) visited senior welfare facilities in Mokpo to check on the well-being of the elderly and listen to the voices from the welfare sector ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the Gwangju City Council on September 18, Kang visited the Mokpo Senior Welfare Center and the Hana Senior Welfare Center on September 17, where he delivered gifts and encouraged the staff. The visit aimed to assess the living conditions of local seniors while also addressing the challenges and suggestions from the frontline staff providing care and welfare services. The Mokpo Senior Welfare Center and Hana Senior Welfare Center offer lifelong education, senior job programs, personalized care, leisure activities, and dementia prevention programs, supporting the daily lives and social participation of local seniors. During the visit, Kang discussed the difficulties faced in operating welfare services with facility staff and emphasized the need for a community-centered care system to respond to aging. Kang Seong-chan stated, “Welfare centers are community hubs where seniors receive necessary care, communicate with neighbors, and maintain their daily lives. I appreciate the hard work of the staff who stay by the seniors' side even during the holiday.” He added, “In Mokpo, one in four citizens is over 65, indicating rapid aging. We need to establish a community-based welfare system that integrates health, care, jobs, and social participation for the elderly.” Kang also pledged to incorporate feedback from the welfare sector into his legislative activities to ensure that seniors can enjoy a healthy and stable retirement. As the elderly population increases, the importance of community-based care, health management, job opportunities, and social participation in senior welfare services is growing. Kang plans to continuously review support measures for senior welfare that align with local conditions based on the feedback gathered during this visit.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:08:00
  • Construction Begins on Water Supply Facility for Yongin Semiconductor Complex
    Construction Begins on Water Supply Facility for Yongin Semiconductor Complex The construction of a facility to supply 1.072 million tons of industrial water daily to the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex, which includes Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, is officially underway. The government plans to first establish a dedicated pipeline from the Paldang Dam to the Yongin complex to supply 310,000 tons of water per day, with plans to gradually expand capacity in the future.On September 18, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced the start of construction for the first phase of the 'Yongin Semiconductor Complex Integrated Water Supply Project.'This construction follows the approval and announcement of the implementation plan for the first phase on the same day. The ministry will begin work on sections where design and permits have been completed to ensure water supply aligns with the construction schedule of semiconductor production facilities. Additional sections will commence as related procedures are finalized.The Yongin Semiconductor Complex Integrated Water Supply Project aims to provide industrial water to the Yongin Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex, where Samsung Electronics will be located, and the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster General Industrial Complex, which will host SK Hynix and others.Stable access to large volumes of water is essential for semiconductor manufacturing processes. The government plans to gradually establish an integrated water supply facility capable of delivering a total of 1.072 million tons per day, timed with the increasing water demand from both industrial complexes.In the first phase, a dedicated pipeline approximately 47 kilometers long and one pumping station will be installed from the Paldang Dam to the Yongin semiconductor complex, supplying 310,000 tons of water daily. The second phase will add capacity to supply an additional 762,000 tons per day.Kim Ho-eun, Director of Water Use Policy at the Ministry, stated, "We will thoroughly manage safety and quality during the construction process in cooperation with relevant agencies. With this groundbreaking, we will accelerate the project to ensure a stable supply of sufficient water when needed by businesses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:04:00
  • Hanwha Systems to Develop Space Surveillance Network as Part of K-SSA Project
    Hanwha Systems to Develop Space Surveillance Network as Part of K-SSA Project 한화시스템이 통합 우주상황인식체계를 구축하며 우주공간의 위험을 파악하고 나선다. 한화시스템은 지난 9일 한국천문연구원과 ‘우주 기반 우주감시위성 및 지상연계 우주상황인식체계 개발’ 사업 계약을 체결했다고 18일 밝혔다. 국가 우주상황인식시스템(K-SSA)의 민간 체계개발업체로 참여한다. 우주상황인식이란 우주물체의 위치와 궤도 등을 관측·분석해 충돌·추락 같은 우주공간 위험을 파악·예측하는 활동을 말한다. 최근 저궤도 위성이 급격히 늘며 궤도상 인공·자연 우주물체와의 충돌 위험이 커졌다. 이에 국가 우주자산을 보호하고, 우주물체의 충돌과 지상 추락 위험에 선제 대응 중요성이 높아졌다. 이번 사업은 우주항공청이 추진하는 국가 우주상황인식시스템(K-SSA) 개발 사업의 일환이다. 한국천문연구원이 주관연구기관으로서 국가 우주상황인식 체계의 임무와 운영개념, 시스템 요구조건을 정립하고, 세부 기술 연계와 체계 통합 등 사업 전반 기술적 총괄을 담당한다. 한화시스템은 한국천문연구원의 총괄 아래 우주기반 우주감시 위성 개발과 지상연계 우주상황인식 체계 구축, 세부 시스템 간 연계·통합과 시험·검증 등 체계개발 업무를 수행한다. 그중 우주기반 우주감시위성은 고도 약 480km 저궤도에서 운용하는 초소형 위성이다. 우주상황인식용 광학카메라를 탑재해 우주공간의 인공·자연 물체를 실시간 탐지·추적하고, 우주물체 충돌·추락 위험 분석에 필요한 핵심 관측 정보를 수집한다. 지상 연계 우주상황인식 체계는 우주감시위성을 비롯한 다양한 관측 수단과 데이터로부터 확보된 우주물체 정보를 통합 관리·분석하는 지상 인프라다. 송성찬 한화시스템 우주사업부장은 “우주산업은 위성 개발·운용 단계를 넘어 우주공간의 안전한 활용·관리까지 영역이 빠르게 확장하고 있다”며 “이번 사업으로 핵심 기술 경쟁력을 확보하고, 국가의 독자적인 우주 안보·대응 역량 강화에 기여할 것”이라고 말했다. 한편 한화시스템은 우주 사업 전반으로 사업 영역을 넓히고 있다. 이에 지난달 우주사업부에서 세 자릿수 규모 경력사원 채용을 진행하는 등 관련 기술·인력 확보에 속도를 내고 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:04:00
  • Waiting for the full moon and a worry-free big Chuseok
    Waiting for the full moon and a worry-free 'big' Chuseok Chuseok, Korea’s autumn harvest holiday, is also known as Hangawi. In the old Korean name, han means “big” or “great” — fitting for one of the country’s biggest holidays and one of its biggest annual family gatherings. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, Chuseok is a time to give thanks for the year’s harvest and abundance and to reunite with family. Along with Lunar New Year, it is one of South Korea’s two most important traditional holidays. This year, Chuseok falls on Sept. 25. For many families, however, the holiday begins well before then — with grocery shopping. At Garak Market in Seoul’s Songpa district on Sept. 10, boxes of apples and pears rose in colorful stacks alongside vegetables, seafood and other seasonal produce. Merchants moved briskly between stalls preparing for customers, while shoppers made their way through the sprawling market looking for ingredients for holiday tables and gifts to take to family and relatives. The same preparations were under way at a Nonghyup Hanaro Mart in Seoul’s Seocho district, where gift boxes and seasonal foods filled the aisles and shoppers began stocking up for family gatherings. Chuseok shopping is one of the most familiar signs that the holiday is approaching. With relatives gathering under one roof, families often prepare more food than usual, buying fruit, meat, vegetables and other ingredients to share over several days. The growing abundance reflects the meaning traditionally associated with Chuseok itself: gratitude for the harvest and hopes for plenty. But preparations do not stop at the market. Apples and pears are among the most visible fixtures of the season. The fruit appears on holiday tables and is also widely exchanged as a gift. Native-breed hanwoo beef, seafood, agricultural products and household goods are likewise bundled into gift sets, filling supermarket shelves and market stalls as the holiday draws closer. As Chuseok nears, another familiar movement begins as people living in Seoul and other large cities prepare to return to their hometowns. For many, the journey starts with securing a train ticket. Reservations for popular routes draw heavy demand ahead of the holiday, especially for departure times that allow travelers to reach home before family gatherings begin. A single ticket can carry more than a seat assignment. It can mean seeing parents again, meeting siblings after months apart and returning to a table where the family is finally gathered in one place. When Chuseok arrives, families scattered across the country reunite at parents’ homes or return to their hometowns to eat, talk and spend time together. One of the holiday’s best-known foods is songpyeon, a half-moon-shaped rice cake traditionally prepared and shared among family members. Some households also hold charye, a memorial rite in which food is offered to ancestors, while others observe the holiday more simply through a family meal. Visiting ancestral graves, known as seongmyo, is another long-standing Chuseok tradition. Families travel together to burial sites, pay respects to ancestors and tidy the surrounding grounds. The way Koreans spend the holiday has changed over time. Some families travel abroad. Others gather for shorter periods or skip ancestral rites altogether. But reunion remains at the heart of Chuseok. That is perhaps why han — “big” — still feels fitting. Chuseok means big tables, big journeys and big gatherings. It brings crowded markets, packed trains and families moving back toward one another. As Hangawi draws closer, the piles of fruit grow higher, gift sets occupy more shelves and the movement toward hometowns begins to gather pace. Every box selected for a relative, every ingredient placed in a shopping basket and every train ticket booked carries its own sense of anticipation. Between the stacked apples and pears, the busy supermarket aisles and the journeys still ahead, another kind of abundance is quietly building — the expectation of seeing family again. 2026-09-18 09:00:00
  • Kim Yo-jong Criticizes U.S.-Led Military Drills, Vows to Strengthen Nuclear Deterrence
    Kim Yo-jong Criticizes U.S.-Led Military Drills, Vows to Strengthen Nuclear Deterrence North Korea has expressed its opposition to U.S.-led multinational military exercises involving South Korea and Japan, stating it will continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities.On September 18, the Korean Central News Agency published a statement from Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea's Central Committee.In her statement, Kim criticized the recent multinational maritime exercise 'Pacific Vanguard 2026' conducted near Guam, calling it a "threatening war game" orchestrated by the U.S. to foster regional confrontation.She also mentioned other U.S.-led military drills, including 'Cobra Gold,' 'Pitch Black,' the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), and 'Super Garuda Shield.'Kim asserted that the participation of South Korea and Japan in these exercises indicates a strengthening of military cooperation among the three nations. She claimed that the primary objective of this cooperation is North Korea and that U.S. military activities are escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.She stated that as external military threats increase, North Korea's military capabilities will continue to grow. Kim argued that proactive measures exceeding existing response levels are necessary to counter U.S. military activities.Kim emphasized that North Korea will not change its course of enhancing its nuclear deterrence. She warned that if North Korea's national interests, military sovereignty, and regional security environment are seriously compromised, the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) will activate provisions in accordance with its constitutional obligations and mobilize all available means."'Pacific Vanguard' is a multinational maritime exercise conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet since 2019, involving naval forces from South Korea, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, focusing on anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.Additionally, in a separate statement released the previous day, Kim condemned the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) call for North Korea's denuclearization during its general conference. She reaffirmed that North Korea's status as a nuclear power is irreversible and that it will not accept the international community's demands for denuclearization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:00:00
  • Hampyeong Moaksan Red Spider Lily Festival Peaks This Weekend with Performances and Activities
    Hampyeong Moaksan Red Spider Lily Festival Peaks This Weekend with Performances and Activities The red spider lilies blooming at the foot of Moaksan Mountain in Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province, are reaching their peak, coinciding with a weekend full of performances and activities at the festival site.According to Hampyeong County, the 27th Hampyeong Moaksan Red Spider Lily Festival, which opened on September 16, will continue until September 20 at Haebomyeon Red Spider Lily Park.The festival has attracted many tourists and families eager to explore the red spider lily fields, with various performances and experiential programs, including busking, taking place. The busking performances will continue until September 19.On the weekend of September 19, a 'Red Spider Lily Concert' featuring singers Lee Se-won, Lee Seong-geol, Na Kyung, and Yoon Hyo-jong will be held. This will be followed by comedian Jeong Seong-ho's 'Laughter Healing Talk Concert' and a congratulatory performance by singer Gil Ryeo-won.The final day of the festival, September 20, will feature preliminary and final rounds of a singing contest open to tourists and locals. Participants who registered in advance will showcase their singing talents, with singer Hyun Jin-woo performing as a special guest.The festival will conclude with a 'Red Spider Lily Concert' featuring singer Park Sang-cheol, wrapping up five days of main events.In addition to performances, experiential programs and events for families will be available until the festival's last day. There will also be spaces for visitors to enjoy local food and agricultural products.The county noted that the Haebomyeon Red Spider Lily Park, the festival's centerpiece, offers a stunning view of the red spider lily fields against the backdrop of autumn foliage, attracting many visitors looking to enjoy both performances and experiences.Lee Nam-o, the mayor of Hampyeong County, stated, "The 27th Moaksan Red Spider Lily Festival has been progressing smoothly with significant public interest since its opening. I hope everyone enjoys the remaining days of performances, experiences, and the autumn scenery of Moaksan, painted red by the spider lilies."The 27th Hampyeong Moaksan Red Spider Lily Festival will run until September 20 at Haebomyeon Red Spider Lily Park. During the festival, visitors can enjoy the red spider lily fields, performances, experiential programs, and sales of local agricultural products, with detailed schedules available through the Hampyeong Festival Tourism Foundation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 09:00:00
  • Gwangju City Launches Campaign to Prevent Respiratory Infections Ahead of Chuseok
    Gwangju City Launches Campaign to Prevent Respiratory Infections Ahead of Chuseok Gwangju City is intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including influenza, ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the city on September 18, a three-week 'Visiting Culture Improvement Promotion Week' will run until October 2, featuring on-site campaigns in collaboration with 22 cities and counties. The campaign aims to raise awareness of respiratory infection prevention measures as family and friend gatherings are expected to increase around Chuseok, thereby reducing the risk of infection in medical facilities. The city will also check the management systems for hospital visiting areas, including the availability of disinfectants and visitor logs. During a campaign held on September 17 at Mokpo's Dongbu Market, promotional materials were distributed to merchants and market visitors, highlighting proper handwashing, cough etiquette, mask-wearing when experiencing respiratory symptoms, regular indoor ventilation, and the importance of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. Three key principles for improving visiting culture were presented: 'Confirming time and place,' 'Limiting visits,' and 'Following prevention guidelines.' Given that hospitals often house vulnerable patients, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised individuals, the public is encouraged to use phone or video calls to check on loved ones instead of visiting in person if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued an influenza advisory effective from midnight on September 11, marking an earlier-than-usual onset of the flu season, particularly among school-aged children and infants. As a result, the national influenza vaccination schedule for the 2026-2027 season has been moved up. Vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women will begin on September 21. For those aged 65 and older, vaccinations will start on October 6 for those 75 and older, October 12 for those aged 70-74, and October 15 for those aged 65-69. Notably, the eligibility for the national influenza vaccination program for children has been expanded from ages 6 months to 13 years to include those up to 14 years old. Jeong Kwang-seon, head of the Health and Welfare Bureau of Gwangju City, stated, "To prevent respiratory infections, it is crucial to incorporate basic practices such as vaccination, handwashing, cough etiquette, and ventilation into daily life. A small act of consideration, like postponing visits when feeling unwell or exhibiting respiratory symptoms, can significantly protect the health of patients." Additionally, the national COVID-19 vaccination schedule for those aged 65 and older will align with the influenza vaccination timeline, starting on October 6 for those 75 and older, October 12 for those aged 70-74, and October 15 for those aged 65-69. Health authorities are advising that individuals aged 65 and older can receive both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines during a single visit to a medical facility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 08:56:00