The government announced that, starting from February, it will expand the health insurance premium deduction amount imposed on vehicles and property for locally registered residents from the current KRW 50 million to KRW 100 million. According to the National Health Insurance Service, health insurance premiums are part of a social security system designed to prevent households from facing excessive burdens due to high medical expenses resulting from diseases or injuries. Citizens pay insurance premiums regularly, and the National Health Insurance Service, as the insurer, manages and operates t
On the 22nd, the government decided to completely abolish the "Mobile Device Distribution Act," which limits subsidies for mobile phone terminals, in an effort to encourage a reduction in communication expenses for the public. The "Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act" was enacted in 2014 to ensure transparency in the distribution of terminals and subsidies. Its purpose was to eliminate discrimination by allowing all users to receive subsidies, preventing excessive subsidies to certain users. Through this law, mobile carriers were encouraged to focus on service competition rather than en
The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced that it will operate a support center called '119 Help Call' to assist foreign residents who have suffered from fire-related damages with physical and psychological recovery as well as home restoration. '119 Help Call,' managed by the fire investigation team of Gyeonggi-do Fire Services, is a center that promptly provides support when fire damage involving foreigners is reported to fire stations. Through collaboration with local governments, the Korean Red Cross, and other related organizations, the center plans to coordinate physical an
Gyeonggi-do and Gyeonggi Transport Corporation announced that starting from January 3rd, they will expand services through the Gyeonggi-do Integrated Transportation Platform app, known as 'Ddokta,' to include shared bicycles and taxi bookings and payments. Launched last February, 'Ddokta' is an integrated transportation platform of Gyeonggi-do that allows users to book and pay for various transportation services seamlessly within a single application. Currently, through the 'Ddokta' app, users can access on-demand buses ('Ddokbus') and shared personal mobility (PM) across various regions. The
From now on people are able to access telemedicine services from hospitals where they have received in-person treatment within the past 6 months based on the physician's judgment, regardless of the specific medical condition. Additionally, telemedicine services during holidays and nighttime hours, previously limited to pediatric cases, will now be expanded to include all age groups. The expansion of initial telemedicine consultations now encompasses not only certain mountainous regions but also extends to emergency medical service-deficient zones, covering 39% of all cities and counties. The M
A recent analysis of the occurrence of norovirus-related food poisoning over the past five years has revealed a total of 245 cases. Notably, during the winter months from December to February, there were 102 cases, accounting for approximately 42% of the total incidents. To prevent the increased occurrence of norovirus food poisoning during the winter season, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is urging adherence to preventive measures, such as personal hygiene management. Norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus that causes food poisoning when ingested through contaminated water or food. It ca
The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage (Kim Seong-bae, Director general), an affiliate of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, has published a translated version of The Conservation of Shipwrecks Excavated from Underwater, which was originally published in Korean in 2021. The book is being republished in English in an effort to share ancient shipwreck conservation practices and survey results from South Korea with interested parties in other countries. The book summarizes the conservation treatment and natural science-based analysis of the four ancient shipwrec
To prevent and alleviate respiratory ailments during transitional seasons, consider utilizing specialty crops known for their respiratory benefits. Here, we introduce the health effects of ginger, Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum), and Big Blue Lilyturf (Liriope platyphylla), along with ways to incorporate them into your home. 1. Ginger: Ginger has a slightly warm nature and a spicy taste, promoting warmth in the body. It is known to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, phlegm, and coughing while exerting detoxifying effects. Especially effective when consumed during colds, ginger with its s
As winter approaches, it is essential to find ways to save on heating costs. Here are some methods to consider: 1. Adjusting Faucet Direction after Hot Water Use: After using hot water, turning the faucet towards the cold water side can prevent unnecessary circulation in the boiler, which constantly heats water. This circulation can contribute to higher heating costs. Therefore, it is advisable to turn the faucet towards the cold water side after using hot water, reducing the need for continuous water heating. Additionally, lowering the hot water temperature setting can further decrease energy
The Deoksugung Palace Management Office of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center under the Cultural Heritage Administration, led by Director Kwoen Jeom-su, and the German Embassy in Seoul, represented by Ambassador Georg Wilfried Schmidt, are co-hosting the special exhibition “Journey into Tomorrow” at Deoksugung Palace’s Dondeokjeon Hall from December 9th to December 17th. This exhibition commemorates the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany. The choice of the Dondeokjeon hall for this special exhibition is highly symbolic, as it served as a center for diplomatic a
양평군가족센터는 지난 21일부터 양평군 내 1인 가구를 대상으로 정서적 안정과 사회적 관계망 형성을 돕는 ‘1인 가구 여가지원 사업 솔로앤조이(Solo&Joy)’를 본격적으로 운영하고 있다고 밝혔다. 이번 사업은 1인 가구의 여가활동 참여 기회를 확대하고, 여가를 통해 심리적 안정과 사회적 연결을 강화하기 위한 취지로 마련됐다. 프로그램은 △중장년 1인 가구 대상 ‘힐링타임, 취향 한 스푼’ △노년 1인 가구 대상 ‘행복한 노년, 취미가 있는 하루’ △통합 1인 가구 대상 ‘나를 위한 자유, 함께하는 여가’ 등으로 구성됐다. 참여자들은 프로그램을 통해 다양한 여가활동을 경험하며 자신만의 취향을 발견하고, 지역사회 내에서 정서적 안정감과 소속감을 높일 수 있을 것으로 기대된다. 박우영 센터장은 “1인 가구가 빠르게 증가하는 시대에 혼자 사는 분들이 지역사회 안에서 서로 연결되고 지지 받을 수 있도록 돕는 것이 가족센터의 중요한 역할”이라며 “이번 프로그램이 참여자분들께 삶의 활력과 정서적 회복의 기회를 제공하기를 바란다”고 전했다.
구미시 가족센터는 25일 다문화가족 70여 명이 문경을 찾아 한국문화탐방 프로그램을 진행했다고 26일 밝혔다. '한국문화탐방'은 가족이 함께 한국의 전통문화와 역사적 장소를 방문함으로 가족 간 유대감을 형성하고 한국문화에 대한 이해를 높이기 위한 프로그램이다. 이들은 전날 문경 에코월드를 방문해 고구려와 신라 건축물, 석탄박물관 관람을 통해 한국의 역사와 문화를 배우는 시간을 가졌다. 결혼이민자는 자국의 역사와 비교하며 공통점과 차이점을 알아가면서 가족 안에서도 상호문화를 이해하고 존중하는 시간을 가졌다. 한 참여자는 "가까운 지역에 아이와 함께 다양한 경험할 장소를 알게 되어 좋았고, 평소 보지 못했던 아이들의 새로운 모습을 볼 수 있어 의미가 있었다"라고 했고, 다른 참여자는 "한국문화를 여러 방법으로 가족과 함께 알아갈 수 있어 즐거웠고, 한국과 친해진 것 같다는 느낌이 든다"라고 말했다. 도근희 구미시가족센터장은 "앞으로도 다문화 가족을 위한 교육, 상담, 문화 프로그램을 연중 운영할 계획"이라고 말했다.
화성시가족센터(센터장 박미경)는 2025년 10월 1일, 화성시 관내 1인가구 33명을 대상으로 추석맞이 절기 프로그램 ‘송편 만들기’를 진행했다. 이번 프로그램은 민족 대명절인 추석을 맞아 전통음식인 송편을 직접 빚으며 명절의 의미를 되새기고, 1인가구 간의 따뜻한 정서적 교류를 도모하기 위해 마련됐다. 프로그램은 ▲송편의 의미·종류·재 료 소개 ▲강사 시연 ▲삼색 송편 만들기 ▲참여자 간 추석 계획 나누기 ▲가 족이나 지인에게 사랑의 편지 쓰기 순으로 진행됐다. 참여자들은 직접 만든 송편과 함께 손편지를 가족과 지인에게 전달하며 나눔의 의미를 더할 예정이다. 한 참여자는 “추석을 맞아 색다른 경험을 하여 잊었던 명절의 의미를 찾는 뜻깊은 시간이었다. 특히 송편도 직접 빚어보고 오랜만에 손편지를 쓰며 가족에게 사랑을 전할 수 있어 더 특별했다. 강사님과 기획해주신 화성시가족 센터에 감사드린다”고 소감을 전했다. 박미경 센터장은 “이번 송편 만들기 프로그램은 1인가구가 명절 문화를 체험하면서 서로의 마음을 나누고 가족과 지인에게 정을 전할 수 있도록 마련된 자리였다”며 “앞으로도 1인가구의 생활과 정서적 필요를 반영한 다양한 프로그램을 지속적으로 운영하겠다”