Korea, Japan to Consider Introducing Daylight Savings Time

By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

President Lee Myung-bak will propose that Japan introduce daylight savings time (DST) together with South Korea next year at his planned summit with Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Friday, according to a report, Wednesday.

The Donga Ilbo reported the issue of whether to introduce DST may be on the summit agenda as the Japanese prime minister is also positively considering the system, citing a source from Cheong Wa Dae.

The presidential office refused to confirm the report, but said there has been no change in the government's plan to implement DST as soon as possible to save energy.

The Presidential Council on Green Growth convened a meeting of environmentalists and government officials Wednesday to discuss DST and other measures aimed at developing energy-saving and green-growth technologies.

The government has formed a joint committee with major business associations and conglomerates to strengthen communication with industries on creating green-growth policies.

The panel includes major business lobbies ― such as the Federation of Korean Industries and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry ― and government officials developing environment and energy policies.

As part of plans to promote green industries, the government plans to introduce DST, which has been adopted by 27 of the 30 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Only South Korea, Japan and Iceland have yet to put DST into motion.

Korea has previously implemented daylight saving twice, in 1948 and 1987.

It resumed DST in 1987 ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, but the system did not last long due to public opposition.

The government says the country will be able to save up to 65 billion won worth of energy annually and create economic effects totaling 136 billion won if it introduces DST.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr

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