South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 26, 2025 | Supply Chain Issues

Norway plans to cut its mackerel fishing quota by about 70 percent next year, following recommendations from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) due to rising seawater temperatures, declining prey, and high natural mortality threatening Atlantic mackerel stocks. This significant quota reduction comes amid concerns of stock collapse and poor recruitment of young fish. The Norwegian government is currently negotiating the quota with the UK and other countries, with a final decision expected by the end of 2025.

The reduced quota is expected to tighten supplies of Norwegian mackerel, which make up most of the mackerel imports to Korea. In 2024, Korea imported 43,093 tons of Norwegian mackerel, approximately one-third of its domestic mackerel production. The price of Norwegian mackerel in Korea has nearly doubled this year, reaching $5.14 per kilogram in October. Domestic mackerel prices in Korea have also surged due to a sharp decline in medium and large mackerel catches, which are preferred by consumers.

With fewer imports available from Norway and a drop in domestic supply, Korean consumers are facing rising prices for a staple fish. Importers are considering reducing portion sizes as further price increases may not be viable. Experts warn that overfishing combined with climate change effects like ocean warming have pushed mackerel stocks past critical thresholds, underscoring the need for increased marine research and stricter regulatory measures to ensure sustainable fisheries and food security.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 26, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

Korea’s electric vehicle (EV) market is poised for rapid growth in 2026, driven by the planned launch of up to 30 new EV models—almost double the 16 introduced in 2025. Confirmed releases include models such as the Kia EV3, EV4, EV5 GT, Genesis GV90, BMW iX3, and Polestar 5. Additional models under certification may push the total closer to 30 new EVs next year.

EV sales in Korea have rebounded strongly in 2025, with 200,650 new EV registrations from January through mid-November, marking a 36.6% increase from 2024. This growth follows a two-year sales plateau in 2022 and 2023. Experts attribute the rebound to early implementation of subsidies and the influx of new models with improved performance, addressing range anxiety concerns.

In the budget EV segment (priced between 30 and 40 million won or approximately $20,000 to $27,000), competition will intensify, especially with Chinese automaker BYD entering the market with the Dolphin, priced just over 20 million won. Hyundai and Kia are expected to respond with discount campaigns to protect their domestic market share. The premium luxury segment is also expanding, with flagship releases from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Polestar, and Genesis, highlighting greater focus on higher-margin luxury EVs.

Government policies are a significant driver for the industry, with Korea targeting a 53 to 61 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. This requires that 40 percent of new vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2030, rising to 70 percent by 2035. To support this, the government plans a 20% increase in EV subsidy funding next year, though these increased subsidies apply only when trading in old combustion cars. Experts emphasize the need for broader subsidy expansion and improved charging infrastructure to sustain the momentum and achieve these ambitious adoption targets.

Yonhap | English | News | Nov. 26, 2025 | Epidemics and Pandemics

South Korea's quarantine authorities have issued a nationwide red alert following the confirmation of the sixth African swine fever (ASF) case this year. The latest case occurred at a pig farm in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, which houses 463 pigs. In response, authorities culled 1,423 pigs from the affected and neighboring farms owned by the same operator and imposed a 48-hour nationwide standstill order on pig farms and related facilities.

Disinfectant measures are being conducted in Dangjin and surrounding regions, alongside emergency inspections of nearby pig farms. Previously, the five ASF cases this year were confined to northern Gyeonggi Province, but the recent case in South Chungcheong Province—which has the largest swine farming capacity in the country—significantly heightens the risk of a nationwide spread. Officials are mobilizing all available resources to prevent further outbreaks and contain the disease.