AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Muan County Enhances Food Safety Response with Training for Inspectors
    Muan County Enhances Food Safety Response with Training for Inspectors Muan County, located in the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, is taking steps to enhance the on-site response capabilities of consumer food safety inspectors to prevent food poisoning and create a safe food environment.On August 18, Muan County conducted a meeting and regular training for consumer food safety inspectors, providing practical training on inspection procedures for food service establishments and food poisoning prevention guidelines.Consumer food safety inspectors play a crucial role in expanding consumer participation in food hygiene and supporting administrative agencies in food safety management. Therefore, practical skills to accurately assess and guide hygiene management in actual business settings are essential.The training focused on the duties and operational guidelines of consumer food safety inspectors, including the routes of infection and prevention measures for food poisoning, procedures for on-site inspections of food service establishments, key hygiene management points in kitchens, and standards for the hygienic handling and storage of ingredients.Particularly, the training addressed hygiene management items that are often overlooked during on-site inspections, linking them to real-life examples.Key inspection items included personal hygiene management of staff, the storage conditions of ingredients, the use of separate cutting boards and knives, and the maintenance of appropriate temperatures in refrigerators and freezers. The cleanliness of kitchens and drains, as well as the storage and use of expired products, were also discussed in relation to food safety.The county emphasized the need for thorough hygiene management from the food handling and storage stages, especially given the increased risk of food poisoning during the recent hot and humid weather.Following the training, a meeting was held where consumer food safety inspectors shared challenges faced during their on-site activities and discussed ways to improve the effectiveness of food hygiene guidance and inspections.Muan County plans to consider the feedback from this training in future hygiene management efforts and will continue to strengthen collaboration with consumer food safety inspectors.Na Sang-hyun, head of the Health Administration Division in Muan County, stated, “Consumer food safety inspectors are important partners in food safety, connecting administrative agencies and residents. We will work to prevent food poisoning and create a safe food environment for residents through ongoing training and on-site activities.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 06:44:00
  • U.S. Stocks Decline Amid Walmart Earnings Miss and Rising Bond Yields
    U.S. Stocks Decline Amid Walmart Earnings Miss and Rising Bond Yields 20일(현지시간) 미국증시는 월마트 실적 부진과 미국채 금리 상승, 유가 상승 등의 겹악재 속에 하락세로 마감했다.이날 다우다우존스30 산업평균지수는 전일 대비 1.32% 내린 5만2759.21로 장을 마쳤고 스탠다드 앤드 푸어스(S&P)500과 기술주 중심의 나스닥 역시 각각 0.87%, 1% 내린 7641.16, 2만6067.17에 마감했다.이날 실적을 발표한 미국 주요 유통업체 월마트가 판매 둔화 우려에 9.2% 급락한 것을 비롯해 아메리칸 익스프레스, 홈디포, 아마존 등 주요 유통 관련주들이 대거 약세를 보였다.이에 업종별로는 필수소비재와 임의소비재가 각각 2% 가까이 낙폭을 늘리며 증시를 끌어내렸다.증시 전체적으로는 미국채 금리 및 유가 상승이 악재로 작용했다. 이날 스콧 베선트 미 재무장관이 CNBC에 출연해 미국채 바이백 규모가 앞서 발표된 40억 달러를 넘어설 것이라고 밝혔음에도 미국채 10년물과 30년물 금리는 모두 0.05%포인트 오른 가운데 각각 4.704%, 5.248%를 기록했다.아울러 베선트 재무장관은 이날 이란을 상대로 "역사상 가장 가혹한 제재"를 실행할 계획이라고 밝힌 가운데 서부텍사스산유(WTI)와 브렌트유 선물은 모두 2% 이상 상승했다.하지만 미국채 금리와 유가 모두 단기간 내 진정이 어렵다는 전망이 제기되면서 증시에 대한 여파도 당분간 이어질 가능성이 나타나고 있다.미국의 자산운용사 EP웰스 어드바이저스의 투자 책임자 애덤 필립스는 미국 정부의 국채 바이백 프로그램과 관련해 "이것만으로 채권시장의 문제를 해결할 수 없다"며 "채권시장에는 재무부와 행정부가 통제하기 어려운 구조적 요인들이 작용하고 있다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 06:40:00
  • Trot Stars Maintain Dominance in Fan Voting Records
    Trot Stars Maintain Dominance in Fan Voting Records Trot stars continue to set records in fan voting dominance.According to the music industry and various fan voting platforms, Lim Young-woong has maintained the number one spot on the Idol Chart for 281 consecutive weeks, while Song Ga-in has held the top position in the Star Ranking for female trot artists for 260 weeks. Kim Yong-bin has also secured the number one spot on the Fan and Star trot ranking for 63 weeks in a row. Young-tak, Hwang Young-woong, and Park Seo-jin are also achieving strong results in various fan voting categories.These records come from different fan voting platforms. Since each platform has different candidates, counting methods, and voting periods, direct comparisons of the numbers are challenging. However, they do illustrate how long each artist's fandom has sustained support on their respective platforms.One of the longest records belongs to Lim Young-woong. In the Idol Chart's second week of August, he received 303,899 votes, securing first place. This marks his 281st consecutive week at the top, a streak that began in late March 2021 and has continued for over five years. During the same period, he also recorded the highest number of 'likes' at 31,394.Song Ga-in has also achieved a remarkable record of 260 weeks. In the 260th Star Ranking for female trot artists, conducted from July 30 to August 6, she garnered 103,947 votes to claim the top spot. The Star Ranking is determined by fan votes, and Song Ga-in has consistently held the number one position in her category.Kim Yong-bin is the artist with the most rapidly increasing consecutive records. In the Fan and Star trot ranking for the third week of August, he received 1,587,000 votes, placing first and marking his 63rd consecutive week at the top. According to Fan and Star, his total votes have surpassed 100 million.Young-tak continues to excel in the male trot category of the Star Ranking. In the 261st voting, which ended on August 13, he received 248,768 votes to secure first place. He has maintained the top position in this category throughout the first half of 2026 and continues to do so into the second half.Hwang Young-woong has made his mark in monthly voting. According to official counts from Trot Star, he ranked first in January and February of this year, then second in March, before returning to the top from April through July, achieving first place for four consecutive months. He has ranked first in six out of seven monthly counts from January to July.Park Seo-jin has also established a consecutive record in monthly voting. He topped the Superstar Brand Power monthly comprehensive vote in May with 4,220,430 votes, followed by 3,735,570 votes in June and 3,904,020 votes in July, achieving first place for three consecutive months.Lee Chan-won consistently ranks high in various major fan votes. In the 261st Star Ranking for male trot artists, he placed third with 38,415 votes, following Young-tak and Park Seo-jin. He also ranked second in the Idol Chart during the first week of February this year, behind Lim Young-woong. While his records differ from long-term number one rankings, his consistent presence in the top tier across multiple voting platforms is noteworthy.Park Ji-hyun recently topped the Idol Chart Weekly Star ranking. In the second week of August, she received 1,670 votes to secure first place. She had previously ranked first with 998 votes in the first week of July.Jeon Yu-jin has also achieved consecutive first-place rankings in the Trot Pick female artist category. In the weekly voting for the fourth week of July, she scored 225,830 points to take the top spot, and she maintained her position with 225,220 points in the fifth week of July.Son Tae-jin's record comes not from a music category but from the Broadcasting Awards. In the CBC News Netizen Awards, he received 14,113 votes in June to claim first place, marking 25 consecutive months at the top. He also secured first place again in July with 15,236 votes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 06:32:00
  • Experts Say Housing Policy Must Focus on Supply and Speed
    Experts Say Housing Policy Must Focus on Supply and Speed The government has announced a total of seven housing policies since last year. The first policy, known as the June 27 measures, included regulations on mortgage loans, jeonse loans, policy loans, and living stability fund loans. The second policy, introduced on September 7, aimed to expand supply by enhancing the authority to designate land transaction permission zones, tightening mortgage and jeonse loan regulations, and strengthening real estate market oversight, with a goal of starting construction on 1.35 million units in the metropolitan area and 334,000 units in Seoul.The third policy, announced on October 15, was a set of stringent regulations. It included expanding regulated areas and land transaction permission zones, tightening mortgage and jeonse loan regulations, raising stress interest rates, and establishing a real estate oversight body, making it more severe than the previous two measures. The fourth policy, introduced on January 29, detailed supply plans, aiming to quickly supply approximately 60,000 units by utilizing state-owned land, idle sites, and aging government buildings in prime locations within the metropolitan area.The fifth policy, announced on February 12, included the termination of the temporary suspension of capital gains tax for multiple homeowners on May 9. The sixth policy, introduced on May 12, focused on encouraging the release of properties through regulations related to land transaction permission zones and actual residence. It mandated registration within a certain period after land transaction permission and imposed actual residence obligations, while also expanding exemptions for properties with tenants. The most recent seventh policy, announced on August 13, aims to enhance the implementation of the September 7 measures, targeting the start of construction on 1.35 million units in the metropolitan area over five years (2026-2030) and adding over 230,000 units, including 100,000 in new sites, to supply housing affordably and timely in desired locations.From a supply perspective, redevelopment is key. This was partially addressed in the August 13 measures, which relaxed the consent rate for establishing redevelopment associations from 75% to 70% and eased the burden of park and green space donations if small housing units constitute more than two-thirds of the total units. The government also announced plans to significantly lift restrictions on development in greenbelt areas to facilitate housing supply. It decided to temporarily designate all greenbelt areas in Seoul and adjacent metropolitan areas as land transaction permission zones until the announcement of new public housing districts.However, greenbelts cannot be the core solution for housing supply. There is already limited green space in Seoul, and even if greenbelts are developed, the impact on new housing supply is minimal, with considerable opposition to development. In contrast, redevelopment can provide new living spaces in areas with deteriorating housing conditions. By reducing donation burdens or adjusting floor area ratios, it is possible to increase housing supply.With the consent rate for establishing redevelopment associations lowered to 70%, it is also necessary to examine the consent rates for small housing maintenance projects (Moa Town). For instance, the consent rate for landowners at the stage of establishing the association is over 80%, while the area consent rate is 66.7%. This should be linked to the current measures and lowered to around 70%.There is also a need to accelerate redevelopment in areas that are currently stalled. The August 13 measures included provisions to relax consent requirements and streamline the procedures for establishing basic and maintenance plans, as well as shortening the processes related to project implementation and management approvals to speed up maintenance projects. Typically, redevelopment takes 2.6 years for designation of maintenance zones, 3.6 years for forming promotion committees and establishing associations, 8.6 years from project implementation and management approval to relocation, and 4 years from construction to completion, totaling 18.5 years.However, it is possible to shorten the project duration by omitting consent forms at the designation stage and adjusting consent rates during the promotion committee formation stage. In the project implementation approval process, pre-selecting appraisal firms and reducing time during the demolition phase are also necessary to cut down the time required at each project stage.Lastly, there are financial issues to consider. The government has raised the target for the growth rate of household loans from 1.5% to 3%, which could result in an additional 30 trillion won in loans annually. Additionally, the government has exceptionally relaxed the total loan limits to support loans related to maintenance projects and supply, as well as to assist young people and actual demanders.The 1.5% growth rate for household loans reflects potential growth or long-term growth rates. This year, thanks to exports, including semiconductors, the economic growth rate is high, allowing the government to raise the household loan growth rate to 3%. However, it is uncertain how the growth trajectory will change in the future, indicating a possibility of rising household debt ratios again. Therefore, it is essential to properly manage the issues that may arise during the process of large-scale housing supply and acceleration of project speed from a financial perspective.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 06:04:00
  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Return to the UK Amid Family Reconciliation
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Return to the UK Amid Family Reconciliation Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the throne, and his wife Meghan Markle are set to return to the UK from the United States, according to reports from local media including the Daily Telegraph and BBC on August 20.According to foreign media, the couple plans to leave their home in Montecito, near Los Angeles, at the end of this month and move to a private residence on the outskirts of London. The primary reason cited for their return is their children's education. Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have already been registered to attend school in the UK starting in September.The news of the couple's return to the UK was reportedly a surprise to King Charles, who learned of it only on August 16. The BBC reported that the King was unaware of their plans until last week but welcomed the opportunity to meet Harry's family in private and personal settings.Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in early 2020 when they left the UK and settled in California. Since then, they have had public disagreements with the royal family, alleging that senior members raised concerns about the skin color of their child.A pivotal moment leading to their return was King Charles's visit with Harry's family in July, during which Harry visited the birthplace of his late mother, Princess Diana. This marked the first time in over four years that Charles met Archie and Lilibet. However, the Telegraph noted that discussions about Harry's family's return did not take place during this meeting.There is also interest in the ongoing tensions between Harry and his brother, Prince William. The Telegraph pointed out that while Harry has begun to rebuild his relationship with King Charles through phone calls in recent months, the rift with William remains deep. The two brothers have not spoken for several years, and William and his wife reportedly feel deeply betrayed by revelations from Harry and Meghan's book and television interviews.It remains uncertain whether Harry and Meghan will resume any official roles within the royal family. The BBC stated that it is expected there will be no change to their official status, and they will maintain their personal status as non-royals. The couple agreed to stop using the title 'Your Royal Highness' and not to represent the royal family or receive public funding when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Instead, they are free to earn their own income.Regarding Archie and Lilibet's enrollment in UK schools, Lucy Powell, the UK Education Secretary, expressed a welcoming stance. She noted that she learned about Harry and Meghan's return through social media and news, and described the children's entry into UK schools in September as a 'great endorsement' of the British education system. However, Powell expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the royal children attending public schools.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 05:04:00
  • 2026 GGGF to Explore Physical AI Innovations in South Korea
    2026 GGGF to Explore Physical AI Innovations in South Korea The 18th Good Growth, Good Jobs Global Forum (2026 GGGF) will be held from September 2 to 4, organized by Aju Economic Daily. This forum, themed "Korea, State of AI," will provide a significant opportunity to explore the adoption of physical AI by South Korean companies and the global status of Korean AI. The first keynote address will be delivered by Dennis Hong, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UCLA and director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa). He is recognized as a leading scholar in the field of physical AI, and his talk, titled "The Realization of AI Civilization Depends on Physical AI Competitiveness," will offer insights into the future innovations brought by physical AI and the challenges faced by Korean society and businesses. Following this, Lim Jeong-hwan, CEO of Motif Technologies, who has previously challenged the government-led "Dopamo" initiative and the "Everyone's AI" project, will present the second keynote on "K-AI Future Vision Amid U.S.-China Competition." The third keynote will be given by Lee Geum-ryong, chairman of Coglo.com, who previously served as CEO of Auction and successfully led the company's listing and sale. He will discuss "The Popularization of AI and the Future of Youth Employment" in a special lecture. Session 1 will focus on "AX Value Chain Hub, Future Growth Keywords." Yoon Min-soo, CRO of A2Sys and a KAIST chair professor, will present research findings on AI model compression and inference acceleration, which are identified as bottlenecks in the Korean AI industry, and propose ways to enhance the efficiency of Korean AI models to match those of the U.S. and China. Following this, Joo Young-pyo from SK Hynix will speak on "Building an AI Supply Chain Hub Through Semiconductor Superiority." On the second day, September 3, Joo Si-hyun, executive director of robotics intelligence development at Hyundai Motor Company, will open the day with a talk on "K-Physical AI Heading to Global Markets." A special event combining a lecture and discussion on "The Success or Failure of Combining Manufacturing and Physical AI" will also take place, featuring a presentation by Choi Jae-sik, a KAIST professor and CEO of InEasy, followed by discussions with representatives from major domestic physical AI companies and startups on regulatory innovations needed for the development of the physical AI industry. In a special lecture, Kim Soo-yeon, head of the EY AI Center, will share insights on the current status of AI agent development in China and benchmark strategies, comparing and analyzing it with South Korea. In the afternoon, experts from companies like SK Telecom and HD Hyundai Electric will discuss the potential for developing AI data center businesses under the theme "AI Factory, Vanguard of Token Economy." The 2026 GGGF forum will be broadcast both offline and online via YouTube. The forum welcomes participation from businesses, academia, and the general public interested in the event. ■ Date: September 2 (Wednesday) to 4 (Friday) ■ Location: Grand Ballroom, Plaza Hotel, Seoul, and National Assembly Member's Hall ■ Inquiries: Forum Secretariat ■ Hosted by: Aju News Corporation (Aju Economic Daily), Global Economic and Financial Research Institute (GEFRI) ■ Sponsored by: Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Employment and Labor, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, Financial Services Commission 2026-08-21 05:04:00
  • APCC Director Ha Kyung-ja Promotes Local ESG Initiatives in Centum City
    APCC Director Ha Kyung-ja Promotes Local ESG Initiatives in Centum City The Asia-Pacific Climate Center (APCC) is accelerating its local coexistence management based on a robust ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) solidarity established with public and related organizations in Centum City, Busan.Ha Kyung-ja, the newly appointed sixth director, chose to engage in activities related to veterans and sharing as her first external schedule, reaffirming the center's commitment to social responsibility as an organization responding to the climate crisis.According to the APCC, Ha visited the UN Memorial Park in Nam-gu, Busan, on August 14, just four days after her appointment, to honor the fallen UN soldiers from the Korean War. She then visited Dongsanwon, a children's care facility that the center regularly supports, to deliver gifts and encourage the staff.Ha stated, "The fundamental purpose of the APCC in responding to the climate crisis is ultimately to protect humanity's peaceful and safe life. I will continue to engage in activities that contribute meaningfully to the local community." 17 Organizations Unite for Effective Local ESG NetworkThe APCC's local coexistence efforts are expanding into a 'local solidarity' initiative, creating strong synergies. In addition to supporting Dongsanwon, the center has launched the ESG council 'Eusuk' in collaboration with 16 public and related organizations in Centum City.This council, comprising 17 organizations, shares policies and jointly pursues social contribution projects for the local community.Notable solidarity activities include 'Life Sharing' and 'Building Local Safety Nets.' Since World Blood Donor Day in 2022, council members have actively participated in a group blood donation campaign led by the council to help alleviate local blood supply shortages.Additionally, in collaboration with the Haeundae Police Station, they are conducting campaigns to prevent no-shows and phone fraud that severely impact local small businesses, serving as a strong local safety net.The center's commitment to overcoming the climate crisis is also gaining momentum through eco-friendly practices promoted by the council.Council members participate annually in a campaign to turn off lights and stop air conditioning during lunch hours on 'Energy Day' in August, contributing to significant reductions in power consumption and carbon emissions.Furthermore, they regularly hold 'plogging' events, combining walking and trash collection, in the APEC Naru Park and along the Suyeong River to promote a cleaner local environment.An APCC official stated, "We plan to continue implementing effective ESG management and social responsibility based on the close cooperation system established with local organizations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 00:40:20
  • Everlands Nighttime Ecological Experiences Highlight Fireflies and Wildlife
    Everland's Nighttime Ecological Experiences Highlight Fireflies and Wildlife In a captivating display of nature, Everland, operated by Samsung C&T's Resort Division, is drawing visitors with its special nighttime ecological content that showcases the enchanting glow of fireflies and the dynamic nocturnal activities of wild animals. This late summer experience allows guests to fully enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the season.1,300 Fireflies Illuminate the NightSince July 24, Everland has been hosting its 'Midsummer Night Firefly Festival.' The event runs daily from 5 PM to 9 PM at the Lost Valley Education Center and is now completely free of charge, a gesture by Everland to raise awareness about ecological conservation. This lowered barrier to entry has resulted in over 30,000 visitors within just two weeks of its opening.Guests first learn about the life cycle of fireflies in a camping-themed area before moving to a darkened forest experience. As all lights are extinguished, the moment of complete darkness is met with awe as approximately 13,000 fireflies emit their soft green glow, floating in the air.As visitors clap softly in delight, the light becomes brighter and more vivid. The glow of fireflies serves as a warning signal to predators, and they respond to sounds or stimuli by emitting brighter light. Over time, this has evolved into a mating signal.While fireflies engage in a fierce struggle for survival and love, the spectators experience a contrasting sense of tranquility. Gazing at the soft green lights in the darkness calms the mind.To maintain this gentle glow, Everland's zookeepers dedicate an entire year to the process. Fireflies hatch from eggs and spend about ten months in water, feeding on snails before undergoing metamorphosis into adults. However, the period during which they emit light to attract mates lasts only about two weeks.Kim Jin-mok, a zookeeper, stated, "Fireflies are sensitive insects that only inhabit clean, first-grade water and light-free environments. Everland has been creating optimal conditions for them based on 28 years of artificial breeding and rearing expertise since 1998."Awakening of the Wild: Night SafariEverland's summer nights are not limited to serene ecological experiences. As dusk falls, the true wild nature of the animals awakens after nearly 18 hours of rest.The 'Summer Night Safari,' open for free until 9 PM, offers an immersive experience as guests board a special EV bus with low noise levels, accompanied by thrilling music as they venture into the wild. The movements of the nocturnal animals reveal a different side compared to daytime.Entering the Lion Savannah, a unique tension fills the air as larger white lions stand guard over their territory. The lionesses, shedding their daytime lethargy, exude a fierce wildness.In the tiger territory, Bengal tigers can be seen closely pursuing the safari bus. The Korean tiger, measuring 3.3 meters and weighing 370 kg, and the legendary white tiger each display their overwhelming charm. It is said that making a wish when gazing into the blue eyes of a white tiger can make it come true, adding to the thrill of the Night Safari.The endangered Asiatic black bear captures attention as it skillfully retrieves snacks from a container with its paws. The grand finale of the safari features the Eurasian brown bear, which stands 2.8 meters tall and weighs 400 kg. Sensitive to heat, these bears enjoy swimming in their dedicated water playground, 'Caribbean Bear,' providing a unique spectacle.As word spreads about the dynamic nocturnal behaviors of the animals, the Night Safari has attracted 120,000 visitors within just 50 days of its opening, establishing itself as a key attraction for summer nights at Everland. Jeong Dong-hee, the director of Everland Zoo, explained, "Our zookeepers and veterinarians work hard to ensure animal welfare and health while continuously striving to create ecological content that fosters deep connections with visitors."Celebrating the Birth of 'Raon': A Baby Lion After Eight YearsAfter experiencing the wild, visitors can now connect with a charming new life. The star of Everland Zoo is undoubtedly the baby lion 'Raon,' born on June 5 at Safari World, marking the first lion birth at Everland in eight years.The birth was not without challenges. The mother lion tragically passed away during an unexpected complication, leading zookeepers and veterinarians to care for Raon around the clock with bottle feeding. After overcoming this crisis, Raon has grown healthily to over 5.5 kg and is now transitioning from milk to solid food.Currently, Raon can only be viewed through a window, with visiting hours on weekdays from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2:30 PM to 5 PM, and on weekends from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 00:04:00
  • Hana Tour Launches Hana Free Pack to Bridge Gap Between Package and Independent Travel
    Hana Tour Launches 'Hana Free Pack' to Bridge Gap Between Package and Independent Travel Choi Hye-jung, a 40-something office worker, often finds herself in a dilemma when planning overseas trips with her family. While she prefers independent travel over fixed itineraries, the task of booking flights and accommodations, along with arranging local transportation, dining, and entry tickets to attractions, can be overwhelming. This is especially true when traveling with young children or elderly parents, as unexpected health issues or accidents can leave her feeling lost in an unfamiliar place.Choi is not alone in her struggle. Many travelers who favor independent travel also find it challenging to manage all the preparations and local bookings on their own. Hana Tour has recently recognized this demand that lies between package tours and independent travel.In June, Hana Tour introduced the 'Hana Free Pack,' which combines flights and hotels with the option for travelers to select additional local experiences and itineraries based on their preferences.This package allows travelers to book flights and accommodations through the agency while choosing how to spend their time at the destination. It targets those who find both traditional package tours and fully independent travel burdensome.The launch of this product reflects a shift in travel consumption patterns. As independent travel becomes more common, there is a growing demand for travelers to select their own itineraries and experiences, yet the time and effort required for research and bookings remain the responsibility of the traveler. Finding and reserving local transportation, meals, and entry tickets can be daunting, especially for those with limited travel experience or families traveling with children.Hana Tour has leveraged its established local network from its package tours to enhance the Hana Free Pack. Travelers can choose their desired itineraries and experiences, while Hana Tour offers 'Local Tour Plus' for those cumbersome arrangements that require planning and operation.To address potential emergencies during travel, Hana Tour has implemented a 24-hour emergency support service called 'H-Care,' which provides assistance with local hospital referrals, medical transportation, and translation services. This service is designed to help travelers, especially those traveling alone or with young children or elderly parents, in urgent situations.Hana Tour aims to expand its customer base with the Hana Free Pack, targeting not only existing independent travelers but also those who desire the convenience of package tours without the constraints of group schedules. The company anticipates demand will grow among busy professionals, middle-aged travelers seeking flexibility, and families traveling with children or parents.A representative from Hana Tour stated, “This product was developed to address the discomfort experienced by independent travelers overwhelmed by information searches and package travelers feeling constrained by fixed itineraries. It is designed to maintain itinerary flexibility while utilizing local infrastructure and emergency support services.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 00:04:00
  • Kyeongsang National University Launches Aerospace Defense College with Full Tuition Support
    Kyeongsang National University Launches Aerospace Defense College with Full Tuition Support Kyeongsang National University will select 3,729 students, or 80.3% of its total enrollment of 4,644, for the 2027 academic year.The university is launching the country's first Aerospace Defense College and a new AI College, making this incoming class the first cohort for both programs.The breakdown of admissions includes 2,089 students through the academic record-based selection, 1,571 through the comprehensive evaluation, and 69 through performance-based assessments. Specifically, the academic record-based selection consists of 1,860 general admissions and 229 regional talent admissions, while the comprehensive evaluation includes 705 general admissions, 350 regional talent admissions, and 22 for the regional medical selection.Applications will be accepted online from September 7 to September 11 at 7 p.m. The deadline for document submission is September 14, and the first round of successful candidates will be announced on December 18.Starting in 2027, Kyeongsang National University will operate with 18 colleges and 104 academic units across six campuses in Gyeongnam.◆ Aerospace Defense College to Admit 248 Students with Expanded Joint Curriculum with Seoul National UniversityThe most significant change is the establishment of the Aerospace Defense College, which is an expansion of the Aerospace College (CSA) founded in March 2024, with an enrollment capacity of 248 students. The existing Department of Mechanical Engineering will be integrated, and the college will offer five majors: Aerospace Systems Engineering, Aerospace Mobility, Aerospace Defense Systems, Aerospace AI Applications, and Aerospace ICT.The curriculum will adopt a three-semester immersive education model, allowing students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in three years, and will include a five-year integrated bachelor's and master's program, modeled after the French elite education system known as 'grande école.' A contract-based enrollment system will be implemented in collaboration with major companies such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).Additionally, the existing joint curriculum with Seoul National University will be expanded to include more students, evolving into a joint degree program.New students in the Aerospace Defense College will receive substantial benefits, including full tuition coverage and housing fees for dormitory residents. However, this support is funded through the Ministry of Education's 'Glocal University 30 Project' and is limited to the duration of the project, which ends in February 2028. Therefore, the full tuition support for freshmen entering in March 2027 is guaranteed only for their first year.The Aerospace Defense College has an unlimited transfer policy, but the university noted that there is little demand for students to transfer to other colleges from the aerospace program, while there is significant interest from students in other colleges wanting to transfer into the aerospace program.The new AI College, which combines the existing Departments of Computer Engineering, AI Information Engineering, and Software Engineering, will also be established in the 2027 academic year with an enrollment capacity of 153 students. To broaden students' options, the enrollment for the Department of Independent Studies will increase significantly from 41 to 154 students, with no minimum academic standards applied.A notable change in the admissions process is the introduction of the comprehensive evaluation 'Regional Medical Selection' category, which will select 22 students from the pre-med program based on designated medical service areas. The minimum academic standards require a combined grade of 6 across three subjects, with mathematics (choosing between calculus and geometry) and science (average of two subjects) being mandatory. Any school violence incidents (categories 1-9) will be factored into all admissions evaluations as a penalty.The average annual tuition at Kyeongsang National University is 4,084,000 won, which is about 57% of the national average. In the first semester of 2027, a female-only dormitory accommodating 400 students will open on the main campus, and a startup complex hub center will be completed at the Chiram campus in June of the same year.Han Dong-yeop, the head of the admissions office, stated, "The 2027 admissions process focuses on increasing predictability for applicants and reducing their burden. We hope for many applications from students who will be the first participants in the inaugural year of the Aerospace Defense College and AI College."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 23:24:20