-
Local Seoul Puts Youth Policy to the Test
The Seoul Metropolitan Youth Center (SMYC) has published six research reports verifying the effectiveness of Seoul's 2025 youth policies and presenting directions for future development. The research covers core youth policy agendas, including mental health support programs (2 reports), the Youth Stipend (1), youth policy delivery systems (1), issue research (1), and social impact measurement (1). In the first such social impact measurement conducted this year, Seoul Youth Centers were found to have generated approximately 108 billion won in social value through policy dissemination and connec
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-10 14:37
-
Local Korea Tackles Regional Extinction: Fund Managers Meet Local Leaders to Share Solutions
The Korea Local Finance Association (LOFA) and Chungcheongbuk-do Province held a discussion forum on February 6 at the Chungbuk Research Institute to assess progress made through “Local Extinction Response Fund” projects and address current challenges. The forum was attended by LOFA Chairman Jeong Seon Yong and officials responsible for population decline initiatives across Chungcheongbuk-do Province. Following presentations of outstanding local government achievements, LOFA's Regional Vitality Support Team explained the evaluation framework for the 2027 fund investment plan and gathered feedb
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-10 13:57
-
Diplomacy Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Southern Inland Railway
Diplomacy Journal shJung | The Southern Naeruk Railway, which had been neglected since its groundbreaking ceremony in 1966 due to lack of profitability, has finally held its groundbreaking ceremony. The Southern Inland Railway construction project is part of the "National Balanced Development Project (2019)" to revitalize the economy of the Yeongnam inland and southern coastal regions and improve transportation convenience for residents. This large-scale national project, linking Gimcheon City, North Gyeongsang Province, and Geoje City, South Gyeongsang Province, is a 174.6km line, with a tota
- shJung 기자
- 2026-02-09 17:39
-
Diplomacy Korea and Italy to Hold Second Strategic Dialogue After Six-Year Hiatus
On the afternoon of Wednesday, February 11, The Republic of Korea’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo will hold the second ROK-Italy Strategic Dialogue with Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi, Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reported on February 5. The ROK and Italy established their Strategic Partnership in 2018, and the first ROK-Italy Strategic Dialogue was held in 2020, according to MOFA’s statement. MOFA pointed out that Italy is Korea’s fourth-largest trading partner within the EU and is visited by approx
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-09 15:28
-
Business KGCCI, SAVI, and OAO Partner to Bring AI Technology to Inclusive Marathon
The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) announced on February 9 that it has signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Association of the Visually Impaired (SAVI) and Korea-based OAO, a wellness and fitness service provider, to collaborate on social contribution initiatives that combine sports and technology. The MOU also calls for jointly organizing the next “Harmony Marathon with the Visually Impaired." The signing ceremony was held on February 3 at KGCCI’s office in central Seoul. Key stakeholders in attendance included KGCCI CEO Marie Antonia vo
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-09 12:13
-
Diplomacy Royal Thai Armed Forces Day Reception in Seoul Highlights Enduring Partnership
Observed annually on January 18, Royal Thai Armed Forces Day honors the courage, service, and dedication of the military in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security. The date commemorates the historic victory of King Naresuan the Great in 1593, a defining moment in Thai history that symbolizes bravery, strategic leadership, and national pride. To celebrate this legacy, the Royal Thai Embassy and the Office of the Defense Attaché hosted a reception on the evening of February 6, 2026, at the Ministry of National Defense Convention Hall in Seoul. The event drew a distinguished assembly
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-09 10:30
-
Diplomacy Critical Minerals Ministerial Launches FORGE to Counter China's Dominance
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall | On February 4, the U.S. Department of State hosted the inaugural "Critical Minerals Ministerial." Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer were among the American delegation. “Critical minerals and rare earths are essential for our most advanced technologies and will only become more important as AI, robotics, batteries, and autonomous devices transform our economies,” a post-meeting statement issued by the U.S. State Department read. I
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-05 17:43
-
Local Wonju-based Public Institutions Donate Time and Food to Local Community
The Korea Research Institute for Local Administration (KRILA) and Korea Veterans Health Service (KVHS) chose February 4 to deliver food and other goods to marginalized Wonju residents in two separate acts. Both public institutions are based in the Gangwon-do Province city, about 130-km southeast of Seoul. The KVHS normally provides “medical care, rehabilitation, and welfare services to persons of distinguished service to the state,” according to its website, but 10 days before the start of this year’s five-day Lunar New Year (Seollal) holiday, its Director, Yun Jong-jin, and employees opted to
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-05 10:17
-
기본분류 President Lee's 'Geunyang Dream' initaitve to expand in May
President Lee Jae-myung stated on February 3 that "the 'Geunyang Dream' initiative is receiving considerable positive response among the public as it supports citizens in welfare blind spots." (Geunyang is Korean for “just” or simply.”) In his opening remarks at the 4th Cabinet Meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee explained the planned expansion of the Geunyang Dream initiative in May, saying, “It means everyone will receive at least the minimum amount of food (needed) at all times.” He continued, "This initiative came about in response to the story of people arrested for stealing a ca
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-04 15:40
-
Diplomacy ROK Foreign Minister-U.S. Secretary of State Maintain High-Level Diplomatic Momentum
Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held an ROK-U.S. Foreign Ministers' Meeting with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on February 3 (local time). Minister Cho is visiting Washington, D.C., to attend the U.S.-led Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting. Both ministers exchanged views on implementing the ROK-U.S. Summit Joint Fact Sheet (JFS), North Korea issues, and regional and global situations. Minister Cho recalled Secretary Rubio's contribution to reaching agreement on the JFS text and proposed moving forward with swift and substantive implementation. In partic
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-04 14:34
-
Local Korean Students Retrace Independence Fighters' Footsteps in China
The Heungsadan Support Center for Descendants of Independence Patriots (HSCDIP) announced the successful completion of its "2026 Overseas Independence Movement Historical Sites Tour." From January 26 to 30, high school and university students and other descendants of independence patriots visited Korean Provisional Government (KPG) and independence movement sites in China that date back to the 1910-1945 Japanese colonial period. This program was planned ahead of the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Movement and the establishment of the KPG to trace the footsteps of independence activists and
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-04 10:57
-
Diplomacy UN Rights Expert Holds Talks on DPRK Human Rights Issues with Seoul Officials and Victims
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall | The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Dr. Elizabeth Salmón, arrived in Seoul on February 2. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced her trip last month on January 28. The OHCHR said she is scheduled to stay until February 6 and will meet with government officials and civic groups, as well as victims of DPRK human rights abuses, their relatives, and North Korean escapees. On the first day of her third official trip to Seoul in this capacity, Dr. Salmón me
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-03 16:19
-
Diplomacy 18,000 Housing Units to be Provided in Gangnam!
Diplomacy Journal shJung | The government is actively pursuing the supply of 18,000 large-scale public housing units in the Gangnam area. On February 2nd, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Minister Kim Yoon-duk) designated and announced the Seoripul 1st Public Housing District (2,018,074㎡) in Wonji-dong, Sinwon-dong, Yeomgok-dong, and Naegok-dong in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The government announced plans to promote a plan to provide affordable public housing, focusing on providing affordable housing for future generations, including young adults and newlyweds, through a housing ladd
- shJung 기자
- 2026-02-02 18:08
-
Global CNTB Announces Direct Incheon-Zagreb Flights Resume This Summer
The Croatioan National Tourist Board (CNTB) announced on January 31 that T'way Air, a South Korea-based low-cost carrier, will resume direct flights between Incheon and Zagreb from July 2 through October 24, 2026. The flights will operate three times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). The 11-hour flight, priced around KRW 500,000 one-way, makes Croatia more accessible than ever to Korean travelers. "With both direct flights and diverse connecting routes through cities like Istanbul, Vienna, and Warsaw, access to Croatia has never been better," said Marko Jurčić, Korea Director of the CNTB.
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-02 17:27
-
Local Gim Carries K-Seafood Exports to Record High
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall | The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) announced on January 29 that Korea’s 2025 seafood exports reached USD 3.33 billion (preliminary), representing a 9.7% increase from the previous year and the highest level on record. The top seafood export was once again gim (dried laver). According to the MOF, USD 1.13 billion worth of gim products was exported last year, a 13.7% increase year-on-year and a new all-time high. The Ministry added, “Gim has continuously strengthened its international competitiveness by developing a range of products tailored to overseas
- David Kendall 기자
- 2026-02-02 16:34
-
1
Where Tradition and Modernity Meet: The 2026 Korea Masters Invitational Exhibition Opens in Insadong
-
2
February 18-19 USFK Drills over Korea's West Sea Lead to Conflicting Accounts
-
3
Shared Pain, Shared Promise: Azerbaijan and Korea Reflect on Khojaly at Third Annual Symposium
-
4
KGCCI and KNCW Sign MOU to Advance Women's Leadership in Korea
-
5
KAF Program Helps Startups Enter Africa
-
6
Singapore President Highlights Shared Values with Korea at State Dinner
-
2026-03-04 12:17
Presidents Lee and Marcos Mark 77 Years of Korea-Philippines Friendship at State Banquet
-
2026-03-04 11:56
Korea and Philippines Deepen Strategic Partnership at Malacañang Summit
-
2026-03-04 10:28
President Lee and PM Wong Chart New Course for Korea-Singapore Strategic Partnership
-
2026-03-04 09:47
Cheong Wa Dae Staff Ordered to Work on Public Holiday Amid Middle Easl Tensions
-
2026-03-03 17:49
Singapore President Highlights Shared Values with Korea at State Dinner
Address: Doosan We've Pavilion 1203, Sambong-ro 81, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Date of first registration: Founded in 1996 as UN News, changed its name to The Diplomatic Journal in 2009
Registration No.: Jongno Ra00125/ Registration Date: 2009-04-14/ Registration Number: Seoul 아54606 / Registration Date: Dec. 13, 2022
Publisher: Damwha Media Group Chairman Lee Jon-young
Editor in Chief: Lee Jon-young/ Vice Chairman: Chung Bo-won/ Standing Advisor Lee Keon-chan / Senior Editorial Writer Ko Jae-hwe / Editorial Writer Lee Se-hoon / Cultural Editor Lee Joon-seok/ Political Editor Lim Han-choong/ U.S. Branch Head Kim Joon-bae/ Business Editor Kayla Lee
Phone number: 02-3417-1010 | 02-396-5757
E-Mail: djournal3417@gmail.com
UPDATE: 2026년 03월 04일 12시 17분