News

[K-wave] Ministry of Tourism announces "Top 100 Korean Tourism Attractions"

2025/01/23 14:00

So, as we just mentioned the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays has been extended to 6 days While some have already made plans to travel abroad, the government has made special efforts to enhance DOMESTIC tourism over this period. The 'top 100 tourist attractions of Korea' is not only a must-visit list for foreigners, but also a guide for locals. Lee Eun-jin has the details. During the Lunar New Year holiday, there will be various tourist events for people to enjoy while visiting their hometowns. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization, will select the top 100 tourist attractions of Korea for 2025-to-2026. Marking its seventh edition, the biennial list has picked and publicized the nation's top tourist hotspots since 2012. The entries include 61 cultural tourism resources such as historical sites, architecture, interactive and leisure facilities and 39 natural and ecotourism resources such as forests, beaches and wetlands. The locations are spread out nationwide. By region, there are 22 in the greater Seoul metropolitan area, 11 in the Gangwon area, 15 in the Chungcheong area, 18 in the Jeolla area, 28 in the Gyeongsang area, and 6 on Jeju. The designated areas include experience-oriented locations that feature fun things enjoyed by Koreans in daily life, like eating noodles at the Hangang River, visiting the pop-up stores in Seongsu, and shopping at the Sokcho Tourist and Fisheries Market. There are also destinations that reflect the trend of travel for healing, including Gyodongdo Island in Incheon where "Squid Game" was filmed and the Jeongdongsimgok Badabuchae Trail, or the Jeongdongjin Marine Terrace Trail that features a unique topography resembling the "tip of a fan", where visitors can take in mesmerizing ocean scenery. On the list of 100 destinations, there are 14 places that have been selected for the 7th consecutive time since the start of this project in 2012. Deeply rooted in representing Korea, these locations include the Five Royal Palaces in Seoul, the Jeonju Hanok Village, Hallasan National Park, the trails of Jeju Olle-gil, and historical temples like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. With the government's recent decision to add Monday, January 27th, as a holiday, the Lunar New Year holiday will last 6 days. In line with the government's goal to increase domestic travel, a "traveler's passport" of stamp tours will be launched, where visitors can fill their stamp passports as they travel to the 100 destinations. At the end of the year, the Tourism Ministry plans to award a prize to those that have visited the most locations. Additionally, various events for the whole family will be available at various museums. The National Folk Museum of Korea will hold special cultural experiences and exhibitions, while the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art will offer free access to its special exhibitions, and various performances will be held at the National Gugak Center, the National Theater of Korea, and the Asia Culture Center. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

2 people killed in knife attack in Germany

2025/01/23 10:00

Beginning in Germany today, two people were killed in a stabbing attack. One of them is reportedly a toddler. Do tell us more. Right. Police arrested a 28-year-old Afghan man for stabbing a boy and a man to death in a park in the Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg, on Wednesday. The suspect, previously known for violent behavior and detained a few times, assaulted the group of children with a kitchen knife, killing a 2-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man who was trying to protect the children. Two others were seriously injured and moved to hospital for treatment. While authorities are investigating the motive for the attack, initial assessments suggest mental health issues. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack as an "unbelievable act of terror" and stressed the need for accountability regarding the suspect's residency status.

S. Korea posts highest growth in childbirths in November in 14 years

2025/01/22 20:00

In other news. Findings for the month of November show a substantial surge in the number of newborns,. posting the highest growth in 14 years. Choi Min-jung covers the latest data. Last November saw the country's biggest rise in births in 14 years. According to Statistics Korea, the number of births in November last year was at just over 20-thousand, up 2-thousand 5-hundred births, or 14-point-6 percent from a year earlier. This is the highest growth rate since November 2010, when it reached over 17 percent growth. The number of births has exceeded 20-thousand for five consecutive months after surpassing that mark in July. And increases were witnessed for November in every province and administrative division of the country. If the current trend continues until December, the annual number of births is expected to see a positive rebound for the first time in nine years. "The increase in the number of births seems to be influenced by a prior increase in marriages. The rise in marriages between August 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 might have contributed to the subsequent rise in births." In November, there were over 18-thousand 5-hundred marriages, marking the highest number in nine years and an increase of 11 percent. During the same month, there were more than 29-thousand deaths, resulting in a decline in the natural population of 9-thousand. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

World News: Turkiye ski hotel fire kills 66

2025/01/22 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In Turkiye, a fire at a ski resort hotel in the northwestern province of Bolu has killed at least 76 people and injured 51 others. The fire at the Kartalkaya Ski Resort reportedly started early on Tuesday, local time on the restaurant floor of the 12-story hotel, which had 238 guests at the time. Emergency response teams were delayed due to the hotel's remote location and adverse weather conditions. The fire was eventually put out after approximately 10 hours. An investigation is underway to figure out the exact cause of the fire and police have detained nine people, including the hotel's owner. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared Wednesday a day of mourning and vowed that those responsible will be held accountable for the tragedy. In Israel, the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, General Herzi Halevi, submitted a letter of resignation on Tuesday, acknowledging his responsibility for the shortcomings during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In his resignation letter, the military chief said the IDF had "failed in its mission to protect the citizens of Israel." The October 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and the abduction of some 250 individuals. It has been described as one of the most significant security failures in Israel's history. Halevi's resignation is set to take effect on March 6. General Yaron Finkelman, head of the IDF's Southern Command, also stepped down, citing similar reasons. In the U.S., the southern region was hit by a rare snowstorm on Tuesday. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions were seen in cities including Houston, and New Orleans, with New Orleans expecting snowfall potentially matching a record set back in 1895. The rare weather conditions led to disruptions in air travel as well, with over 2,000 flight cancellations and 10,000 delays. Operations were also suspended at Houston's major airports. In response to the storm, several Gulf Coast states declared states of emergency, recommending residents to stay indoors and avoid travel. In London, the 71st annual Toy Fair is underway at the Olympia exhibition hall. The fair runs until January 23 and showcases toys from over 250 exhibitors including Spin Master, The LEGO Group, and Gibsons. This year's exhibition includes themes such as the booming kidult category catering to adults who collect or play with toys. The kidult market accounted for 25% of U.K. toy sales in 2024. The fair also highlighted an increase in affordable "pocket money" toys, which accounted for nearly 30% of U.K. toy sales last year.

S. Korea posts highest growth in childbirths in November in 14 years

2025/01/22 17:00

Findings for the month of November show a substantial surge in the number of newborns. posting the highest growth in 14 years. Choi Min-jung covers the latest data. Last November saw the country's biggest rise in births in 14 years. According to Statistics Korea, the number of births in November last year was at just over 20-thousand, up 2-thousand 5-hundred births, or 14-point-6 percent from a year earlier. This is the highest growth rate since November 2010, when it reached over 17 percent growth. The number of births has exceeded 20-thousand for five consecutive months after surpassing that mark in July. And increases were witnessed for November in every province and administrative division of the country. If the current trend continues until December, the annual number of births is expected to see a positive rebound for the first time in nine years. "The increase in the number of births seems to be influenced by a prior increase in marriages. The rise in marriages between August 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 might have contributed to the subsequent rise in births." In November, there were over 18-thousand 5-hundred marriages, marking the highest number in nine years and an increase of 11 percent. During the same month, there were more than 29-thousand deaths, resulting in a decline in the natural population of 9-thousand. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/01/22 14:00

Welcome to The Kulture Wave AI News. Here's our first story of the day. The Seoul branch of the 'Medical Korea Support Center,' dedicated to supporting foreign patients seeking medical services in Korea, has relocated to Seoul Station. Previously situated in Jongno District, the move aims to enhance accessibility for international patients. Established in 2016, the Medical Korea Support Center operates in Seoul and Incheon, offering comprehensive services including consultations, interpretation, and legal assistance. The Seoul Museum of Art will open two new galleries this year: the 'Photography Seoul Museum of Art' and the 'Seo-Seoul Museum of Art.' The photography museum, set to open in May in Dobong District, will be Korea's first public photography museum, featuring exhibitions that explore the breadth of photographic culture. The Seo-Seoul Museum of Art, a western branch of the Seoul Museum of Art, is slated to open in the second half of the year in Geumcheon District. Designed to reflect the unique characteristics of Seoul's southwestern region, the museum will specialize in programs focused on new media, multidisciplinary art, and art education for youth and underserved communities. The Korean Film Council will invest ten billion won, or roughly seven million U.S. dollars, in mid-budget Korean films as part of efforts to revive the slumping "K-movie" industry. Amid growing calls for measures to boost investment and improve the production environment, the council plans to roll out a range of support initiatives. A press briefing detailing the council's support programs is scheduled for Thursday. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

Turkiye ski hotel fire kills 76

2025/01/22 10:00

Starting in Turkiye, a fire at a ski resort hotel in the northwestern province of Bolu has killed at least 76 people and injured 51 others. The fire at the Kartalkaya Ski Resort reportedly started early on Tuesday, local time on the restaurant floor of the 12-story hotel, which had 238 guests at the time. Emergency response teams were delayed due to the hotel's remote location and adverse weather conditions. The fire was eventually put out after approximately 10 hours. An investigation is underway to figure out the exact cause of the fire and police have detained nine people, including the hotel's owner. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared Wednesday a day of mourning and vowed that those responsible will be held accountable for the tragedy.

1.34 million people expected to travel overseas during this year's Lunar New Year holiday

2025/01/22 10:00

More than 1-point-3 million people are expected to travel overseas from the domestic airports during this year's Lunar New Year holiday period. According to data submitted on Wednesday by Democratic Party lawmaker Yeom Tae-young, a member of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, around 1-point-three-four million people will travel overseas from six international airports in South Korea over a period of 10 days from Friday to February 2nd. During this period, more than a million are expected to travel from the Incheon International Airport. The second day of the Lunar New Year holiday, January 25th, is expected to see the largest number of passengers leave the country. In response to the increased demand, the transport ministry has increased the total number of flights by 7 percent.

K-wave AI News

2025/01/21 14:00

Welcome to The Kulture Wave AI News. Here's our first story of the day. Korea's major palaces and tombs will offer free admission during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. From January 25 to 30, visitors can enjoy free access to the four major palaces—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine and the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors to Gyeongbokgung Palace between next Tuesday and Thursday will receive a special gift: a traditional 'Sehwa' painting that symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead. The National Museum of Korea has unveiled its key initiatives for 2025. Marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, the museum will hold exhibitions dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin known for his historic victories against the Japanese navy, and Sohn Kee-chung, Korea's Olympic hero who won a gold medal under Japanese colonial rule. To promote Korea's artistic heritage, the museum also plans to showcase the high-value art collection donated by the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee to audiences in the United States. Cruise tourism at Busan Port is expected to fully recover this year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Busan Port Authority estimates around 200,000 cruise passengers will visit the southern city with over 170 ships arriving. That reflects a 48% increase in ship operations and a 31% rise in passenger numbers compared to last year. Port authorities plan on various initiatives to position Busan Port as a global maritime tourism hub. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

Shifting Traditions: A New Look at Lunar New Year Culture

2025/01/21 14:00

It’s time to explore trends in Korean culture! Joining us today is our trend reporter Yoon Seyoung! Hello, Seyoung! Hello! Korea’s biggest holiday, Lunar New Year, is just around the corner. Starting next week, we’ll enjoy a four-day holiday, as Monday has also been made a substitute public holiday. Right, can't wait for that although of course I'll be missing the Kulture Wave during that period. It's actually going to be a six-day holiday if you count the weekend. And even up to nine days for those who are able to take another day off (25th -2nd) When we think of Lunar New Year, the classic scene of families gathering comes to mind: preparing traditional foods, eating rice cake soup , and children bowing to elders to receive "New Year’s money” called 'saebaedon' . But, surprisingly, these traditional Lunar New Year customs have been changing recently. Today, I’ll introduce some of these changes. I see! Lunar New Year is such a culturally rich holiday with many traditions. What changes are we seeing? Let’s start with changes in the tradition of "New Year’s money." For those unfamiliar, after performing a respectful bow to elders, children or younger family members traditionally receive money in return. Speaking of which, you two are probably now more likely to be giving than receiving and I want to ask you two this question: "Until what age do you think people should receive New Year’s money?" Interestingly, the convenience store chain CU conducted a survey through its app, asking 800 people in their 20s to 40s the same question. The most popular answer, at 34.7%, was “until they start working.” Following this in second and third place were “all minors should receive it” and “anyone who bows should receive it.” This shows that New Year’s money is not just about rewarding polite children; it’s also a warm gesture from adults who want to support family members who may still be financially dependent. Along with the age the amount to give is always tricky, too. Actually there is also a research on that. According to a survey by KB Card last year, among 409 respondest, 46% said they’d give preschoolers less than 10-thousand Korean won (about $7), while elementary school children often received 30-thousand to 50-thousand won (about $23–$38). Of course, this becomes a significant expense if you have a large extended family! And fewer people carry cash these days, which makes it even harder to prepare. I’ve heard some people now give New Year’s money in non-traditional forms? That’s right! Some give stocks or mutual funds instead of cash, or parents invest the money their children receive in stocks for them. The idea is to teach kids about saving and investing early rather than spending it all at once. Adults usually accompany New Year’s money with words of encouragement . Have these changed too? Absolutely. Sometimes well-meaning advice about marriage, jobs, or salaries can feel like nagging. This has even led some younger people to avoid family gatherings during the holidays. In response, Kakao Pay launched a playful campaign called the "Nagging T-shirt." Popular nagging phrases like “When are you getting married?” or “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?” are printed on the back of shirts with QR codes. Scanning the code leads to a payment link, humorously suggesting, “Pay up if you’re going to nag!” For example, “When are you getting married?” is priced at 300-thousand Korean won (around $230). It’s a fun way for younger generations to make light of these situations. Honestly. I think it also can be a very clever way to satisfy their financial needs for those who need extra money. How funny! That really shows how much people want to avoid nagging. Speaking of traditions, rice cake soup is a must for Lunar New Year. But I heard even this has seen some changes? Yes! In Korea, it’s said, “You gain a year by eating rice cake soup.” Its white color symbolizes new beginnings, and the long cylinder-shaped rice cakes called "garaetteok" that people use when making tteokguk represent prosperity. However, a bowl can have 600 to 700 calories, which can be a concern, especially if you’re visiting several relatives' homes and eating multiple servings! Now, people are making healthier versions using brown rice or konjac (a low-calorie alternative). Some even opt for vegan versions, replacing beef broth with vegetable stock and using only plant-based toppings. They all still sound delicious! Seyoung, you mentioned earlier about visiting the homes of several relatives and eating multiple bowls of tteokguk but it seems like not as many people visit their relatives' homes as they used to. That’s true. More people are traveling abroad, staying in hotels, or even hosting parties with friends during the holidays. Some take advantage of the holiday to earn extra money by working, as holiday pay rates are higher. while others simply choose to spend the time completely alone. And for those spending the holiday alone, there’s even an AI “virtual relative” chatbot offering a fun way to feel connected and some events even let you win New Year’s money through these chatbots! While the changes are understandable, it’s a little sad to lose the warmth of big family gatherings and shared meals. I agree. Some traditions, like the immense pressure on women to continuously cook and host or the uncomfortable “advice,” could change, but the joy of spending time together shouldn’t disappear. No matter how or where we spend it, I hope everyone has a wonderful Lunar New Year. Happy Lunar New Year!

Sample test in Tanzania positive for Marburg disease

2025/01/21 10:00

Tanzania's president confirmed on Monday that one out of more than 20 samples taken in the north of the country had tested positive for the infectious Marburg disease. That validated a WHO report on the 14th of this month, in which it said it suspected an outbreak of Marburg in Tanzania's Kagera region, following eight deaths manifesting symptoms in line with the virus. Initially, Tanzanian health officials denied the presence of the virus, citing negative test results. Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, is a highly contagious pathogen that causes high fever and bleeding and has a fatality rate of up to 90%.

[Short-form] ‘Daehan’: The Great Cold

2025/01/20 14:00

Find out what ‘Daehan’ means and what Koreans do for this solar term, a time when winter's end meets the hope of spring.

At least 86 killed in Niger State fuel truck explosion

2025/01/20 10:00

Over in Nigeria, at least 86 people died and 55 were injured on Saturday when a crashed fuel truck exploded near the Suleja area in Niger State. The massive blast happened as individuals tried to transfer fuel from an overturned tanker to another vehicle using a generator. Many victims were bystanders who had gathered at the scene, including those taking pictures and others trying to collect the spilled fuel. While the death toll could be higher according to officials, those injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Fatal truck accidents are prevalent in Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous country, largely due to the lack of an efficient railway system for transporting cargo. At least 48 people were killed in a similar incident in Niger State in September. In 2020 alone, over 1,500 accidents were reported, resulting in 535 fatalities, according to Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps.

[Features reporter] 2025 Korea Image Awards for those who promote S. Korea

2025/01/17 14:00

Every year Seoul hosts an awards ceremony to acknowledge the efforts of those who served to enhance Korea's image overseas. Our News Features reporter Ahn Sung-jin was at the latest event. Gold-medal fencer Oh Sang-uk, table tennis medalist Shin Yubin and star chef Edward Lee. What these figures have in common is that they have played a key role in raising Korea's image. "Since 2005, the Corea Image Communication Institute holds its annual Korea Image Awards which not only honors those who raise Korea's profile abroad, but also those who represent and shine the country." Oh became the first Asian fencer to win a grand slam of golds at the Asian Games, Asian Championships, World Championships and Olympics. "When fencing at the Olympics, I never thought about being Asia's first, which is actually what helped me win the match." Fellow Olympic medalist, Shin Yubin, who won two bronze medals in table tennis, was given the "Korea Image Flowerstone Award." Shin went viral at the Games for her positive attitude and for the snacks she ate during her breaks. "It's an honor to receive this award, and I'm glad that my accomplishments can help promote the country. I've still got a long way to go, but I will do my best to further promote South Korea." The finalist on Netflix's Culinary Class wars, Edward Kyun Lee was given the "Korea Image Stepping Stone Bridge Award", for his efforts to introduce Korean cuisine with traditional ingredients and a modern twist. "For the past few months I was able to look back on who I am as Korean Lee Kyun. So many people from Korea have sent me love and support, and I was truly able to understand the meaning of "jeong" in Korea." These award winners show that it's not just K-pop and dramas that spread Korean culture around the world. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News. Congratulations to the award winners. Including chef Edward Lee, Right, who also made an appearance on the Kulture Wave last year. It's also great to see two athletes receive this honor. While it's K-pop and K-dramas that hallyu fans are exposed to every day it's interesting how sports stars seem to play a huge role in promoting a great image of Koreans out there. I remember a couple of years ago legendary figure skater Kim Yuna and swimmer Hwang Sun-woo were among the recipients as well. Korean sports figures seem to embody Korean people's character which is often described as one of diligence and perseverance. I agree.

Two people die in Slovakia high school stabbing attack, student detained

2025/01/17 10:00

Over in Slovakia, an 18-year-old high school student has been detained after allegedly stabbing two people to death. The stabbings happened on Thursday, local time in the small town of Spisska Stara Ves in the north of the country near the Polish border. A deputy principal and a student were killed. The suspect fled the scene but was immediately detained by the police. While stabbings are rare in Slovakia, similar incidents occurred in 2020 and 2022, where the suspects were also young students. The Slovakian ministers of interior and education visited the town and committed to implementing measures to prevent future attacks and improve safety for students and teachers.

Death toll from South African mine siege rises to 78

2025/01/16 10:00

In South Africa, a police operation has retrieved at least 78 bodies from an illegal gold mine. Hundreds of miners had been trapped for months in the mine in Stillfontein, with the police trying to force them out by cutting off food and water. The operation also rescued 246 survivors from the mine, with many of the survivors in such bad condition, from lack of food and water that they were unable to walk. The South African government's harsh measures to attempt to curb illegal mining have drawn criticism from human rights groups and community members.

Maha Kumbh Mela religious festival begins in India

2025/01/14 10:00

Over in India, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the world's largest religious gathering, the Maha Kumbh Mela, also known as the Great Pitcher Festival, kicked off on Monday. Held every 12 years, the festival is expected to draw over 400 million Hindus over the next six weeks. During the festival, devotees take part in rituals such as the Shahi Snan or the Royal Bath, where they immerse themselves in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, known as the sacred waters. The act is believed to cleanse sins and help people reach salvation.