Guestbook

TEST008

Although the betting ticket sales union went on strike on race day demanding changes to wages and employment arrangements, there was no major disruption in the ticket sales operations.When collective bargaining with the Korea Racing Authority broke down, the Labor Union of Racecourse Ticket Vendors of the KRA Korea Racing Association went on strike, and on the 22nd, about 300 ticket vendors refused to come to work.At some off-track locations, some ticket sellers who had more than 50% attendance were refusing to come to work, causing confusion at Seoul Racecourse Park and various off-track locations. To avoid this, free admission was implemented, all Korea Racing Authority staff waited at the ticket counters, and race broadcasts encouraged the use of self-service ticket machines.

TEST008

Although the betting ticket sales union went on strike on race day demanding changes to wages and employment arrangements, there was no major disruption in the ticket sales operations.When collective bargaining with the Korea Racing Authority broke down, the Labor Union of Racecourse Ticket Vendors of the KRA Korea Racing Association went on strike, and on the 22nd, about 300 ticket vendors refused to come to work.At some off-track locations, some ticket sellers who had more than 50% attendance were refusing to come to work, causing confusion at Seoul Racecourse Park and various off-track locations. To avoid this, free admission was implemented, all Korea Racing Authority staff waited at the ticket counters, and race broadcasts encouraged the use of self-service ticket machines.

TEST008

Although the betting ticket sales union went on strike on race day demanding changes to wages and employment arrangements, there was no major disruption in the ticket sales operations.When collective bargaining with the Korea Racing Authority broke down, the Labor Union of Racecourse Ticket Vendors of the KRA Korea Racing Association went on strike, and on the 22nd, about 300 ticket vendors refused to come to work.At some off-track locations, some ticket sellers who had more than 50% attendance were refusing to come to work, causing confusion at Seoul Racecourse Park and various off-track locations. To avoid this, free admission was implemented, all Korea Racing Authority staff waited at the ticket counters, and race broadcasts encouraged the use of self-service ticket machines.

TEST008

As the year-end approached and with the closure of Seoul Racecourse Park approaching, the number of horse racing fans who visited the racecourse and off-track betting locations actually increased slightly compared to the previous week, yet the ticketing operations were carried out normally without major disturbances.The Korea Racing Authority and the Betting Ticket Sales Union held a total of 15 main and working-level negotiations starting August 16, during which they negotiated 110 union demands and 78 KRA demands, but failed to narrow their differences. Then, after negotiations continued through mediation by the Central Labor Relations Commission on December 15, the talks ultimately broke down without reaching an agreement, and the Betting Ticket Sales Union eventually filed a strike notification on the 20th.

TEST008

Although the betting ticket sales union went on strike on race day demanding changes to wages and employment arrangements, there was no major disruption in the ticket sales operations.When collective bargaining with the Korea Racing Authority broke down, the Labor Union of Racecourse Ticket Vendors of the KRA Korea Racing Association went on strike, and on the 22nd, about 300 ticket vendors refused to come to work.At some off-track locations, some ticket sellers who had more than 50% attendance were refusing to come to work, causing confusion at Seoul Racecourse Park and various off-track locations. To avoid this, free admission was implemented, all Korea Racing Authority staff waited at the ticket counters, and race broadcasts encouraged the use of self-service ticket machines.

TEST008

As the year-end approached and with the closure of Seoul Racecourse Park approaching, the number of horse racing fans who visited the racecourse and off-track betting locations actually increased slightly compared to the previous week, yet the ticketing operations were carried out normally without major disturbances.The Korea Racing Authority and the Betting Ticket Sales Union held a total of 15 main and working-level negotiations starting August 16, during which they negotiated 110 union demands and 78 KRA demands, but failed to narrow their differences. Then, after negotiations continued through mediation by the Central Labor Relations Commission on December 15, the talks ultimately broke down without reaching an agreement, and the Betting Ticket Sales Union eventually filed a strike notification on the 20th.

TEST008

Although the betting ticket sales union went on strike on race day demanding changes to wages and employment arrangements, there was no major disruption in the ticket sales operations.When collective bargaining with the Korea Racing Authority broke down, the Labor Union of Racecourse Ticket Vendors of the KRA Korea Racing Association went on strike, and on the 22nd, about 300 ticket vendors refused to come to work.At some off-track locations, some ticket sellers who had more than 50% attendance were refusing to come to work, causing confusion at Seoul Racecourse Park and various off-track locations. To avoid this, free admission was implemented, all Korea Racing Authority staff waited at the ticket counters, and race broadcasts encouraged the use of self-service ticket machines.

TEST008

Since the enactment of the Horse Industry Promotion Act, other local governments that only belatedly entered the race to develop the horse industry were unable to meet the basic requirements, so they began demanding the designation of a special zone combining two or three basic local governments, or a regional special zone at the provincial level. At the suggestion of these local governments, the Regulatory Reform Committee of the Prime Minister’s Office recommended the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to ease the related requirements, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it would prepare a plan to relax the designation requirements for the horse industry special zone starting in 2014, following its designation as the first horse industry special zone in 2013.The designation requirements for a special horse industry zone at the end of 2013 demand a substantially large-scale basic horse industry foundation within a limited scope.

TEST008

Since the enactment of the Horse Industry Promotion Act, other local governments that only belatedly entered the race to develop the horse industry were unable to meet the basic requirements, so they began demanding the designation of a special zone combining two or three basic local governments, or a regional special zone at the provincial level. At the suggestion of these local governments, the Regulatory Reform Committee of the Prime Minister’s Office recommended the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to ease the related requirements, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it would prepare a plan to relax the designation requirements for the horse industry special zone starting in 2014, following its designation as the first horse industry special zone in 2013.The designation requirements for a special horse industry zone at the end of 2013 demand a substantially large-scale basic horse industry foundation within a limited scope.

TEST008

Food and Rural Affairs to amend the Enforcement Rules of the Grassland Act so that equestrian facilities may be installed within pastureland designated for ranching.Jeju Special Self-Governing Province explained that it proposed this in order to establish clear grounds for installing equestrian facilities and to develop the horse industry as a new growth engine industry by linking it with the primary industry and the tertiary industries such as tourism, leisure, and sports.The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food is currently pushing to revise the Enforcement Rules of the Pasture Act so that horse-related facilities, livestock experience facilities, farm landscape facilities, and rest facilities—essential infrastructure for livestock farming—are included within the scope of facilities currently designated for horses, so that they can be used without obtaining a separate pasture conversion permit, but equestrian facilities are not included.

TEST008

As part-time horse racing workers, betting ticket sellers only need to come to work on the days races are held to handle ticketing and guidance, and because they currently work two days a week, they fall under the category of ultra-short-hour workers with less than 15 working hours per week. If the weekly working hours are 15 hours or more, under the Labor Standards Act and the Act on the Standards of Working Conditions, the employee may receive paid holidays and annual paid leave, and be eligible for severance pay.The ticket-selling union said, “The Korea Racing Authority only forcibly adjusted meal and break times, reducing working hours to less than 15 hours, while the actual working hours are more than 15 hours.” They added, “Because management cuts the meal and break times by 10 minutes each, we can’t even have a leisurely meal.” It was argued that all actual working hours should be recognized.

TEST008

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expects that if Jeju Special Self-Governing Province faithfully implements the detailed action plans under the Horse Industry Promotion and Development Plan, it will play a leading role in fostering Korea’s horse industry and will also make a significant contribution to stabilizing horse supply and demand.Minister Lee Dong-pil said, “At a time when FTAs are expanding, the horse industry can create new sources of income for agriculture and rural areas, promote exchanges between urban and rural communities, and develop into advanced-country-style industries such as tourism, leisure (equestrian) industry, and healing industry.” He added, “The designation of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Horse Industry Special Zone carries great significance in that it will establish the foundational infrastructure for the future development of the horse industry.”

TEST008

Although the betting ticket sales union went on strike on race day demanding changes to wages and employment arrangements, there was no major disruption in the ticket sales operations.When collective bargaining with the Korea Racing Authority broke down, the Labor Union of Racecourse Ticket Vendors of the KRA Korea Racing Association went on strike, and on the 22nd, about 300 ticket vendors refused to come to work.At some off-track locations, some ticket sellers who had more than 50% attendance were refusing to come to work, causing confusion at Seoul Racecourse Park and various off-track locations. To avoid this, free admission was implemented, all Korea Racing Authority staff waited at the ticket counters, and race broadcasts encouraged the use of self-service ticket machines.

TEST008

In particular, the two main roads are blocking access to the nearest school, Seongsim Girls’ Middle and High School, so it was found that only 0.27 students per day actually attend school in front of the new Yongsan branch, revealing how absurd the opposing side’s claims were.Nevertheless, the opposing side is shouting only opposition unconditionally.In their press statement, the Residents’ Committee demanded opposition to the expansion of the Yongsan branch office outside the building, desperate resistance if the branch office is forced to open inside, and strong action from the Yongsan District Mayor, the district council, and National Assembly member Jin Young.In particular, they have repeatedly insisted that opening the new Yongsan branch is absolutely impossible, and that if the opening is pursued, there would be no need for consultation.

TEST008

Therefore, the horse industry must be linked to the income of local farmers. What local farmers feel firsthand is more important than anything else. Revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs are also important.To ensure the smooth opening of Yeongcheon Race Park, where related construction and projects are currently underway, we will work closely with the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) and Gyeongsangbuk-do to create a world-class, high-quality park.It also aims to build a prosperous Yeongcheon based on the horse industry by establishing infrastructure for horse racing and horseback riding—often called the crown jewel of the horse industry—as well as training, auctions, and specialized personnel.

TEST008

To promote the horse industry solidly, the Yeongcheon Citizens’ Equestrian Team, the largest in the country with 114 members across six divisions, was established and began operations in 2012. In addition, the team has built an organic cooperation system by signing industry-academia-research agreements with Kyungpook National University, various academic societies, and social enterprises. In particular, to establish a foundation for the horse industry, we are currently constructing the country’s first regional riding center for riding horses with mounted horses, equipped with indoor and outdoor training facilities, an auction hall, an education center, and a breeding center, near Unjusan Riding Ranch. For the industrialization of horses, it is especially important to utilize horse by-products to increase added value and link it to farm household income.

TEST008

To promote the horse-related local industry, we plan to develop products such as cosmetics and commercialize the income-generating byproducts of horses. A specialized horse meat restaurant in Malsukgeori, Wansan-dong, will also open within this year. Also, in September, the racehorse “Star Yeongcheon,” introduced by the city, is set to make its debut at LetsRun Park Seoul. I believe that expanding the base of equestrian riders is the biggest issue. If equestrian activities are promoted so that citizens and the public become aware of the horse industry and grow familiar with horses, the horse industry will soon become a tourism resource. If people come to ride horses, try the experience, and buy local agricultural products, it will help develop the horse industry and also boost the income of local farmers.

TEST008

To promote the horse industry solidly, the Yeongcheon Citizens’ Equestrian Team, the largest in the country with 114 members across six divisions, was established and began operations in 2012. In addition, the team has built an organic cooperation system by signing industry-academia-research agreements with Kyungpook National University, various academic societies, and social enterprises. In particular, to establish a foundation for the horse industry, we are currently constructing the country’s first regional riding center for riding horses with mounted horses, equipped with indoor and outdoor training facilities, an auction hall, an education center, and a breeding center, near Unjusan Riding Ranch. For the industrialization of horses, it is especially important to utilize horse by-products to increase added value and link it to farm household income.

TEST008

We also aim to expand the base of equestrian riders to connect with tourism resources and products.At major tourist attractions in Yeongcheon, such as Chisan Tourist Site, family members are also offered horseback riding experiences, and administrative support is sparedlessly provided to foster the perception that visitors to Yeongcheon can ride horses. Above all, Mayor Kim Young-seok’s outstanding drive, the passion of the Horse Industry Promotion Group and city hall staff, and the strong spirit of the citizens are providing great strength for the development and growth of Yeongcheon’s horse industry.Our city has many livestock farms. Most of them raise cattle, pigs, and the like, and the fundamental purpose is to use the horse industry as an alternative sector to livestock farming, which is most affected by the era of FTAs.

TEST008

The Local Tax Research Institute is pushing for a revision of the automobile tax rates to make the fixed automobile tax on ownership more realistic, and is considering expanding the scope of acquisition tax to include new taxable items such as energy facilities like solar and wind power plants, as well as manufacturing equipment in factories. In addition, reflecting social and economic changes, consideration is also being given to taxing acquisition tax on virtual spaces such as internet domains.Jung Moon-geon, Deputy Director of the Local Tax Research Institute, said, “If local taxes are imposed on the admission of golf courses and similar facilities, it will greatly contribute to strengthening local finances.”

TEST008

We also aim to expand the base of equestrian riders to connect with tourism resources and products.At major tourist attractions in Yeongcheon, such as Chisan Tourist Site, family members are also offered horseback riding experiences, and administrative support is sparedlessly provided to foster the perception that visitors to Yeongcheon can ride horses. Above all, Mayor Kim Young-seok’s outstanding drive, the passion of the Horse Industry Promotion Group and city hall staff, and the strong spirit of the citizens are providing great strength for the development and growth of Yeongcheon’s horse industry.Our city has many livestock farms. Most of them raise cattle, pigs, and the like, and the fundamental purpose is to use the horse industry as an alternative sector to livestock farming, which is most affected by the era of FTAs.

test008

Rehabilitation equine therapy” refers to the practice of using horses as animal-assisted therapy to treat mental and psychological disorders as well as physical disabilities. It is generally known to stimulate interest through interaction with large animals such as horses, and to help improve confidence and judgment. It also helps improve concentration. Because it involves interacting with speech while engaging in physical exercise, it is effective not only for stress relief but also for reducing negative emotions,

TEST008

Therefore, the horse industry must be linked to the income of local farmers. What local farmers feel firsthand is more important than anything else. Revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs are also important.To ensure the smooth opening of Yeongcheon Race Park, where related construction and projects are currently underway, we will work closely with the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) and Gyeongsangbuk-do to create a world-class, high-quality park.It also aims to build a prosperous Yeongcheon based on the horse industry by establishing infrastructure for horse racing and horseback riding—often called the crown jewel of the horse industry—as well as training, auctions, and specialized personnel.

TEST008

We also aim to expand the base of equestrian riders to connect with tourism resources and products.At major tourist attractions in Yeongcheon, such as Chisan Tourist Site, family members are also offered horseback riding experiences, and administrative support is sparedlessly provided to foster the perception that visitors to Yeongcheon can ride horses. Above all, Mayor Kim Young-seok’s outstanding drive, the passion of the Horse Industry Promotion Group and city hall staff, and the strong spirit of the citizens are providing great strength for the development and growth of Yeongcheon’s horse industry.Our city has many livestock farms. Most of them raise cattle, pigs, and the like, and the fundamental purpose is to use the horse industry as an alternative sector to livestock farming, which is most affected by the era of FTAs.

test008

However, it is true that there is a significant shortage, because sick children are not only in Gyeonggi Province but are found throughout the country.In reality, there are hardly any suitable places for therapeutic horseback riding. I’ve heard that the Korea Racing Authority runs support programs, but it’s not easy to find information, and as far as I know, there aren’t many.Through this therapeutic riding program conducted at Samsung Seoul Hospital, I encountered a horse for the first time.