Flowers bloom in a garden at Sono Calm Jeju, a resort on Jeju Island, on June 26.YONHAP
It's Friday! I hope you had a great week. Here are the stories you need to know in Korea.
In today's news, Korea's drone startups say government red tape is holding them back. We explore Ganghwa Island off the coast of Incheon. And we find out how regional education offices are looking to protect teachers' rights.
Where does Korea stand in global competitiveness on military drones? While Korea has shown its prowess in conventional weapons, such as tanks and self-propelled howitzers, military drone development remains an area where it lags behind. The global military drone market is projected to grow to $22.8 billion in 2030, with the technology becoming a central force in modern warfare.
Who are the players in Korea's emerging drone business? Startups Nearthlab and Pablo Air are some prominent examples of emerging companies in the drone business. Pablo Air is working on developing kamikaze drones for less than 10 million won ($6,497), utilizing inexpensive materials, such as foam board. Meanwhile, Nearthlab has developed KAiDEN, a small interceptor drone that weighs 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) and can fly at speeds up to 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour).
What is holding the industry back? According to experts, uptake on drones by Korea's military is too slow. “For drones, there needs to be a system that allows the military to quickly purchase prototypes even in small quantities,” said a professor from Jeonbuk National University. Furthermore, Korea lacks facilities where companies can conduct explosive drone tests, with Pablo Air having to go to Canada to do its testing.
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A charming getaway only two hours from Seoul by bus
Where is this? This is Ganghwa Island, a historically rich destination off the coast of Incheon. It is only a two-hour bus ride away from Seoul and would appeal to those looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. People visit the island for hiking, its dining options and beaches.
What is there to see and do? Ganghwa Island is home to Korea's oldest Buddhist temple, Jeondeungsa, founded in the year 381. Monks still reside in the temple complex, and you may see them chanting as you visit. The island also attracts hikers who gather to ascend Manisan, a mountain that stands at 472 meters (1,549 feet) above sea level. And of course, a trip to Ganghwa Island isn't complete without some beach time. Dongmak Beach is known for its singers and musicians who busk along the oceanfront.
Where should I stay? Gangwha Island is close enough to Seoul that you could make it a day trip. But if you wanted to stay overnight after a long day of hiking and beach time, you could try booking one of its pensions — a type of vacation cabin on the island. Some are simple, while others even have swimming pools and cafes attached.
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Education offices look to establish protection bodies
What is happening? South Chungcheong and Daejeon are looking to implement a protection office for teachers' rights aimed at reducing the burden on teachers and schools. The move comes amid a broader consensus that violations of teacher's rights and school violence require more active responses.
Where does 'Teach You a Lesson' come in? The establishment of a dedicated body to protect teachers' rights seems to mirror a similar fictional organization portrayed in the Netflix drama "Teach You a Lesson" called the Educational Rights Protection Bureau. South Chungcheong's education superintendent-elect Lee Byoung-do said the drama reflects growing public recognition of problems in the education system.
What would these teachers' rights bodies do, exactly? According to the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education, which intends to implement a similar body, the office would handle public complaints, manage teachers' administrative workloads, provide legal assistance and offer legal, psychological and administrative counseling.
