AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Hyundai Motor Group Signs MOU with Oman for Eco-Friendly Mobility Initiatives
    Hyundai Motor Group Signs MOU with Oman for Eco-Friendly Mobility Initiatives Hyundai Motor Group is collaborating with the Omani government to achieve its 'Vision 2040' and accelerate the country's transition to carbon neutrality.On September 3, Hyundai Motor Group announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) for eco-friendly mobility cooperation at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Complex in Salalah.Attendees included H.E. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Deputy Minister of Transport at MTCIT; Tarik Al Jnaidi, CEO of OOMCO; and Jeong Ho-geun, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group's Future Strategy Division.Through this MOU, Hyundai Motor Group aims to promote sustainable mobility solutions in collaboration with key public institutions in Oman. The eco-friendly mobility solutions are expected to start in public transportation and public services, eventually expanding to the broader Omani mobility market.The core of this collaboration is the introduction of Oman's first hydrogen city buses and the establishment of fast electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.The state-owned transport company Mwasalat plans to designate a dedicated 'Green Route' for eco-friendly vehicles on public transport lines in Muscat, where Hyundai's Elec City hydrogen fuel cell buses will be deployed for a passenger transport pilot service.OOMCO, a subsidiary of the state-owned energy group OQ, will operate a 240 kW fast EV charger at its gas station in the Halban area through its eco-friendly charging infrastructure subsidiary, EVO. The performance and demand for charging will be evaluated over six months to lay the groundwork for future expansion of the charging infrastructure.Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand its eco-friendly mobility business, which started in Oman's public transportation sector, into the commercial vehicle and passenger car markets.Jeong Ho-geun, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group's Future Strategy Division, stated, "We are very pleased to establish a strategic partnership with the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and will work together to ensure that Oman's bold vision in smart cities and future mobility leads to tangible results."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 09:08:00
  • Airstrike in Iran Hits Wedding, Killing 5 Civilians; U.S. Investigation Underway
    Airstrike in Iran Hits Wedding, Killing 5 Civilians; U.S. Investigation Underway Five civilians, including three women and two children, were killed when a house hosting a wedding in southern Iran was struck during a U.S. airstrike. The U.S. government is investigating whether the strike was related to American military action.According to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press on September 3, the incident occurred on September 1 in the Kuheystak area of Sirik County, Hormozgan Province, where a wedding was taking place.The attack resulted in the deaths of at least five people and injured 67 others.Analysis of weapon debris found at the bombing site indicated that the bomb, which caused over 70 civilian casualties, was likely a U.S. military weapon. The New York Times reported on September 2 that the debris matched components of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) used by U.S. forces.The Times noted that this airstrike in Kuheystak is another instance of U.S. weapons being used to target civilian facilities that are not military-related since the outbreak of the Iran war.On February 28, the day the Iran war began, a U.S. Tomahawk missile struck an elementary school in Minab, killing at least 175 children and teachers. On the same day, 21 people were killed in a U.S. precision missile strike near the residential area of Ramehred, and in July, a U.S. airstrike on a house on Qeshm Island killed three civilians.The exact circumstances of the strike, including whether the U.S. intentionally targeted the wedding venue or if it was a misfire aimed at nearby military or communication facilities, remain unclear.U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated, 'U.S. forces never target civilians in combat,' and emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway.As the U.S. government continues its investigation, the circumstances and accountability for the attack are expected to be clarified in future findings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 09:08:00
  • Search continues for six missing sailors after tugboat capsizes off Busan
    Search continues for six missing sailors after tugboat capsizes off Busan SEOUL, September 4 (AJP) - Coastguards are still searching for six sailors who went missing after a tugboat capsized off the coast of Busan, but strong winds and worsening weather are hampering the rescue operation, officials said on Friday. The 286-ton tugboat, carrying eight crew members including two Indonesians, capsized in waters about 9 kilometers southeast of Oryukdo islets at around 1:30 p.m. last Wednesday and sank completely about two hours later. One Indonesian crew member was rescued by a nearby cargo ship, while another crew member was found unconscious and later died. Authorities planned to deploy about a dozen vessels to search the waters where the missing crew members may have been carried by currents. They also planned to drop about 270 flares to support the nighttime search, but strong winds forced helicopters to suspend aerial operations. So far, no additional survivors have been found. "Due to the bad weather, the search has been difficult. But we will do our utmost, using all available personnel and equipment to find the missing crew members," a Busan Coast Guard official said. AJP Takeaways - Six sailors remain missing after the 286-ton tugboat TNS Catcher capsized and sank off Busan on Sept. 2, 2026, about 9 kilometers southeast of the Oryukdo islets. - Eight crew members were aboard, including two Indonesian nationals. One Indonesian crew member was rescued by a nearby cargo ship, while another crew member was found unconscious and later died. - Strong winds and worsening weather are hampering the search, forcing helicopters to suspend aerial operations. Authorities planned to deploy about a dozen vessels and use around 270 illumination flares in the nighttime search. 2026-09-04 09:06:43
  • South Korea Allocates Record $9.6 Billion for Youth Culture in 2027 Budget
    South Korea Allocates Record $9.6 Billion for Youth Culture in 2027 Budget The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed a record budget of 9.6345 trillion won ($9.6 billion) for 2027, marking a 22.6% increase from this year. This is the first time the ministry's budget has exceeded 9 trillion won, with a significant 44.6% surge in funding for the culture and arts sector. The substantial increase is largely attributed to the Youth Culture Pass, which will see its budget rise from 36.1 billion won this year to 792.5 billion won next year.On September 3, the ministry announced the details of its 2027 budget plan.The proposed budget is 1.779 trillion won (22.6%) higher than this year's 7.8555 trillion won, nearly double the overall government spending growth rate of 12.8%.The culture and arts sector received the largest increase, with a budget of 3.8545 trillion won, up 44.6% from this year. Other areas include tourism, which saw an 18.8% increase to 1.7581 trillion won, content creation with a 9.5% rise to 1.7719 trillion won, and sports, which increased by 7.9% to 1.8333 trillion won.While last year's budget focused on fostering the content industry, the 2027 budget, led by the citizen-led government, emphasizes grassroots arts, cultural enjoyment, and regional cultural support.Kim Jeong-hoon, head of the planning and coordination office, stated in a briefing the day before, "This is the first budget that reflects the identity of the citizen-led government. While funding for K-culture growth is important, grassroots arts and cultural enjoyment, as well as regional culture, form the foundation of a cultural powerhouse."The sharp increase is driven by the Youth Culture Pass. The overall arts budget increased by 1.1891 trillion won, with 756.4 billion won of that attributed to the Youth Culture Pass alone, meaning approximately 64% of the increase in the arts budget is directed toward supporting youth cultural consumption.The Youth Culture Pass is an expanded and revamped initiative that broadens the age range from 19-20 to 19-34, as defined by the Youth Basic Act. The areas of use have also been expanded from performances and exhibitions to include movies and books, and starting next year, it will also cover sports activities. The government will provide 100,000 won ($75) for those in the metropolitan area and 150,000 won ($112) for those outside the capital, fully funded by the national budget.Concerns have been raised about whether the significant expansion of the program, just three years after its launch, has been adequately validated. The initiative began in 2024 for 19-year-olds, expanded to include 19-20-year-olds this year, and will now cover 19-34-year-olds next year. The current year's program has not yet concluded, so final execution rates and spending figures are not available.The ministry maintains that user response has been positive. Park So-jung, head of the cultural policy division, stated during the briefing, "More than 90% of eligible individuals have received the pass, and over 90% of those who received it are using it. Satisfaction rates exceed 90%." The previous program's limitation to 19-20-year-olds raised equity concerns among other youth demographics, which contributed to the decision to expand the program.The budget for next year is based on the assumption that about 70% of youth aged 19-34 will benefit. However, the ministry plans to allow any youth in that age range to apply for the program. Park added, "We will work with financial authorities to ensure that no one who applies is left unsupported due to budget constraints."The ministry believes that this initiative will not only enhance youth cultural enjoyment but also benefit the cultural and arts sector. It anticipates a positive cycle where the money spent by youth on performances, exhibitions, movies, and books will flow back into grassroots arts, the content industry, and regional cultural sectors.Support for artists' social safety nets will also be strengthened. The budget for the "Basic Living Support for Artists," which covers industrial accident insurance and national pension contributions, will increase from 1.5 billion won to 31.1 billion won, more than a 20-fold increase. New funding will also be allocated for health check-ups. The budget for rental loans under the Artists' Living Stabilization Fund will expand from 14 billion won to 40 billion won.Funding of 4.4 billion won will be provided for theater productions and 3.9 billion won for original musicals, enabling collaboration between performance venues, professional producers, and theater companies. A new allocation of 21.5 billion won will support local governments in assisting emerging and promising artists through the "Regional Arts Activation" initiative. Additionally, 17.1 billion won will be invested in supporting performances and exhibitions linked to local festivals. The budget for regional touring exhibitions by national museums will increase from 4.5 billion won to 13.3 billion won, nearly tripling.In the content sector, policy financing will be expanded, focusing on large-scale strategic investments in intellectual property (IP) and overseas expansion. The Global League Fund, aimed at attracting foreign capital, will increase from 60 billion won to 200 billion won, more than tripling, while the Content Strategy Fund will double from 65 billion won to 130 billion won. Investments in the film sector will also see a significant increase from 45 billion won to 72 billion won. Overall, the K-content fund investment will rise from 430 billion won to 603 billion won. A new allocation of 6 billion won will support large-scale games targeting the global market through the "Global Frontier Game" initiative.Furthermore, the budget for research and development to support the growth of the K-culture industry will increase from 151.5 billion won to 177.4 billion won, a 17.1% rise. New funding of 25 billion won will be allocated for developing innovative technologies that enhance the experience of enjoying K-culture live performances in remote venues, while 6.2 billion won will be dedicated to developing K-museum technologies.Kim, head of the planning and coordination office, emphasized, "This budget proposal from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism focuses on areas where citizens can directly feel the impact, including the creative conditions for artists, the first steps for youth, regional tourism competitiveness, and the sports environment in the daily lives of the public."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 09:04:00
  • [IFA 2026] Roborock Expands Beyond Robot Vacuums into Home Robotics
    [[IFA 2026]] Roborock Expands Beyond Robot Vacuums into Home Robotics Roborock is expanding its business from indoor cleaning to outdoor robotics, building on its success as the global leader in the robot vacuum market. The competition in robot vacuums is evolving beyond suction power and mopping performance to include autonomous navigation and object recognition technologies, marking a shift towards 'home robotics.'On September 4, Roborock announced its participation in IFA 2026, Europe’s largest consumer electronics show in Berlin, where it will unveil next-generation robot vacuums, vacuum-mop hybrids, and outdoor products. This year’s exhibition theme is 'Rocking Life with You.'At IFA, Roborock will showcase its flagship 'S10 MaxV Ultra Steam,' along with the 'S10 MaxV Flow' and 'Qrevo Edge3.' The S10 MaxV Ultra Steam features a steam mopping function and a suction power of up to 36,000 Pa. It can navigate double thresholds up to 8.8 cm high and recognize over 300 objects. The vacuum-mop hybrid 'F25 Ultra Steam Gen2' combines high-temperature steam and hot water for floor cleaning, integrating vacuuming, mopping, and cordless cleaning.Notably, Roborock is expanding its product line beyond indoor cleaning to include outdoor markets with pool cleaning robots and robotic lawn mowers. This strategy leverages the autonomous navigation and obstacle recognition technologies developed for its robot vacuums, aiming to broaden the application of robotics technology and secure new growth opportunities beyond the limited indoor robot vacuum market.Meanwhile, Roborock continues to dominate the global robot vacuum market. According to market research firm IDC, Roborock ranked first in both shipments and sales in the global robot vacuum market in the first half of 2026, leading in key markets such as South Korea, Germany, the Nordic countries, and Turkey. This indicates that Chinese companies are expanding their market share in the premium robot vacuum segment beyond just price competitiveness.Ricky Ma, Roborock’s General Manager for Europe and the Americas, stated, 'Our goal is not just to create smarter robots, but to automate repetitive tasks and give customers more time back. We aim to provide optimized solutions for each region so that more consumers can experience future home care.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 09:04:00
  • Dunamu Strengthens Fair Trade Compliance Program
    Dunamu Strengthens Fair Trade Compliance Program Dunamu is enhancing its fair trade compliance program as part of its commitment to establishing a legal management system. The company, which operates the digital asset exchange Upbit, announced on September 4 that it held a 'Fair Trade Compliance Program (CP) Strengthening Declaration Ceremony' at the Nest Hotel in Incheon on September 3. The event was attended by Dunamu CEO Oh Kyung-seok and other key executives. This ceremony followed the 'Legal Management Practice Pledge Ceremony' held in June and aimed to clarify the fair trade principles that on-site leaders must adhere to. During the event, Dunamu employees committed to four core guidelines: prohibiting unfair demands and influence, complying with fair trade laws when interacting with industry groups and competitors, protecting users by providing objective and accurate information, and preventing internal directives or assistance that violate fair trade laws. Since implementing its fair trade compliance program last year, Dunamu has been refining its related systems and internal management framework. The company plans to continue internal training on legal compliance and fair trade through regular employee education and the publication of internal newsletters. CEO Oh Kyung-seok stated, "Establishing a transparent trading order and fostering a healthy digital asset market begins with the leaders' commitment. Let us build a company that earns the trust of the market based on principles."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 09:04:00
  • Market Preview: Easing Concerns Over U.S. Rate Hikes Boosts KOSPI
    Market Preview: Easing Concerns Over U.S. Rate Hikes Boosts KOSPI The New York Stock Exchange saw gains for the second consecutive day as concerns over a Federal Reserve interest rate hike this month eased. With U.S. long-term Treasury yields falling and a rotation into technology stocks continuing, attention is focused on whether the domestic market will also open higher on September 4. However, fluctuations based on macroeconomic variables and sector-specific demand are expected ahead of the release of the U.S. employment report for August.On September 3 (local time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 624.16 points (1.18%) at 53,686.11. The S&P 500 rose by 81.11 points (1.06%) to finish at 7,747.71, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 366.23 points (1.40%) to close at 26,584.06.The U.S. stock market was buoyed by dovish comments from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, who indicated support for keeping interest rates steady this month if inflation continues to ease. Consequently, the probability of a rate hike in September dropped significantly to 50.4% from 63.2%, according to the CME FedWatch tool.U.S. Treasury yields also declined, with the 10-year note falling 2 basis points to 4.77%, and the 30-year yield dropping 2 basis points to 5.25%. The dollar index decreased by about 0.6%, alleviating some of the pressure on the stock market from recent interest rate hikes.However, rising international oil prices and inflationary pressures in the services sector remain concerns. Amid ongoing military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil rose by 0.32% to $91.30 per barrel. The U.S. services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for August improved to 55.4, indicating growth, but the services price index also increased, suggesting inflationary concerns are not fully resolved.Technology stocks showed strength, with Nvidia rising 1.8% after announcing its acquisition of AI platform Hugging Face for approximately $12.9 billion. Snowflake surged 16.6% on strong annual revenue forecasts, while Broadcom fell 2.7% due to fourth-quarter revenue projections that fell short of market expectations.In the domestic market, the decline in U.S. interest rates, the strength of technology stocks, and the rise in KOSPI 200 futures are expected to contribute to a positive opening.As of 8:48 a.m. on September 4, pre-market trading on NextTrade showed Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix each up 1.2%. Other major semiconductor and technology stocks, including SK Square (0.7%) and Samsung Electro-Mechanics (1.4%), are also trending upward.Market analysts believe that the results of the U.S. employment report for August will be a key factor in determining the direction of the stock market. If employment continues to recover moderately without excessive wage growth, concerns over a Fed rate hike may ease, potentially improving the valuation and supply conditions of the stock market, which have been pressured by recent rate increases.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The calming of the recent surge in U.S. 10-year yields following Waller's dovish remarks and the rotation into large tech stocks like Nvidia and Tesla will positively impact the domestic market. The ideal scenario would be for the U.S. August employment figures to show a moderate recovery without raising recession fears and with limited wage growth." She added, "The domestic market is expected to open higher, supported by falling U.S. interest rates, strong U.S. stock performance, and rising KOSPI 200 futures, followed by sector rotations influenced by macroeconomic variables such as the U.S. employment report and movements in the yen. With the KOSPI's forward price-to-earnings ratio at 5.1, its valuation remains attractive, and the consensus for 12-month forward operating profit is projected to rise by about 3% after September, indicating that macroeconomic uncertainties will have a limited impact on stock prices." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:56:00
  • Hampyeong County Completes Traditional Fermented Vinegar Education to Enhance Local Agricultural Processing
    Hampyeong County Completes Traditional Fermented Vinegar Education to Enhance Local Agricultural Processing Hampyeong County in South Jeolla Province has concluded its education program on traditional fermented vinegar production, aimed at enhancing the processing capabilities of local agricultural products. The Hampyeong Agricultural Technology Center announced on September 4 that the 'Basic Traditional Fermented Vinegar Course' for members of the Hampyeong Local Food Research Group wrapped up with its final class on September 3. The program, which began on July 2, consisted of six sessions held at the center's Flower Food Education Hall cooking practice room. The training focused on understanding the principles of traditional fermented vinegar production and the fermentation characteristics and methods that vary according to raw materials, moving beyond simple cooking practice. Participants produced various types of fermented vinegar, including those made with brown rice nuruk, makgeolli vinegar from steamed rice, bokbunja fruit vinegar, and pineapple vinegar. They also practiced making traditional stove-top vinegar and balsamic vinegar, learning about the differences in fermentation processes based on ingredients and methods. The course included practical training on using and propagating starter cultures, as well as basic techniques for preventing abnormal fermentation and quality control that can be applied in actual production processes. Hampyeong County expects that this training will not only enhance understanding of traditional fermented foods but also contribute to the expansion of processing technologies utilizing local agricultural products in the future. Yoo Soon-ok, chair of the Hampyeong Local Food Research Group, stated, "I was able to learn and practice how vinegar, which we encounter easily in our daily lives, is made through various fermentation processes. I will continue to work to promote our food traditions and fermentation culture." Moon Jeong-mo, director of the Hampyeong Agricultural Technology Center, remarked, "It is significant that participants systematically learned the basic principles of fermented vinegar using various raw materials and methods while engaging in hands-on practice. We will continue to expand training programs on processing technologies utilizing local agricultural products and preserve traditional food culture." Meanwhile, the Hampyeong Local Food Research Group continues to explore and preserve the region's traditional food culture while engaging in research and educational activities utilizing local agricultural products. The Hampyeong Agricultural Technology Center plans to focus on expanding the utilization of local agricultural products and enhancing the added value of agriculture through education related to agricultural processing and traditional food culture.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:48:00
  • Jung Ki-sun Becomes Second Largest Shareholder of HD Hyundai After Share Transfer
    Jung Ki-sun Becomes Second Largest Shareholder of HD Hyundai After Share Transfer Jung Ki-sun, chairman of HD Hyundai, has become the second largest shareholder after receiving a 3.55% stake from his father, Jung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation.According to industry sources on September 4, HD Hyundai transferred 2.8 million common shares (3.55%) from Jung Mong-joon to Jung Ki-sun. As a result, Jung Mong-joon's stake decreased from 26.60% to 23.05%, but he retains his position as the largest shareholder.With this transfer, Jung Ki-sun's stake in HD Hyundai increased from 6.12% to 9.67%, surpassing the National Pension Service, which holds a 7.12% stake in the company.Based on HD Hyundai's closing price of 212,500 won on that day, the value of the transferred shares is estimated at approximately 595 billion won.Industry analysts view this transfer as a strategic move to establish a foundation for future succession within the group.Meanwhile, Jung Ki-sun has been leading the company's management since his promotion from vice chairman to chairman in October of last year, marking the first time in 37 years that the company has been under owner management since 1988.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:44:00
  • Cappadocias Stone Heritage: A Model for Mokpos Geological Tourism
    Cappadocia's Stone Heritage: A Model for Mokpo's Geological Tourism Among global tourist cities, some have discovered their value in seemingly ordinary 'stones.' A prime example is Cappadocia in Turkey.The volcanic tuff layers, shaped by rain and wind over millennia, have created unique peaks and valleys. People have carved this relatively easy-to-work stone to build homes, churches, monasteries, and underground spaces.Today, Cappadocia's Göreme National Park and rock formations are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.Similarly, Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico does not view tuff as just a simple rock. Indigenous peoples shaped the relatively soft tuff formed from volcanic ash into blocks for building homes and carved out living spaces in cliffs.Centuries later, tourists visit to see these remnants.What about Mokpo?Mokpo also has a stone of the same name: 'Yudalsan Tuff.'This stone is found throughout much of Mokpo and can be encountered in iconic locations like Yudalsan and Gatbawi. However, it has been treated more as a common 'Mokpo stone' than a tourist resource.Yet, a shift in perspective could reveal its potential as a new tourist asset that connects Mokpo's natural environment, architecture, and the history of its modernization.Cheongsong Transforms Tuff into Geological TourismIn South Korea, tuff is no longer just a subject in geology textbooks.A notable example is Cheongsong, which utilizes its diverse geological heritage, including thick volcanic ash layers formed during the Cretaceous period, for tourism and education.The dramatic cliffs and gorges around Juwangsan are shaped by volcanic activity and erosion, and Cheongsong's geological resources have grown into an internationally recognized UNESCO Global Geopark.What matters is not the stone itself, but the stories attached to it, linking geology, scenery, history, and the lives of local residents.This is a crucial point for Mokpo to consider.Cappadocia's Tourism Originated from Volcanic AshThe Göreme Valley in Cappadocia is characterized by extensive tuff layers formed by volcanic activity.Erosion by rain and wind has created unique formations known as 'fairy chimneys.' However, the natural landscape alone did not create modern Cappadocia.As people carved into the rock to create living spaces, churches, and monasteries, the history of nature and humanity intertwined.Ultimately, the essence of Cappadocia's tourism is not merely 'rock sightseeing' but sharing the stories of humans who have lived alongside these stones.The same applies to Bandelier.Here, tuff, formed from hardened volcanic ash, is relatively soft and easy to work with, allowing Indigenous peoples to use it as building material and carve out spaces in cliffs.The world has transformed what seemed like ordinary stones into resources for history, education, and tourism.Mokpo Already Has 'Tuff Architecture'A prime example of this potential in Mokpo is the main building of Muntae High School.Constructed in the 1950s, the main building is recorded to have used tuff quarried from Mokpo's Sanjeong-dong.This raises an important question: “What stones were used in other old stone buildings in Mokpo?”Mokpo has numerous modern buildings dating back to the opening of the port.These include the Mokpo Modern History Museum, housed in the former Japanese consulate, and the second modern history museum in the former Oriental Development Company Mokpo branch, along with a concentration of architectural assets that showcase the history of modern Mokpo.In 2018, an area of 114,038 square meters in Yudaldong was recognized for its historical and cultural value as a modern city formed after the opening of the port and was designated as a national registered cultural heritage site.However, it is essential to clarify that not all of these old stone buildings were constructed from Mokpo tuff, and it should not be assumed at this stage.Rather, this is a task for the future.Discovering the 'Stone DNA' of Mokpo's Modern ArchitectureThe city of Mokpo needs to investigate the stones used in its modern buildings and old stone structures in collaboration with geologists, architectural historians, and cultural heritage experts.This involves scientifically verifying what type of rock was used, where it was quarried, and whether it is the same as or similar to Yudalsan tuff found in Mokpo.This could be pursued under the working title 'Mokpo Modern Architecture Stone Origin Survey.'If the investigation reveals more buildings constructed from Mokpo quarried tuff, it would create a completely new narrative for Mokpo tourism.'The stones from Mokpo's land built the city of Mokpo.'This single sentence connects Yudalsan and the old town.Until now, Yudalsan and the modern historical cultural space in Mokpo have been viewed as separate tourist attractions.However, when viewed through the lens of 'stone,' they form a cohesive story.Son Hye-won's Perspective on Mokpo: Finding Value in the 'Old'One person to revisit in this context is former lawmaker Son Hye-won.The real estate issues surrounding Mokpo's old town, involving Son, sparked significant social controversy, including speculation about real estate investment.Regardless of the political and legal evaluations surrounding her, it is noteworthy that she showed interest in preserving and utilizing Mokpo's modern cultural heritage early on.She attended a forum in 2017 on preserving and utilizing Mokpo's modern cultural heritage and facilitated the city’s presentation on modern cultural heritage and urban regeneration at a National Assembly seminar, demonstrating her interest in the historical and cultural value of Mokpo's old town.At that time, some viewed the area as a dilapidated and declining street, while she sought to find value in its preservation and utilization.Now, it is time to expand that perspective further.If we have looked at the buildings, it is now time to examine the 'stones' that make up those buildings.We should not stop at discovering the value of a century-old building but explore where the materials that make up that building came from and how they relate to Mokpo's natural environment and urban formation.Perhaps Mokpo's true tourism resource lies not in creating new facilities but in rediscovering the value of what has been there for decades, centuries, or even millions of years.Seeing Stones at Yudalsan and History in the Old TownIf Mokpo were to capitalize on its tuff as a tourist resource, it should not stop at creating simple geological trails.Tourism content such as 'Mokpo Stone Road' or 'Yudalsan Tuff Geo Road' could be considered.The starting point would be Yudalsan.From Yudalsan, the geological history of tuff formation would be explained, leading down to Nokjeokbong and the old town to explore Mokpo's opening history.Afterward, visitors could tour the modern historical cultural space and stone buildings before moving to Gatbawi to observe the natural tuff landscape.Buildings confirmed to use Mokpo tuff, like the main building of Muntae High School, could serve as a connection point.If geological resources from nearby islands like Goha-do are included, it could create a cohesive tourist route connecting mountains, the old town, the sea, and islands.Tourists would not merely ascend and descend Yudalsan.They would embark on a time-travel journey from 'volcanic activity millions of years ago → tuff formation → natural scenery → quarrying → architecture → Mokpo as an opening city → today's city.'Labeling Each StoneThe approach does not need to be grand.A small information sign could be installed at locations ideal for observing tuff, and scanning a QR code could provide information about the rock's formation age, characteristics, and Mokpo's geological story on smartphones.For stone buildings in the old town, it would be worth considering not only marking the year of construction but also indicating the type of stone and its quarry location.'The stone of this building came from Sanjeong-dong in Mokpo.'This single sentence would provide another story for tourists.Souvenirs utilizing locally quarried tuff, educational programs, and geological interpretation programs could also be developed.However, this should not involve damaging natural rocks or cultural heritage to create souvenirs but should focus on models and design products based on investigation and preservation.From 'Modern Cultural City Mokpo' to 'Geological Cultural City Mokpo'Mokpo already has a significant tourism infrastructure in place.It has Yudalsan, the sea, and islands.It also has modern historical cultural spaces and Gatbawi.The challenge lies in creating a connection that ties these various tourist resources into a single narrative for Mokpo.'Yudalsan Tuff' could serve as one of those connections.Just as Cheongsong has developed its geology and natural scenery into a brand as a Global Geopark, and Cappadocia has transformed its tuff landscape and human history into a world-class tourist resource, Mokpo must also examine the value of its geological resources.Of course, Mokpo cannot be simply compared to Cappadocia; the formation, scale, scenery, and historical background of the geology differ.What Mokpo should follow is not the scale of Cappadocia but the method of uncovering stories from the stones they possess.To achieve this, academic research is necessary first.It is essential to systematize the accurate distribution, formation process, and observation points of Yudalsan tuff and to conduct a comprehensive survey of the types of stones and quarries used in modern buildings.Based on this, a basic plan for geological tourism connecting Yudalsan, the old town, Gatbawi, and Goha-do should be established.A city that attracts tourists is not necessarily one that continuously creates new attractions.A city that showcases what it already has in a unique way can also become a tourist destination.The stones that Mokpo residents have seen as commonplace may hold the key to connecting millions of years of natural history, over a century of modern urban history, and today's tourism industry.Now, Mokpo must ask one question: “Why have we not viewed the Yudalsan tuff beneath our feet as a tourism resource until now?”This question could spark a new narrative for 'Mokpo, the city that attracts tourists.' 2026-09-04 08:44:00