Jeju Ilbo
1. Administration
‘Carbon-free goal depends on wind power development’
The provincial government plans to reduce carbon emissions in Jeju to zero. Analysts say that will only be possible if some basic infrastructure needs are met for getting power generated by wind turbines to consumers of electricity.

2. Society
Threats remain for fishing boats
It has been a month since the deadly capsizing of the fishing boat Dolgorae. Experts say safety concerns remain, especially for boats from other regions that fish around Chuja Island. They say those captains aren’t familiar with the dangers unique to local waters.

Jemin Ilbo
1. Administration
Cultural center plans face more obstacles
The Jemin Ilbo is reporting that the plans by Jeju National Museum to establish a new cultural center are again facing obstacles. Critics say neither the provincial government nor the council are offering adequate support for the initiative.

2. Tourism
‘Uncoordinated’ efforts to boost Japanese tourism
Critics say efforts by the Korea Tourism Organization to boost the number of Japanese coming to the island aren’t even as effective as local efforts. Island officials have had some success with on-site promotional campaigns and MOUs with top travel agencies.


Halla Ilbo
1. Administration
‘Stop haphazard response to pine wilt’
The Halla Ilbo is reporting on the ongoing fight against pine wilt. The provincial government plans to restart eradication efforts this month, with a focus on removing withered trees. Experts argue the province hasn’t yet secured enough money to do so, and that it needs an additional five billion won.

2. Agriculture
Illegal mandarin sales continue
The distribution of sub-par mandarin oranges continues, which brings prices down for farmers following the rules. Local officials spend a massive amount of money each year on the problem, only to face it again the next year.

Yonhap
1. Economy
‘S. Korea moving toward joining TPP’
Yonhap is reporting on remarks by Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan that South Korea is examining various factors as it moves toward joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Twelve countries are already part of the free trade pact, and they account for 40 percent of the world's gross domestic product.

2. Economy
Volkswagen’s car sales down 7.8% in Sept.
Embattled German carmaker Volkswagen saw its sales in South Korea drop nearly 8 percent on-month in September. The fall comes amid a deepening emissions rigging scandal.