Korea Policy Now

Explore Souvenir Land: 2025 Korea Tourism Souvenir Expo at DDP Explore “Souvenir Land” — A Celebration of K-Goods in Seoul The 2025 Korea Tourism Souvenir Expo is set to bring Korea’s most creative K-goods and tourism souvenirs together under one roof. This three-day festival will take place from November 21 to 23 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Art Hall 1 and 2, offering visitors a vibrant and immersive experience. Expanded for 2025: More Days, More Exhibitors, More K-Goods Now in its fourth year, the expo has been expanded to accommodate growing public interest. The event will run for three days instead of two, and exhibition space has increased to 134 booths , up from 107 last year. Interest in K-goods continues to surge, attracting a record 365 applicants from companies and institutions nationwide. From these, 134 exhibitors were selected to showcase their unique, high-quality Korean souvenirs. “Souvenir Land”: A Theme-Park Style Immersi...

South Korea Imposes First Independent Sanctions on Southeast Asian Online Scam Networks South Korea Imposes First Independent Sanctions on Southeast Asian Online Scam Networks The South Korean government has taken a major step to combat rising cyber fraud and online criminal activity by announcing its first-ever independent sanctions on transnational scam networks operating in Southeast Asia. This move targets organizations responsible for online scams, forced confinement, human trafficking, and money-laundering schemes that have harmed Korean citizens. Government Targets 15 Individuals and 132 Entities On the 27th, officials designated 15 individuals and 132 organizations directly or indirectly linked to Southeast Asian online crime networks. These groups have been involved in recruitment scams, digital fraud, illegal detention, and extensive financial operations supporting criminal activity across borders. The sanctions aim to disrupt criminal ...

Incheon Airport Eases Arrival Congestion with New Automated Immigration Registration Center As the number of international arrivals continues to grow, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has launched a pilot Automated Immigration Registration Center inside the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport. This initiative aims to reduce congestion, streamline entry procedures, and help eligible foreign travelers move through immigration faster and more efficiently . [AD] A New Step Toward Faster Entry at Incheon International Airport The Ministry of Justice announced that the new automated registration zone has been installed in Terminal 1, Arrival Hall F Zone , where it will operate on a trial basis until January 31, 2026 . The system is specifically open to travelers from countries with Automated Immigration Mutual Use Agreements , including: Germany Taiwan Hong Kong Macau Eligible travelers can now complete both the automated registration process...

Winter Travel Sale Festa 2025: Up to 30,000 KRW Discounts and 100,000 Coupons Available South Korea’s highly anticipated Winter Travel Sale Festa 2025 has officially begun, offering travelers across the country a valuable opportunity to enjoy affordable winter getaways. Running until December 7 , the nationwide promotion distributes 100,000 accommodation discount coupons , allowing users to save between 20,000 KRW and 30,000 KRW on approved lodging. [AD] What Is the Winter Travel Sale Festa? The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched the Winter Travel Sale Festa to boost local tourism during the colder season and to support small and regional accommodation businesses outside metropolitan areas. This event excludes Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, focusing instead on promoting tourism in non-capital regions of South Korea . Participating travelers can enjoy instant discounts based on the accommodation price: 30,000 KRW discount on bookings priced at 70,...

Call 109 When You Feel Overwhelmed: South Korea’s Lifeline for Suicide Prevention South Korea continues to grapple with one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries, turning suicide into a critical national health concern. Amid this reality, the country’s suicide prevention hotline, 109 , has emerged as a vital lifeline for people facing emotional crisis. In 2024–2025, this message of hope reached millions through a moving public service announcement featuring renowned actress Lee Jung-eun , whose calm, supportive voice became a symbol of comfort for those struggling alone. [AD] 109 Hotline: A Simple Number That Saves Lives The national suicide prevention PSA opens with a teenage girl sitting alone at a bus stop, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. “I’ve felt like giving up… everything has been too much,” she whispers. Sitting beside her, Lee Jung-eun gently replies, “It's okay. You can talk about whatever you're feeling.” The video moves through conversa...

  Emergency Call-Blocking System to Disable Fraudulent Numbers Within 10 Minutes in South Korea South Korea will implement a new emergency call-blocking system starting on the 24th, allowing authorities to deactivate any phone number used for voice phishing or related financial crimes within 10 minutes of a report . This marks a major upgrade from the previous system, which took an average of two days to fully restrict fraudulent lines.

Stronger Legal Protection for Correctional Officers: Criminal Liability Relief, Litigation Support, and Safety Measures The Ministry of Justice has announced a comprehensive plan to strengthen protection for correctional officers, introducing new measures that reduce criminal liability, expand litigation support, and ensure a safer working environment. As incidents involving inmate violence continue to rise, these reforms are designed to provide officers with the legal tools and institutional backing needed to perform their duties without fear of retaliation or unfair prosecution. 1. Criminal Liability Relief for Correctional Officers The new framework includes **legal amendments** aimed at reducing the criminal liability of correctional officers who face accusations while performing legitimate duties. When an officer responds to an inmate’s violent behavior, the plan allows for **criminal liability mitigation**, ensuring that officers are not unfairly penalized for necessary use...

  Discover the Beauty of Korea: 6 Newly Designated "Tourist Roads" for Your Next Road Trip Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Beyond the bustling streets of Seoul and the beaches of Busan, there lies a network of breathtaking scenic drives waiting to be explored. For the first time ever, the South Korean government has officially designated six specific routes as "Tourist Roads" (Gwangwang Doro) . These aren't just ways to get from point A to point B; they are destinations in themselves, curated to showcase the country's stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unique local culture. If you love road trips, photography, or simply getting off the beaten path, these six routes need to be on your travel itinerary. 🚗 What is a "Tourist Road"? On November 13th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced the selection of six outstanding scenic routes. This marks the first official designation since the "Tourist...

  South Korea Overhauls Resident Registration System: A Win for Privacy and Convenience Meta Description: South Korea announces major amendments to its Resident Registration Act, enhancing privacy for blended families, simplifying identity verification for foreigners, and streamlining administrative services. A New Era for Personal Data in South Korea South Korea's resident registration system, a comprehensive database that underpins daily life, is set to receive its most significant update in years. The Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS) has announced a legislative preview for amendments to the Resident Registration Act and its accompanying Enforcement Rules. This reform is not just a technical update; it's a direct response to long-standing "pain points" affecting two key groups: blended families and foreign residents. The proposed changes, which are open for public comment until December 23, aim to strike a new balance between administrative necessity and per...

South Korea Launches 'Exceptional Young Master' Program to Forge 30-Something Grand Masters South Korea, a global powerhouse in technology and manufacturing, is making a strategic move to secure its future by investing in its youngest and brightest technical talents. The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) has announced the creation of a brand-new initiative: the "Giteukhan Myeongjang" (기특한명장), or "Exceptional Young Master" program. This groundbreaking system is designed to identify, nurture, and formally recognize exceptional young individuals in technical fields, creating a new pathway to mastery that bypasses decades-old requirements. It's a direct response to a long-standing challenge and a vital step in bolstering the nation's workforce development pipeline.

K-Arts On The Go: South Korea's $38K Grant Program for International Arts | Artist Funding Guide 2025 ⏱️ Reading Time: 8-10 minutes | 📅 Last Updated: November 2024 | 👥 Views: 2,847 📢 Advertisement South Korea Offers Up to $38,000 for Artists' International Performances and Exhibitions 💡 Breaking News The Korean government announces major funding for artists seeking international exposure. Applications open November 17 - December 1, 2024! The South Korean government is revolutionizing how it supports artists on the global stage. Through an innovative program called "K-Arts On The Go," the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is now offering grants of up to 50 million Korean won (approximately $38,000 USD) to cover travel and transportation costs for international performances and exhibitions. This initiative represents a significant shift in cultural policy, moving from bureaucratic application processes to a streamlined, artist-...