South Korea

“삿포로 눈보러 가야하는데”…7.5 강진에 멈칫, 흔들리는 여행객들

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Natural Disasters

A magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, Japan, on the night of December 8, 2025, causing significant anxiety among Korean travelers planning trips to Japan. Despite Tokyo and Osaka being distant from the epicenter, concerns about aftershocks have led some travelers to consider postponing their plans. Although cancellation rates have not sharply increased, travel agencies report a noticeable rise in inquiries and steady cancellation requests from independent travelers driven by psychological anxiety. Flights and accommodations remain operational, with cancellation fees still in effect.

Communities and travelers are actively sharing practical advice for earthquake preparedness, emphasizing the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" method, following public transportation guidance, and moving to higher ground in case of tsunami warnings. Key preparedness steps include saving emergency shelters in maps apps, and using earthquake alert apps such as "Yurekuru Call" and "Yahoo Earthquake Information," alongside maintaining an emergency kit stocked with water, food, and flashlights.

The Japanese government has elevated alert levels following the quake, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing a "Hokkaido and Sanriku offshore subsequent earthquake advisory"—the first since the advisory system was introduced in December 2022. Officials noted that after a magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquake, the chance of an 8.0+ magnitude quake within a week is approximately 1 in 100, reflecting an increased likelihood compared to normal conditions.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 50 km deep in the sea off Aomori Prefecture, near Hachinohe City, which recorded a seismic intensity of upper 6 (6+), with neighboring areas like Oirase Town and Hashikami Town experiencing intensity lower 6 (6-). The quake caused no fatalities but injured around 30 people and resulted in property damage, including collapsed roads.

꿈의 에너지 '인공태양' 연구시설 나주 최종 확정…'글로벌 핵융합 에너지 선도도시' 도약

ET News | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedEnergy Prices

Naju City in Jeollanam-do has been officially selected as the site for South Korea's national artificial sun research facility, a core project aimed at advancing nuclear fusion technology. The facility, regarded as a breakthrough energy source that is infinite, clean, and safe, aligns with the country’s goal to become an energy self-reliant nation. The final decision followed the dismissal of an objection from Jeonbuk Province and confirmed Naju’s status after a national competition led by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Naju was rated "very excellent" by the National Research Foundation of Korea for its optimal conditions, including safety from natural disasters, stable granite-based geography without earthquakes, and strong research infrastructure linked to Korea University of Energy and Technology (KENTECH) and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST). The city's strategic location also offers convenient transportation access via KTX Naju Station and Muan International Airport.

Key to Naju’s successful bid was broad community support, including 120,000 local signatures, active promotion committees, and backing from regional lawmakers. Since early administrative efforts, Naju secured a 49.5 billion won project related to superconducting conductor testing for fusion reactors, reinforcing its leadership in fusion research infrastructure. Collaborative efforts involved government, industry, academia, and research institutions to elevate the artificial sun research facility as a national priority.

The facility, with a planned investment around 1.2 trillion won, is slated for construction starting in 2027 and completion by 2036 near the Naju Energy National Industrial Complex. It is expected to spur significant economic and industrial growth, attracting about 300 companies, creating 2,000 specialized research jobs, over 10,000 total jobs, and generating economic benefits exceeding 10 trillion won. Naju plans to expedite follow-up actions, including feasibility studies and formal agreements with government entities, to support the project’s development and elevate the city as a global leader in fusion energy.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedFinancial System Problems

In November 2025, overall household loan growth in South Korea slowed to an increase of 4.1 trillion won compared to 4.9 trillion won in October, driven by tighter banking regulations and a government-imposed annual cap. However, nonbank institutions such as insurance companies, mutual finance firms, and credit card companies saw a significant surge in lending, rising by 64 percent from 1.4 trillion won to 2.3 trillion won. Mutual finance firms contributed 1.4 trillion won to this growth, with insurers adding 500 billion won.

The slowdown was especially pronounced in bank-issued mortgage loans, which fell from 2 trillion won in October to 700 billion won in November, the lowest since March 2022. In contrast, mortgage loans from nonbank institutions increased sharply from 1.2 trillion won to 1.9 trillion won, fueled by strong demand in Seoul and surrounding real estate markets. While regulatory measures have slowed housing price increases overall, some key areas continue to experience steady or rising prices.

Other loan categories, including unsecured loans, also grew, reaching 1.2 trillion won in November, supported by increased investment activity in domestic and overseas stock markets, although volatility concerns remain. Financial authorities postponed the third phase of the stress debt service ratio (DSR) regulation for home loans in nonmetropolitan areas by six months, allowing existing, less stringent rules to apply through June 2026 due to sluggish housing markets outside the capital region. The stress DSR applies a hypothetical higher interest rate to ensure borrowers’ ability to repay under adverse conditions, helping to maintain financial stability.