Korea's regional districts turn local culture into tourism destinations

From local food traditions to historic streets and cultural landmarks, regional cities across South Korea are turning their distinctive assets into tourism destinations 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 Seoul. Each one can receive up to 5 billion won ($3.68 million) through the end of 2027. The program cente

2026-09-27 13:57:46:00

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