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Agoda Reveals South Korean Family Travel Trends for the Year-End Holiday Season

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– Phu Quoc, Fukuoka, Osaka, Nha Trang, Tokyo, Da Nang, Okinawa, Cebu, Sapporo and Chiang Mai topped international searches, while Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju, Sokcho, Incheon, Gangneung, Yeosu, Pyeongchang and Jeongseon led domestic destinations

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the year-end holiday season approaches, families are beginning to plan getaways to make the most of the winter break. Reflecting this seasonal travel demand, digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its latest insights on the international and domestic destinations drawing the most interest from families traveling with children.

Families look to Japan and Vietnam for end-of-year escapes

Agoda’s data reveals that South Korean families are most interested in exploring destinations in nearby Japan and Southeast Asia – particularly Vietnam – during the winter months, according to accommodation searches made on Agoda by South Korean travelers with at least one child for check-ins between November 2026 and January 2027. Phu Quoc (Vietnam) emerged as the top choice for overseas travel this winter season, followed by Fukuoka (Japan) in second place, and Osaka (Japan) in third. Nha Trang (Vietnam), Tokyo (Japan), Da Nang (Vietnam), Okinawa (Japan), Cebu (Philippines), Sapporo (Japan) and Chiang Mai (Thailand) complete the top ten.

Phu Quoc saw accommodation searches rise 33% year on year, moving up four places from last year to claim the top spot. With the dry season beginning in November, the island offers favorable weather for families to enjoy a wide range of activities, from island-hopping tours, snorkeling and parasailing to exploring night markets, theme parks and safaris.

Japanese destinations also continue to be popular among South Korean travelers, with five cities making the top ten international destinations. Fukuoka ranked second, climbing four places from last year, with accommodation searches increasing 61%. Easily accessible from South Korea, Fukuoka is a convenient choice for families traveling with children. The city offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including LaLaport Fukuoka, one of the largest shopping malls with a game center, the Fukuoka Anpanman Children’s Museum and Marine World Uminonakamichi.

Osaka retained its third-place ranking from last year, with accommodation searches increasing 8%. With Trinity Airways set to launch a new daily Incheon–Kobe route from December 18, access to the Kansai region is expected to become even more convenient for South Korean travelers during the upcoming holiday period. The city is also home to a range of attractions for children and families, including Universal Studios Japan, Kids Plaza Osaka, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka.

Notably, Sapporo made its debut in the top ten this year, ranking ninth with a 46% increase in accommodation searches. Known as a popular winter destination, Sapporo offers families the chance to experience a variety of seasonal activities, from the Sapporo Snow Festival and Sapporo White Illumination to relaxing hot springs.

Beyond Japan and Vietnam, Thailand’s Chiang Mai also saw increased travel interest from South Korean families, with accommodation searches climbing 47%, earning the city its first appearance in the top ten this year. With warm weather year-round, the city offers an appealing getaway for families looking to escape the winter cold, with attractions such as Chiang Mai Night Safari, Grand Canyon Water Park and Lenmaii Playground & Cafe providing plenty of options for children. The destination is also set to become more accessible from South Korea, with Air Busan launching a new Busan–Chiang Mai route on November 11, which could further boost travel demand during the year-end holiday season.

Closer to home, families find fresh winter adventures in well-loved locales

Turning to domestic travel, Jeju ranked first, followed by Seoul, and Busan in the top three. Gyeongju, Sokcho, Incheon, Gangneung, Yeosu, Pyeongchang and Jeongseon round off the top ten.

Retaining the top spot for the second consecutive year, Jeju saw accommodation searches increase 8% year on year. The island offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences that bring children closer to nature and animals, from meeting animals at Flower Bird Park and Dochidol Ranch to dolphin tours and horseback riding. Families can also enjoy child-focused attractions such as Arte Kids Park, Snoopy Garden and Pororo & Tayo Theme Park Jeju, making Jeju a versatile destination for a family getaway.

Notably, Jeongseon entered the top ten for the first time this year, with accommodation searches rising 110%. Emerging as a new winter destination for families, Jeongseon offers snow-covered mountain scenery and hearty local cuisine, making it an appealing choice for a winter retreat. Visitors can take in panoramic snowy views at Manhangjae, while the Jeongseon Arirang Market provides an opportunity to experience the region’s local flavors and culture.

Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda shared, “As families look ahead to the year-end holiday season, we’re seeing growing interest in destinations that offer something for every member of the family. From tropical escapes like Phu Quoc and Chiang Mai to winter destinations such as Sapporo and Jeongseon, this year’s travel trends highlight the many unique ways families are looking to make the most of their time together. At Agoda, we’re pleased to help families discover and plan trips that suit their interests and create memorable experiences for travelers of all ages.”

For families planning to travel with children, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Visit the website at www.Agoda.com or download the mobile app for the best deals.

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SOURCE Agoda

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KLC Highlights TTV Thermal Testing for AI/HPC and Liquid Cooling, Chip-Wafer Layout Design, Alongside High-Voltage EV Heating Solutions

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The Taiwan-based manufacturer supports thermal validation for chip-wafer layout design, planning, design verification, high-performance computing, cold plates, liquid cooling, and electric vehicle thermal management. 

TAICHUNG, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd. (KLC Corporation), a Taiwan-based thermal management solutions manufacturer, today highlighted its Thermal Test Vehicle (TTV) solutions for chip-wafer layout design, planning & verification, AI, and high-performance computing (HPC), alongside high-voltage coolant heaters for electric vehicles (EVs).

As AI infrastructure and high-performance computing systems drive increasing power densities, thermal validation is becoming increasingly critical in Chip-Wafer layout design, planning, design verification, and cooling system development. KLC’s TTV solutions provide controllable heat sources to simulate thermal loads in high-power electronic devices and advanced semiconductor architectures, helping engineers perform early-stage Chip-Wafer layout and architecture design verification while precisely evaluating cooling performance in cold plates and liquid cooling systems.

These solutions support thermal validation for applications involving AI servers, GPU platforms, advanced packaging, and semiconductor wafer devices, helping engineering teams assess cooling designs and thermal performance during wafer design and product development processes.

In the automotive sector, KLC provides high-voltage coolant heaters for battery preheating and cabin heating. Depending on the series, its solutions offer voltage ratings from 12 to 400 VDC and power outputs of up to 12,000 W, supporting diverse EV thermal management requirements.

“From Chip-Wafer layout design planning and AI/HPC cooling validation to electric vehicle heating, thermal management is essential to next-generation semiconductor and automotive systems,” said Joanna Wu, CEO of KLC Corporation. “KLC combines thermal testing capabilities and heating technologies to support customers developing increasingly demanding applications.”

KLC serves customers across the automotive, industrial, and semiconductor markets, including engineering teams working on chip-wafer layout design verification, high-power electronics, and thermal management systems.

About KLC Corporation

KLC (Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd.), headquartered in Taichung, Taiwan, designs and manufactures PTC heaters, flexible heaters, and Thermal Test Vehicle solutions for global B2B customers in automotive, industrial, and semiconductor markets.

Website: https://www.ptc-heater.com.tw/

TTV Solutions: https://www.ptc-heater.com.tw/thermal-test-vehicle-ttv/

Media Contact

Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd.
Email: info@ptc-heater.com.tw 
Tel: +886 4 2533 0456

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SOURCE Taiwan King Lung Chin PTC Co., Ltd.

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ATTACK SHARK Unveils X60 Gaming Headset, Combining Precision Audio, All-Day Comfort, and an RGB Wireless Charging Dock

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New flagship headset brings together high-fidelity acoustics, ergonomic engineering, low-latency wireless connectivity, and desktop expansion features in a single gaming audio solution

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High-performance gaming peripheral brand ATTACK SHARK is set to introduce the X60 Gaming Headset, its latest premium audio offering built to meet the demands of competitive gamers and multi-device users. The headset combines advanced acoustic engineering, ergonomic comfort, low-latency wireless performance, and an RGB-enabled charging dock with integrated hub functionality. It is a complete desktop audio solution built for FPS gaming, entertainment, and extended daily use.

Built for Competitive Audio Performance

The X60 features a 53mm dynamic driver with a PEN nano-polymer diaphragm, a material widely used in professional audio equipment for its ability to reduce distortion and improve clarity. Combined with a large independent acoustic chamber and airflow-balancing technology, the design delivers precise sound reproduction with clear layering and accurate positional cues, helping players react faster in competitive gameplay. Premium Audio Quality — Experience rich, immersive sound with crisp footsteps, detailed in-game effects, and enhanced audio depth

Beyond the hardware, ATTACK SHARK has refined the listening experience through professional acoustic tuning. Developed with input from audio engineers with over 20 years of experience, the X60 delivers a balanced sound profile that combines detailed reproduction, natural vocal presentation, and the impact required for immersive gameplay. The result is a versatile audio experience suited to competitive gaming, music, and everyday entertainment.

To complement its audio performance, the X60 also places strong emphasis on voice communication during gameplay. The headset features a proprietary AI audio-processing chip designed to enhance microphone noise reduction across multiple channels. Paired with a detachable 360° high-sensitivity microphone and AI voice-enhancement algorithms, the system helps capture speech clearly while reducing unwanted background noise, ensuring reliable team communication even in noisy environments.

Users can further refine their experience through the companion software, which offers 7.1 virtual surround sound, spatial audio settings, preset EQ profiles, and customizable equalizer controls. Personalized audio settings can be saved and switched easily, allowing the X60 to adapt to different games, content, and listening preferences.

Engineered for Desktop Integration, Connectivity, and Comfort

One of the X60’s defining features is its RGB touch-enabled wireless charging dock, designed to extend the headset beyond a standalone audio device. It supports convenient drop-and-charge functionality while minimizing charging heat, keeping the headset powered and ready for use. It also doubles as a desktop expansion hub with integrated USB and Type-C ports, helping address the growing demand for connectivity across modern gaming setups. Combined with customizable RGB lighting effects, the dock brings together charging, connectivity, and desktop aesthetics in a single solution.

The X60 further enhances everyday versatility with ATTACK SHARK’s upgraded proprietary 2.4GHz wireless technology, engineered for low-latency performance and stable connections. Four connection modes, including 2.4GHz Type-C, 2.4GHz USB-A, Bluetooth 6.0, and wired USB-A, provide broad compatibility across PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox, and other mainstream gaming platforms. A built-in 1000mAh battery supports extended playtime and allows gaming while charging, while physical slide controls enable quick and intuitive switching between connection modes and key functions.

Comfort remains a central part of the design. A reinforced headband frame and aluminum alloy supports provide durability without compromising flexibility, while the 3D adjustment system allows the earcups to rotate up to 90° horizontally, tilt freely up to 37.5°, and adapt to different head sizes through three-level headband adjustment. Combined with breathable microfiber ear cushions and a memory foam headband, the design delivers a secure, pressure-free fit for extended gaming sessions.

The ATTACK SHARK X60 Gaming Headset will be available starting from November 4, 2026.

For more information, visit https://attackshark.com/ or connect with the brand on social media and Discord.

To place an order, visit ATTACK SHARK Amazon Store for the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/attack-shark-unveils-x60-gaming-headset-combining-precision-audio-all-day-comfort-and-an-rgb-wireless-charging-dock-302924481.html

SOURCE ATTACK SHARK

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Bridge expert Darryl Matson, P.Eng., P.E., of COWI is one of the two winners of ACEC’s prestigious 2026 Beaubien Award

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OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ — At tonight’s ACEC National Awards Gala, the prestigious Beaubien Award went to not one, but two recipients. Since 1985, the Beaubien Award has been the hallmark of excellence in the consulting engineering industry. Named in honour of Dr. James de Gaspé Beaubien, who founded the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada in 1925, this award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the profession.

It has been more than a decade since the Past Chair’s Council, who select the award recipient, were presented with such phenomenal candidates they could not select just one. The 2026 winners are Darryl Matson, P.Eng., P.E., Senior Vice President and Senior Project Director with COWI, and Alex Brisson, P.Eng., MBA, ASC, President and CEO of Norda Stelo.

About Darryl Matson, P.Eng., P.E.

Darryl Matson is an engineer who excels at building bridges.

Some have been high-profile worldwide firsts, achieving complex technical feats that help create safe infrastructure for the daily lives of millions. Think of the Lions Gate Bridge in B.C., an essential connection from Vancouver to its northern communities for commuters and businesses. With his characteristic creativity, patience, and calm, Darryl led a project to completely replace the suspended structure while still making it possible for traffic to move across it. Think, too, of his seismic retrofitting of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Or his collaborations with seismic researchers at UC Berkeley and UC San Diego, which led to advancements in industry knowl­edge, such as the use of carbon fibre wrapping and lead rubber isolation bearings in bridge construction.

Other bridges Darryl has built have been less visible but no less important, namely the countless human connections he has made with colleagues, clients, and the many young engineering professionals he has mentored.

“Darryl has an incredible ability to solve complex technical problems, but just as importantly, he builds trust with clients, partners, and other engineers,” observes his colleague, Anne-Marie Langlois, COWI’s Vice President, Head of Engineering, Canada. “Darryl has always been a trusted mentor, friend, and someone who has been available to chat anytime about anything related to my work or career.”  

Throughout Darryl’s 35+ years at COWI, which he joined as a junior engineer and of which he became President for many years, he has been a driving force in making the firm one of the top bridge engineering firms in North America. Much of that is down to the priority he has placed on knowledge transfer and the development of future leaders.

Having been an active participant in leadership development programs himself, he now leads them–from informal lunch-and-learns (known as Table Talks with Darryl) to more formal programs, such as COWI’s new Early Careers Network leadership training group, which teaches junior staff how an engineering business works.

A devoted family man and volunteer, Darryl believes in giving back. Besides being involved as an industry leader within ACEC-BC and with his alma mater, UBC, for most of his career, Darryl has supported the promotion of engineering in local communities–where he has given talks or interviews to local Vancouver organizations, including the media, schools, and local Rotary Clubs.   

For his many contributions, from numerous engineering feats to laying the groundwork for the next generation of engineering professionals, he has earned the 2026 Beaubien Award.

About ACEC
ACEC is the national voice of consulting engineering companies, representing firms across the country that provide professional engineering services to both public and private sector clients. These services include the planning, design, and execution of all types of engineering projects, as well as providing independent advice and expertise in a wide range of engineering and engineering-related fields. For more information about ACEC and the 2026 ACEC National Awards, please visit www.acec.ca.

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Darryl Matson – Beaubien Award Photo and Video (see ACEC website)

SOURCE Association of Consulting Engineering Companies

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