There are important changes on the island that will impact our lives this year.
One of those changes include the revision of the Public Official Election Act, which enables high school seniors to vote. Students will cast their ballots for the first time at the national election scheduled in April.
Another significant change involves Halla Mountain. Reservations will be required for trekkers who would like to use the(성판악) Seongpanak or (관음사) Gwaneumsa Trails starting next month.
Todd Thacker has more.

[slug] High school seniors now eligible to vote in national elections

For the first time, high school seniors will be eligible to vote in a national election.
Following a revision of the Public Official Election Act, the minimum voting age has been lowered from 19 to 18. This year's National Assembly Election is set for April 15th.

[slug] Reservations required for Hallasan Mountain trails, climber numbers limited

Beginning in February, reservations will be required for climbers using the (성판악) Seongpanak and (관음사) Gwaneumsa Trails on Hallasan Mountain.

Authorities will limit the daily number of climbers on the (성판악) Seongpanak Trail to 1,000 and permit just 500 people on (관음사) Gwaneumsa Trail.

INTERVIEW
Kim Gwon-yul / Hallasan National Park Office
The reservation system is to preserve natural resources and balance the number of trekkers between trails. Seongpanak Trail is the most popular, while Gwaneumsa, Yeongsil and Eorimok Trails have had relatively fewer trekkers.
[인터뷰 : 김권율 / 한라산국립공원 공원운영팀장 ]
"한라산의 자연자원을 보전할 수 있고 일시에 성판악으로 쏠리는 현상에 대해서 관음사,영실,어리목으로 분산 효과를 볼 수 있다고 생각합니다."

[slug] New bypass road for airport opens this month

Traffic congestion near Jeju International Airport is expected to drop dramatically in January.
A newly completed 2.2 kilometer-long bypass road connecting the airport and Jeju City Traditional Five-day Market will open this month. Construction took just over two and a half years.

[slug] Therapeutic services offered to April 3rd Incident victims

The national government will provide an array of therapeutic services to victims of the April 3rd Incident or members of the bereaved families of the victims.

Those who suffer from physical or emotional trauma related to the tragic events of the incident are eligible for medical consultations, physical therapy, health programs, and art therapy.

[slug] Community leaders to be selected by local residents

Beginning this year, community leaders will be selected by area residents rather than by appointment of the governor.
Candidates for the (이도) Ido 2-dong area of Jeju City and for (대정읍) Dajeong-eup in Seogwipo City will be interviewed by residents and their suitability put to a vote. The preferred leadership candidate will then be recommended to the governor, who will make the appointment.

INTERVIEW
Kim Chang-hyeon / Representative, Province
We’re trying to create an environment where area residents actively participate in administrative affairs. This will make communities stronger.
[인터뷰 김창현 / 제주시 자치행정국장 ]
"행정도 행정이지만 함께 지역을 만들어가는 주민들이 같이 호응하고 함께 한다는 구조가 잘 형성된다고 하면 좋은 결과가 나타날 수 있기 때문에"

[slug] Registered sex offender list available by smartphone app

Information on registered sex offenders will be made available by smartphone app, together with mailed notices.
Restrictions on the employment of such offenders will be extended to cover international schools and support centers for teenage dropouts.

[slug] Pet adoption policies to be tightened

And finally, pet adoption policies on the island are being tightened in 2020.

[Reporter] Todd Thacker
[Camera] Ko Moon-su

The provincial animal shelter will reduce the number of adoption days from five to three a week. Mandatory classes for those looking to adopt a pet will also be more rigorous.

Todd Thacker, KCTV