News

[Short-form] Jeongwol Daeboreum: The Great Full Moon Festival

2025/02/12 14:00

Discover how Koreans celebrate the first full moon of the Lunar New Year and the meaning behind each tradition.

[Features-reporter] 2025 "Jeongwol Daeboreum": Wishes under the first full moon of the year

2025/02/12 14:00

So, today Korea celebrates one of its most cherished traditional holidays, "Jeongwol Daeboreum." To give us a glimpse of how "Jeongwol Daeboreum" festivities are being celebrated, we now go live to our News Features Reporter Lee Eun-hee. Eun-hee, tell us where you are, and what exciting activities are taking place there? Hi Soa and Walter! Today I'm here at the National Folk Museum in Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace. I've been here since this morning, and I'm very excited to share this special event being held to celebrate "Jeongwol Daeboreum." As you can see, a captivating music performance has just begun, filling the space with beautiful sound, and it aims to convey a message of happiness and good fortune. To give you a bit of context, "Jeongwol Daeboreum" also known as "The Great Full Moon Festival," celebrates the first full moon of the lunar year. It falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and in 2025, that special day is today. 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. Since the day is closely tied to the moon, are there any special traditions people still celebrate that are associated with the rising full moon? Yes of course. 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 under the full moon this evening and embrace the spirit of the season, the full moon is expected to rise in Seoul at 5:46 PM, with the perfect full moon occurring at 10:53 PM. For other regions, the moonrise times are expected as follows: Incheon city at 5:47 PM, Gangneung city at 5:38 PM, Gwangju city at 5:51 PM, Busan city at 5:42 PM and Jeju Island at 5:56 PM. I'll make sure to check out the moon later on. Thank you Eun-hee for sharing about this special day. Thank you Eun-hee. Hope we all make wishes and receive all the positive energy for the year ahead! Thank you, it was my pleasure.

Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism unveils 2025 plans to expand temple stays, cultural awareness

2025/02/11 17:00

The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism has announced plans to expand temple stays as it seeks to nurture happiness through healing. In commemoration of the 2025 APEC Summit to be held in Gyeongju in November a special temple stay program will be set up to better accommodate foreign visitors. Efforts will also be made to raise awareness of temple cuisine through collaborations with renowned culinary institutions like Le Cordon Bleu. Tailored programs for the young and newlyweds will also be offered. Temple stays are unique cultural programs here in South Korea that allow visitors the chance to experience the daily life of Buddhist monks.

At least 53 dead after bus plunges off bridge in Guatemala

2025/02/11 10:00

A bus crash in Guatemala, has killed at least 53 people, including children, and left several others injured. Early on Monday local time, a bus traveling into the capital, Guatemala City, plunged off a highway bridge approximately 20 meters into a polluted river. Firefighters rescued around 20 passengers who were taken to local hospitals. The bus, reportedly over 30 years old, operated with a valid license. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and assess whether the vehicle was overloaded. In response to the crash, President Bernardo Arevalo declared a period of national mourning and expressed his condolences to the families affected.

Search and rescue continues overnight for missing crew members from capsized trawler

2025/02/10 10:00

Search and rescue efforts continued overnight for 5 missing crew members, after a fishing boat capsized off the south coast. The Korea Coast Guard has deployed more than 40 patrol ships, civilian fishing boats and aircraft to find the remaining people. In the early hours of Sunday, the hundred-39 ton Seogyeong trawler carrying 14 crew members sunk off the coast of Yeosu, in the south of the country. Two Vietnamese and two Indonesian nationals were found in a lifeboat nearby, while 5 other crew members have been reported dead. Though authorities are still determining the exact cause, rescued crew members stated that the vessel suddenly tilted over.

KOREA SEEKS TO REDEFINE OLD AGE

2025/02/07 17:00

Welcome to Friday's edition of Press Perspective for February 7th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. So how old is old? That is the question UP for debate here in Korea and apparently beyond borders as well. For more I have writer Colin Marshall here in the studio. Colin welcome. I also have Thomas Maresca with news agency UPI with us. Thomas it's good to have you here. 1) Colin, what are your thoughts regarding efforts here to redefine old age? 2) Thomas, I believe debate over redefining old age has been taking place beyond borders as well as it affects our approach to work, retirement and so forth. What more can you add? 3) Colin, Generally speaking, what factors should be considered when seeking to redefine old age? 4) Thomas, keeping in mind South Korea's demographic reality, what factors should it seek to place priority on ? 5) Thomas, let's now move onto some other stories here that have made international headlines. Earlier this week, you covered the partnership sealed between Open AI and South Korea's Kakao. Do tell us about this deal and its broader significance. 6) And Colin, what look to be the social implications of such technological advances? 7) Thomas, a rather entertaining article by the Wall Street Journal has linked the secret to longer marriages here in Korea to the soaring numbers of TV shows about divorce. Do tell us more. 8) Colin, the same article also points out that despite the higher number of divorces here in Korea as compared to the past, the stigma surrounding this marital status remains strong here. What are your observations? All right.

Meet the guardians of Korea's cultural legacy

2025/02/07 17:00

Preserving works of art may be considered equally as important as the task of creating them and here in Korea there is a special team of skilled technicians who seek to ensure that our cultural treasures big and small stand the test of time. Our correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. At a glance, these two paintings may seem identical. But look closer, and you'll start to spot differences. The one on the left has stains, areas where paint has peeled or faded; imperfections that are absent in the one on the right. This transformation is the work of future 'national heritage maintenance technicians.' National heritage maintenance technicians are certified professionals responsible for preserving Korea's cultural treasures, from paintings to historic buildings, as close to their original state as possible. "Every year, the Heritage Education Institute offers a training program to nurture experts in the conservation, repair, and restoration of national heritage. Here at the Insa Art Center in Seoul, the works by graduates of last year's program are on display." Since these students are not yet licensed, they have recreated existing pieces to showcase their craftsmanship. One such piece is this Joseon Dynasty-style checkerboard, crafted with a turtle shell top and a tiger design made from ox horn. And this is the original housed at the National Folk Museum of Korea. "I first crafted the wooden base, then applied hemp cloth, layered lacquer, and added decorative elements. What I loved most about this program was collaborating across different fields. This piece, for example, includes mineral pigments used in the dancheong traditional paintwork." The exhibition features 1-hundred-1 student works. Students can choose from 15 courses in the program, including lacquering, woodworking, paintwork and imitation. "We started with 40 students in 2012, and now have over 1-hundred-20 graduates each year. I can feel the growing public interest, which I think is due to more people recognizing the importance of cultural heritage." The steady rise in technicians reflects this growing awareness, with over 13-thousand now working in the field. Although they're called technicians they are, in fact, artists in their own right. "Restoring heritage requires highly specialized skills, using the same techniques as in the past. In this sense, these experts play a central role in preserving and protecting our cultural heritage." Though these technicians often work behind the spotlight, their hands keep history alive, preserving its timeless beauty. A craft rarely acknowledged, but absolutely essential. "I think preserving traditional crafts is key to protecting our national identity and history. That's why we need experts who safeguard not just the artistic value of artifacts, but also their cultural and historical significance. I really hope to be part of that work." They're the guardians of Korea's national heritage, ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Korean community's response to wildfires in Los Angeles

2025/02/07 14:00

Time for K-Correspondent. Today we connect to Los Angeles which is still suffering the aftermath of the recent wildfires. We will talk about the situation with Robert Ahn, the President of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles which was quick to respond in its relief efforts for the community. Hello Mr. Ahn! Q1) The wildfires that ravaged southern California since early last month and have killed 29 people have been fully contained as of roughly a week ago, but the aftermath continues to impact the area. Mr. Ahn, how is the situation right now? Q2) Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean population in the U.S. How badly has the Korean community been affected by the fires? We’ve heard how former Major League Baseball pitcher Park Chan-ho’s home has been destroyed. What about other damage? Q3) There have also been some unfortunate cultural losses in the latest fires please tell us about that. Q4. Let's now turn to your community's efforts to help. The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles swiftly responded. In what way? Q5. We also heard that individual donations and support from entrepreneurs in the community are continuing. What’s your view of such contributions? Q6. Please tell us about any additional fundraisers or support you're planning in the future, and finally, is there any way we can participate from Korea? Thank you very much Mr. Ahn for sharing and for connecting with us during the difficult time that you, the community and everyone affected by the wildfires must be coping with. We sincerely wish the best for the remaining recovery efforts. Thank you Bella as always. I'll see you back next week.

Mass shooting in Sweden kills 10 people

2025/02/05 10:00

Starting in Sweden, the country saw the worst mass shooting in its history. Yes, Dami. A mass shooting at an adult education center in central Sweden has reportedly left 10 people dead, including the suspected gunman. The shooting occurred around 12:30 P.M. Tuesday local time at Campus Risbergska on the outskirts of Orebro city, 200 kilometers west of Stockholm. The suspected shooter is a 35-year-old male, not previously known to police, and the motive behind the crime remains unclear as of now. At least five other people have been injured and police have warned that the number of casualties may rise. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation, calling it the worst mass shooting in Swedish history and expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families.

Changing Leisure Culture in the Era of High Prices

2025/02/04 14:00

Time now for Trend Vibes, where we explore the latest cultural trends in Korea! Joining us today is our trend reporter, Yoon Seyoung. Hello, Seyoung. Hi, Soa and Walter! Good to see you! What are we talking about today? You know, we just had the Lunar New Year holiday, and while preparing gifts and food, I couldn’t help but notice how much prices have gone up. We all feel it in our daily lives—this era of high prices has been going on for quite some time. Naturally, this is also affecting how people enjoy their leisure time. That’s what we’ll be discussing today! Before we dive in, do you both have any favorite leisure activities? I personally love traveling with my family, going to the movies, and buying books at bookstores. But recently, I find myself hesitating more when it comes to spending on these activities. And I’m not alone. Many people with similar interests are adapting their habits to be more cost-efficient due to the economic downturn. According to a report released in December by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism based on weekends, the average leisure time in 2024 increased by 12 minutes compared to the previous year, but the monthly average spending on leisure activities decreased by 14-thousand Korean won (about 9 U.S. dollars, 60 cents). Even though people have more free time, they’re not necessarily spending more on cultural experiences. That makes sense. If money is tight, people might be less inclined to go out. Do you have any specific examples? Let’s start with movies. According to the Korean Film Council, last year, the total number of moviegoers in theaters dropped by 2 million compared to the previous year. The biggest reason? High ticket prices. But that doesn’t mean people have lost interest in watching movies OTT (Over-The-Top) streaming subscriptions have increased as a result. A report from the Korea Communications Commission at the end of last year revealed that 8 out of 10 Koreans use streaming services. If you don’t mind waiting a little longer, you can watch the same movies at a much lower cost, which is great for consumers. Books follow a similar pattern. While many traditional bookstores have struggled or even shut down due to declining sales, secondhand bookstores and public libraries have seen an increase in users. That’s quite interesting. It’s great that there are more affordable options, but from an industry perspective, it’s also unfortunate to see bookstores closing. What about other cultural activities beyond movies and reading? At the start of a new year, many people set fitness goals. However, as prices go up, instead of signing up for gyms, people started to opt for cost-effective ways to exercise. For example, running used to be extremely popular among millennials and Gen Z, with running crews forming across the country. However, with the rising costs of running shoes and athletic wear needed for long-distance runs, a new trend is emerging—walking, which requires even less gear. I mean, for walking all you need is a pair of sneakers. In the arts and entertainment scene, early bird tickets for exhibitions and concerts are in high demand. Even a small discount can drive people to frantically click their way to securing a spot before tickets sell out. That’s a good point because regardless of your financial situation, being mindful of spending is important. Seyoung, some hobbies don’t have cheaper alternatives, right? What about people who want to continue their favorite leisure activities despite financial constraints? That’s where secondhand marketplaces come in! Have you two ever used one? Platforms like Karrot Market have seen tremendous growth in recent years. With the ongoing economic challenges, more people prefer buying secondhand goods over new ones. Items related to leisure activities such as musical instruments, cameras, and bicycles are frequently traded on these platforms. This way, people can still enjoy their hobbies at a much lower cost. Another smart way people are adapting is through subscription services. Most of us think of streaming platforms when we hear “subscription,” but the concept has expanded far beyond that. For example, there are e-book subscriptions like Millie’s Library, and even home appliance subscription services. One particularly interesting service introduced last year is the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts’ subscription program. It was the first time a performing arts venue in Korea introduced a subscription model. Subscribers receive a 40% discount on all Sejong Season performances and early ticket access. It has been so popular that all available subscriptions (500 in 2023 and 1,000 in 2024) sold out on the first day each year! Subscription services are great if you know how to make good use of them. Apart from OTT platforms until last year I was a subscriber of a number of education platforms you can learn all kinds of things with one subcription. Seyoung, before we wrap up, can you share some tips for being able to afford leisure activities during these tough economic times? Of course! According to a report from the Korea Economic Research Institute on 2025 consumer spending plans, the number one category where spending is expected to decrease is travel, dining out, and accommodation (17.6%). But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on travel altogether! The Korean government is offering up to 30-thousand KRW in accommodation coupons for non-metropolitan areas starting in March. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through online travel platforms, so if you’re interested in travel, but hesitating due to travel expenses, be sure to check them out. Also, have you heard of “Culture Day” in Korea? On the last Wednesday of every month or during that week over 2,000 cultural venues such as cinemas, museums, art galleries, and even sports facilities offer free or discounted admission. I personally take advantage of this program whenever I can! The accommodation coupons sound nice to me, because just like this Lunar New Year holiday, the Chuseok holiday in the second half of the year will be long, too. That’s right! On top of that, 2025 has quite a few chances for so-called "golden holidays" or long weekends so I highly recommend that you check out some great travel benefits provided by the central government or by local governments as well. Sounds great. Spending habits may change, but culture remains essential. Hearing from you Seyoung, I think there are always smart ways to make the most of what’s available. Let’s keep enjoying the things we love! Thank you for joining us today, Seyoung! Thanks for having me!

Rare Chilean frogs born at London Zoo

2025/02/04 10:00

In the UK, London Zoo on Monday celebrated the successful breeding of 33 endangered Darwin's froglets, following a rescue mission from a forest in southern Chile. In October 2024, a team of conservationists collected 52 healthy Darwin's frogs and transported them to London in climate-controlled conditions. A devastating fungus had caused a 90% decline in the population of Darwin's frogs in Chile since 2023. The amphibians, named after naturalist Charles Darwin, are known for their unique behavior where males carry developing tadpoles in their vocal sacs for safety.

All 67 believed dead after collision between helicopter and American Airlines plane

2025/01/31 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We begin with the deadly plane crash in the U.S. The collision between a military helicopter and a passenger plane near Washington, D.C., has killed all 67 people on board both aircraft. Shin Ha-young brings the latest and more. Rescue efforts went on through the night, but no survivors were found from the deadly collision of an American Airlines aircraft and the Army helicopter. Early on Thursday morning, U.S. authorities announced that 28 bodies had been recovered and believe all 67 people on board died. "Despite all these efforts, we are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don't believe there are any survivors from this accident." CBS News reported that at least 40 bodies had been recovered by 5:30 PM Thursday, Eastern Time. A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training flight collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 on Wednesday night, local time, while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., sending the two aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2001. The jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas with 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three military personnel on board. According to AP, less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. According to CBS News, figure skating athletes and their coaches were on board the plane. Among them, teenage figure skater Jinna Han and her mother are believed to be of Korean descent. Spencer Lane, another teenage athlete who was adopted from Korea, was also on the plane with his American mother. They were returning home from the National Development Camp, which was held in connection with the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. "For Spencer Lane, he's one of my best friends. I mean, every single day I would walk into that locker room here and greet him and he would tell me about his day and everything. And Jinna, she would sit and put her skates on in the hallway. But when I would walk down the hallway, I would greet her every morning. And she was so kind to me." U.S. President Donald Trump shared his condolences and paid tribute to the victims and families ahead of a press conference. But he then criticized the previous administration, indicating that its diversity, equity and inclusion program for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration were partially to blame for the crash. "And then when I left office and Biden took over, he changed them back to lower than ever before. ( ) I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters there appeared to have been an elevation issue with the helicopter, and said Army investigators were on the ground looking into the matter. Meanwhile, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed deep sorrow over the plane crash. The South Korean government is working to obtain a passenger list, though it is still unclear if any Korean nationals were on board. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

No. of visitors to S. Korea in 2024 reaches nearly 16.4 mil

2025/01/31 20:00

The number of visitors to South Korea has nearly returned back to pre-COVID-19 figures. According to the Korea Tourism Organization on Friday, a total of 16-point-37 million tourists visited the country in 2024, which is an increase of nearly 50-percent compared to the year before. Most of the visitors were from China, followed by Japan, Taiwan and the U.S. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of visitors saw a sharp decrease to 2-point-5 million in 2020, yet 2024 saw a recovery of up to 94 percent of 2019 levels.

All 67 believed dead after collision between helicopter and American Airlines plane

2025/01/31 17:00

We begin with the deadly plane crash in the U.S. The collision between a military helicopter, and a passenger plane carrying 64 people in Washington, D.C., killed all 67 people on board both aircraft. Among the victims are three people of Korean descent, including teenage figure skating athletes. Our Shin Ha-young has more. Rescue efforts went on through the night, but no survivors were found from the deadly collision of an American Airlines aircraft and the Army helicopter. Early on Thursday morning, U.S. authorities announced that 28 bodies had been recovered and believe all 67 people on board died. "Despite all these efforts, we are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don't believe there are any survivors from this accident." CBS News reported that at least 40 bodies had been recovered by 5:30 PM Thursday, Eastern Time. A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training flight collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 on Wednesday night, local time, while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., sending the two aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2001. The jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas with 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three military personnel on board. According to AP, less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. According to CBS News, figure skating athletes and their coaches were on board the plane. Among them, teenage figure skater Jinna Han and her mother are believed to be of Korean descent. Spencer Lane, another teenage athlete who was adopted from Korea, was also on the plane with his American mother. They were returning home from the National Development Camp, which was held in connection with the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. "For Spencer Lane, he's one of my best friends. I mean, every single day I would walk into that locker room here and greet him and he would tell me about his day and everything. And Jinna, she would sit and put her skates on in the hallway. But when I would walk down the hallway, I would greet her every morning. And she was so kind to me." U.S. President Donald Trump shared his condolences and paid tribute to the victims and families ahead of a press conference. But he then criticized the previous administration, indicating that its diversity, equity and inclusion program for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration were partially to blame for the crash. "And then when I left office and Biden took over, he changed them back to lower than ever before. I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters there appeared to have been an elevation issue with the helicopter, and said Army investigators were on the ground looking into the matter. Meanwhile, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed deep sorrow over the plane crash. The South Korean government is working to obtain a passenger list, though it is still unclear if any Korean nationals were on board. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Uganda confirms death of a nurse due to Ebola

2025/01/31 10:00

Moving over to Uganda, a 32-year-old nurse has died of Ebola virus. His death on Wednesday, local time at a hospital in the capital, Kampala, marks the first fatality from the viral disease in two years. The nurse received prompt medical intervention after showing symptoms, including high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and bleeding, but died shortly after testing positive for Ebola. Health authorities are tracing 40 contacts who had contact with him to prevent further transmission. The health ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant, stick to preventive measures, and immediately report any suspected cases. This marks Uganda's ninth outbreak of Ebola, with the first coming in 2000.

K-wave AI News

2025/01/31 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The number of foreign tourists visiting Seoul exceeded 10 million last year, marking a strong recovery to pre-pandemic levels. According to the Seoul government, the city welcomed over 12 million international visitors from January to November last year, reaching 95% of the record-high figure from 2019. This new milestone reflects Seoul's growing appeal as a global destination, further reinforced by its recognition as the "Best MICE," or Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions city for the 10th consecutive year in the 2024 Global Traveler Reader Tested Survey Awards. The capital city plans to further develop distinctive tourism experiences that can be enjoyed year-round. The number of visitors exploring traditional Korean temples has surged recently. According to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, 63 temples across Korea housing state-designated cultural heritage have welcomed over 33 million visitors since May 2023, more than double the previous figures. This sharp increase is largely attributed to the government's introduction of admission fee subsidies for sites with designated cultural heritage in 2023. Venerable Jinwoo, the chief executive of the Jogye Order, reaffirmed the Buddhist community's commitment to providing a place of solace for those seeking peace of mind. The "Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival," the signature winter event of Korea's eastern Taebaek City, will kick off next Friday. Celebrating its 32nd year, the festival will offer a ten-day winter extravaganza across the Taebaeksan National Park, Hwangji Lake, and the Hwangjicheon Restoration Stream. Highlights include the "Starlight Festa," an International Snow Sculpture Competition, and the Catch Teenieping Sing-along Show. The Taebaek Cultural Foundation hopes visitors will get a chance to immerse themselves in Korea's unique winter ambiance and create lasting memories. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Plane carrying 64 people crashes into military helicopter near Washington, D.C.

2025/01/30 18:00

A plane with 64 people on board collided on Wednesday night, with a military helicopter mid-air, as it approached Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. As of 2:50 AM on Thursday local time, at least 19 bodies have been recovered according to CBS News, with a large search and rescue operation underway in the Potomac River, where the aircraft are currently submerged. During a press briefing that followed shortly after the crash, officials pointed out the unfavorable conditions of the river, stating that the waters are "dark" and "murky". The jet – American Airlines Flight 5342 – had departed from Wichita, Kansas. It hit a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training flight with three people aboard. Reagan National Airport has been shut down until at least Thursday morning, with all takeoffs and landings on halt, until then. U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement thanking the rescue team, and followed up on the news with a post on social media saying the crash "should have been prevented."

How to make Tteokguk, one of S. Korea's traditional Lunar New Year dishes

2025/01/30 18:00

Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year, wouldn’t be complete without tteokguk, or rice cake soup. A bowl of this warm, comforting dish is more than just a meal, it symbolizes good fortune and aging a year. Our Ahn Sung-jin takes us to where the heart of this tradition begins. “Korean lunar new year, also known as Seollal, is one of the country’s major holidays. Traditionally Koreans would gather together, play folk games and perform ancestral rites and when Koreans think of Seollal, there’s one thing that comes to mind.” Then what is tteokguk that everyone is talking about? Tteokguk which literally combines the word tteok -rice cake-and guk -soup-is a typical traditional dish eaten during the Lunar New Year holiday. The owners of this rice cake mill have been making their own tteok for more than 50 years. It's especially during these holidays that orders for garaetteok, a long strip of rice cake dough, and the main ingredient in the tteokguk surges. First rice, which has been soaked, is ground twice to soften it before it is steamed. After that it's all mashed together to create long strips of garaetteok. The long strip represents people's desires to have good fortune. Once the rice cake hardens for a day or two, it is then cut into oval pieces that resemble the shape of coins once used in Korea, the yeopjeon. The exact origin of eating tteokguk on Lunar New Year’s day is unclear, but it is believed to give good luck for the year. A traditional saying even goes that you haven’t become a year older until you’ve had a bowl of tteokguk. Eating tteokguk during Seollal still remains a tradition, even if buying handmade tteok to make your own tteokguk is becoming less common. “For us it’s mostly regular customers that have been coming for a long time. Not a whole lot of new customers because it’s not common to eat this much tteok. People now normally just buy small packages.” Tteokguk is not only a symbolic dish of Korea's Lunar New Year, but it also provides a glimpse into the hidden meanings behind the ingredients. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Traffic jams to Seoul to ease by dawn Fri. as Lunar New Year holiday ends

2025/01/30 18:00

On the domestic front, the Lunar New Year holiday is coming to an end, and highways across the country are experiencing heavy congestion, with many travelers returning home. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 4 PM, estimated travel times to Seoul were,. 5 hours 30 minutes from Busan,. and 4 hours 30 minutes from Daegu. Inbound traffic jams to Seoul are expected to gradually ease by dawn tomorrow, after hitting a peak between 5 PM and 6 PM today. Authorities have urged drivers to be extra cautious, with icy roads and black ice posing significant risks.

How to make Tteokguk, one of S. Korea's traditional Lunar New Year dishes

2025/01/30 12:00

Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year, wouldn’t be complete without tteokguk, or rice cake soup. A bowl of this warm, comforting dish is more than just a meal, it symbolizes good fortune and aging a year. Our Ahn Sung-jin takes us to where the heart of this tradition begins. “Korean lunar new year, also known as Seollal, is one of the country’s major holidays. Traditionally Koreans would gather together, play folk games and perform ancestral rites and when Koreans think of Seollal, there’s one thing that comes to mind.” Then what is tteokguk that everyone is talking about? Tteokguk which literally combines the word tteok -rice cake-and guk -soup-is a typical traditional dish eaten during the Lunar New Year holiday. The owners of this rice cake mill have been making their own tteok for more than 50 years. It's especially during these holidays that orders for garaetteok, a long strip of rice cake dough, and the main ingredient in the tteokguk surges. First rice, which has been soaked, is ground twice to soften it before it is steamed. After that it's all mashed together to create long strips of garaetteok. The long strip represents people's desires to have good fortune. Once the rice cake hardens for a day or two, it is then cut into oval pieces that resemble the shape of coins once used in Korea, the yeopjeon. The exact origin of eating tteokguk on Lunar New Year’s day is unclear, but it is believed to give good luck for the year. A traditional saying even goes that you haven’t become a year older until you’ve had a bowl of tteokguk. Eating tteokguk during Seollal still remains a tradition, even if buying handmade tteok to make your own tteokguk is becoming less common. “For us it’s mostly regular customers that have been coming for a long time. Not a whole lot of new customers because it’s not common to eat this much tteok. People now normally just buy small packages.” Tteokguk is not only a symbolic dish of Korea's Lunar New Year, but it also provides a glimpse into the hidden meanings behind the ingredients. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.