Prime Minister Chung Hong-won has called on the government to take measures to address Koreans’ growing anxiety over a series of leaks of highly radioactive water from the crippled nuclear reactor in Japan. Concerns are growing here after the operator of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant confirmed fresh leaks in addition to its announcement of a leak of 300 tons of contaminated water earlier this week.In an emergency meeting with related ministers on Thursday Chung directed the government to enhan

Aug. 23, 2013

The Seoul government said Thursday it is lifting a 35-year development ban on Insa-dong, a popular tourist destination and a focal point of traditional culture in the northern part of Seoul.The metropolitan government held a city planning commission meeting on Wednesday to pass a bill on redeveloping the area in increments, according to its report. Cafes, karaoke rooms and cosmetic shops are prohibited from the approval to prevent reckless development in the historical place, while antique store

Politics Aug. 22, 2013

Local conglomerates, manufacturers, a hospital and a bank are adopting the so-called “flexible part-time job system,” as part of measures to realize President Park Geun-hye’s goal of 70 percent job employment by 2017. Up to 269 firms will hire 2,118 part-time workers within the next nine months with subsidies from the Labor Korea Foundation for the labor cost, the foundation’s officials said. The system is aimed at removing employment practices that could become barriers to the employment rate i

Politics Aug. 21, 2013

Debate is brewing over the authorities’ monitoring of seafood imported from Japan due to radiation fears as a far stricter watch is being applied on agricultural products.Seafood contaminated by radiation leaks from the Fukushima nuclear plant has been found in the local market recently, adding to public fears about the after effects of the 2011 disaster.About 3,010 tons of fish requested for import declaration has been found to contain radioactive cesium since March 11, 2011, according to the M

Politics Aug. 18, 2013

The first state-run qualification test for medical tour coordinators will be held in September, a government agency said Thursday.Human Resources Development of Korea will hold the preliminary qualification exam on Sept. 28 for medical tour coordinators who provide foreign patients with transportation, accommodations and general information on their treatments. Along with the new plan, the Ministry of Justice will simplify the process for medical tourists to receive electronic visas, officials s

Social Affairs Aug. 9, 2013

A local wedding company owner has been accused of illegally using historical sites in Jongno, Seoul, for traditional wedding ceremonies, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Friday.The Jongno District Office filed a complaint against the owner, identified by his surname Lee, in June for allegedly attracting customers to hold weddings in Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan without the Cultural Heritage Administration‘s approval for more than two years, officials said. The two properties are together des

Social Affairs Aug. 9, 2013

The tripartite consultative body of labor, management and government expanded its organization by inviting representatives from small and medium-sized companies, as well as youth and women. The expansion of the Economic and Social Development Commission comes as it takes on a broader role and seeks to provide a platform for dialogue among more diverse economic players to solve labor-related problems, including the government’s goal to achieve 70 percent employment by 2017.The overhaul will incre

Politics July 29, 2013

The government plans to hire North Korean defectors with career experience and certificates as formal staff in the second half of the year, the Ministry of Security and Public Administration said.Eleven low-level positions will be open for the refugees at some offices including those in charge of labor, culture, health, fair trade and food and drug safety. More details about the application process and qualifications will be announced between July and November on each ministry website. (monicasu

Social Affairs July 22, 2013

Labor authorities on Monday cleared Shinsegae Group vice chairman Chung Yong-jin of suspicions of illegal surveillance and other abuses of employees at the group’s discount store arm E-mart.The Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office referred to the prosecution 14 E-mart officials, including former chief executive Choi Byung-ryul, wrapping up a six-month investigation into allegations that the management interfered with union activities last year.Chung and incumbent CEO Heo In-cheol were not

Social Affairs July 22, 2013