An integrated high-speed rail app set for launch next month will allow ticket reservations for the high-speed trains KTX and SRT. (Korea Railroad Corp.)

By Xu Aiying

Changes in sectors like transportation, administration and finance will take effect in the second half of this year. The following are five that will affect the foreign community in the country.

Integrated app for both high-speed rail services

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport next month will launch an integrated app for the high-speed rail trains KTX (Korea Train Express) and SRT (Super Rapid Train), eliminating the need to book tickets separately through each service's app or site.

And from October, a reservation can be made two months in advance instead of one, something expected to ease trip planning.

The procedure for exchanging duty-free items worth up to USD 800 will be simplified this month. Shown are renovated fashion and lifestyle stores of Shinsegae Duty Free at Incheon International Airport. (Shinsegae Duty Free)

Simplified exchanges of duty-free items

The procedure for exchanging duty-free items worth up to USD 800 has been simplified. When exchanging duty-free goods bought upon departure for the same items after arrival (provided the value remains within the duty-free limit), travelers can do so via courier or mail within Korea without having to voluntarily declare the items upon arrival or go through re-departure procedures.

24-hour foreign exchange market

This month also marks the debut of 24-hour operations of the interbank foreign exchange market, except on Jan. 1 and weekends. Foreign investors, importers and exporters can exchange currencies with banks at real-time exchange rates at any time of the day.

Debut of AI Government24 in December

AI Government24, an AI-powered version of Government 24, the nation's online government service portal that streamlines administrative procedures, will officially launch in December. Users unfamiliar with complex administrative terminology can ask questions using everyday language, and the AI will analyze their intent and identify the most suitable service or benefit from among 20,000 types of public services and benefits available on Government24.

A pilot chat service using an AI-based voice will be launched for the digitally disadvantaged, and support features will ensure that foreign nationals can also easily use the service as well.

To ease the recruitment of top international talent, the K-Tech Pass will adopt a new approach that combines qualitative evaluations with the government’s program to attract top scholarly talent. (iClickArt) Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of this image is prohibited under copyright law.

K-Tech Pass: visa granted in just 2 weeks

To attract top global talent, the new K-Tech Pass program combines qualitative evaluations with government recruitment of top scholars. Top tier visas go to professionals in high-tech industries, as well as comprehensive support for settlement in Korea such as education, housing and tax incentives.

Eligibility is open to those receiving comprehensive recognition for technical expertise and job relevance, moving away from the traditional focus on quantitative evaluation. People selected for government ministry programs to attract leading scholars can also obtain a K-Tech Pass without needing to meet separate quantitative requirements.

Qualified candidates can get the relevant visa (F-2-T) online within two weeks without needing to visit a diplomatic mission abroad. They will get an immigration priority card and can apply for permanent residency after three years.

xuaiy@korea.kr