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Lotte Duty Free Expands K-Product Offerings with Kimchi and Jeju Souvenirs Lotte Duty Free is targeting foreign tourists by promoting K-food and local souvenirs.On October 26, Lotte Duty Free announced the opening of new stores featuring Korean food and tourist souvenirs at Gimpo Airport and Jeju Island. Both stores began operations on October 23.The Pulmuone brand store at Gimpo Airport offers a variety of K-food products, including kimchi, seaweed, and soups. Notable items include Savory Perilla Oil Stir-Fried Kimchi, Chopped Jeolla-style Kimchi, Straightforward Beef Bone Soup, and Spicy Beef Radish Soup.The kimchi and soup products are designed for easy transport, with individual items weighing around 500 grams. Gift sets featuring Pulmuone kimchi, Olgahol Foods sandwich wafers, sesame oil, and perilla oil are also available.Pulmuone aims to expand its presence among airport travelers and plans to enter other airport duty-free shops.Lotte Duty Free has previously expanded its K-food offerings by incorporating domestic brands such as Lotte Hotel Kimchi, ARIH, and Seza Coffee.At the Jeju store, Lotte Duty Free introduced the K-SOUVENIR brand store from the Korea Tourism Organization. This store, the first of its kind in the duty-free industry, sells 21 award-winning items from the 2026 Korea Tourism Contest souvenir category.Featured products include Jeju Flower Mel Jeot Powder, Jeju Stone Doorstop, Roaring Sticker Pack, and Gamtai Dessert Set. Among these, the Roaring Sticker Pack and Gamtai Dessert Set received the newly established Lotte Duty Free CEO Award this year.Lotte Duty Free participated as a sponsor in this years Korea Tourism Contest to support the discovery of excellent tourist souvenirs. By connecting award-winning products to actual duty-free sales, the company aims to broaden distribution opportunities for domestic tourism products.The K-SOUVENIR store will operate until December 13. From October 29 to November 15, customers who purchase over $10 worth of Korean tourism souvenirs will receive a 5,000 won Jeju local currency voucher, Tamna Jeon.A Lotte Duty Free representative stated, We are continuously supporting product discovery and entry to establish duty-free shops as a distribution channel connecting excellent domestic brands with global tourists. We will continue to introduce competitive Korean representative products and create opportunities for growth alongside brands.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 15 -
300 Talented Singers to Compete at the 2026 Yeongam Wolchulsan Moonlight Music Festival Hidden singing talents from across the country will compete at the base of Wolchulsan Mountain in Yeongam, South Korea. As the autumn chrysanthemums bloom, the festival combines music and tourism, drawing attention to Yeongam as a cultural venue for late fall.Yeongam County announced on October 26 that it will host the 2026 Yeongam Wolchulsan Moonlight Music Festival on November 7 at the outdoor performance venue of Wolchulsan Gichan Land.This festival is a competition for amateur singers from across the nation, designed for local residents and tourists to enjoy the performances together.In particular, it is planned to coincide with the Chrysanthemum Festival, providing music performances and various experiences for visitors, thereby boosting local tourism in the fall.Interest in the competition is high.According to Yeongam County, over 300 participants have registered from various regions across the country. With contestants from diverse age groups, anticipation for the finals is growing.The competition will be divided into youth and adult categories.Through preliminary evaluations, 20 finalists—10 from the youth category and 10 from the adult category—will be selected by October 30.The finalists will showcase their singing talents starting at 3 p.m. on November 7 at the outdoor venue of Wolchulsan Gichan Land.This event is distinct from traditional music performances, as it allows general participants to take center stage.By separating the youth and adult categories, the competition aims to provide young participants with stage experience and give adult contestants a chance to showcase their talents.Special performances by invited singers will also be featured on the main stage.Singers Min Kyung-hoon and Kim Na-young are scheduled to perform, attracting interest not only from contestants but also from tourists attending the event.The venue will also include music relaxation areas, experience spaces, and food markets.Yeongam County plans to enhance the connection between the Chrysanthemum Festival and the music performances, allowing tourists to enjoy autumn flowers and participate in cultural programs.This festival, set against the backdrop of Wolchulsan, is noteworthy for combining natural scenery with cultural arts.It is expected to encourage tourists visiting Yeongam in the fall to engage in various cultural events beyond just viewing the chrysanthemum festival, thereby increasing their stay.The key to revitalizing local tourism lies in connecting visitors to multiple event venues and encouraging spending in local businesses.Through this music festival, Yeongam County aims to provide cultural enjoyment opportunities for local residents while promoting Yeongams autumn tourism resources to outside visitors.Kim Cheol, head of the Yeongam County Culture and Arts Department, expressed gratitude for the interest and participation from across the country, stating, We will do our best to prepare the event so that tourists visiting Yeongam can enjoy the beauty of Wolchulsan while experiencing music and autumn flowers.The 2026 Yeongam Wolchulsan Moonlight Music Festival will take place on November 7 at 3 p.m. at the outdoor venue of Wolchulsan Gichan Land. The 20 finalists will be determined after preliminary evaluations on October 30, and the event will feature special performances by Min Kyung-hoon and Kim Na-young, along with experience and food programs.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 15
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Hong Ra-hee Receives National Medal of Honor for 40 Years of Philanthropy Hong Ra-hee, honorary director of the Leeum Museum, received the National Medal of Honor this year. Her contributions, which began with volunteer work in a Hansens village in 1980, have expanded over 40 years to include donations of cultural heritage and support for pediatric cancer and rare disease patients.On October 26, Samsung reported that Hong was also awarded the Red Cross Gold Medal in 2024.Following the passing of her husband, the late Lee Kun-hee, Hong has engaged in significant social contributions alongside his family. In 2021, Lee donated over 23,000 artworks he had collected throughout his life to the state and allocated 1 trillion won to the medical sector.The donated items include national treasures such as Jeong Seon’s Inwangjesaekdo and works by prominent domestic and international artists. Since 2021, the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art have held 35 exhibitions of the KH Collection, attracting a cumulative audience of 3.5 million. Since November of last year, a special overseas tour has been underway, connecting the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the British Museum. This marks the first large-scale special exhibition of Korean art at the British Museum in 42 years, since 1984.During the planning of the touring exhibitions, Hong collaborated with art community figures and supported the inclusion of key works from the Leeum and Hoam Art Museums. She attended events at the Smithsonian and the British Museum alongside her family to promote Korean art.In the medical field, 300 billion won of the 1 trillion won donation has been allocated for the treatment and research of pediatric cancer and rare diseases. Based on this, the Lee Kun-hee Pediatric Cancer and Rare Disease Support Project was launched, benefiting approximately 28,000 patients to date. The remaining 700 billion won is being invested in building a central infectious disease hospital and expanding research facilities for treatments and vaccines, contributing to the national infectious disease response system. In 2024, Hong visited Seoul National University Childrens Hospital to encourage patients and their families.Hongs philanthropic efforts began much earlier. In 1980, after learning about the struggles of Hansens disease patients during a lecture by the womens volunteer group Bul-i-hui, she established a connection with the Seong Lazarus Village in Uiwang. Starting the following year, she visited the village with sugar and daily necessities, continuing to deliver food and medical supplies annually. On January 9, the birthday of the late Lee Kun-hee, she provided food for the residents to last a year and contributed to improving living conditions, including restroom renovations.Her relationship with the Red Cross spans 36 years. She began her involvement in 1990 as a special advisory member for womens volunteer activities and worked as a sales clerk at Red Cross bazaars for over a decade. Since 2001, she has made regular donations and became a founding member of the Red Cross Honors Club in 2016. Last year, she joined the Red Cross Honors 1 Billion Club and donated 500 million won for mobile shower units for disaster victims and relief workers.Hong has also supported youth and vulnerable groups. She donated 1 billion won to the Youth Happiness Foundation to assist at-risk youth with temporary protection, psychological counseling, and vocational training. Additionally, she contributed 355 million won to the Yongsan Welfare Foundation to help vulnerable groups with heating and living expenses. She supports initiatives like Friends of Love for vulnerable children and youth and Shoulder to Shoulder for North Korean children, and participates in preserving traditional Buddhist culture and social welfare projects in the religious community. October 26, 2026 15
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Professor Lee Hae-jung Receives Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Academic Award for Contributions to National Nutrition Research The Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation announced on October 26 that it held the 34th Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Academic Award Ceremony in collaboration with the Korean Nutrition Society on October 23 at Seoul Dragon City.Professor Lee Hae-jung of Gachon University was selected as the award recipient for her contributions to research aimed at improving public health and establishing national nutrition research infrastructure. Ham Young-jun, chairman of the Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation, presented her with a plaque and a cash prize of 30 million won.Professor Lee has led efforts to establish the National Health and Nutrition Survey system and enhance the nutrition database for the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. She has also driven academic and industrial achievements through human application trials of traditional foods and functional materials, as well as research projects on precision nutrition based on artificial intelligence and gut microbiomes. Currently a full member of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, Professor Lee has published 185 SCI(E)-level papers and holds 16 domestic and international patents.The Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation established the academic award in 2009 to recognize researchers who contribute to the advancement of the food industry and improvement of dietary habits. This year, the awards scope has been expanded to include the Korean Nutrition Society, in addition to the Korean Society of Food Science and Technology and the Korean Society of Food and Nutrition, making it one of the three major academic societies in the food and nutrition field. With this latest award, the total number of recipients has reached 34.In addition to the academic award, the foundation also operates a research funding program. Since supporting three researchers with a total of 225 million won in 2013, it has provided a total of 14.1 billion won to 92 researchers to date.A representative from the Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation stated, We continue to promote academic exchange and research activities to broaden the base of the food and nutrition field. We will also continue to support the development and competitiveness of the domestic food and nutrition academic community.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 14
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Nongshim Collaborates with LA Chef to Reinterpret Shin Ramyeon with Two New Dishes Nongshim has unveiled special dishes featuring Shin Ramyeon in collaboration with a renowned Korean restaurant in Los Angeles.The company announced on October 26 that it participated in the 101 Best Restaurants in L.A. event held from October 23 to 24 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.101 Best Restaurants in L.A. is a culinary event organized annually by the Los Angeles Times, showcasing 101 representative local restaurants. It attracts local chefs, restaurant representatives, and food media. Nongshim was the only Korean food company to participate in this years event.Nongshim set up a booth to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Shin Ramyeon and introduced two dishes developed in collaboration with Perilla LA, a Korean restaurant that has been recognized among the top 101 restaurants by the Los Angeles Times for four consecutive years from 2023 to this year.Chef Jihee Kim of Perilla LA contributed to the menu development. The dishes include Shin Ramyeon Original with Octopus and Slow Roasted Tomato, which pairs Shin Ramyeon with octopus and slowly roasted tomatoes, and Shin Ramyeon Rose with Burrata and Seaweed, which adds burrata cheese and seaweed to the Shin Ramyeon rose.Both dishes highlight the unique spiciness and umami of Shin Ramyeon while incorporating various ingredients like seafood and cheese. Nongshim provided visitors at the event with the opportunity to sample these collaborative dishes.Chef Jihee Kim expressed, I feel honored to reinterpret Shin Ramyeon, which is my personal soul food, with the unique touch of Perilla LA. From the Shin Ramyeon with octopus and slow-roasted tomatoes that brings out deep umami flavors to the Shin Ramyeon rose enhanced with burrata cheese and seaweed for maximum creaminess, we aimed to present a familiar yet novel culinary experience.In addition to the tasting area, Nongshim operated a photo zone featuring a large Shin Ramyeon package and a 40th-anniversary sculpture. The booth, decorated with a Korean ambiance, aimed to promote Shin Ramyeon to local consumers, chefs, and industry representatives.A Nongshim representative stated, This was a meaningful opportunity to showcase the new culinary possibilities of Shin Ramyeon through collaboration with renowned local chefs. We will continue to highlight the appeal of Shin Ramyeon as it blends with diverse food cultures around the world.Meanwhile, Shin Ramyeon, launched in 1986, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and is exported to over 100 countries, with cumulative sales reaching 20 trillion won and total sales of 42.5 billion units.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 14
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CJ CheilJedang Promotes Bibigo at First Korean Food Festival CJ CheilJedang has taken steps to promote its global K-food brand, Bibigo, highlighting the competitiveness of Korean cuisine.The company announced on October 26 that it participated in the 2026 Korean Food Festival, held from October 23 to 25 at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. This years inaugural festival was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Food Promotion Institute to celebrate Korean Food Day, designated as October 24.CJ CheilJedang set up an experiential booth themed Iconic Korean Flavor, Bibigo. The booth showcased a variety of products, including dumplings, kimchi, cooked rice, ramen, K-sauces, and frozen gimbap, and offered tasting programs for visitors. Attendees also participated in a ddakji event, where they received samples of new products Bibigo Kimnacho and Gim Popcorn.Notably, CJ CheilJedang was the only participating company to present at the Korean Food Conference. Kim Suk-jin, head of the Food Marketing Division at CJ CheilJedang, shared insights on Branding Korean Cuisine in the Global Market, discussing Bibigos growth and branding strategies. The subsequent discussion focused on sustainable growth strategies for K-food.A representative from CJ CheilJedang stated, It is meaningful to participate in an event celebrating Korean Food Day through our leading K-food brand, Bibigo. The representative added, CJ CheilJedang will continue to enhance the global status of Korean cuisine through differentiated K-food products and content.Meanwhile, Korean Food Day, designated as an official commemorative day this year, was first celebrated on October 23, 2013, with a private ceremony held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 13
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Despite Rainy Weather, This Year's Hwasun Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival Draws Large Crowds The Dolmen Autumn Flower Festival held in Hwasun County, Gwangju, has gained significant popularity. Running from October 16 to 25, the festival took place over ten days at the Hwasun Dolmen site. This years festival, themed A Thousand-Year Story Along the Flower Path, showcased the historical value of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolmen, vibrant autumn floral displays, and popular cultural content, attracting families and younger visitors despite the inclement weather. To enhance budget efficiency and promote community unity, the traditional opening ceremony was omitted, and a Citizens Day event was held on the festivals first day. Additionally, visitors received a full refund of the 5,000 won admission fee in Hwasun Love gift certificates, encouraging spending within the local economy and amplifying the festivals impact. Notably, the Dolmen Universe (DM·DolMen) content, which highlights the historical identity of the dolmens, attracted attention. In Jjangdol Village, various prehistoric experiences were offered, including Bronze Age costume and game experiences, hunting, jewelry making, dolmen naming, and a soap-making workshop, which were particularly popular among children and students. Chunsik Village, featuring popular Kakao Friends characters, presented a large air balloon photo zone and Chunsik History Road, providing unique attractions and enjoyment that resonated with families and younger generations. In the Dogok Dolmen Grass Plaza, four themed gardens were created, including a dinosaur-themed childrens garden, showcasing a variety of flowers and chrysanthemum sculptures. Alongside a chrysanthemum bonsai exhibition, a hands-on program allowed visitors to plant chrysanthemums. In the Chunyang area, an animal garden and childrens playground were established for family enjoyment. Every weekend, diverse themed DM concerts, abundant food stalls, and comfortable resting areas contributed to a festival atmosphere that appealed to all generations. Although the festival has concluded, Hwasun County plans to keep the five themed gardens open for free until November 15 for continued autumn flower displays. Hwasun County Mayor Lim Ji-rak stated, This year, we modernly reinterpreted the value of the UNESCO World Heritage dolmens and added enriching experiences and attractions, resulting in a large number of visitors. We will continue to develop differentiated festival content that connects Hwasuns unique historical and cultural resources with nature.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 13
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Jeon Hyun-hee Proposes Social Security Basic Law to Address Welfare Gaps Jeon Hyun-hee, a member of the National Assemblys Political Affairs Committee, proposed a revision to the Social Security Basic Law on October 26 to address everyday difficulties faced by citizens and to eliminate welfare gaps.During a press conference at the National Assemblys communication center, Jeon explained, This amendment, known as the Just Dream 3 Laws, aims to solidify the legal foundation of the Just Dream initiative being expanded nationwide by the Lee Jae-myung government. It seeks to establish a legal basis for basic living support services that go beyond food assistance to include alleviating daily inconveniences and providing outreach support.Jeon emphasized that the amendment complements the current welfare system, which requires complex application procedures, and includes provisions for expanding the scope of social services to cover food and daily living needs, support for food and essential goods, alleviation of daily inconveniences, delivery and visitation support, and prevention of social isolation.She outlined three key directions for the smooth implementation of the amendment. First, we will launch the Just Dream service to ensure that hungry citizens receive necessary food and essential goods. Additionally, through Just Help, we will reduce daily inconveniences for single-person households and vulnerable groups, Jeon stated. With Just Deliver, we will provide food and essential goods to citizens living in food deserts and those in need.Jeon also shared her motivation for proposing the amendment, stating, During my campaign for the Seoul mayoral election, I promised to create a society where individuals like Jean Valjean do not resort to stealing food. Although I could not fulfill that promise at the time, I am committed to keeping my promise to the citizens.She concluded, What we aim to achieve with this amendment is everyday welfare. We will lower the barriers to welfare and create a society where no one has to endure suffering alone. October 26, 2026 12
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Increased Participation of Farmers in Eco-Friendly Agriculture Policies Farmers, experts, and consumer groups will have increased participation in the establishment of eco-friendly agriculture policies. The government will designate eco-friendly agriculture support centers to assist farmers with technical and management challenges, and it will have the authority to issue corrective orders against online advertisements that mislead consumers into believing uncertified products are eco-friendly.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that a revised eco-friendly agriculture law will be promulgated on the 27th, with implementation set for April 22, 2027.The revision mandates the establishment of an Eco-Friendly Agriculture Development Committee to review eco-friendly agriculture policies. This committee aims to incorporate the opinions of farmers, experts, and consumer groups, which were previously determined mainly through internal discussions within the ministry.The committee will consist of up to 25 members, including two co-chairs from the government and the private sector. It will review major policies related to the establishment and modification of eco-friendly agriculture promotion plans, performance evaluations, productivity enhancement strategies, and improvements to certification systems.Legal grounds have also been established for the designation of eco-friendly agriculture support centers. These centers will be designated from institutions or organizations with specialized personnel and facilities to provide on-site support for the technical and managerial difficulties faced by eco-friendly farmers.Procedures for certifying organic products will be improved, including the appeals process. The period for requesting a re-examination of certification results will be extended from the current 7 days to within 30 days, and applicants will be notified of the results within 14 days.Regulations against misleading and exaggerated online advertisements have also been clarified. The government will be able to issue orders to stop, correct, or delete advertisements that mislead consumers into thinking uncertified products are certified. Legal grounds for penalties will be established for those who fail to comply with these orders without just cause.Measures to expand the use of eco-friendly certified products in public meals have also been included. Institutions operating collective meal services established by central and local governments will be included in the priority purchase list for eco-friendly agricultural products, thereby broadening market access for eco-friendly producers.Lee Si-hye, Director of Agricultural Industry Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, “This legal amendment will strengthen the systematic development and on-site support for eco-friendly agriculture. Through the Eco-Friendly Agriculture Development Committee and support centers, we will ensure that farmers voices are reflected in policies and that unfair practices such as unjustified certification cancellations and misleading advertisements are carefully addressed.”* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 11
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Livestock Disease Compensation Cap Increased to 90%; Full Payment for First Reporters The cap on compensation for livestock disposal due to disease outbreaks will increase from 80% to 90% of the livestocks assessed value. Farms that are the first to report major livestock diseases will be eligible for compensation of up to 100% of the assessed value. A new system for animal quarantine officers will also be introduced to strengthen border quarantine and on-site disease prevention efforts.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that the amendments to the Livestock Disease Prevention Act will be published on the 27th.The revised law aims to enhance the effectiveness of the current system, which allows for the reduction of compensation for farms that violate quarantine obligations. If a farm is recognized for its first reporting or active disease prevention efforts, the reduction in compensation can be alleviated. Previously, even with such recognition, the final compensation could not exceed 80% of the assessed value.Under the new regulations, the final compensation cap will be raised to 90%. Farms that first report major livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), and African swine fever will be eligible for compensation of up to 100% of the assessed value. Specific diseases and reporting criteria will be defined in subordinate legislation.The Ministry aims to encourage voluntary reporting and participation in disease prevention among farmers, supporting early detection of livestock diseases and preventing their spread, while also stabilizing farm management.A new system for animal quarantine officers will be established to assist animal quarantine officials. With the increase in international trade and travel, the demand for animal and livestock product quarantine has risen, but the number of veterinarians responsible for quarantine duties has not kept pace, leading to increased burdens on the field. In fact, the volume of quarantine work has more than doubled from 497,000 cases in 2015 to 1.04 million cases in 2025.According to the revised law, the Animal Quarantine and Inspection Agency will be able to hire and assign animal quarantine officers. These officers will perform designated tasks such as livestock product quarantine and entry/exit reporting and disinfection under the guidance and supervision of animal quarantine officials. However, animal quarantine requiring veterinary judgment will continue to be handled by licensed veterinarians.The Ministry plans to reduce the workload of quarantine personnel and enhance specialized quarantine capabilities to prevent the entry of foreign livestock diseases.Support for the Livestock Hygiene and Quarantine Support Headquarters, which is responsible for on-site disease prevention, will also be established. Both the national and local governments will be able to support not only the costs of existing statutory projects but also the operational expenses of the quarantine headquarters. Additionally, individuals who have visited or transited through countries with livestock disease outbreaks will be clearly included among those required to report and undergo disinfection and quarantine measures.The revised law will take effect six months after its announcement. The provisions regarding the compensation cap will apply only to cases that arise after the law comes into effect. The Ministry will prepare subordinate legislation outlining the compensation payment criteria, initial reporting procedures, and the qualifications and scope of duties for animal quarantine officers before implementation.Lee Dong-sik, head of the Ministrys Quarantine Policy Bureau, stated, “This amendment allows us to increase the compensation cap for livestock disposal, thereby strengthening rewards for farms that actively participate in disease prevention. We will also enhance border quarantine and on-site disease prevention capabilities through the introduction of the animal quarantine officer system and the establishment of support for the Livestock Hygiene and Quarantine Support Headquarters.”* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 11
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Hwachun County Council Engages with Residents at Local Night Markets and Festivals The Hwachun County Council in Gangwon Province has been actively engaging with residents at local night markets and cultural and sports events while observing festival operations in other regions. The council is sharing details about the attending members and their purposes through press releases and its website.According to the Hwachun County Council, members recently attended the Hwachun Town Night Market, the Gangwon Happiness Concert, the County Sports Association Park Golf Tournament, and an alumni event at Pungsan Elementary School. They also explored food sales, experience programs, and tourist facilities at the Wonju Dumpling Festival.Chairperson Jo Woong-hee, along with council members Kim Dong-wan, Kim Myung-jin, Park Jin-cheon, and Choi Ho-ki, participated in the Wonju Dumpling Festival. They examined the events layout and program operations, seeking ideas to incorporate into Hwachun Countys festivals.On October 23, at the Hwachun Forestry Cooperative parking lot, Chairperson Jo and Vice Chairperson Lee Sun-hee, along with council members Kim Dong-wan, Kim Eun-kyung, Park Jin-cheon, and Choi Ho-ki, attended the Hwachun Town Residents Committee Night Market to encourage residents and vendors.Visits to external festivals and local night markets reflect a shared interest in attracting tourists and expanding consumer spending through food offerings. The councils observations included not only sales within the festival grounds but also how to connect with surrounding businesses, providing insights for future tourism and local economic policies.The council also met with residents at cultural and sports events. On October 24, at the Hwachun Youth Training Center, Chairperson Jo, Vice Chairperson Lee, and council members Park Jin-cheon and Choi Ho-ki attended the Gangwon Happiness Concert, encouraging participants and enjoying the performances.On the same day, at the opening ceremony of the County Sports Association Park Golf Tournament held at the Sain Park Golf Course, Chairperson Jo, Vice Chairperson Lee, and council members Kim Myung-jin, Kim Eun-kyung, Park Jin-cheon, and Choi Ho-ki gathered to wish success to the participating athletes. They also attended the Pungsan Elementary School Alumni Association Family Unity Event to connect with alumni.Council members visited various locations closely related to residents lives, including commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and community. Council members Park Jin-cheon and Choi Ho-ki attended all five events recently disclosed.The county council operates a dedicated section on its official website for each council member, featuring photo records and press releases. This section indicates the date, location, and participating members, allowing residents to verify individual council activities. By documenting and sharing these visits, the council aims to enhance residents access to information about legislative activities.Chairperson Jo expressed a commitment to focus on attracting tourists using local specialties, revitalizing commerce, promoting cultural and artistic enjoyment in daily life, and supporting healthy leisure activities at each event. He emphasized the significance of events created collaboratively with residents and expressed hope that the bonds and unity among alumni would contribute to community development.During the visit to the Wonju Dumpling Festival, he stated, “We will explore ways to utilize Hwachun Countys tourism resources and local specialties to attract tourists and invigorate the local economy.” At the Gangwon Happiness Concert, he added, “We will pay attention to ensuring that county residents can enjoy various cultural and artistic experiences up close.”* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 10
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Yanggu County Seeks Basic Income Pilot Program with Monthly Payments of $150 Yanggu County in Gangwon Province is pursuing a pilot program for a rural basic income that would provide residents with monthly payments equivalent to 150,000 won (approximately $150) in local gift certificates. A key challenge will be how effectively the county can outline its plans for securing local funding and expanding consumer options in rural areas.According to Yanggu County, a meeting of the administrative council for the rural basic income initiative was held on the 26th in the county halls conference room. The council discussed the project application to be submitted to Gangwon Province on the 29th, along with inter-departmental cooperation.This application process targets 52 counties nationwide that are experiencing population decline, excluding existing participant regions. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to select around 18 new counties. Applications will be accepted until November 3, and Yanggus submission will undergo evaluation by the central government before final selections are made.Yanggus preparation aligns with the governments evaluation criteria. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of resident participation and local government efforts to ensure the projects early establishment. The countys discussions on a dedicated implementation system and resident engagement strategies are seen as responses to these requirements. However, merely forming a council does not guarantee a competitive edge in the selection process.Concrete financial planning is also essential. The government has proposed increasing the national funding rate from 40% to 50% in next years budget. While this aims to reduce the financial burden on local governments, the scale and specifics of the project may vary depending on the National Assemblys budget review outcomes. Prior to the application, discussions on local and provincial funding responsibilities must take place.If the proposed funding structure of 50% national funding and 25% each from provincial and county sources is applied, the annual payment for every 10,000 recipients would total 18 billion won (approximately $18 million), with the countys share amounting to 4.5 billion won (approximately $4.5 million). This calculation is based solely on payment amounts, and the actual costs will depend on the estimated number of recipients and final funding ratios. This is why the county must present plans for securing its share of funding alongside estimating the number of recipients.Expanding consumer options in rural areas is another critical factor for feasibility. If residents receive gift certificates but cannot purchase essential goods and services nearby, it could lead to inconvenience. Plans must be in place to assess the distribution of participating merchants and types of businesses in each township to ensure that the payment amounts translate into increased sales for local businesses.The administrative council is chaired by Deputy County Mayor Jeong Yeong-mi, with Kwon Eun-kyung, head of the Agricultural Technology Center, serving as vice-chair. Ten department heads from relevant offices, including the Planning and Budget Office, the Autonomous Administration Division, and the Social Welfare Division, along with five township mayors, are participating as members.During the meeting, the council will share interim reports from research on project planning, including policy environment analysis, recipient estimates, and preliminary proposals. Discussions will also cover securing funding, establishing dedicated organizations, expanding consumer options in rural areas, and strategies for resident participation. The county plans to incorporate feedback into its proposal, with selection results expected to be announced next month.Chairperson Jeong Yeong-mi stated, The rural basic income initiative is a significant and complex task that requires collaboration across the entire county administration. We will develop a project plan with high feasibility through close cooperation among relevant departments.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
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President Lee Meets with Over 110 Farmers to Discuss Agricultural Issues President Lee Jae-myung will meet with over 110 farmers on October 26 to hear their concerns regarding agricultural issues, including a comprehensive land survey and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).According to the Blue House, the event titled Dialogue with Farmers: The President Will Listen to Farmers Opinions will take place at 2 p.m. at the Blue Houses guesthouse.This marks the first time since 2018 that the president has held a meeting with a large group of farmers. The gathering aims to gather diverse opinions from the agricultural sector and seek solutions together.The event will be divided into three sessions focusing on the land survey, CPTPP, and other agricultural issues. Farmers will have the opportunity to express their views freely, followed by discussions among attendees.Attendees will include over 110 farmers, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, and the chair of the National Assemblys Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, and Fisheries Committee. The Blue House will also be represented by the Chief of Staff, the Policy Chief, the Chief of Listening Integration, the Economic Planning Advisor, and the Chief of Economic Growth.This meeting is expected to address farmers concerns regarding the land survey and the push for CPTPP membership. President Lee previously emphasized the importance of sufficient communication with farmers and instructed relevant ministries not to apply for CPTPP membership within the year. He urged them to prioritize listening to farmers voices and to maintain ongoing dialogue.The Blue House plans to conduct the meeting as a listening-centered session, allowing farmers to express their opinions freely. The entire discussion will be broadcast live on KTV for the public to view.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
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Everland's YouTube Subscribers Surpass 2 Million Everland has expanded its fanbase online, surpassing 2 million subscribers on its official YouTube channel. This milestone comes as the park shares videos of its panda family and K-pop performances, marking a first in the domestic travel and leisure industry.Samsung C&Ts Resort Division announced on October 26 that the Everland YouTube channel reached 2 million subscribers on October 19.Since launching its YouTube communication strategy in 2019, Everland doubled its subscriber count from 1 million, which it achieved in July 2023, earning the YouTube Gold Button in just over three years.Currently, the channel features approximately 3,600 videos with a total of 830 million views.The standout content driving subscriber growth includes videos showcasing the daily lives of the panda family. From Fubao to the recently born Shubao, these videos capturing the growth of baby pandas and their interactions with zookeepers have attracted significant attention from fans both domestically and internationally.In addition to viewing content, subscribers have opportunities to engage directly, such as participating in naming contests for baby pandas and signing up for previews of new content.Collaborations with K-pop artists have also contributed to expanding the subscriber base. This past summer, a water music pool party at Caribbean Bay featured promotional videos of performances by artists like IVE, fromis_9, and RESCENE.Recently, a video series featuring ATEEZ member San, who transformed into a zombie for the fall festival horror theme zone Blood City, garnered 20 million views across YouTube and Instagram.Everland is also increasing its short-form content aimed at users in their teens and twenties, providing essential information about seasonal festivals, ride usage, food offerings, and new products through brief videos.This approach has transformed the YouTube channel from a mere promotional tool into a space where visitors can gather information and enjoy content before their visit.To celebrate surpassing 2 million subscribers, Everland is hosting a comment event until November 1. Among users who leave congratulatory comments on the event video, 100 will be randomly selected to receive 20,000 Som Points each, which can be used like cash at Everland.Additionally, Samsung C&Ts Resort Division operates other channels, including the animal-focused Talking Zoo Pupa TV with 820,000 subscribers and the employee creator channel Titanam with 330,000 subscribers.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 08
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Lotte Department Store to Revamp Jamsil Food Hall into Luxury Dining Space Lotte Department Store is set to completely revamp its food hall at the Jamsil location into a luxury dining space. This renovation of the entire basement food hall marks the first major update in a decade since 2017. Starting October 26, Lotte Department Store announced it will begin renovations on the basement food hall at its Jamsil location. The project will be carried out in phases, with plans to complete a 34,000-square-foot luxury dining specialty hall by the first half of 2028. The renovation will focus on dividing the food hall into two distinct areas based on customer needs: EATS for dining and BUY for purchasing ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and gifts.The EATS area will feature renowned domestic and international gourmet brands, offering exclusive menus and differentiated services available only at the Jamsil location. The aim is to cater to both VIP customers and the diverse culinary demands of foreign tourists. The BUY area will include a premium supermarket showcasing carefully selected high-quality ingredients. The department stores buyers will directly source items such as Korean beef and fruits, with enhanced direct shipping services from producers. A takeout section will allow customers to observe the cooking process of their selected ingredients. The gift section will feature rare international ingredients, collaborations with famous chefs, and limited-edition products for holidays and special occasions. The design of the food hall will be handled by the American design studio Roman and Williams, known for its work on spaces like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Lotte Department Store plans to create a unique luxury dining experience at the Jamsil location through this collaboration. Renovations will be implemented in stages, with the dessert specialty area and premium supermarket set to debut next year, followed by the completion of the dining-focused food space in 2028. Lotte Department Stores decision for this significant investment is driven by the growth potential of the Jamsil commercial district and high demand for food purchases. According to Lotte Department Store, VIP customers at the Jamsil food hall make purchases on an average of 30 days per year. Additionally, over 30,000 housing units are planned for redevelopment in the nearby area.Foreign consumer spending is also rapidly increasing. From January to October 5 of this year, sales from foreign customers at Lotte Town Jamsil doubled compared to the same period last year. Lotte Town Jamsil, which includes the department store and Lotte World Mall, has seen the proportion of sales from customers in North America and Europe rise to 35%. Sales from foreign customers across all food halls and dining areas at Lotte Department Store have also increased by 50% compared to the previous year. The spending of foreign tourists is expanding beyond luxury goods and fashion to include food and dining, highlighting the growing importance of gourmet content. This food hall renovation is also the first step in the overall renovation of the Jamsil main building. Lotte Town Jamsil surpassed annual sales of 3 trillion won for two consecutive years until last year, and Lotte Department Store aims to achieve 4 trillion won in sales this year by enhancing the competitiveness of its key stores. Kim Sang-woo, head of Lotte Department Stores sales division, stated, The renovation of the Jamsil food hall is a project that redefines the competitiveness of department store food halls in line with the status of Jamsil as a representative shopping landmark in Korea. We will present a luxury food hall that offers world-class gourmet content and spatial experiences, continuing the new leap for Lotte Town Jamsil.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 08