News

[Short-form] Workcations in Korea

2025/02/24 14:00

What do workcations look like in Korea? Discover the blissful spots where productivity meets paradise.

S. KOREA'S BUSAN FEARS DEMOGRAPHIC DISASTER

2025/02/21 17:00

Welcome to Press Perspective. It's Friday February 21st here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. It's time for our weekly coverage of the various stories about Korea that made international headlines in recent times. For this I have Kelly Kasulis Cho with The Washington Post. Kelly welcome back. I also have writer Colin Marshall with the pundit's take on the media coverage today. Colin it's good to have you here. 1) Kelly, a British daily recently published a piece on the demographic decline in South Korea's second largest city, Busan. 2) Colin, concerns have been raised about urban centralization in Seoul being especially severe. 3) Kelly, amid efforts here to tackle rural decline, what can you tell us about similar campaigns elsewhere to keep rural communities alive and thriving? 4) And Colin, what do you propose to keep some of Korea's smaller communities on the map? 5) Kelly, moving forward, one German media outlet recently applauded Korea's adoption of an AI-based call service for regular checks on senior citizens living alone. 6) Colin, staying with the German media. 7) And again Kelly, going back to our earlier discussion about centralization here in the capital city, why do you believe most foreign travelers to Korea do not seek to travel beyond the boundaries of Seoul? 8) Meanwhile Colin, on a more solemn note. All right.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/21 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The '2025 National Brand Up Exhibition' has opened in Seoul to emphasize the importance of digital media diplomacy and address AI-driven distortions of Korean culture. Co-hosted by Yonhap News Agency and VANK, a non-governmental organization focused on digital diplomacy, the exhibition addresses growing concerns over generative AI spreading misinformation about Korea. The event presents notable cases of AI-induced distortions and aims to set the record straight. Organizers warned that misinformation and disinformation threaten not only Korea's cultural identity but also its territorial sovereignty, underscoring the need to ensure the world accurately understands Korea's cultural history. The exhibition runs through next Tuesday at the underground walkway of the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan. Asia's largest drone exhibition, Drone Show Korea, will kick off at BEXCO in Busan next Wednesday for a three-day run. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year's event will be the biggest yet, featuring over 300 companies from 15 countries. Industry leaders from China, the U.S., and European nations like Finland, Germany, and Poland will take part. Key highlights include the Defense Ministry unveiling an advanced AI-powered combat system and Korean Air showcasing its autonomous unmanned flight technology. Don't miss the futuristic drone fireworks show, where 600 drones will light up the sky over BEXCO on opening night. Gyeongju City in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province is stepping up efforts to attract more tourists by highlighting its rich cultural heritage. This year, the city will invest seven billion won, or roughly 4.9 million U.S. dollars, to launch 18 cultural heritage projects. Focusing on World Heritage sites like Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, the city will host festivals, and academic conferences and offer a range of interactive cultural programs for visitors. It also plans to feature media art exhibits that provide a vibrant glimpse into Korea's cultural legacy. The Gyeongju World National Heritage Industry Expo, Korea's only specialized exhibition on national heritage, will take place in June, with the goal of drawing global attention to Gyeongju ahead of the APEC summit, which will be hosted in the city this fall. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Nigerian drug trafficking ring leader targeting S. Korea arrested

2025/02/20 17:00

Back on the local front. The leader of a Nigerian drug trafficking ring targeting South Korea has been arrested. According to the National Intelligence Service on this Thursday the 59-year-old individual called "K. Jeff" was detained in Nigeria last Thursday following a five-year joint investigation with Nigerian authorities. Over 45 kilograms of drugs were seized upon his capture. Victims here in South Korea were tricked through romance scams into transporting drugs that were hidden in everyday items like chocolates and suitcases.

[K-wave] New discoveries shed light on Silla royal palace

2025/02/20 14:00

The National Heritage Service has unveiled key findings from a Silla royal capital excavation project, marking ten years since its launch. By uncovering even the smallest historical details, the initiative has brought the story of the ancient Silla Dynasty to life. Our Han Da-eun takes us through the remarkable discoveries. This site was once a royal palace annex during the Silla Dynasty. It housed "Donggung," the crown prince's residence, and also served as a venue for grand banquets during national celebrations. The site was renamed from "Anapji" to "Donggung and Wolji" in the 1980s when pottery fragments inscribed with the letters "Wolji", meaning "pond reflecting the moon," were discovered. Extensive excavation and restoration efforts have revived the site as one of Korea's most iconic historical landmarks over the past decade. "The primary goal was to find and restore eight key relics of the Silla Dynasty and highlight their significance as a world heritage site." Recent excavation initiatives have resolved the long-standing debate over the exact location of Silla's royal palace and the crown prince's residence, "Donggung." They also discovered the Silla Dynasty's advanced drainage systems, civil engineering methods, and fortification construction techniques, showcasing the remarkable architectural and engineering expertise of the era. The latest excavation project also uncovered national treasure-level artifacts, including model wooden boats used in rituals, ivory dice, and ultra-small gold leaf crafts, which are thinner than a human hair. "How could such tiny gold leaf crafts have been created in an era without even microscopes? It may sound exaggerated, but it almost seems like a mystery." The heritage service plans to utilize unearthed artifacts in various ways to engage the public with Korea's historical gems. It also pledged to promptly share the restoration process and its findings with the public. Han Da-eun, Arirang News.

Philippine village battles dengue fever by offering bounty for mosquitoes

2025/02/20 10:00

In the Philippines, the Addition Hills village in Mandaluyong City has launched a program, offering residents a bounty for captured mosquitoes. The initiative, introduced on Wednesday, aims to combat the rising cases of dengue fever in the densely populated capital region, by offering one Philippine peso, which is less than two U.S. cents, for every five dead or alive mosquitoes or larvae turned in. The strategy was implemented following a significant increase in dengue cases in the country, with over 28,000 reported nationwide as of February 1, marking a 40% rise compared to last year.

S. Korea's 'Stephen Hawking' students pursue their studies despite rare muscular disease

2025/02/19 17:00

Up next we share with you an uplifting tale of triumph over genetic disorders thanks to tailored medical attention to allow for a relatively normal life like going to college. Kim Jung-sil reports. A ceremony honored young individuals with muscular dystrophy who continue to pursue education. This rare type of disease can affect movement, speech, and even breathing. However, with personalized care at Yonsei Gangnam Severance Hospital’s pulmonary rehab center, they’ve overcome numerous challenges. 20-year-old Ji-seong has been a patient at this hospital since he was a child. Still undergoing treatment, Ji-seong will start university as a freshman next month. "In the past, my breathing difficulties made daily life very uncomfortable. But now, I'm able to deliver a speech like this and take part in events and school activities, which is truly wonderful." The perseverance of these students has been made possible by the medical support of experts like Professor Kang Seong-woong, a leader in this field. "Watching these students overcome their struggles makes me realize what I’m going through is not a big deal. While I help my patients, I’ve received a lot of help myself." Professor Kang also shared his approach to treating his patients. "Just like how a weak leg requires a cane for support, these patients need specialized breathing support. My goal is to help them choose the right breathing method so they can continue their social activities and lead fulfilling lives." These students' achievements prove that with the right care and determination, anything is possible. "He has grown up healthily and has worked harder on his studies than we ever expected. We are proud and very grateful." The resilience of these students paves the way for a bright future and serves as an inspiration to never give up. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Beijing-based travel agency offers tours to N. Korea for first time in five years

2025/02/19 17:00

A Chinese travel agency is promoting tours to North Korea for the first time in five years. On its website Beijing's Zixinghui travel agency is currently offering a 3-night 4-day trip to the Rason Special Economic Zone starting next Monday. According to the agency "special approval" has been secured from North Korea for the first Chinese private group tours in five years. Back in February last year a group of Russian tourists become the first foreign team of travelers to visit North Korea since the global pandemic.

Pope Francis receiving treatment for respiratory infection

2025/02/19 10:00

The Vatican on Tuesday confirmed that Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. The Pope, aged 88, has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, initially diagnosed with bronchitis, which worsened after a week. While the Vatican reports that the Pope continues to receive treatment and is in good spirits, all public engagements have been canceled. Pope Francis has a history of lung infections and had part of his right lung removed when he was young.

S. Korea's 'Stephen Hawking' students pursue their studies despite rare muscular disease

2025/02/19 10:00

A special ceremony was held this week to celebrate students overcoming rare muscular and respiratory diseases. Just like Stephen Hawking, these individuals have defied the odds in the pursuit of knowledge. Our Kim Jung-sil went to the celebration. A ceremony honored young individuals with muscular dystrophy who continue to pursue education. This rare type of disease can affect movement, speech, and even breathing. However, with personalized care at Yonsei Gangnam Severance Hospital’s pulmonary rehab center, they’ve overcome numerous challenges. 20-year-old Ji-seong has been a patient at this hospital since he was a child. Still undergoing treatment, Ji-seong will start university as a freshman next month. "In the past, my breathing difficulties made daily life very uncomfortable. But now, I'm able to deliver a speech like this and take part in events and school activities, which is truly wonderful." The perseverance of these students has been made possible by the medical support of experts like Professor Kang Seong-woong, a leader in this field. "Watching these students overcome their struggles makes me realize what I’m going through is not a big deal. While I help my patients, I’ve received a lot of help myself." Professor Kang also shared his approach to treating his patients. "Just like how a weak leg requires a cane for support, these patients need specialized breathing support. My goal is to help them choose the right breathing method so they can continue their social activities and lead fulfilling lives." These students' achievements prove that with the right care and determination, anything is possible. "He has grown up healthily and has worked harder on his studies than we ever expected. We are proud and very grateful." The resilience of these students paves the way for a bright future and serves as an inspiration to never give up. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

Delta plane flips on landing at Toronto airport, injuring at least 15

2025/02/18 10:00

Over in Canada, a Delta Air Lines plane crash-landed on Monday at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down upon impact. The aircraft carried 76 passengers and four crew members. Emergency responders reported at least 15 injuries, with three critical injuries, including a child. While the cause of the crash is yet unknown, the flight was operating amid windy weather after a snowstorm. Initial investigations point to the recent heavy snowfall as the cause of the crash. All flights at the airport were suspended, causing delays and diversions.

'Comfort woman' activist Gil Won-ok dies at age 97; seven registered victims remain

2025/02/17 17:00

In other news. Another survivor of Japan's forced sexual slavery during World War Two has passed away. According to authorities here Gil Won-ok passed away at the age of 97 this past Sunday. Following her horrifying ordeal Gil spent her life seeking to raise global awareness about Japan's atrocities. She was 13 years old when she was taken from her home in Pyongyang and forced to work as a sex slave. Out of the 2-hundred-40 survivors of Japan's shocking wartime system of sexual slavery registered here in South Korea only seven now remain. Politicians across the aisle here in the country are mourning her passing. The ruling People Power Party has highlighted the importance of remembering "the witnesses of the history" while the main opposition Democratic Party has vowed to work on legislation for survivors of Japan's sexual atrocity and for a sincere apology from the Japanese government.

'Comfort woman' Gil Won-ok passes away at age 97

2025/02/17 10:00

A former victim of Japan's forced sexual slavery during World War Two passed away on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Gil Won-ok passed away at the age of 97. Gil was also an activist who worked to raise awareness of Japan's atrocities both domestically and internationally. She was only 13 years old when she was taken from her home in Pyongyang, and was forced to work as a sex slave. Her death now reduces the number of surviving victims in South Korea to just seven. 240 victims have registered with the government, and 233 have passed away.

Fire breaks out at construction site of luxury resort in Busan

2025/02/14 20:00

A fire broke out in one of the buildings of a luxury resort under construction in the city of Busan, killing at least six people and injuring dozens. Our Lee Soo-jin has the details. A fire that broke out in a construction site of a luxury resort in Busan has left six people dead. According to the Busan Metropolitan City Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the fire started at 10:51 AM near the swimming pool on the first floor of one of the hotel buildings under construction in Gijang County, on the eastern coast of Busan. Construction began of the Banyan Tree Haeundae Busan, in 2022, with its opening scheduled for this year. While the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency has launched an investigation into the exact cause of the fire, the blaze reportedly started among stacks of insulation material. Around 20 minutes after ignition, the fire department had deployed all personnel from a fire station in its jurisdiction, as well as a helicopter. At 12 PM, it raised its response to Level 2, which means the mobilization of up to 80 fire fighting units from 8 to 14 fire stations. The fire not only left six people dead, all of whom were working at the construction site, but also 25 who sustained minor injuries. "When we arrived at the scene, the fire was at its peak, and the six individuals were already unconscious by the time we began the rescue operation." Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered relevant agencies such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency to mobilize all available personnel and equipment. He also stated that the safety of the firefighters was of the utmost importance, and that every effort should be made to ensure that no lives were lost during search and rescue operations. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

[Short-form] K-movie “Harbin” spolights Ahn Jung-geun

2025/02/14 14:00

Discover places in Seoul where Korea’s national hero and patriotic martyr Ahn Jung-geun’s legacy lives on

Afghan asylum-seeker drives into Munich crowd, hurts 30 in suspected attack

2025/02/14 10:00

In the German city of Munich, a driver drove a car into a crowd leaving at least 30 people injured. On Thursday local time, a white Mini Cooper plowed into a crowd at a trade union rally near Munich's central train station. The driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, was arrested. The incident injured 30 people, including children, and several victims sustained serious injuries. Authorities believe the act was deliberate, though the exact motive is still being investigated. The suspect had a history of minor offenses, and his asylum application had been rejected in 2020. Yet, deportation was deferred due to safety concerns in Afghanistan.

Defendant in multiple vehicular manslaughter case sentenced to 7 years 6 months

2025/02/12 20:00

A 69-year-old defendant who drove against traffic in central Seoul, causing multiple fatalities and injuries, last year has been sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment without labor. In its ruling, the court cited the number of casualties, including 9 deaths, and the bereaved families' call for a harsh sentence. It added the defendant showed no remorse and had failed to reconcile with the family members. His claim of "sudden acceleration" was also rejected. The court partially accepted the prosecution's request, which was seven and half years of imprisonment with labor.

2025 "Jeongwol Daeboreum": Wishes under the first full moon of the year

2025/02/12 20:00

Today is "Jeongwol Daeboreum" here in Korea, where we are poised to witness the first full moon of the lunar year tonight. Our Lee Eun-hee brings us a sneak peek of celebrations, and the meaning behind it all. People of all ages are enthusiastically writing down their wishes. That's because it's "Jeongwol Daeboreum," or "The Great Full Moon Festival." "I wrote a wish for the health and peace of my beloved family and for all their endeavors." "I wished for my family to stay healthy and safe." "Jeongwol Daeboreum" is a day celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year, celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and in the year 2025, it falls on February 12th. "On the night of the brightest full moon, the tradition of watching the moon rise and praying for prosperity and well-being held deep significance in Korea's agricultural society. It was a day to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune, and was celebrated with food and folk games." In light of this special day, the National Folk Museum of Korea hosted a special event that honored tradition while offering several hands-on activities. These include making a full moon-shaped lamp to symbolize a peaceful night and coloring activities to explore traditional "Jeongwol Daeboreum" customs like the tug-of-war and crafting fish amulets to ward off bad luck. "I didn't know about the holiday but it's very interesting to see and honestly it reminds me of some of the type of celebrations that we have back home in America." On the night of "Jeongwol Daeboreum," many people in South Korea gather under the bright moonlight and start a bonfire known as "daljip." This "daljip" is a pile of straw and firewood stacked together and set alight during the evening of "Jeongwol Daeboreum" to drive away negative energy. It is one of the key traditions of the holiday, and its spirit is kept alive across the country in ways like this. For anyone hoping to make a wish this evening, the full moon rose in Seoul at 5:46 PM, but a perfect full moon can be seen at 10:53 PM. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

2025 "Jeongwol Daeboreum": Wishes under the first full moon of the year

2025/02/12 17:00

Up next for those of us here in Korea we are poised to witness the first full moon of the new lunar new year tonight. Our Lee Eun-hee covers this upcoming event and its symbolic implications. People of all ages are enthusiastically writing down their wishes. That's because it's "Jeongwol Daeboreum," or "The Great Full Moon Festival." "I wrote a wish for the health and peace of my beloved family and for all their endeavors." "I wished for my family to stay healthy and safe." "Jeongwol Daeboreum" is a day celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year, celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and in the year 2025 it falls on February 12th. "On the night of the brightest full moon, the tradition of watching the moon rise and praying for prosperity and well-being held deep significance in Korea's agricultural society. It was a day to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune, and was celebrated with food and folk games." In light of this special day, the National Folk Museum of Korea hosted a special event that honored tradition while offering several hands-on activities. These include making a full moon-shaped lamp to symbolize a peaceful night and coloring activities to explore traditional "Jeongwol Daeboreum" customs like the tug-of-war and crafting fish amulets to ward off bad luck. "I didn't know about the holiday but it's very interesting to see and honestly it reminds me of some of the type of celebrations that we have back home in America." On the night of "Jeongwol Daeboreum," many people in South Korea gather under the bright moonlight and start a bonfire known as "daljip." This "Daljip" is a pile of straw and firewood stacked together and set alight during the evening of "Jeongwol Daeboreum" to drive away negative energy. It is one of the key traditions of the holiday, and is kept alive across the country. For those looking to make a wish this evening, the full moon is expected to rise in Seoul at 5:46 PM, with the perfect full moon occurring at 10:53 PM. This map shows the timeline for other regions. Why not take a moment to make a wish under the full moon and embrace the spirit of the season? Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/12 14:00

Hello and welcome to AI News. Let's take a look at the latest stories capturing attention in Korea's cultural sector today. Chungcheongnam-do Province has submitted an application to UNESCO to designate the expansive Garorim Bay tidal flat in Seosan as a World Natural Heritage site. Being a part of Korea's southwestern coastal flats, and one of the world's top five tidal flats, Garorim Bay was designated as the nation's first marine life protection zone in 2016. Home to 600 tidal flat species, it is also Korea's only inland habitat for the spotted seal, an endangered species, and natural monument. The final decision will be made at the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting in July, following an evaluation by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Horim Museum Sinsa is hosting a special exhibition featuring over 100 national treasures from its collection. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view masterpieces of Korean art and cultural heritage amassed by its founder, Horim Yoon Jang-seop over his lifetime. The late Yoon was a prominent businessman and art collector known for his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage. Highlights of the exhibition include significant ceramic artifacts, such as the 'Buncheong Flat Bottle with Lotus and Fish Design,' the first piece from Yoon's collection to be designated a National Treasure, and the 'White Porcelain Jar with Plum and Bamboo Design in Underglaze Cobalt Blue.' The event runs through July 26. Namwon City in Jeollabuk-do Province is now accepting participants for the 'Global Chunhyang Beauty Contest,' Korea's oldest beauty pageant. It's not only open to domestic contestants but also overseas Koreans and foreigners. Anyone born between 1997 and 2008 can apply, with no regional restrictions. Application forms can be downloaded from Jeonju MBC or the Chunhyang Festival website, with a submission deadline of March 31. The contest is part of the 95th Chunhyang Festival which will be held from April 30 to May 6 at Gwanghallu Garden. The Chunhyang Festival is celebrated annually to honor the legendary love story of Chunhyang, one of Korea's most famous folktales. That's all from me. Stay tuned to Arirang.