The new year will usher in a wide range of changes for people living and arriving in South Korea, affeceting everything from their wallets to their screens.
The minimum wage for 2026 will rise to 10,320 won an hour, a 2.9 percent increase from 2025. Starting in March, the use of smartphones and other digital devices during class hours will also be restricted.
From transportation safety and child care benefits to the government’s cautious approach to AI regulation and expanded foreign labor programs, here are some of the key policy changes selected by The Korea Herald.
Tougher rules for drug-impaired driving
As cases of drug-impaired driving continue to rise, the government has introduced penalties for refusing to undergo a drug test. Drivers who refuse testing may face up to five years in prison or fines of up to 20 million won ($13,800).
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