The government is taking steps to simplify entry procedures and extend stay durations to encourage the increasing trend of inbound tourism to South Korea. Efforts will focus on addressing the inconveniences faced by foreign tourists, such as expanding visa review personnel and visa application centers, to reduce the processing time for tourist visas from countries with growing numbers of visitors to South Korea. To promote high-value tourism, entry procedures will be simplified. For instance, a pilot operation of the 'K-Culture Training Visa' will begin this year, targeting foreigners wishing
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is characterized by prolonged coughing fits lasting more than 14 days, often accompanied by a 'whooping' sound, vomiting, and other severe symptoms. While the disease has a higher mortality rate among younger children, it can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Q1. What are the symptoms of pertussis? A. The incubation period for pertussis is typically 7 to 10 days (ranging from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 21 days). Symptoms progress through three distinct stages
In celebration of Oral Health Day on June 9th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has provided information on the safe and effective use of over-the-counter oral products, including toothpaste and teeth whiteners. This includes guidance on proper selection, usage, and precautions. The Ministry has also produced and distributed videos titled “Proper Use of Toothpaste” and “The Story of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whiteners,” which can be viewed on the Ministry's official social media channels. Toothpaste Toothpaste is used to keep teeth white and strong, maintain oral hygiene, and prevent diseases
Blocking marketing calls from financial companies is about to become easier and more convenient. The Financial Services Commission announced on the 3rd that they have collaborated with the financial industry to expand and improve the financial sector's Do Not Call system (www.donotcall.or.kr), allowing consumers to block marketing calls from financial companies with just one click. Seventy large corporate insurance agencies (GAs) will newly participate in the 'Financial Sector Do Not Call System.' Additionally, a new feature will be introduced to report instances where marketing calls are rece
From May 20th, you must bring your ID when visiting hospitals and pharmacies. If you do not bring your ID, you will not be eligible for health insurance coverage and will have to bear the full cost of medical treatment. Acceptable forms of ID include a resident registration card, driver's license, health insurance card, passport, national veterans registration card, disability registration card, foreigner registration card, or permanent residence card. Any certificate issued by an administrative or public institution with a photo and either a resident registration number or a foreigner registr
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety aims to help the public understand the '1342 Brave Step Center', currently operated by the Korea Anti-Drug Campaign Headquarters. By providing information in a Q&A format, they encourage anyone struggling with drug-related issues to take a courageous step and make a call. What does the phone number '1342' mean? The number '1342' is the hotline for the 'Brave Step Center', which offers 24-hour telephone counseling for drug-related issues without any time or space constraints. It signifies, "We will be with you every moment of your daily life (13: 일상) 24
Starting from May 15, you can find information about various family services such as family counseling, pregnancy and childbirth, and childcare provided by 244 family centers nationwide on the Government24 website. Family centers offer psychological and emotional counseling, education, pregnancy and childbirth support, and childcare services tailored to various types of families, including single-parent, multicultural families, and single-person households. There are 244 centers operating across the country. To improve accessibility to family services, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Famil
In celebration of Family Month this May, the Korea Forest Service has provided a Q&A to answer questions about enjoying forests, forest trails, and recreational facilities with the whole family. Q. With the current great weather for travel, are there any good forests to enjoy nature? A. Check out the '100 Prestigious Forests in Korea' and '50 Prestigious Forest Trails for Walking' selected by the Korea Forest Service. You can enjoy ample relaxation and leisure in these forests. Q. Are the prestigious forests always open and accessible to everyone? A. Yes, the prestigious forests are open t
The National Palace Museum of Korea and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation will unveil four new media art videos inspired by traditional Korean culture at Incheon International Airport on May 1, Wednesday. Since 2021, the National Palace Museum of Korea and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation have maintained a media wall at Incheon International Airport to promote Korea's traditional culture to both domestic and international travelers. The media art videos will be displayed on a 150-meter-long media wall located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 at Incheon International Airport. This
Starting May 1st, the COVID-19 crisis alert level will be lowered from the current 'alert' to the lowest level, 'attention'. Accordingly, the mandatory indoor mask-wearing requirement in hospitals and other medical facilities of hospital grade or higher will completely disappear. The government response organizations such as the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters and the Central Disease Control Headquarters will also be disbanded. Previously mandatory quarantine measures will now all be advisory, and the recommended criteria for quarantine of confirmed cases will be relaxe
화성시가족센터(센터장 박미경)는 5월 20일부터 결혼이민자의 취업 역량 강화를 위한 직업훈련 프로그램 ‘내일(JOB)학교 - 문화다양성이해교육 강사과정’을 운영한다고 전했다. 이번 과정은 사전교육과 직업훈련으로 구성되어 있으며, 11월 11일까지 총 43회(129시간) 진행된다. 사전교육에서는 ITQ 자격 취득, 자기소개서 작성법, 면접 스킬 등 기초 직무 역량을 키우고, 이후 문화다양성이해교육을 중심으로 한 강사 양성 과정을 밟게 된다. 한 교육 참가자는 “문화다양성이해교육 강사로 성장할 수 있는 기회에 감사하다”며 “열심히 배워 멋진 강사가 되고 싶다”고 소감을 밝혔다. 화성시가족센터 박미경 센터장은 “결혼이민자의 사회 진출과 다문화 가정의 안정적인 정착을 돕기 위해 지속적으로 노력하겠다”고 전했다. 화성시가족센터는 이번 교육을 통해 결혼이민자들이 자신이 가진 강점을 기반으로 전문 강사로 성장하고, 자격증 취득과 취업 기회 확대를 통해 경제적 자립 기반을 마련할 수 있도록 지원할 계획이다. 프로그램 관련 문의는 화성시가족센터(☎ 070-8831-2227)로 하면 된다.
화성시가족센터(센터장 박미경)가 운영하는 화성형아이키움터 향남에서는 5월 24일, 30~40개월 유아 자녀와 아빠를 대상으로 한 특별 프로그램 ‘아빠랑 나랑 무지개 팡!팡!’을 성황리에 마쳤다고 전했다. 이번 프로그램은 아빠와 자녀가 함께 참여하는 체험형 미술놀이로, 아이의 오감을 자극하고 정서적 유대감을 형성할 수 있도록 기획되었다. 특히, 아빠들이 육아에 주도적으로 참여하며 자녀와 함께 교감하고 성장할 수 있는 의미 있는 시간으로 큰 호응을 얻었다. 참여 가족들은 손발 도장, 촉감 재료, 물감놀이 등 다양한 미술활동을 통해 자연스럽게 신체 접촉을 늘리고 정서적 안정과 유대감을 쌓았다. 또한, 집에서도 쉽게 할 수 있는 재료를 활용해 꽃밭 꾸미기와 완성된 작품과 함께 기념사진 촬영도 진행하며 따뜻한 추억을 만들었다. 프로그램 참여 아빠들은 “평소 바쁜 일상 속에서 아이와 보내는 시간이 부족했는데, 오늘 프로그램을 통해 아이와 웃고 만들며 더욱 가까워진 기분이다”, “집에서 미술활동을 어떻게 해야 할지 막막했는데, 쉽게 따라할 수 있는 방법을 알려줘서 큰 도움이 됐다”라며 소감을 전했다. 박미경 화성시가족센터장은 “이번 프로그램은 아빠가 자녀와의 특별한 시간
제18회 세계인의 날 기념 행사에 화성시다(多)문화어린이합창단이 5월 18일(일) 향남 도원체육공원 무대에 올랐다. 초등 1~6학년의 다문화·비다문화 아동 30여 명으로 구성된 합창단은 아름다운 목소리로 행사를 빛냈다. 화성시다문화어린이합창단은 초등 1학년부터 6학년까지 다문화 및 비다문화 아동으로 구성되어 있으며, 하모니를 내는 과정을 통해 서로의 문화적 차이를 이해하고 화합하며 상호 유대감을 향상했다. 화성시다(多)문화어린이합창단은 올해 두 번째 공식 무대를 성공리에 마쳤으며, 향후 지역 축제와 교류 행사에서도 활약할 예정이다. 관련 문의는 화성시가족센터 다문화어린이합창단 특성화사업팀(070-8831-8431)으로 문의하면 된다.