Asia South Korea To boost rural tourism, a half-price travel subsidy program will be launched, offering government-backed discounts on accommodations and local experiences to encourage domestic travel and support struggling regional economies
Asia South Korea Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison, charged with leading an insurrection as he imposed martial law for a few tumultuous hours on 3 December 2024; some argue it is a sign of a healthy democracy
Asia South Korea Chief of the National Office of Investigation reportedly visited China to finalize crime-response cooperation, including tackling phishing and tracking fugitives, extraditing a former Coupang employee suspected of orchestrating a massive data breach
Asia South Korea Travel bans have been imposed on three civilians accused of flying drones toward North Korea from Ganghwa, allegedly photographing a Marine base; case widened as links emerged to former presidential staff and military intelligence–related online outlets
Asia South Korea 2026 economic master plan aims at a “great economic leap,” forecasting 2% GDP growth; government plans substantial investments in semiconductors, AI, defense and biotech, new fiscal policy, price stabilization and measures to boost consumption
Asia South Korea Former oceans minister was summoned by police over a bribery scandal involving the Unification Church: prosecutors allege he received cash and a luxury watch in exchange for backing church-linked projects; Chun denies the claims as raids widen the probe
Asia South Korea A sovereign fund and an export fund will be launched in 2026; finance ministry plans better management of state assets, new U.S.-focused investment tools under the recent tariff deal, and measures to foster AI industries and strengthen economic security
Asia South Korea Art Odyssey, promoted by art institutions and cultural authorities, aims to coordinate global promotion of Korean art by linking museums, curators and research programs; It supports joint exhibitions, exchanges and strategies for artistic presence abroad
Asia South Korea A 600-year-old tax ship was recovered off the Coast of Taean: the full remains of a Joseon-era (1392-1910) cargo vessel shed light on how a premodern kingdom managed national taxation, logistics and sea-based infrastructure with surprising complexity
Asia South Korea South Korea has welcomed US President Trump on his Asia tour, meeting President Lee Jae‑Myung and signalling imminent finalisation of a massive US-Korea investment-trade deal; His visit also sets the stage for a summit with China’s Xi Jinping in Busan
Asia South Korea The “ADEX 2025” arms fair has been opened, featuring unmanned systems and AI-powered weapons from over 600 global firms; The show highlights Seoul’s push to modernise its defence industry, amid rising regional security tensions
Asia South Korea A nationwide ban on smartphones in elementary, middle, and high schools will start on 1 March 2026 to curb youth addiction and improve focus; it prohibits the use of phones in class, with exceptions for emergencies or approved educational purposes
Asia South Korea First-ever bill to recognize tattooing as a legal profession outside of medical practice has been pre-approved; if passing all stages, it could make tattooists professionals ending a 33-year-old barrier that has led underground the criminalized craft