Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
New Zealand to introduce tourist tax
A colorful sky and mountains above a tranquil bay at sundown in New Zealand. gettyimagesbank
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
Tourists to New Zealand will be stung with a new tax this year.
From mid-2019, international visitors will have to pay $NZ25-$35 ($US17-23) to enter into the country.
Australian citizens and permanent residents, New Zealand's top source of tourism revenue, people from Pacific Islands Forum countries and children under two will be exempt.
An increasing number of tourists in recent years has fueled New Zealand's economic growth but has put a strain on infrastructure in tourist areas.
The money from the tax, which the government expects to be up to $NZ80 million in the first year, will be used to improve infrastructure and to protect the environment.