Korean government agency news
Photo by Shutterstock
K-Defense to Prepare for the K-Space Era
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration, led by Chief Eom Dong-hwan, hosted the 8th Defense Technology Forum at Seoul National University. The theme was "Current and Future of South Korea's Defense Space Technology," with experts from military agencies, government-funded research institutes, and academia in attendance. DAPA's Future Force Project Director, Senior Official Han Kyung-ho, highlighted that despite launching its military reconnaissance satellite this year, South Korea ranks 10th globally in space technology and aims to enhance civil-military cooperation.
Article Link
Daily Briefing (69th) on Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water Release
On September 18th, fourteen tests were conducted on imported Japanese seafood for radiation, all of which came back negative. Additionally, two vessels that docked at Chiba Port since the last Briefing were tested and found free of radiation. Since January of this year, seventy four ships arriving from places like Chiba Prefecture have been tested for ballast water radiation, and all have passed the tests.
Article Link
Da Nang Immigration Office Starts Issuing Departure Visas
Starting August 15th, the Da Nang Immigration Office in Vietnam began issuing temporary residence extensions for departures, known as "departure visas." Before this, foreigners in Da Nang who lost or damaged their passports had to travel to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City's Immigration Offices for a departure visa. Now, they can conveniently get one right in Da Nang.
Article Link
Photo by U.S. Ministry of Defense
Review of the 2023 Ulchi-Freedom Guardian to Strengthen National Crisis Response
On September 20th, the government hosted a post-review meeting of the 2023 Ulchi-Freedom Guardian, attended by over 150 officials, including Prime Minister Han Deok-soo and provincial governors. The four-day exercise, held from August 21st to 24th, evaluated the nation's preparedness for potential crises. The central agencies presented their findings, including the Ministry of Public Administration and Security overseeing the government's response, the Ministry of National Defense on military exercises, the National Intelligence Service on cyber-terrorism drills, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy on significant drone system development.
Article Link
High Sea Temperature Advisory Lifted for Most Coastal Areas
The National Institute of Fisheries Science announced the discontinuation of the high sea temperature advisory for most coastal regions, excluding a specific section of the southwestern coast. As of September 20th, the sea temperatures for the cleared areas varied between 22.3°C to 26.8°C, while the still alerted regions registered temperatures between 26.5°C to 27.5°C. Predictions hint at a diminished risk of intense heatwaves, with sea temperatures expected to continue downward.
Article Link
Discussion on E-Cigarette Regulation: No Cigarette is Less Harmful
On September 20th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Promotion Institute held a pivotal forum. The gathering revolved around the theme "There's no less harmful cigarette: What's the future of e-cigarette regulations?". Key points included
- an exploration of e-cigarette trends in Korea,
- suggestions for e-cigarette marketing policies and
- a dive into the U.S. tobacco regulatory landscape.
Article Link
Photo by Shutterstock
Revitalizing Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Market for Enhanced Emission Reduction
Aiming for a more dynamic greenhouse gas emission trading arena, the Ministry of Environment is setting its sights on expanding participants and introducing a more comprehensive array of trade offerings. Historically, Korea's emission trading framework struggled with sparse trade activity and sharp price fluctuations, even dipping to unprecedented lows, diminishing its overall effectiveness. The fresh approach invites a broader spectrum of players, from finance establishments to everyday individuals, thereby amplifying the market's influence and scope.
Article Link
Revamping the Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Market
The Ministry of Environment is stepping up, announcing measures to boost the greenhouse gas emission trading market. Past constraints, like few businesses participating and fluctuating prices, are being addressed. This new plan promises a broader, more dynamic market for everyone.
Article Link
France Unveils Final Electric Car Subsidy Plan
France's government just shared its final version of the electric car subsidy plan. After reviewing feedback since July, they've now finalized their approach. Concerns raised by other governments and industries were also addressed.
Article Link
Photo by Shutterstock
17 Must-Visit Traditional Markets This Holiday
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups introduces 17 traditional markets perfect for the Chuseok holiday visit. From sightseeing spots like the history-rich 'Gwangju 1913 Songjeong Station Market' to delicious food havens like 'Seoul Gwangjang Market', there's something for everyone. Dive into these markets for a memorable cultural and gastronomic adventure.
Article Link
Overseas Virtual Assets Worth 131 Trillion KRW Reported for the First Time to the National Tax Service
This year, reports of overseas financial accounts surged to 186.4 trillion KRW from 5,419 people, marking the highest figures since the reporting system began in 2011. Despite it being their first report, a whopping 130.8 trillion KRW, accounting for 70.2% of the total, came from virtual asset accounts. Meanwhile, reports from other financial statements, like savings and stocks, decreased by 13.1% from the previous year to 55.6 trillion KRW.
Article Link
Nine Research Institutions Join Hands to Strengthen Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
Under the Ministry of Environment, the National Institute of Environmental Research will expand its partnership with eight other research institutions, inking an agreement at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. The nine institutes aim to boost greenhouse gas monitoring techniques through this collaboration, share results across sectors and regions, and fortify a research framework to support science-based carbon neutrality. Key aspects of the partnership include
- enhancing monitoring points,
- joint research for data reliability, and
- hosting seminars and workshops to share research outcomes.
Article Link