1. ECONOMIC ISSUES

$1 = 1,195.80 KRW, The Value of Korean Won Decline 12 Percent in Two Months [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2011/09/26/0301000000AKR20110926200100002.HTML

Summary: The value of Korean won continued a decline to mark $1=1,19580 won at the end of September 26.  Over the last two months, the value of Korean won against U.S. dollar declined by 12 percent.

2. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

American Cheese will Take Over 50 Percent of the Cheese Market in Korea in 10 Years, USDEC [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2011/09/27/0318000000AKR20110927108900003.HTML

Summary: Thomas M. Suber, president of the United States Dairy Export Council (USDEC), said in a seminar held in JW Marriott Hotel Seoul on September 27 that American cheese will take over 50 percent of the cheese market in Korea in 10 years particularly due to the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Korea and the United States.  Mr. Suber forecasted that the total cheese market in Korea will grow more than twice in 10 years partly because of the FTA.   He added that the FTA will have a little impact on Korean dairy farmers because local farmers are mainly focusing on fluid milk whereas increase of import under FTA will be mostly processed cheese products.

3. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

70,000 Chinese Tourists to Visit Korea during October Holiday Season [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2011/09/26/0302000000AKR20110926069000003.HTML?template=2089

Summary: According to a report by Korea Tourism Agency, about 70,000 Chinese tourists are likely to visit Korea during October 1 through 7, a China’s national holiday season.  The number of Chinese visitors would be 20 percent higher than last year.  Because of the Chinese tourists, rooms in major hotels in Seoul is showing over 95 percent booking rate for the period.  Total spending by the Chinese tourists would be about $100 million.

27 Tons of Korean Pear Departs for the U.S. … Total 800 Tons of Pear from Sinahn Province to be Exported to the U.S. This Year [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2011/09/22/0318000000AKR20110922154300054.HTML

Summary: Sinahn province announced that a total of 27 tons of fresh pear grown in the province was scheduled to be loaded into a container vessel heading for the United States on September 24.  This was going to be the first shipment, and total exports of fresh pear from Sinahn province to the United States this year would amount to 800 tons.0

Return of Fruit Juices … Industry to See a Positive Growth in 8 Years [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2011092224991&sid=0104&nid=&page=

Summary: According to the local fruit juice industry, sales of fruit juice in Korea is likely to make a positive growth for the first time in 8 years since 2003.  Total cash register sales of fruit juices is estimated to 800 billion won for this year, up 5 percent from last year.  Sales growth is mainly led by newly launched premium products such as chilled distribution juices.

KINTEX 2nd Exhibition Building Opens [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2011/09/27/0301000000AKR20110927101800060.HTML?template=2089