Jeju Shinbo
1. Society
‘Visa-free travel opens door to illegal immigration’
The paper says Jeju’s visa-waiver program is inadvertently opening the door to illegal immigration. Over 7,600 non-Korean travelers over the past five years have gone missing from their tour groups, and only 29 percent of them have later been caught and arrested.
2. Society
2,400 restaurants open, 600 closed last year
2,400 restaurants opened on the island last year, more than twice the total from 2013. The number closing down is also increasing, albeit at a slower pace. Nearly 600 restaurants went out of business last year.
Jemin Ilbo
1. Society
50,000+ new cars registered in Jeju in 2015
More than 50,000 new cars were registered in Jeju last year, bringing the total to some 435,000. The paper says the increase in vehicles on local roads is the reason behind the worsening traffic jams.
2. Economy
Land auction prices up after airport plan announced
The Jemin Ilbo says the announcement of the plan for Jeju’s second airport last year resulted in a sharp rise in prices at land auctions. In December, land was auctioned off at an average 224% of the initial price, the highest figure since data was first collected in January 2001.
Halla Ilbo
1. Society
Many feel deprived ahead of moving season
With the traditional moving season around the corner, the Halla Ilbo says many people are feeling deprived because they don’t own a home. Housing and rent prices continue to rise here. Real estate prices are up two- to threefold in just the last few years.
2. Society
Winds, snow forecast to continue through Tuesday
A strong wind advisory was issued for parts of Jeju Monday morning, and weather experts say snow is likely through the end of the day Tuesday. Higher elevations will get 10 to 30 centimeters of the white stuff, while coastal areas are expected to get 1 to 5 centimeters.
Yonhap
1. Diplomacy
‘China could use delay UN resolution’
Yonhap is reporting that a senior South Korean diplomat said Sunday that China could use delaying tactics over a looming U.N. resolution meant to punish North Korea for its recent nuclear test.
2. Politics
Former Seoul mayor announces parliamentary bid
A former Seoul mayor announced his bid Sunday for an upcoming parliamentary election. Oh Se-hoon said he will run for the election in Jongno, seeking a political comeback more than four years after he quit his job over controversy surrounding a free school meal policy.