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  • Klook Expands Booking Options for Foreign Tourists Traveling to Korean Islands
    Klook Expands Booking Options for Foreign Tourists Traveling to Korean Islands Foreign tourists will find it easier to travel to domestic islands and coastal areas in South Korea. Following the expansion of booking options for rail and express bus services, more coastal ferry routes will now be available for reservation through international online platforms.Klook announced on September 7 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Shipping Association to establish a booking system for foreign tourists using coastal ferries.The key focus of this agreement is to broaden the domestic ferry routes available for booking on Klook to include regional coastal areas. Both parties plan to launch the expanded booking service in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional routes to be added gradually thereafter.Currently, Klook allows reservations for several major coastal ferry routes, including Pohang to Ulleungdo, Ulleungdo to Dokdo, Wando to Jeju, and Mokpo to Jeju. According to the company, Klook is the first online travel agency in South Korea to offer a coastal ferry booking service.Ferries are often considered a relatively inaccessible mode of transportation for foreign tourists traveling independently to domestic islands due to the need to check routes and schedules, as well as language barriers and issues with international payments.Klook plans to integrate domestic ferry bookings into its existing system, which supports over 15 languages and more than 40 currencies and payment options. This will allow foreign tourists to book tickets in their preferred language and payment method without going through a separate domestic booking process.Industry experts have noted that facilitating convenient transportation connections to regional destinations is a key challenge for dispersing foreign visitors, who tend to concentrate in major tourist areas like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. Lowering the barriers to ferry bookings is expected to increase demand for individual travel to islands and coastal tourist sites, including Ulleungdo.Lee Jun-ho, head of Klook's Korea branch, stated, “There are many travel destinations in South Korea's islands and coastal areas that we want to introduce to foreign visitors, but there have been challenges in using ferries due to language and payment constraints. Through our collaboration with the Korea Shipping Association, we aim to create a more convenient environment for using domestic coastal ferries.”Klook has been expanding its transportation booking options aimed at foreign travelers within South Korea. The company is currently an official partner of Korea Railroad Corporation and the National Express Bus Transportation Association, offering real-time booking services for trains and express buses, as well as rental cars and airport pickups.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 11:00:00
  • Lees approval rating sinks further
    Lee's approval rating sinks further SEOUL, September 7 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell further, extending its downward spiral for an eighth straight week, a poll released on Monday shows. According to pollster Realmeter's survey of more than 2,500 adults nationwide conducted last week, 37.4 percent of respondents said Lee was doing a good job, down 1.5 percentage points from the previous week and marking an eighth consecutive week of decline. It was also the lowest level since he took office in June last year. His disapproval rating rose 0.8 percentage points to 59.5 percent, while 3.1 percent of respondents remained undecided. Lee's approval rating declined in almost all regions including Seoul where it fell 6 percentage points. It also fell in other metropolitan areas including Incheon, as well as southern Gyeongsang provinces including Busan and Daegu. But it rose in the central Chungcheong region including Daejeon and the administrative city of Sejong, which saw an increase of 5.6 percentage points from the previous week, possibly due to the government's announcement last week of plans to relocate more ministries and state-run agencies to Sejong, starting as early as next year. By age, his approval rating fell among all age groups except those in their 50s, where it rose 3.1 percentage points. Realmeter attributed the continued decline partly to controversies surrounding new ministerial nominees including allegations of misconduct and corruption, as well as criticism of the administration's flip-flopping real estate policies. In a separate poll of about 1,000 adults, 41.8 percent backed the ruling Democratic Party (DP), while 37.6 percent supported the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). Among the minor parties, the liberal Rebuilding Korea Party received 4.5-percent support, followed by the centrist Reform Party at 2.3 percent and the left-wing Progressive Party at 1.3 percent. Some 10.5 percent of respondents said they did not support any of the parties. AJP Takeaways - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to 37.4 percent, marking an eighth consecutive weekly decline and the lowest level since he took office. - Lee's support declined across most regions and age groups, with the biggest regional drop recorded in Seoul at 6 percentage points. Approval increased by 5.6 points in the central Chungcheong region. - The Democratic Party led the People Power Party in separate party-support polling, with 41.8 percent support versus 37.6 percent. Realmeter linked Lee's declining approval partly to controversies over ministerial nominees and criticism of the administration's changing real estate policies. 2026-09-07 10:59:59
  • Russia ships Vostok oil as South Korea tests Arctic route
    Russia ships Vostok oil as South Korea tests Arctic route SEOUL, September 07 (AJP) - Russia has shipped the first crude oil from its Vostok Oil project through the Arctic, highlighting Moscow's push to expand the Northern Sea Route just as South Korea conducts its first trial voyage by a container ship along the same corridor. The first batch of crude from Vostok Oil, a major development project in Russia's Arctic Taimyr region, was loaded Friday at a newly built terminal in Sever Bay onto the ice-class tanker Valentin Pikul, according to Russian state oil company Rosneft. Another tanker, the Akademik Gubkin, was waiting nearby to dock at the terminal, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said during a ceremony broadcast on Russian state television and watched remotely by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The shipment marks the start of crude exports from one of Russia's most ambitious energy projects and could increase cargo volumes along the Northern Sea Route, the Arctic shipping corridor connecting Europe and Asia along Russia's northern coast. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said oil produced from the project would be delivered to buyers in the Asia-Pacific region and the West. Rosneft expects Vostok Oil to supply 30 million metric tons of crude to the global market in the second half of next year and increase annual shipments to 50 million tons by 2030, equivalent to about 1 million barrels per day, according to Bloomberg estimates. Sechin said annual output could eventually reach 100 million tons if demand and economic conditions allow. The development comes as South Korea is testing the commercial potential of the same Arctic maritime corridor. The PanStar Acro, the first South Korean container ship to embark on a trial voyage through the Northern Sea Route, entered Arctic waters on Aug. 31 after departing Busan New Port on Aug. 22. The vessel is sailing westward along Russia's northern coast and is expected to pass through the Vilkitsky Strait around Sept. 10. The strait, located between Russia's Taimyr Peninsula and the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago, is a key passage along the Northern Sea Route. The geographic overlap is notable as the Vostok Oil project is also based in the Taimyr region, placing Russia's emerging Arctic oil export infrastructure close to a key section of the route currently being tested by the South Korean vessel. The PanStar Acro is scheduled to arrive at the British port of Felixstowe around Sept. 14, although its timetable has already been delayed from an earlier Sept. 9 arrival as the ship reduces speed in response to weather and sea ice conditions. The Arctic section of the voyage stretches about 6,400 kilometers. The broader northeastern route from Busan to Rotterdam covers roughly 13,000 kilometers, about 7,000 kilometers shorter than the conventional route through the Suez Canal. But the voyage is also demonstrating the operational challenges that remain before Arctic shipping can become a reliable commercial alternative. South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the ship operator have prepared special safety measures for the trial. After calling at Felixstowe and other European ports, the PanStar Acro is scheduled to return to Busan through the Arctic route. The South Korean government plans to analyze data from the round trip, including sailing distance, travel time, fuel consumption, operating costs and schedule reliability, to assess the safety and economic viability of the route. AJP Takeaways - Russia has begun Vostok Oil exports via the Northern Sea Route. - South Korea is testing the same Arctic route with the PanStar Acro. - Seoul will assess its safety, cost and commercial viability. 2026-09-07 10:56:17
  • South Korea Allocates $255.8 Million for Public Sports Facility Renovations
    South Korea Allocates $255.8 Million for Public Sports Facility Renovations The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is significantly increasing its budget for the renovation of public sports facilities to ensure that all citizens can enjoy sports in a safe and comfortable environment.On September 7, the ministry announced that it has allocated 255.8 billion won ($255.8 million) for the 2027 public sports facility renovation support program, a 168.4% increase from this year's budget of 95.3 billion won. This amount is approximately 2.7 times larger than the current budget.Of the 10,753 public sports facilities nationwide (excluding temporary facilities), about 70% are over 10 years old and in need of renovation. The demand for renovations is also rising sharply, with requests increasing from 381 in 2023 to 484 in 2025. In response, the ministry plans to focus on improving existing facilities rather than constructing new ones to ensure that the benefits of the budget are felt quickly.The public sports facility renovation program for next year will be driven by three key priorities: enhancing safety, responding to climate change, and improving accessibility and utilization of facilities.To enhance public safety, the government will increase the funding support rate for urgent renovations from 50% to 70%. This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on local governments, enabling quicker maintenance. Additionally, the ministry plans to support the installation of temperature-reducing devices, such as sprinklers, in artificial turf soccer fields that are vulnerable to extreme heat, ensuring safe sports activities for youth athletes and local residents.Outdoor sports facilities will be transformed into all-weather spaces to address climate change. The ministry will support the installation of roof structures for outdoor sports facilities like tennis courts, basketball courts, and futsal fields, reducing the impact of extreme weather and creating an environment suitable for year-round use.Accessibility and facility utilization will also be significantly improved. In line with the 12 million spectators for the KBO League and 3 million for the K League, the ministry will enhance amenities such as seating and restrooms in stadiums, expanding women's restrooms and family-friendly spaces. Support will also be provided for replacing outdated broadcasting equipment to improve visitor convenience. Furthermore, the ministry aims to upgrade the facilities and environment of World Cup stadiums to accommodate various activities, including large performances, transforming them into regional multi-purpose cultural and sports spaces.The public sports facility renovation support program for 2027 will accept applications from this month until October. After a review by a selection committee, the final support recipients will be determined around December.Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young stated, "We have boldly increased investment in public sports facilities with the perspective that public health is national competitiveness. We will strengthen the government's role to ensure that all citizens can maintain their health through exercise in a safe and pleasant environment, and we will expedite related projects so that the public can feel the changes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 10:56:10
  • People Power Party Criticizes Lee Jae-myungs Cabinet Reshuffle as Abandonment of the Public
    People Power Party Criticizes Lee Jae-myung's Cabinet Reshuffle as 'Abandonment of the Public' The People Power Party on September 7 criticized the second cabinet reshuffle of President Lee Jae-myung's administration as a 'personnel disaster,' launching a barrage of attacks against the ministerial nominees.Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, "The goal of this reshuffle is clear: to cancel charges and favor the left. It is akin to President Lee's declaration of 'abandoning the public.'"Jang continued his offensive against Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, who is embroiled in allegations of soliciting new drug approvals, and Yoon Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who faces suspicions related to an 'underworld organization.' He pointed out, "While they claim that owning a single non-commercial home is speculation, the nominee for Minister of Finance lived in a house he owned for only four months after holding it for 17 years. They told people not to buy homes with loans, yet the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport used 'mother-in-law's chance' to purchase an apartment. The nominee for Minister of National Defense reportedly made 1.7 billion won through 'disguised residency' as a demolisher."Jang asserted, "If the cabinet is filled with such individuals, the outcome is predictable. The reshuffle itself must be completely retracted," and he urged a thorough investigation into whether Kim Hyun-ji, the head of the Presidential Office's first secretariat, mishandled the personnel vetting process.Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also commented, "The essence of the issue with the Kim nominee is not whether it was solicitation or a complaint, but that a member of the National Assembly helped a company conceal the side effects of a drug that killed experimental mice with just a word of 'brother.' The result was stock manipulation, leaving only the tears of small investors. I urge you to resign from the ministerial position immediately."Jeong criticized President Lee for nominating Hong Ji-seon, who served as the head of the Urban Housing Division during Lee's tenure as Gyeonggi Province governor, as Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stating, "This is an occupation of real estate policy by the 'Seongnam-Gyeonggi line.' Such appointments will not earn public trust in the Lee Jae-myung administration's real estate policies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 10:56:10
  • Chinese Robotics Dominate IFA 2026 with 928 Companies Showcasing Innovations
    Chinese Robotics Dominate IFA 2026 with 928 Companies Showcasing Innovations At the 2026 International Consumer Electronics Show (IFA) in Berlin, a robot vacuum from Chinese company Ecovacs caught the attention of attendees by efficiently cleaning up ketchup spilled on the floor. According to the state-run Global Times, Chinese robotics and appliance companies have effectively taken over the IFA exhibition.One visitor tested the performance of the Ecovacs robot vacuum, the 'Deebot X12S,' by pouring ketchup on the exhibition floor. The robot quickly cleaned the red stain, drawing cheers from onlookers who captured the moment on their phones.IFA 2026, the world's largest consumer electronics and technology exhibition, is being held in Berlin from September 4 to 8. Chinese companies showcased a variety of robots, including those that can climb stairs, mow lawns, clean windows, and even humanoid robots that learn how to fold laundry. According to German public broadcaster rbb24, 928 companies from mainland China and 84 from Hong Kong are participating this year, compared to 201 companies from Germany and just five from Japan. South Korea is represented by 79 companies, including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Bodyfriend, Cuckoo Electronics, and AI semiconductor firm Rebellion.Ecovacs explained that the 'Deebot X12S' enhances its cleaning performance by spraying a cleaning solution on stubborn stains before using rollers to wipe them away. Another Chinese company, Roborock, introduced a lawn mower robot that manages an entire yard without human intervention, as well as a pool cleaning robot. Additionally, Dreamy showcased its 'T16 Pro Steam' mop, which features a thickness of 9.85 cm, high-temperature steam at 200 degrees Celsius, 90-degree hot water cleaning, and a suction power of 30,000 pascals (Pa) to clean hard-to-reach areas under furniture.A report released by Forbes China in conjunction with the exhibition noted that Chinese companies hold all top five positions in the global robot vacuum market. In the window cleaning robot sector, the combined market share of five Chinese companies exceeds 70%.Major Chinese appliance manufacturer Haier demonstrated its laundry care system that assesses the condition of clothes, a refrigerator that recognizes ingredients and adjusts storage methods, and an AI cooking device that detects cooking processes. They also showcased humanoid robots, cleaning and companion robots, and AI exoskeletons that assist human movement. Midea presented robots that move dishes, make popcorn for attendees, and perform greetings and dances on two legs. Their AI air conditioner and 'AI EcoMaster,' which integrates home energy management, received positive feedback.Life Lindner, CEO of IFA Management, stated, 'China has focused on technological innovation in recent years while also enhancing design and durability. This has established China's current standing in the industry.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 10:56:00
  • Three Major Policy Banks Establish 700 Billion Won Fund to Support SMEs and Startups
    Three Major Policy Banks Establish 700 Billion Won Fund to Support SMEs and Startups Three major policy banks in South Korea are creating a joint fund worth 700 billion won to support the overseas expansion and growth of small, medium, and venture enterprises.The Korea Development Bank, IBK Industrial Bank, and Korea Export-Import Bank announced on September 7 that they will jointly launch the 'Policy Financial Institutions Global Scale-Up Cooperation Fund.'Each of the three banks will contribute 150 billion won, totaling 450 billion won, with additional private funds expected to bring the total to 700 billion won. The fund will be used to support innovative growth, expand productive finance, and provide growth capital for small, medium, and venture enterprises as they seek to enter international markets.The Korea Development Bank aims to enhance support by leveraging its investment and financial capabilities for growing companies, while IBK Industrial Bank will utilize its financial foundation for small businesses, and Korea Export-Import Bank will focus on its expertise in overseas expansion and export financing.This funding initiative is part of the seven key collaborative projects established by the 'Policy Financial Institutions Council,' which was launched in March to promote productive finance and discover joint cooperation projects among policy financial institutions.The three policy banks plan to continue expanding collaboration among policy financial institutions to play a leading role in the venture capital market and strengthen the supply of innovative growth and productive finance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 10:56:00
  • Genesis Magma Racing Achieves Best Finish in U.S. with 7th Place at Lone Star Le Mans
    Genesis Magma Racing Achieves Best Finish in U.S. with 7th Place at Lone Star Le Mans Genesis Magma Racing achieved its best-ever finish by placing 7th at the Lone Star Le Mans, part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), held in Austin, Texas.On September 6, local time, Genesis announced that the GMR-001 Hypercar #17 crossed the finish line in 7th place during the 5th round of the FIA WEC at the Circuit of the Americas.Throughout the 6-hour race, the GMR-001 Hypercar #17 earned points, marking the highest ranking for Genesis Magma Racing since its entry into the WEC. This also marked the team's second points finish of the season.Genesis Magma Racing utilized data gathered from a pre-race test at the same circuit in July to optimize vehicle setup and tire strategy. The experience gained from the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 6 Hours of São Paulo earlier this season also contributed to their race strategy.The Circuit of the Americas is known for its challenging layout, featuring high-speed corners, strong braking zones, and rough surfaces. Tire management was a critical factor due to high temperatures and track conditions.Both GMR-001 Hypercars finished the race on the same lap as the leaders, demonstrating mechanical reliability as both vehicles completed the race without issues.This race marked Genesis Magma Racing's first competition in the U.S. since entering the FIA WEC. The U.S. is a key global market for Genesis and the location where the full-scale model of the GMR-001 Hypercar was first unveiled.Lee Si-hyuk, Executive Vice President of Genesis, stated, "Earning points at the Lone Star Le Mans is a significant achievement that showcases Genesis's competitiveness on the global motorsports stage."Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing, said, "Our goal was to replicate the reliability we demonstrated in São Paulo under extreme conditions and to finish both cars on the same lap as the leaders while earning points. Achieving all three objectives is a meaningful indicator of the team's progress." He added, "7th place is the team's best result since debuting in the FIA WEC, and we will use the data and experience gained from this race to enhance our competitiveness in future events."Genesis Magma Racing made its debut in the FIA WEC this year with the GMR-001 Hypercar. The #17 vehicle secured 8th place in the 6 Hours of Spa in May, earning its first points. With the 7th place finish at the Lone Star Le Mans, the team set a new record for its debut season.Looking ahead, Genesis Magma Racing will compete in the 6th round of the FIA WEC, the Fuji 6 Hours, on September 27 at Fuji Speedway in Japan, continuing its pursuit of success in the latter half of the season.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 10:56:00
  • South Korea Monitoring Norths Naval Strength Following Launch of New Destroyer
    South Korea Monitoring North's Naval Strength Following Launch of New Destroyer 통일부는 7일 북한이 신형 구축함 ‘강건호’를 동해함대에 배치한 데 대해 “관련 동향을 면밀하게 주시하겠다”고 밝혔다.윤민호 통일부 대변인은 이날 정부서울청사에서 열린 정례브리핑에서 “북한 매체는 지난 6일 원산항에서 구축함 강건호 취역식을 개최했다고 보도했다”며 이같이 말했다.윤 대변인은 “강건호는 진수식 이후 약 15개월 만에 취역식을 개최했다”며 “올해 6월 구축함 최현호가 서해함대에 취역한 데 이어 동해에도 신형 구축함이 배치된 것”이라고 설명했다.이어 “김정은 국무위원장은 연설을 통해 9차 당대회에서 제시한 해군 핵무장화를 통한 핵전쟁 억제력 강화를 재차 강조하고, 동해 수역에서의 적대행위에 대한 대응을 언급했다”며 “해군력 강화를 위한 중요 계획을 8개월 뒤 다시 증명하겠다고 밝힌 만큼 관련 움직임을 지켜보겠다”고 했다.김 위원장의 딸 김주애가 취역식에 동행한 의미에 대해서는 “최현호와 강건호 관련 공개행사에 여러 차례 참석해 왔다”며 “특별한 동향으로 보고 있지는 않다”고 밝혔다. 북한의 해군 핵무장화 방침에 대해서도 “지난 2월 열린 9차 당대회에서 제시된 내용의 연장선으로 보고 있다”고 말했다.강건호는 북한이 건조한 5000t급 최현급 구축함의 2번함이다. 지난해 5월 진수 과정에서 선체가 기울어지는 사고가 발생했으나 복구 작업과 무장체계 성능시험을 거쳐 이번에 동해함대에 배치됐다.김 위원장은 취역식 연설에서 강건호를 “사실상의 공격형 구축함”으로 규정하고, 해군 핵무장화를 통해 핵전쟁 억제력을 강화하겠다고 밝혔다. 북한은 강건호가 국가 핵대응체계에 포함돼 해상주권 방위와 핵전쟁 억제 임무를 수행한다고 주장했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 10:52:00
  • Koreas Small Business Agency Hosts Events for Young Entrepreneurs During Youth Week
    Korea's Small Business Agency Hosts Events for Young Entrepreneurs During Youth Week The Small and Medium Business Administration announced on September 7 that it will host 24 tailored programs for young entrepreneurs at 19 youth entrepreneurship schools across the country from September 19 to 25 in celebration of 'Youth Week.' The event aims to strengthen networking among young entrepreneurs and enhance interest and understanding of youth policies.The agency plans to improve the investment attraction capabilities and market competitiveness of young entrepreneurs while promoting communication with local communities through various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities. Programs at the youth entrepreneurship schools will include a 'Dual-Impact Demo Day' providing investment opportunities through a collaboration between the Chungbuk and Jeonbuk schools, an 'Investment Attraction (IR) Event' strengthening ties with local investment institutions at the Gangwon school, a technology exchange meeting at the Deep Tech Entrepreneurship School, and ESG activities for enrolled companies at the Gyeongbuk school, among others. Jo Han-kyu, the Director of Human Resource Growth at the Small Business Administration, stated, "This event, held during Youth Week, will enhance the competitiveness of young entrepreneurs and serve as an opportunity to spread ESG values that promote coexistence with local communities. We will take the lead in creating a platform for youth communication and fostering social consensus on youth policies." Since its establishment in 2011, the youth entrepreneurship schools have become a specialized platform for young entrepreneurs, selecting 950 outstanding candidates this year and offering specialized programs divided into basic and advanced courses (global and deep tech). Through this tailored support, 26 companies among the graduates received 28 awards at CES 2026, the world's largest IT exhibition, and the program has produced five unicorns (two pre-unicorns and three baby unicorns) and three listed companies, demonstrating its exceptional success in nurturing startups.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 10:52:00