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Amanoi Resort Plans $43 Million Investment for Luxury Experience Expansion The luxury resort market in Vietnam is shifting from a competition of quantity to one focused on offering irreplaceable experiences. Amanoi has announced plans to invest 800 billion dong (approximately $43.9 million) to add 10 new rooms, raising questions about whether an investment of 80 billion dong (about $4.4 million) per room is justified. Unlike typical resorts that increase room numbers to boost profitability, luxury resorts are expanding their market by emphasizing scarcity, privacy, environmental preservation, and cultural richness.According to local media reports on July 30, Luc Van Nerom, co-founder of Amanoi, revealed plans to invest 800 billion dong in the Amanoi Resort, located in the Vinh Hy Bay area of Khanh Hoa Province, known to Koreans as Nha Trang. He acknowledged that the average investment per room is quite high, describing it as a very significant amount. Experiences Worth More Than Rooms: A Market for Multi-Million Dong StaysThis investment is not merely about increasing room numbers; it aims to expand experience-based offerings targeted at luxury clientele. Van Nerom explained that the investment encompasses not only a limited number of rooms but also an ecosystem of experiences connected to nature, as well as cultural and entertainment spaces. He admitted that from a financial perspective, it may not seem rational, but emphasized that it aligns with the high-end customer segment.Amanoi is the only resort in Vietnam operated by the globally renowned luxury hotel and resort brand Aman, which was founded in 1988 and currently operates 38 hotels, resorts, and residences across 24 countries. The name Amanoi combines Aman with the Vietnamese word noi and opened in 2013 in the former Ninh Thuan Province. The resort is situated within the UNESCO-recognized Nui Chua National Park, a biosphere reserve.Amanois expansion will continue to prioritize privacy over large-scale room supply. The resort spans approximately 90 hectares, but Van Nerom believes that the ideal number of rooms should not exceed 90. Currently, Amanoi operates 68 rooms, and he stated that around 78 rooms would be an appropriate scale to maintain quality, noting that nearly one room per hectare strikes the best balance between guest experience and natural landscape preservation.The luxury accommodation market in Vietnam reportedly established a distinct price range in December 2022. According to data from last year, Amanoi offered a three-bedroom villa for $15,000 per night, requiring guests to book a minimum of three nights. This package includes two private pools, a spa, a living room, a dining area, a beach, and two 24-hour butlers.Meanwhile, the Vias Resort on the Phu Quoc Peninsula also introduced luxury accommodation options. This resort presented a five-star exclusive rental model in August 2022, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per night, accommodating up to 100 guests with 25 staff members providing services.Market experts believe that the supply of luxury resorts in Vietnam remains insufficient. Morgan Ulakanathan, head of tourism and hotel consulting at Avison Young Vietnam, noted that while competition in the resort market is intensifying, the luxury segment lacks adequate supply despite the increase in five-star resorts. He explained that assets like Amanoi possess unique value that is difficult to replicate, making investors willing to inject additional funds.The key criteria for investment are shifting from cost per room to scarcity and brand value. Ulakanathan stated that investment in this sector should not be evaluated solely based on the cost per room. He analyzed that value derives from scarcity, quality, craftsmanship, and the brands ability to command top-tier room rates.Changes in the customer base are also cited as a factor driving the expansion of luxury resorts. Van Nerom noted that a decade ago, the primary clientele was in their 50s, but now millennials and Generation Z account for over 60% of guests. He explained that these younger generations prioritize authentic experiences and meaningful memories over material luxury or ostentation. Tourism market indicators further support investment decisions. In the first half of this year, Vietnam welcomed 12.3 million international tourists, a 14.9% increase from the previous year, generating $9 billion in tourism revenue. Khanh Hoa Province alone received over 4.6 million visitors during the same period, marking a 66.1% increase, with revenue rising by 24.9% to 42.5 trillion dong.Luxury Resort Investment Draws Mixed ReactionsResponses to the luxury resort investment have linked it to cultural value. One user noted that the floor tiles used in the resort are handcrafted using traditional methods, taking over 50 days to produce a single tile. They highlighted the use of ancient Bat Trang glaze, which is becoming increasingly rare due to production costs, expressing respect for the investment in culture and mindset.Conversely, some comments expressed surprise at the scale of the investment. One user described the 80 billion dong investment per room as a true luxury item. Another remarked that while typical resorts focus on increasing room numbers for profitability, luxury resorts prioritize space and experience, suggesting that success is possible if the market accepts this approach.Additional opinions on travel and development were also shared. Some users expressed realistic concerns about living costs and affordable travel, while others hoped for more world-class investors in Vietnam. One comment emphasized that investments, whether by Vietnamese or foreign companies, should prioritize respect for the landscape.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 14:24 -
Creating Memories of Taean Through Art: Special Experiences at Irooon Workshop On July 28, an online exchange event for Korean and Chinese fan crafts was held at the Irooon Workshop in Taean, South Chungcheong Province.During the event, artisans from Taean and Taian, China, showcased their works, with Seong Ji-sook, the representative of Irooon Workshop, presenting her own creations.The Irooon Workshop serves as a space where visitors can create handicrafts, allowing them to take home memories of their trip to Taean.Last October, the workshop relocated to provide a more spacious and comfortable environment for visitors and to showcase a variety of items.The expanded workshop offers individual experiences and group classes, selling not only Seongs works but also handmade dolls and crocheted items from other artisans. Plans are underway to produce goods that reflect the nature and local characteristics of Taean.Seong stated, I want travelers to leave with their own unique creations from their time in Taean. I aim to make Irooon Workshop a space that connects local artists with visitors and promotes Taeans handicraft culture.Tourists visiting the workshop added special memories to their trips by making mother-of-pearl keychains. Hong Jong-seung from Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, remarked, It was meaningful to express creativity that I usually dont get to showcase and to create a piece that captures the memories of our family trip.Hong Jong-soo, also from Seoul, shared, The process of creating art together as a family was meaningful, and we are satisfied with how our finished products turned out. Visiting Taeans attractions like Cheollipo Arboretum and enjoying the craft experience made our trip even more special.Experiencing handicrafts after exploring the natural beauty of Taean transforms sightseeing into an engaging and memorable journey.Irooon Workshop adds a new charm as a space where visitors can preserve their memories of Taean in one-of-a-kind creations.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 14:24
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K-Content's Impact: Expanding Foreign Tourism Beyond Major Cities This year, the number of foreign tourists visiting Seoul and Busan reached record highs. Seoul welcomed 8.23 million foreign visitors, a 21.3% increase from last year, while Busan saw a 43.9% rise to 2.42 million.Not only has the number of tourists increased, but their spending has surged even more dramatically. In the first half of the year, foreign visitors spent 5.6172 trillion won in Seoul, marking a 56.8% increase compared to the same period last year. In Busan, tourism spending also rose by 63% to 591.4 billion won. The higher growth rate in spending compared to the number of tourists indicates that South Koreas tourism sector is evolving into a high-value industry centered around shopping, healthcare, gourmet experiences, and cultural activities.The favorable exchange rate has made shopping in South Korea relatively cheaper for foreigners. However, attributing this success solely to currency fluctuations would be insufficient. The global spread of K-pop, K-dramas, K-food, and K-beauty over the past few years has fueled a desire among international visitors to experience South Korea firsthand. Tourists are increasingly seeking out filming locations from Korean dramas, visiting popular restaurants seen on social media, and trying out cosmetics and medical services. This has created a virtuous cycle where cultural content drives tourism and spending.In Seoul, shopping and healthcare/wellness accounted for over 70% of tourism spending. In Busan, the influx of foreign visitors during BTS concerts tripled the usual crowd, and card sales around concert venues doubled. This illustrates how K-content has become a driving force for local economies, transcending its role as a mere tourism product.Moreover, the travel patterns of tourists are changing. In Seoul, the traditional tourist routes centered around Myeongdong and Dongdaemun are expanding to include local cultural spaces like Hongdae and Seongsu. Similarly, in Busan, spending that was once concentrated in Haeundae is now spreading to areas like Busanjin-gu and Gijang-gun. Foreign tourists are now favoring experiences that allow them to engage with the daily lives and local cultures of Koreans, indicating a need for a shift in tourism policy.It is crucial to ensure that the record number of foreign tourists benefits not only major cities but also regional areas. While local regions boast competitive tourism resources such as stunning natural landscapes, historical and cultural heritage, traditional markets, gourmet food, and festivals, there is a lack of strategies to connect these into cohesive content. Simply repeating similar festivals or expanding facilities will not attract foreign visitors.Now is the time for a national strategy that combines K-content with local tourism. This could involve linking K-drama filming locations with regional festivals and developing experiential tourism products centered around local cuisine and traditional culture. Bundling K-beauty and medical tourism, K-food and local culinary tours, and K-pop performances with regional cultural festivals into comprehensive packages should also be actively considered. The goal should be to encourage foreign visitors to explore not just Seoul but also cities like Gangneung, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Yeosu, Andong, and Jeju.To achieve this, improvements in tourism infrastructure, including transportation, accommodation, multilingual guidance, and digital reservation systems, must be pursued. Expanding regional airports and international routes, enhancing inter-regional transportation networks, and creating foreigner-friendly payment and reservation environments are also essential. Good content alone will not naturally lead tourists to regional areas; accessibility and convenience must be supported to increase their length of stay and spending.The tourism industry is a representative domestic industry that creates jobs and consumption without the need for factories, similar to manufacturing. Each additional foreign tourist contributes to the growth of various sectors, including accommodation, food, shopping, transportation, culture, and healthcare. Especially in regions facing challenges due to population decline and sluggish domestic demand, tourism is one of the most effective means of revitalizing local economies. Creating a country where foreign tourists do not only visit Seoul but also stay, spend, and experience the charm of various regions across South Korea is the path to sustainable growth in the tourism industry and revitalizing local economies.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 13:40
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S. Korea's football chiefs apologize over World Cup failure SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - The two men most blamed for South Korea's worst World Cup showing in a generation bowed their heads before lawmakers on Wednesday, as parliament opened a public reckoning over how the national team crashed out and who let it happen. South Korea exited the 2026 World Cup at the group stage despite fielding European-based stars including Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, a result made harder to accept by the tournament's expansion to 48 teams and a draw widely seen as favorable. The failure set off a wave of public anger that has gone beyond the team's performance to the governance of Korean football itself. That anger reached the National Assembly on Wednesday, where the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee summoned former Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo as witnesses. "I did my utmost for the development of Korean football during my tenure, but I am sorry for the series of controversies and the disappointing result at the North American World Cup," Chung said in his opening statement. "I feel the weight of my responsibility as president, and I apologize for falling short of the expectations of the public and football fans." Hong followed with his own apology. "I want to first say to the public that I am sorry for failing to live up to your expectations at the World Cup," the 2002 World Cup hero said, adding: "I take seriously the responsibility for not repaying the support given to the team. Today I will speak plainly about what I know and the responsibility I must bear, without avoiding it." Hong also addressed his players. "I want to convey my regret and gratitude to the players who ran to the end in difficult circumstances," he said. "I take it seriously that I could not repay their effort with a result." For Hong, the hearing revisited a wound that predates the tournament. His appointment in July 2024 drew immediate controversy because he was the only one of three final candidates who went through no formal interview or presentation. The Korea Football Association (KFA) instead sent its technical director to Hong's home late at night to persuade him to take the job, and a government audit later found procedural violations in the process. Bae Hyun-jin, a lawmaker of the People Power Party, pressed Hong on that history. "In 2024, Lee Lim-saeng, a director who had no authority to recommend a coach, met you at 11 pm as if holding an interview in a bakery, and you were appointed without any separate interview or presentation," she said at the hearing. "Did you not feel ashamed before your juniors and football officials that one could become national team coach through a bakery interview?" Hong held his ground. "When the offer came to me, I believed it had gone through a normal process," he said. "I understand the public may see it as opaque, but I never asked for any special treatment or benefit." The distrust followed Hong through his tenure. Fans booed his name at home matches and hung banners at Seoul World Cup Stadium reading "the dark age of Korean football," while chants demanding Chung's resignation rang out at kickoff. The group-stage exit also echoed Hong's first spell in charge, when South Korea went out winless at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil amid accusations that he favored players he knew personally. Chung's 13 years atop the KFA gave the hearing a wider target. His tenure covered the appointment and costly dismissal of Jurgen Klinsmann, the team's collapse at the 2023 Asian Cup, and repeated administrative controversies, and he stepped down after the World Cup as the government launched a reform drive. A K-Football Innovation Committee, co-chaired by former national team star Park Ji-sung, is now reviewing the sport's governance, including the KFA's election system. Chung told lawmakers he would step back from football entirely. "After resigning as president, I will focus on management as a businessman and contribute to society," he said. One question remained over his international posts. Chung holds positions including vice chairman of a FIFA commercial and marketing advisory body and a seat on the executive committee of the Asian Football Confederation, and Chung Yeon-wook, a lawmaker of the People Power Party, asked whether his staying on the international stage was an asset for Korean football diplomacy or an unfinished exit. "Having resigned as association president, I have no attachment to those positions," Chung Mong-gyu said. "Once a new president is elected and a new leadership is formed, I will follow their decision." July 30, 2026 12:54 -
Jeong Mong-kyu and Hong Myung-bo Apologize for World Cup Performance Jeong Mong-kyu, the president of the Korea Football Association, and Hong Myung-bo, the former head coach of the national football team, appeared before a National Assembly hearing on July 30, where they expressed regret over the teams poor performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The hearing, conducted by the National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, was convened in response to growing public criticism following the national teams exit from the group stage of the World Cup. It aimed to examine the overall operations of the Korea Football Association, the coaching selection process, and allegations of opaque administration.In his opening remarks, Jeong stated, I made every effort to advance Korean football during my tenure, but I sincerely apologize for the controversies and the unsatisfactory results in the World Cup. He added, As the president of the football association, I feel a deep sense of responsibility and regret for not meeting the expectations of the public and football fans. After resigning, I will focus on my business and contribute to society.Hong, who sat alongside Jeong, also apologized, saying, I want to express my sincere apologies to the public for not meeting their expectations in the World Cup. He acknowledged, I take full responsibility for not living up to the hopes placed in the national team and will share the facts as I know them without evasion.He also expressed remorse towards the players, stating, I want to convey my gratitude and apologies to the players who fought until the end despite the difficult circumstances. I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for not being able to reward their efforts. I will take the significance of this occasion seriously and will listen carefully to the questions and respond sincerely.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 11:52
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KFA Hearing Faces Backlash as Officials Deny Favoritism The National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee is facing intense criticism over a hearing aimed at addressing various administrative issues and allegations of favoritism in the appointment of coaches within the Korea Football Association (KFA). The lack of accountability from KFA officials and the inadequate questioning by lawmakers have sparked outrage among netizens.During the hearing, lawmakers questioned the so-called Korea University cartel within the KFA. One committee member raised their voice, asking KFA President Chung Mong-kyu, Have you heard of the Korea University cartel? You, the head of the association, and the coach are both from Korea University. There are claims that if you are not from Korea University, you cant even step into the association.In response, President Chung denied the cartel allegations, stating, Out of the 25 mens national team coaches I appointed, only one was from Korea University, and there were no Korea University graduates among the more than 20 women’s national team coaches I appointed.However, he later remarked, If we had reached the Round of 16 in the World Cup, this hearing would not have even taken place, which left attendees and viewers stunned. This comment trivialized the core issue of procedural fairness and administrative dysfunction, reducing it to mere complaints about game outcomes.Additionally, the explanation provided by coach Hong Myung-bo regarding his appointment process, which involved meeting the technical director at his home rather than through a formal interview, has also raised concerns.Coach Hong acknowledged, Meeting at my home may appear opaque to the public, but I have never requested any favoritism or benefits. He maintained that there were no procedural issues in his appointment.As he continued to assert that he was selected through a normal process, many criticized him, noting that as the former technical committee chair during the appointment of coach Paulo Bento, he had established a proper system.Netizens watching the hearing in real-time strongly criticized both the KFA officials lack of awareness and the lawmakers superficial questioning.Comments included, The problem is that Choi Young-il and Lee Im-sang pleaded with him to take the position; just because he claims he didnt ask for favoritism doesnt mean it wasnt favoritism, and Its absurd that someone who created the appointment process for Bento didnt realize it was favoritism when it came to his own selection. Others remarked, If we had reached the Round of 16, would this all have been overlooked? and There are too many who think results matter more than processes. But we didnt make it, did we? Its unfortunate to see someone still not grasping what went wrong.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 11:36
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Hyangji Restructures Real Estate Assets to Boost Senior Tech Investments Hyangji Fashion Group is restructuring its major real estate assets in Songdo and Busan to secure investment funds and foster future growth in senior tech and other emerging sectors.On July 30, Hyangji announced its plans for a strategic rebalancing of its real estate holdings. The company aims to enhance the utilization of non-core assets to increase cash liquidity, which will be redirected into new business ventures.The rebalancing includes the Hyangji Global Fashion Complex in Songdo and the Busan Art Mall. The Hyangji Global Fashion Complex spans approximately 64,000 square meters and combines office and retail spaces, located near Incheon University Station.The Busan Art Mall features eight underground floors and 17 above-ground floors, offering a mixed-use lifestyle space for shopping, dining, culture, healthcare, and wedding services. It recently underwent a major renovation to enhance its competitive edge and asset value.Additionally, the Hyangji Square in Saha District, the Hyangji Gaepo Building and Hyangji Gangnam Vision Center in Gangnam District, and land in Yongin and Hwaseong are also included in the efficiency drive.Hyangji has begun selecting a professional advisory firm for asset sales and restructuring. The company expects to secure liquidity worth billions of won through this rebalancing, given the inclusion of key landmark properties.The funds raised will be invested in five key growth areas: wearable robots, physical humanoid clothing, advanced functional materials and smart textiles, global research and development collaboration, and AI-based fashion and distribution platforms, as well as digital transformation and international market expansion.In particular, the company plans to develop senior tech as a core new business, anticipating increased demand due to the aging population. Wearable robots that assist the elderly with mobility and rehabilitation will be positioned as a next-generation growth driver.Previously, Hyangji Robotics, a subsidiary focused on robotics, signed a technology collaboration and exclusive domestic commercialization agreement with Shanghai Zhongshuai Robot Co., Ltd. in China. The two companies had entered into a joint research and development agreement for senior-customized wearable robots in January and are now preparing for domestic distribution and sales.A Hyangji representative stated, We will concentrate the secured investment capacity on five key future growth areas, including wearable robots and smart textiles, to establish a sustainable foundation for next-generation growth.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 10:36
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Ministry of Culture Launches Joint Preparation Team for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games With the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the 5th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games set to begin in September, the South Korean government has initiated preparations to support its athletes.The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the formation of a joint preparation team involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Unification, Anti-Terrorism Center, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Korean Sports Council, and the Korea Paralympic Committee. The first meeting will be held on the 30th.The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, featuring over 15,000 participants from 45 countries. South Korea plans to send more than 1,100 athletes across 41 sports. The Asian Para Games will follow from October 18 to 24, with around 4,000 participants from 45 countries, and South Korea is expected to compete in 18 sports with about 300 athletes.During the initial meeting, the team will comprehensively assess the preparation status and support measures to ensure the athletes performance and safety. Notably, the event will be held across five cooperative zones, including Aichi, Tokyo, and Shizuoka, and will be divided into five areas within Aichi Prefecture, such as Nagoya and Chita. Instead of a single athletes village, accommodations will be spread across containers, cruise ships, and hotels, prompting the preparation team to discuss detailed administrative and medical support based on these regional hubs.Given the anticipated high attendance from the public, the government plans to establish a crisis management and response system to ensure safety during the event.Additionally, the government aims to promote tourism and sports exchanges through the event. The Ministry of Culture will operate a Korea House near Nagoya Port at Live Nagoya to showcase K-Culture and K-Sports, capitalizing on the strong interest in Korean culture in Japan. On October 20, during the Asian Para Games, a sports exchange event titled Korea Night will be held, attended by national Paralympic committees and the Asian Paralympic Committee.Kang Dae-geum, a sports cooperation officer at the Ministry of Culture, stated, We plan to systematically support the national team to ensure they can fully demonstrate their capabilities at the Asian Games and Para Games, while also allowing our citizens to safely enjoy the events by proactively addressing potential issues in collaboration with relevant agencies.On July 2, the Korean Sports Council began implementing measures to protect the rights of its athletes, distributing guidelines on advertising appearances (Rule 40) and competition uniforms and equipment (Rule 50) for those participating in the Asian Games.The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) adheres to the principles of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Charter to protect the commercial value and official sponsorship rights of the Asian Games while ensuring the rights of participants. Consequently, the Sports Council has provided guidelines to help athletes, coaches, sports organizations, sponsors, and non-sponsors comply with complex international regulations.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 10:20
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Hyundai's Chairman Euisun Chung Emphasizes Local R&D and Powertrain Localization in Brazil To secure sustainable long-term business competitiveness, we must strengthen local research and development (R&D) capabilities and actively promote powertrain localization, said Euisun Chung, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, during his visit to the R&D center for South America at Hyundais Brazil plant on July 27 (local time). Chungs visit coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae-myungs state visit, as he accompanied a Korean economic delegation to Brazil.Brazil, the worlds sixth-largest automotive market, serves as a crucial hub for Hyundai in South America, housing both the Hyundai Brazil production facility and the regional headquarters. Since its completion in 2012, the plant has successfully produced 200,000 strategic vehicles for Brazil each year.Following his visit to the R&D center, Chung inspected the production quality of the newly launched compact hatchback i20 and the representative sports utility vehicle (SUV) Creta. He also commended local employees for achieving a cumulative production milestone of 2.5 million vehicles as of March this year.Chung remarked, The record of surpassing 2.5 million vehicles produced in 13 years is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of the employees at the Brazil plant. Brazil is a very important market for Hyundais global operations, and I deeply appreciate the achievements made so far.During his tour of the plant, Chung received operational reports and discussed long-term development strategies in production and sales. He noted, As Brazil faces changes in its industrial environment and new competitive dynamics, there are various challenges and tasks ahead. We will actively support efforts to achieve greater leaps in Brazil at a corporate level.He emphasized the need for all members to prioritize fundamentals and principles while fostering a collaborative culture, aiming to solidify the brands reputation as one that earns trust and affection from customers.Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest a total of $1.1 billion by 2032 in eco-friendly sectors, including hydrogen and future technologies, through its Brazilian subsidiary and local partners. July 30, 2026 09:24
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Tourism Belt to be Established Around Regional Airports as Ministry Launches 'Five Tourism Zones' The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is set to create a tourism zone that connects nearby tourist cities centered around regional international airports. The initiative aims to expand the movement of foreign tourists, currently concentrated in the metropolitan area, to local regions, thereby increasing their length of stay and spending.On July 30, the ministry announced it will conduct a demand survey targeting metropolitan local governments until August 14 to select sites for the tourism zone development project. The ministry plans to finalize the target sites within this year and establish a detailed implementation plan, with concentrated support planned from 2027 to 2030.The tourism zone project is designed to connect multiple regions into a single tourism area based on the actual travel routes of foreign tourists, rather than administrative boundaries. The focus is on creating new travel routes that link surrounding tourist resources to gateway cities with regional international airports, such as Gimhae, Daegu, Cheongju, Muan, and Yangyang.The ministry has determined that the previous approach of attracting foreign tourists on a regional basis has limitations in addressing the concentration of visitors in the metropolitan area. Therefore, it has designed policies to expand local stay-type tourism by integrating airports, transportation networks, and tourism content.Selected tourism zones will receive financial support, regulatory exemptions, and assistance with artificial intelligence (AI) pilot projects. The goal is to reduce inconveniences throughout the travel process, from the initial awareness of the region to entry, transportation, accommodation, and experiences, thereby enhancing local tourism competitiveness.A tourism zone selection committee composed of private experts will determine the target sites. The committee will comprehensively review proposals submitted by metropolitan local governments, along with data on the movement of inbound tourists and their stay and spending characteristics, to select tourism zones for each regional international airport.On the same day, the ministry held a briefing at the Government Sejong Center for metropolitan local governments to explain the project direction and the demand survey process.“It is important to create an environment where foreign tourists can enjoy diverse travel experiences beyond the metropolitan area,” said Kang Jeong-won, head of the ministrys tourism policy division. “We will work with local governments to discover competitive tourism zones and establish a foundation for the growth of local tourism.”* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 08:44
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Glen Hansard of 'Once' Dies in Motorcycle Accident at Age 56 Irish singer-songwriter and actor Glen Hansard, known for the film Once, has died at the age of 56. According to reports from BBC and other outlets, Hansard passed away on July 29 in a motorcycle accident in Dublin, Ireland. ATC Management, his music management company, announced, It is with great sadness that we inform you of Glen Hansards passing due to a traffic accident in Dublin early this morning. The statement continued, His family is in shock and mourning, and they ask for privacy during this difficult time. Irish and British media reported that Dublin police are seeking witnesses to the single-vehicle motorcycle accident that occurred on Lucan Road in west Dublin. Born in April 1970 in Dublin, Hansard was a busker-turned-musician. He formed the rock band The Frames and appeared in the 1991 musical film The Commitments. Hansard gained international fame in 2007 for his role in the musical film Once, alongside Czech singer Markéta Irglová. Their collaborative project, The Swell Season, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly at the 80th Academy Awards. Once was also well-received in South Korea, where Hansard and Irglová performed multiple concerts. Their 2009 concert in Seoul attracted 2,784 attendees at the Sejong Center. In the 2010s, Hansard continued his solo career, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album for his 2015 release Didn’t He Ramble. Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland, expressed his condolences on X, stating, He was a talented musician and actor who made significant contributions to Irish culture over the years. He is survived by his wife, poet Myra Sweeney, and their son.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 08:08
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Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee Aims to Transform Daye Library into a Creative Hub for Citizens Han Dae-hee, the mayor of Gunpo City, is accelerating efforts to enhance citizen-centered cultural infrastructure with the reopening of the newly renovated Daye Library. Mayor Han expressed his intention to make Daye Library a creative hub where all citizens can gather and communicate. On July 27, he held a reopening ceremony at Daye Library, attended by city and provincial council members, local leaders, and citizens. The event included a progress report, speeches, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the librarys new beginning. After approximately three months of renovations, Daye Library has been upgraded to better serve the public, transforming from a simple reading space into a multifaceted cultural venue that integrates reading, culture, and communication. Mayor Han emphasized, Libraries are no longer just quiet places for reading; they are cultural spaces where people of all ages can learn and interact together. Following the reopening ceremony, a variety of programs took place, including a performance by the classical guitar duo Arc, free magazine giveaways, and a raffle, all of which received positive responses from attendees. Citizens who attended shared their thoughts, stating, The library has become much brighter and more pleasant, making it a space where I want to spend more time, and I look forward to reading with my children and enjoying cultural events here. I hope it develops into a community cultural space where residents can naturally meet and communicate. Meanwhile, Mayor Han stated, We will continue to expand spaces where citizens can enjoy books and culture in their daily lives and come together. He added, I will do my best to ensure that Daye Library becomes a representative cultural platform for Gunpo.* This article has been translated by AI. July 29, 2026 22:04
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Vietnam Considers Limiting Online Gaming for Children to 60 Minutes Daily Vietnam is moving forward with a proposal to limit online gaming time for children under 16 to just 60 minutes per day. Current regulations allow users under 18 to play for up to 180 minutes daily, but the new amendment aims to reduce the total gaming time for those under 16 to just one hour. While there is significant support for this child protection measure, questions remain about how age verification and the management of overseas gaming will be handled.According to reports from Vietnamese media, including VnExpress, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourisms Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information is gathering opinions on the proposed amendment to the 2024 Decree No. 147 regarding internet management and usage. The amendment focuses on limiting online gaming time for users under 16 to a maximum of 60 minutes per day, while also introducing health impact warnings and age-based game classification standards.The details of the amendment were discussed during a public consultation meeting held on the afternoon of July 23. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, deputy director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, clarified that the new regulation will not calculate gaming time separately for each game. She stated, “The new regulation means that regardless of whether children play one game or multiple games, they can only play for 60 minutes in total.”Under the current Decree No. 147, users under 18 can play a maximum of 60 minutes per game, but their total gaming time cannot exceed 180 minutes per day. In simpler terms, while children can currently play multiple games for up to three hours a day, the proposed amendment would limit those under 16 to just one hour of gaming, regardless of the game.Reasons for Reducing Time from Three Hours to OneThe authorities believe that the existing regulations are insufficient for protecting children. Currently, game companies are required to display warnings stating that “playing for more than 180 minutes a day can have negative health effects,” but the regulations do not specify how often or for how long these warnings must be displayed. As a result, some game companies have been criticized for showing warnings for only very brief periods.The amendment aims to address this issue by providing clearer guidelines. Authorities propose that G1 video games display health warnings every 30 minutes for at least 10 seconds, while G2 video games should display warnings for a minimum of 15 seconds. Additionally, new classification standards will categorize games by age group. In the education and technology sectors, some experts argue that a 60-minute limit is not excessive. Zhu Tuan An, a representative from the Aptech programming education system, praised the authorities for adjusting child health protection policies based on reality and public opinion.The gaming industry generally agrees with the intent of the restrictions but calls for further adjustments. La Suan Tang, an online game publishing manager at VNG Games, noted that the 60-minute rule could reduce the negative impacts of video games while still allowing for recreational and stress-relief activities after school. However, he suggested that the daily limit could be increased to 120 minutes on weekends when academic pressures are lower. The industry has also expressed opinions on the warning display methods. VNG Games proposed that health impact warnings should apply uniformly across all game genres and suggested reducing the warning display time from the proposed 10-15 seconds to 5-7 seconds. They also believe that the content of the warning messages should be adjusted to align with the 60-minute limit.Public Opinion: Support with Concerns About EnforcementPublic sentiment leans toward the necessity of restrictions. A survey conducted by VnExpress from July 24 to 31 indicated that, as of 11:25 a.m. on July 29, about 70% of participants believe that childrens gaming time should be limited to less than 60 minutes per day. Approximately 20% prefer that families manage gaming time rather than strict government regulations.Online reactions reflect both support and concerns. One user expressed, “I agree with the 60-minute limit, but I wonder how it will be effectively managed,” questioning whether children might switch to overseas games if the regulations only apply to domestic publishers. This highlights concerns about the scope and enforcement of the regulations.Some voices are calling for even stricter limits. One user suggested a maximum of 30 minutes per day, while another stated, “Games should be for fun, not a waste of time competing.” Concerns about gaming addiction were also raised, with one user noting that excessive gaming can affect not only teenagers but also adults, citing examples of peers who play late into the night, impacting family life. This user emphasized that gaming time can influence personal lives and relationships.Conversely, some argue that restrictions may only heighten childrens curiosity. One user claimed that allowing children to play freely could lead to diminished interest over time, stating, “What is forbidden only makes children more curious, leading to secret gaming and potentially negative outcomes.” Questions about the effectiveness of enforcement also arose, with one user asking, “How will this be managed?” Another pointed out, “The issue is how to verify if a child is under 16. If there are time limits, children could easily lie about their age. How will this be managed?”* This article has been translated by AI. July 29, 2026 19:52
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Korea's Communications Commission to Impose Fines Up to 6% for Illegal Spam Violations Businesses that send illegal spam or fail to comply with spam prevention obligations will face fines of up to 6% of their related revenue, depending on the severity of the violation.The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) announced on July 29 that it has prepared a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection and a draft of the guidelines for imposing penalties for violations related to the transmission of advertising information.This amendment follows the revision of the Information and Communications Network Act in March. It categorizes violations related to illegal spam into three levels of severity: very serious, serious, and normal, and imposes fines ranging from 1% to 6% of the related revenue based on the level of violation.The fines will be calculated considering factors such as intent, negligence, the degree and type of violation, and the scale of damage. In cases where it is difficult to determine the related revenue, a fixed penalty ranging from 100 million to 2 billion won may be imposed.The obligations of information and communications service providers to prevent illegal spam will also be strengthened. If a service is misused for sending illegal spam, providers must immediately stop the transmission of advertising information, restrict service use, and take necessary actions such as terminating contracts with the sender.Additionally, businesses that outsource the transmission of advertising information for profit without obtaining transmitter qualification certification from bulk SMS providers will face fines of up to 30 million won, depending on the number of violations.The amendment to the enforcement decree and guidelines is expected to be announced and implemented in October after going through legislative notice, review by the Ministry of Government Legislation, and approval by the Cabinet.Meanwhile, the KCC held a meeting on the same day and accepted the Seoul Administrative Courts recommendation for mediation, canceling the appointment of Kim Seong-gun as a provisional director of the Korea Broadcasting Culture Promotion Association, which was made by the former Korea Communications Commission in August 2023. The KCC explained that with the confirmation of the cancellation of Director Kwon Tae-seons dismissal, it found no benefit in maintaining the appointment of Kim Seong-gun as a provisional director based on that premise.* This article has been translated by AI. July 29, 2026 18:12
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1500 Years of Friendship Between Chungnam Province and Nara Prefecture Highlighted at Cultural Seminar Chungnam Province and Japans Nara Prefecture are continuing their 1500-year relationship, rooted in the exchanges between Baekje and ancient Japan, through future cooperation centered on world heritage.On July 29, Chungnam Province, in collaboration with the Chungnam History and Culture Research Institute, held the 2026 Korea-Japan Cultural Seminar at the Lotte Resort in Buyeo, focusing on the theme of Baekje and the Ancient Capital of Japan.Approximately 250 attendees participated in the seminar, including Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun, Nara Governor Yamashita Makoto, and Buyeo County Mayor Lee Yong-woo, along with cultural heritage experts from both domestic and international backgrounds.The seminar aimed to reexamine the historical exchanges between Baekje and ancient Japan, as reflected in Chungnams Baekje Historic Areas and Naras Asuka and Fujiwara Ancient Capitals, while exploring future uses of world heritage and cooperation in culture and tourism.In the first lecture, Professor Seo Jeong-seok from Kongju National University stated, Baekje was an ancient state that led peace and development in East Asia, highlighting the heritage that remains in the Baekje Historic Areas in Gongju and Buyeo.He further explained the historical significance of the Baekje Historic Areas and the implications of its designation as a world heritage site.Takahumi Yamada, a coordinator from Naras World Heritage Office, introduced the world heritage sites in Nara and the recent designation process and significance of the Asuka and Fujiwara Ancient Capitals.Professor Aihara Yoshiyuki from Nara University presented the 19 sites that make up the Asuka and Fujiwara Ancient Capitals, describing them as important archaeological sites that illustrate the formation of Japans first ancient state based on active exchanges with the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese mainland.Following the lectures, a discussion was held, moderated by Lee Gwi-young, head of the National Heritage Promotion Agency, featuring Governor Park, Governor Yamashita, and the speakers. Participants broadly discussed the future value of world heritage, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the activation of night tourism, sustainable cultural exchanges, and the development of joint content.Since signing a friendship cooperation agreement in 2011, Chungnam Province and Nara Prefecture have maintained exchanges in various fields, including culture, education, and tourism.This year marks the 15th anniversary of the agreement, and both regions plan to expand academic exchanges, cultural and tourism cooperation, and joint content development centered on world heritage, setting an example of local diplomacy.Governor Park stated, Chungnam Province and Nara Prefecture, sharing a historical bond through world heritage, will become even stronger partners, adding, I hope this seminar serves as a catalyst for mutual development between the two regions and strengthens the ties between Korea and Japan.He emphasized, World heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is a living force that will shape the future of both Korea and Japan, and expressed a commitment to writing a new chapter in history based on their shared values of world heritage.* This article has been translated by AI. July 29, 2026 18:12