Beyond Seoul, local districts tap K-culture to attract tourists

Commercial districts across South Korea are being developed into tourism destinations that combine regional culture, local businesses and K-culture, as the government seeks to draw international visitors beyond Seoul and revitalize local economies. The two-year initiative, led by the Small Enterprise and Market Service, will support about six commercial districts outside the capital. Each selected area will be eligible to receive up to 5 billion won ($3.6 million) through the end of 2027. The pr

2026-09-18 16:44:14:00

From protection to value creation: Korea resets IP strategy

South Korea’s newly elevated intellectual property authority is seeking to turn patents and ideas into sources of revenue, moving beyond its traditional role of examining and registering intellectual property rights. “The biggest change is that our role no longer ends with granting and protecting rights,” Intellectual Property Minister Kim Yong-sun said in an interview with The Korea Herald. “We are expanding it to help intellectual property generate revenue through transactions and commercializ

2026-09-03 10:00:02:00

Korea’s global seed vault takes on climate crisis

As climate change accelerates the loss of plant species and threatens food security, South Korea is seeking a larger role in safeguarding the genetic resources that could help crops and ecosystems survive a hotter, less predictable world. At the center of that effort is the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute, or KoAGI, which operates the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault and is expanding cooperation with international organizations, research institutes and governments. “The climate crisis and bio

2026-08-31 17:06:10:00

KoAGI brings corporate technology into forest restoration

The Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute is building partnerships with private companies to turn corporate environmental, social and governance commitments into measurable biodiversity and forest restoration projects. Rather than relying on companies solely for financial sponsorship, the public institution is combining their technologies and resources with its expertise in native plants, seed conservation and ecosystem recovery. “Partnerships with private companies go beyond simple sponsorship,”

2026-08-31 10:54:22:00

Korea Forest Service leads global dialogue on sustainable wood use at UN Forum

The Korea Forest Service said Friday it was attending the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests at the United Nations Headquarters from May 11-15 to share forest policy achievements and discuss international cooperation. The UN Forum on Forests is the largest international forestry meeting, bringing together representatives from 193 member states, international organizations and stakeholders to discuss implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests for achieving teh UN's Susta

2026-05-15 13:21:40:00

From price to strategy: Korea unveils procurement reform

The Public Procurement Service has unveiled a reform package aimed at shifting procurement toward a more “citizen- and market-centered” model, while strengthening its role in supporting emerging industries. The plan outlines around 70 detailed measures across four pillars: expanding procurement autonomy for local governments, enhancing competition and transparency, fostering new industries, and advancing socially responsible procurement. The reform is part of efforts to reposition South Korea's

2026-04-28 15:24:54:00

Korea targets $2tr global procurement market with new support

South Korea is looking to use public procurement as a launchpad for global expansion by increasing support for exporters looking to break into international markets. The Public Procurement Service has expanded funding for overseas pilot projects to help companies build up an overseas track record. It has also increased availability of "export vouchers," which companies can use to pay for a range of support services. The move aligns with the agency’s broader strategy to use public purchasing powe

2026-04-28 15:24:47:00

Government buying power key to AI race, says Korea's procurement chief

South Korea’s public procurement system is undergoing a quiet but consequential shift — from a back-office function focused on price and efficiency to a frontline policy tool shaping industrial strategy, supply chains and emerging technologies. At the center of that transition is the Public Procurement Service, which oversees roughly 225 trillion won ($160 billion) in annual public spending — equivalent to about 9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. In a recent interview with The Ko

2026-04-28 15:24:39:00

Daejeon Technopark opens global biotech gateway

By Lee Kwon-hyung and Yoon Min-sik Daejeon, long recognized as South Korea’s science capital, is moving to turn its research strength into a broader platform for global investment, commercialization and technology collaboration. At the center of that push is Daejeon Technopark, which is working with the Daejeon Metropolitan Government to connect local companies with overseas investors, pharmaceutical firms and research partners. The effort reflects the city’s ambition to evolve from a research-f

2026-04-28 14:13:00:00

PPS supports resource recycling in hopes to stabilize raw material supply

South Korea's Public Procurement Service said Thursday it visited local waste recycling company City Oil Field to explore ways to expand public procurement channels and strengthen domestic raw material supply chains. City Oil Field specializes in producing petrochemical feedstocks by recycling waste plastics. The visit comes as volatility in imported raw material prices — driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East — underscores the need to diversify sources. The PPS said it aimed to supp

2026-04-23 16:47:50:00