ONLINEKOREANEWS.COM

Tag: South Korea

  • Universal Import Checklist for Successful Sourcing from Korea

    The success of international sourcing depends as much on “Local Compliance” and “Logistics Risk Control” as it does on product quality.

    Therefore, today we would like to provide a professional checklist for global buyers to verify in advance, ensuring the secure and economical import of Korean products to any country worldwide.

    1. International Standard HS Code & Local Tariff Research

    Most countries follow the WCO (World Customs Organization) HS Code (common 6-digit) system.

    This code determines customs duties and import restrictions.

    • Buyer’s Task: Based on the 6-digit HS Code provided from Korea, verify the Import Duty and VAT/GST on your local customs website.
    • Check Point: Check if an FTA (Free Trade Agreement) is in place between Korea and your country. ONLINE-KOREA supports the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O) for preferential tariff benefits.

    2. Product-Specific Regulatory Authorities & Mandatory Certifications

    Each country has specific regulatory bodies responsible for safety and health (e.g., EFSA in the EU, FDA in the US, MHLW in Japan).

    • Buyer’s Task: Officially confirm through a local customs broker or professional consultant which “Special Permits/Licenses” are required for importing products from Korea.
    • Check Point: For electronics, ensure compatibility with local Voltage and Frequency (Hz) and verify mandatory safety certification labeling.

    3. MSDS & Labeling Compliance Review

    Ingredient regulations vary significantly by country. A bestseller in Korea may contain ingredients prohibited in your jurisdiction.

    • Buyer’s Task: Request the English MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or Ingredients List from ONLINE-KOREA. Provide these to your local expert to review for prohibited substances prior to shipment.

    🔍ONLINE-KOREA’s Professional Project Management System

    To eliminate variables in real-world trade, we collaborate with experts in each field to provide precise risk management services.

    A. Incoterms 2020 Optimization & Certified Customs Broker Consultation

    Shipping terms (EXW, FOB, DAP, etc.) determine your scope of liability and total import costs. As your Business Project Manager (PM), ONLINE-KOREA proposes the most advantageous Incoterms. If a precise Landed Cost calculation is required, we coordinate with our partner Certified Customs Brokers to provide professional customs simulations, preventing unexpected budgetary risks.

    B. Export Controls & Strategic Goods Pre-Filtering

    roducts containing certain ingredients or batteries may require export permits from the Korean government. We review the exportability of your items during the sourcing stage to defend against shipment delays.

    C. Post-Shipment Support & Claim Protocol

    If damage or shortages are discovered upon receipt,

    ONLINE-KOREA acts immediately on your behalf for insurance processing and manufacturer claims, based on our “Pre-Shipment Inspection Report” and documented evidence to protect your business assets.

    Global sourcing does not end with simply finding good products. Business only turns into profit when complex international regulations, unforeseen customs risks, and logistics variables are perfectly controlled.

    As a professional Project Manager, ONLINE-KOREA coordinates a network of specialists to open your gateway to Korean business with maximum security and transparency.

    Leveraging our 1:1 dedicated care and real-time responsiveness—advantages large agencies struggle to provide—we serve as your premier “Korean Business Unit,” allowing you to expand with confidence without needing a physical presence in Korea.

    Consult with ONLINE-KOREA today to identify the customized sourcing solutions optimized for your business.

  • Busan’s Landmark Geumjeongsan Becomes the First Urban National Park in Korea

    On March 3, 2026, Geumjeongsan Mountain in Busan officially launched as South Korea’s 24th National Park.

    This marks the first time in approximately 39 years since Sobaeksan in 1987 that a previously unprotected area has been elevated to national park status. It holds significant historical importance as South Korea’s first “urban national park” situated entirely within a major metropolitan area.

    Geumjeongsan National Park spans approximately 66.859 square kilometers across six districts in Busan and Yangsan City in Gyeongsangnam-do. Centered around its highest peak, Godangbong (801.5m), the park is recognized for its magnificent scenery along the Nakdong Jeongmaek ridge and its unique geological value.

    The park is a sanctuary of biodiversity, home to over 1,700 species of wild flora and fauna, including 14 endangered species.

    It also houses 127 designated cultural heritage items, including national treasures and precious artifacts. Notably, the harmony between the 18.8km Geumjeongsanseong Fortress—the largest in Korea—and Beomeosa Temple, one of the three major temples in the Yeongnam region, offers an unparalleled historical hiking experience.

    Currently maintaining a policy of free admission and year-round access, Geumjeongsan is expected to evolve into a global eco-cultural tourism hub, backed by its excellent accessibility via public transportation.

  • BLACKPINK Celebrates 3rd Mini Album ‘DEADLINE’ with Unique City-Wide Promotion

    BLACKPINK is meeting fans through a unique promotion connecting downtown Seoul to celebrate the release of their 3rd mini-album, ‘DEADLINE’.

    YG Entertainment announced on the 27th that it will hold the “BLACKPINK 3rd MINI ALBUM [DEADLINE] HOURGLASS TOUR” from March 1st to 9th.

     This promotion will be operated at four locations: the Same Hapjeong, Soundwave Yeongdeungpo Times Square, Musinsa Standard Seongsu, and Ktown4u COEX. By connecting these four points around the National Museum of Korea, an hourglass shape is completed, adding meaning by spatially realizing the concept of the album title, ‘DEADLINE.’

    Purchasing the album at each store provides a stamp and exclusive image benefits for each location. Furthermore, after collecting all four stamps, a special reward consisting of a poster set and an hourglass-shaped stand will be presented at any of the participating stores. While online and offline purchase benefits are identical, offline purchases offer double the rewards and the opportunity to participate in the stamp tour.

    YG stated, “This is a project designed for fans to directly experience the message and symbolism that BLACKPINK has infused into ‘DEADLINE,’” adding, “It will be a special journey of completing an hourglass in the heart of Seoul.”

    Meanwhile, BLACKPINK released their 3rd mini-album, ‘DEADLINE,’ today (the 27th) at 2 PM (KST).

    The album features a total of five tracks, including the title song ‘GO,’ the pre-release single ‘JUMP,’ ‘Me and my,’ ‘Champion,’ and ‘Fxxxboy.’

    [ONLINE-KOREA：Letter from Korea]

    With major events like BTS performing at Gwanghwamun and BLACKPINK’s collaboration with the National Museum, incredible milestones continue to unfold. To be honest, even as a Korean, I am constantly amazed by the ongoing popularity of the Korean Wave😮❗

    Sometimes, I find it quite surprising why there is so much interest.

    From music, movies, and dramas to the recent hit animation K-Pop Demon Hunters and our overall culture, I feel that South Korea is receiving an overwhelming amount of interest and love from all over the world❤️

    However, I believe that things cannot always go smoothly. That is why I hope everyone in their respective fields continues to strive to repay your love and interest without ever betraying your trust, ensuring South Korea remains a country that deserves your support. Of course, we at ONLINE-KOREA will also do our very best💪🙂❗

  • The New King of Seoul Retail: Olive Young Replaces Starbucks in Prime Districts

    Olive Young, operated by CJ, is increasingly moving into prime locations formerly occupied by Starbucks.

    Recently, in major business and tourism districts such as D-Tower in Gwanghwamun and Myeongdong in Seoul, Olive Young has been taking over spots that Starbucks held for over a decade. Beyond a simple change in tenants, this transition symbolically demonstrates that the core “anchor tenant” of Korean commercial districts has shifted from coffee culture to beauty and wellness.

    At the heart of this change is the explosive demand from foreign tourists.

    In the case of the Myeongdong 2-ga branch, eight out of ten visitors are foreigners, solidifying Olive Young as an essential stop for travelers in Korea.

    Consequently, experts evaluate that Olive Young has emerged as a key anchor tenant, leading to the coining of the term “All-se-kwon” (a portmanteau of Olive Young and yeok-se-kwon, meaning station area). This indicates its significant influence on property values, much like the “Starbucks effect” of the past.

    Just as the presence of Starbucks increases a building’s value, Olive Young has become a tenant that positively impacts the surrounding commercial area and the property itself. Moving beyond cosmetics, Olive Young is expanding into new wellness ventures like “Olive Better,” targeting both domestic and international customers.

    Its revenue for last year is estimated to have surpassed 5 trillion KRW, reaching an all-time high.

    [ONLINE-KOREA：A Letter from Korea]

    Coffee shops are the most common sight on the streets of Korea. Every few steps, you encounter one.

    While STARBUCKS being replaced by OLIVE YOUNG doesn’t mean cafes are disappearing, it brings certain changes. I recently recalled a meeting with a client from abroad. I had an Iced Caffe Mocha, and my client had a Matcha Latte. STARBUCKS has always been the representative space that both locals and foreigners find easy to recognize and locate—a place to sit down and connect over a drink.

    While it is wonderful that many international tourists visit Korea because of OLIVE YOUNG, it is also a bit saddening to see the decrease in convenient spaces where anyone can stay and communicate

    Small-Scale Cosmetics Store Undergoing Final Closing

    Furthermore, as mega-corporations monopolize both online and offline retail, independent shops risk losing their viability. I worry that major commercial districts may turn into “showrooms” for giant franchises, accelerating a commercial homogenization that erases unique local content.

    While there are pros and cons to every change, I hope to see more diverse Korean spaces and unique cultural experiences—beyond just shopping—thrive to welcome our global visitors.

  • BBC Highlights South Korea’s “Dujjonku” Craze and Real -Time Tracking Maps

    The BBC has recently highlighted South Korea’s massive obsession with “Dubai Chewy Cookies,” locally known as Dujjonku.

    In a report titled “A Dubai chocolate-inspired dessert has taken S Korea by storm,” the outlet noted that the fervor has reached such heights that fans have created real-time tracking maps to monitor stock levels at local bakeries.

    Interestingly, despite its name as a cookie, the BBC described the texture as being remarkably similar to tteok, a traditional Korean rice cake, rather than a standard crumbly biscuit.

    This viral craze was sparked last September after Jang Won-young, a prominent member of the K-pop group IVE, shared a photo of the dessert on her Instagram. Since that moment, the market has exploded, with hundreds of cookies frequently selling out within minutes of being stocked.

    Currently, these sought-after treats are priced between 5,000 and 10,000 KRW, but continued high demand is expected to drive prices even higher. This surge has not only affected the final product but has also caused the cost of necessary raw ingredients to skyrocket across the country.

    However, the rapid growth of the “Dujjonku” market has not been without its challenges. The BBC noted the emergence of numerous “counterfeit” versions, which has resulted in a wave of complaints from dissatisfied customers on online review platforms.

    These growing pains are viewed as a natural byproduct of a hyper-viral market where consumer demand continues to far outpace a reliable and high-quality supply.

    As the trend continues into 2026, the focus is now shifting toward whether the craze can maintain its quality amidst its overwhelming popularity.

  • South Koreans Shift Travel Habits Amid High Inflation

    In the era of high inflation, significant changes in travel spending patterns have been observed in South Korea.

    An analysis of South Korean travelers’ search data from January 1 to September 30 revealed a growing trend toward cost-effective group travel, rather than solo trips. Additionally, instead of long-haul European vacations costing over 1 million KRW, there has been a notable shift towards more affordable trips to Japan and Southeast Asia, priced between 300,000 to 400,000 KRW. This “value-for-money” trend is becoming more prominent.

    The most notable change is the surge in searches for flights to Japan.

    Japan overwhelmingly ranked first, with search volume 2.7 times greater than that of Vietnam, which ranked second. There was particularly high demand for major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Thanks to the continued weak yen and excellent accessibility, Japan has become a favored and affordable destination for South Korean travelers.

    Vietnam ranked second, with its low airfare and affordable local food and transportation costs allowing for budget-friendly trips. In particular, Da Nang has become a popular cost-effective vacation spot, offering a combination of beach resorts and the ancient town of Hoi An for around 300,000 KRW.

    In addition, demand for group travel has increased.

    Searches for flights for 3 or more people have risen by 77% compared to last year, and searches for flights for 2 people have increased by about 37%. Meanwhile, searches for solo flights have decreased by 11%, indicating a clear trend toward traveling with others rather than solo trips.

  • Busan Set to Achieve 3 Million Tourists, Thanks to APEC

    Busan is on track to become the first city in South Korea to reach 3 million foreign tourists in a single year. This shift in Korea’s tourism landscape, which was once centered around Seoul, is largely attributed to the APEC summit held in Gyeongju at the end of October. The summit wasn’t just another international event—it played a key role in creating a new tourism belt linking Busan and Gyeongju.

    Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple

    As of October 2025, the number of foreign tourists visiting Busan surpassed 2.35 million, setting a new record. The spending scale also grew by 33.2% compared to the previous year, reaching 6.594 trillion KRW. Notably, in October, the number of high-speed bus reservations for foreigners traveling between Busan and Gyeongju increased by 185% compared to the previous year. Most of these travelers were long-haul tourists from the US, Europe, and Australia, indicating a growing trend of “regional travel” connecting the two cities via Seoul.

    Busan Nurimaru APEC House

    Experts are predicting that “this APEC summit has successfully merged Busan’s K-culture with Gyeongju’s K-heritage, creating the ‘most Korean regional tourism route’ and leaving a lasting impression worldwide.” They also forecast that Busan’s goal of 3 million tourists will be easily achieved.

    Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

    Furthermore, the successful “tourism alliance” between Gyeongju and Busan is seen as an important example of how international events in regions outside of Seoul can build a sustainable local tourism model.

  • Takaichi Aims to Strengthen Japan-Korea Ties: A Global Diplomatic Approach”

    Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae announced in her inaugural press conference that she aims to develop Japan’s relationship with South Korea in a forward-looking manner.

    According to NHK, Prime Minister Takaichi said during the press conference on the 21st, shortly after being elected, “South Korea is an important neighboring country for Japan and a necessary partner in responding to various global challenges.”

    She further emphasized, “I want to develop Japan-South Korea relations in a stable and future-oriented way, based on the relationship that has been built between previous administrations.”

    Additionally, she commented, “Although there are some concerns, I really like Korean seaweed, use Korean cosmetics, and watch Korean dramas.”

    Prime Minister Takaichi also discussed Japan’s foreign policy.

    She stressed the relationship between Japan and the United States, saying, “Japan is an important partner for the U.S. in both the China strategy and the Indo-Pacific strategy.”

    Further, she highlighted her goals for Japan’s role in global diplomacy, saying, “We will work on building trust with the leaders of each country and actively propose to ensure Japan plays a prominent role on the world stage.”

  • G-DRAGON Files Lawsuit Against Online Haters After 19 Years in K-pop

    G-DRAGON has officially taken legal action against individuals posting malicious comments and spreading false information — marking his first major legal move since debuting 19 years ago.

    His agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced on October 17 that it is “actively pursuing legal measures in cooperation with law firm Yulchon against defamation, false information, and malicious slander.”

    According to the company, by the end of September, it had conducted a thorough review of malicious posts based on fan reports and its own data collection. On October 15, several offenders were formally charged under South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act (Defamation). The agency emphasized that the case focuses on “defamation through false information,” not simple insults, and that strict action is being taken to ensure criminal accountability.

    Galaxy Corporation also revealed plans to file additional complaints against commenters identified on major online platforms such as DC Inside, Daum Café, X (formerly Twitter), Naver, and FM Korea, reaffirming its firm stance.

    G-DRAGON’s representatives stated that this move “is not a warning but a concrete effort to protect the artist’s dignity and personal rights.” They also encouraged fans to continue reporting malicious activity, adding, “We will hold those who hide behind anonymity fully accountable for their actions.”