News

Inbound traffic jams to Seoul to peak between 5-6 PM as Lunar New Year holiday ends

2025/01/30 12:00

As the Lunar New Year holiday comes to an end, highways across the country are experiencing heavy congestion, with many travelers returning home. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 9 AM, estimated travel times to Seoul are,. 7 hours 40 minutes from Busan,. 6 hours 40 minutes from Daegu, and a little under 3 hours from Gangneung. Inbound traffic jams to Seoul are expected to peak between 5 and 6 PM, and gradually ease by dawn tomorrow. Authorities have urged drivers to be extra cautious, with icy roads and black ice posing significant risks.

Seollal holiday traffic gets smoother driving out of Seoul, but remains slow for return journeys

2025/01/29 18:00

Today, Seollal Day, is when the holiday travel rush reaches its peak, with millions hitting the roads to reunite with loved ones. We're seeing traffic conditions vary depending on the direction of travel, as those leaving Seoul are seeing smoother conditions, while congestion remains heavy for those returning to the capital. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, departing from Seoul to the city of Busan in the southeast at 6 PM Wednesday will take approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes, two and a half hours quicker than this morning. Meanwhile, the trip from Busan to Seoul is expected to take 6 hours and 40 minutes. Traffic in both directions is forecast to ease late tonight.

What's 'sebae' at Lunar New Year; exploring how tradition changes over time

2025/01/29 18:00

Seollal, one of Korea's two biggest holidays alongside Chuseok, is a time when families come together to enjoy traditional Korean food and spend quality time with one another. And during Seollal, there's a tradition called "sebae," where people bow to their elders as a sign of respect and receive blessings, along with something that might just bring a little extra warmth to your wallet in return. Our Park Kun-woo walks us through what "sebae" is. Want to start the Lunar New Year with good fortune? One of the simplest ways to do that might be through a bow of fortune -known as "sebae" in South Korea. During Seollal, the Lunar New Year holiday, one of the biggest holidays here, people perform Sebae to show respect to their elders. "Wearing the traditional Korean attire, hanbok, you stand up and place your left hand above the right if you are a male, and the right above the left if you're a female. Then, you kneel and bow. This is how you do it." "Let's do it together. Happy New Year!" "I hope you all grow up to be strong, healthy, and wonderful people." Traditionally, after receiving an elder's New Year's blessing, younger adults would be served food and alcohol, while children would receive New Year's money, or "saebaetdon." But some experts say that the sebae traditions have slightly changed over time. "Sebae is simplifying in the fast-paced world and along with the convenience of technology, it's sometimes done virtually. But the importance of empathy and communication through sebae should remain. Emotions must be expressed to be understood. Maintaining the warmth of sebae and continuing this tradition is essential for fostering meaningful connections." Another change in the tradition is seen in the hanbok worn during sebae. "Until a few decades ago, people would wear hanbok with great formality. But with changing tastes, especially among the younger generations, it has become more simplified and people wear it less frequently than before." But he also said that it's still great to see more foreigners wearing hanbok, along with its growing popularity. "Hanbok is very beautiful and there are a lot of details. We watch a lot of K-dramas and we're very interested in K-pop, so we got exposed to knowing the hanbok." The hanbok designer also shared his hope that, as foreigners like wearing hanbok, more Koreans will too, and that the design can continue to maintain the essence of tradition, rather than becoming disconnected from Korean culture. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Air Busan plane catches fire before takeoff; all 176 on board safely evacuated

2025/01/29 12:00

A passenger plane operated by South Korean low cost carrier Air Busan caught fire on the runway at Gimhae International Airport near Busan on Tuesday night while preparing for takeoff. All 1-hundred-69 passengers and seven crew members on board the flight to Hong Kong were safely evacuated using emergency slides, though seven sustained minor injuries. The fire reportedly started at the rear of the aircraft around 10:15 PM. According to the National Fire Agency, it was completely extinguished by 11:31 PM, about an hour after firefighters arrived at the scene. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport says it will launch an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

What's 'sebae' at Lunar New Year; exploring how tradition changes over time

2025/01/29 12:00

Seollal, one of Korea's two biggest holidays alongside Chuseok, is a time when families come together to enjoy traditional Korean food and spend quality time with one another. And during Seollal, there's a tradition called "sebae," where people bow to their elders as a sign of respect and receive blessings, along with something that might just bring a little extra warmth to your wallet in return. Our Park Kun-woo walks us through what "sebae" is. Want to start the Lunar New Year with good fortune? One of the simplest ways to do that might be through a bow of fortune -known as "sebae" in South Korea. During Seollal, the Lunar New Year holiday, one of the biggest holidays here, people perform Sebae to show respect to their elders. "Wearing the traditional Korean attire, hanbok, you stand up and place your left hand above the right if you are a male, and the right above the left if you're a female. Then, you kneel and bow. This is how you do it." "Let's do it together. Happy New Year!" "I hope you all grow up to be strong, healthy, and wonderful people." Traditionally, after receiving an elder's New Year's blessing, younger adults would be served food and alcohol, while children would receive New Year's money, or "saebaetdon." But some experts say that the sebae traditions have slightly changed over time. "Sebae is simplifying in the fast-paced world and along with the convenience of technology, it's sometimes done virtually. But the importance of empathy and communication through sebae should remain. Emotions must be expressed to be understood. Maintaining the warmth of sebae and continuing this tradition is essential for fostering meaningful connections." Another change in the tradition is seen in the hanbok worn during sebae. "Until a few decades ago, people would wear hanbok with great formality. But with changing tastes, especially among the younger generations, it has become more simplified and people wear it less frequently than before." But he also said that it's still great to see more foreigners wearing hanbok, along with its growing popularity. "Hanbok is very beautiful and there are a lot of details. We watch a lot of K-dramas and we're very interested in K-pop, so we got exposed to knowing the hanbok." The hanbok designer also shared his hope that, as foreigners like wearing hanbok, more Koreans will too, and that the design can continue to maintain the essence of tradition, rather than becoming disconnected from Korean culture. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Seollal holiday traffic congestion to reach peak on Wednesday

2025/01/29 12:00

As today marks Seollal Day, the holiday travel rush is expected to reach its peak, with millions hitting the roads to reunite with loved ones, but the snowy winter weather is adding to the challenge. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 9 AM Wednesday, it will take approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes to travel from the capital Seoul to the city of Busan in the southeast. This journey typically takes about four and a half hours during non-holiday periods. Drivers are advised to drive with caution, as snow and freezing temperatures have led to icy roads. Traffic congestion is forecast to ease late tonight.

More than 10 mil. foreigners visited Seoul in 2024, near pre-pandemic levels

2025/01/28 18:00

Number of foreigners traveling to Seoul came to well over 10 million people in 2024, returning to the pre-pandemic levels. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Tuesday, 12-point-1-2 million foreign tourists visited Seoul between January and November last year. That's only slightly lower than the record high of 12-point-7-4 million recorded during the same period back in 2019. Seoul city plans to attract 30 million foreign tourists in 2025, with a variety of events including Seoul Festa in the springtime and a barbecue festival in October.

Live from Seoul Station: Seollal holiday travel season starts in Korea

2025/01/24 20:00

Korea is looking ahead to an extended Lunar New Year holiday starting this weekend. For those seeking an early start to the journey back to their hometowns for Seollal celebrations with family and friends, today is travel day. Our correspondent Song Yoo-jin joins us live from a major transport hub here in Seoul. Happy holiday, Yoo-jin! What's the latest on the hustle and bustle where you are? Happy holiday to you too, Jung-min from Seoul Station, the busiest train station in Korea. Today is the eve of the six-day Seollal holiday if we include the upcoming weekend. Seollal is one of Korea's two biggest holidays, the other being Chuseok, often called the Korean Thanksgiving. The station is becoming increasingly more crowded, as we've been seeing a significant influx of travelers after 6 PM when most people will have finished work. According to the latest data from the country's state-run railway operator, as of 3 PM, more than 76 percent of nearly 3-hundred-40-thousand available train tickets from this train station have already been booked. In fact, we're seeing more and more notices on the big screens here that some trains are sold out. Earlier, I spoke with some travelers about how excited they are for the holiday. Take a listen. "I want to relax with my family. I've been quite busy leading up to this holiday, so I want to visit cafes and travel with them." "Right now, I'm living with a host family so I'm thinking maybe with my host family maybe I'll make tteokguk or I think maybe we may vacation a little bit outside of Seoul maybe to Everland. I'll see what happens. But I also have some friends here so I think I may hang out with them." "I haven't been able to visit my grandmother for quite a while because I've been preparing for a new job. I'm going to meet and tell her I'll do my best." "The holiday is so long that I'm a bit worried about how to spend all that time with my daughter, but I think she'll be really happy to see her grandparents after such a long time." Happy holiday plans! Now, let's talk about numbers. How many people are projected to travel and WHEN would be ideal? Ahead of every Seollal, the Transport Ministry announces a 'special transportation measures period.' This year, it spans 10 days, starting today and lasting through next Sunday, February 2nd. For those taking next Friday off, this means a potential nine-day break. The Korea Transport Institute estimates that a total of 34 million people will take to the roads, skies, and other forms of transport during these 10 days. That's an increase of nearly 8 million compared to last year when the transportation period was just five days. The institute predicts that Seollal Day itself, next Wednesday, will be the busiest in terms of volume, with approximately 6 million people traveling. But it seems that the days just before and after Seollal Day will also be difficult to move, as an online survey conducted by the institute shows that Tuesday morning is the most preferred time for starting trips, while Thursday afternoon, is expected to be the most popular time for returning home. To ease the burden for travelers, motorway tolls will be lifted from Monday to Thursday. Discounts will be offered for train tickets and snacks at highway rest stops. If you're planning your schedule this holiday season, keep this in mind. And Yoo-jin, as our culture correspondent, I hear you have a special recommendation for those passing through Seoul Station. That's right. Just a short walk from here, in the old Seoul Station building, which first opened in 1925. It operated as a railway station until 2003 but reopened in 2011 with a new name 'Culture Station Seoul 284' as a space for exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Currently, two exhibitions are being held there, with no admission fee. If you're in this area, it's worth checking out. Or, stay tuned for my full report, which will air next Tuesday, just ahead of Seollal. Back to you Jung-min. That was our Song Yoo-jin live from Seoul Station.

Live from Seoul Station: Seollal holiday travel season starts in Korea

2025/01/24 17:00

Korea is looking ahead to an extended lunar new year holiday starting this weekend and for those seeking an early start to the journey back home for Seollal celebrations with family and friends in their hometowns today is travel day. That being said I have my colleague Song Yoo-jin joining me live from a major transport hub here in Seoul. Yoo-jin welcome. So what's the latest on the hustle and bustle where you are? Sunny, I'm at Seoul Station, the busiest train station in Korea. Today is the eve of the six-day Seollal holiday if we include the upcoming weekend. Seollal is one of Korea's two biggest holidays, the other being Chuseok, often called the Korean Thanksgiving. As such, it's a time when many people either head to their hometowns or travel elsewhere. While cars remain the most common form of transport for domestic trips, train stations like this one offer the clearest snapshot of the holiday travel rush. The station isn't overly crowded at the moment, but we expect a significant influx of travelers after 6 PM when most people will have finished work. According to the latest data from the country's state-run railway operator, as of 3 PM, more than 76 percent of nearly 3-hundred-40-thousand available train tickets from this train station have already been booked. Earlier, I had a chance to speak with some holiday travelers. Take a listen. "I want to relax with my family. I've been quite busy leading up to this holiday, so I want to visit cafes and travel with them." "Right now, I'm living with a host family so I'm thinking maybe with my host family maybe I'll make tteokguk or I think maybe we may vacation a little bit outside of Seoul maybe to Everland. I'll see what happens. But I also have some friends here so I think I may hang out with them." Right it's family and friends for most people during Seollal. Now let's talk about numbers Yoo-jin . How many people are projected to travel and WHEN would be ideal? Ahead of every Seollal, the Transport Ministry announces a 'special transportation measures period.' This year, it spans 10 days, starting today and lasting through next Sunday, February 2nd. For those taking next Friday off, this means a potential nine-day break. The Korea Transport Institute estimates that a total of 34 million people will take to the roads, skies, and other forms of transport during these 10 days. That's an increase of nearly 8 million compared to last year when the transportation period was just five days. The institute predicts that Seollal Day itself, next Wednesday, will be the busiest in terms of volume, with approximately 6 million people traveling. But it seems that the days just before and after Seollal Day will also be difficult to move, as an online survey conducted by the institute shows that Tuesday morning is the most preferred time for starting trips, while Thursday afternoon, is expected to be the most popular time for returning home. To ease the burden for travelers, motorway tolls will be lifted from Monday to Thursday. Discounts will be offered for train tickets and snacks at highway rest stops. If you're planning your schedule this holiday season, keep this in mind. Back to you, Sunny. All right Yoo-jin thank you for the latest on the Seollal travel here in Korea. And YOO-JIN happy holidays! Happy holiday!

[Features reporter] 'Seollal Temple Stay': Experience dumpling making and traditions at S. Korean temples

2025/01/24 14:00

Eun-hee, I heard you visited a special temple stay in Seoul. It must have been unique, especially with the Lunar New Year holiday approaching. Can you tell us more about it? Yes Soa. The Lunar New Year holiday or Seollal holiday is just around the corner, and to celebrate in a unique way, many temples across South Korea are offering special temple stays. I had the chance to visit one of these Seollal Temple Stays and see what's waiting for those looking to experience the peaceful, mind-clearing atmosphere of a temple stay. Let’s take a look. A unique sanctuary nestled in the heart of Seoul City. Jogyesa Temple is offering a special temple stay for the first time during the Seollal holidays so participants can experience the holiday's traditions. "At Jogyesa, we introduced dumpling-making as part of our Temple Stay program to bring back traditional holiday customs. Nowadays, with more people living in nuclear families or traveling abroad, it's hard to experience the warmth and togetherness of the holidays. We wanted to create a space where families or individuals spending the holidays alone could come together, even for just one night." Monk Seon Hae shared that through activities like making dumplings, eating rice cakes and sharing tea, she hopes to foster a warm sense of family and connection. This is the purpose behind many special programs including a Lunar New Year ceremony and folk games. The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism is hosting the "Seollal Temple Stay" at over 20 temples nationwide from January 22nd to January 30th. "I came here to clear my mind because I've been feeling stressed at work." "I'm having a lot of fun it's my first time making dumplings, and I'm really enjoying it." Events like this bring out each person's unique personality. Some participants expressed their New Year's wishes through the dumplings they made. "This dumpling is called the 'Sun Dumpling.' I made it to symbolize the rising sun of the New Year, wishing for a bright year ahead." "To start the New Year meaningfully, we decided to join a temple stay before the semester begins." As they taste the dumplings they've made, along with healthy, vegetarian and environmentally friendly temple food, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the effort that went into preparing these dishes. No Seollal celebration is complete without enjoying a bowl of Tteokguk or rice cake soup. From preparation to consumption, every step in the temple is a daily practice. Practicing the performing of '108 bows,' which symbolizes the purification of 108 temptations, participants have time to reflect. The evening at Jogyesa Temple is the perfect time to focus on the present moment. This Seollal holiday, why not take a break from your smartphone and immerse yourself in seasonal traditions by experiencing a temple stay with friends or family? First of all, those dumplings look delicious. How were they? Was it your first time making them? Those meat-free dumplings were absolutely delicious. Though my dumplings might not have been perfect, it's actually not my first time making them. I'm not particularly skilled in cooking, but I did realize the last time I made dumplings was back in elementary school. I think that’s one of the reasons this activity felt so special because for many people, there aren't many opportunities to gather and make dumplings together. I've always wanted to try a temple stay, and it sounds amazing! Jogyesa Temple seems like a perfect choice, especially after seeing what you've shared. What other temples might we be able to visit during the holiday for a similar experience? Yes Bella, unlike many temples, Jogyesa is in the heart of Seoul, with the monk there describing it as a "temple in a forest of buildings." So throughout this Seollal Holiday which lasts until the 30th of this month, 28 temples across the country are hosting Seollal Temple Stay programs, and I'd like to introduce a few of them. At Yeongpyeongsa Temple in Sejong City, visitors can enjoy activities like rice cake pounding, Jegichagi which is a traditional game of kicking a shuttlecock, and Yutnori, a traditional board game. Dogapsa Temple in Jeollanam-do Province invites participants to make New Year’s lanterns. Another one is Naksansa Temple in Gangwon-do which provides the opportunity to craft LED lotus lanterns. There are many options available, so anyone interested should check the website for details. As for the cost, how much is it? The cost is approximately 80-thousand Korean won which is about 55 U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate. Thank you Eun-hee for sharing. Happy Lunar New Year! Thank you Eun-hee.

K-wave AI News

2025/01/24 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. 'Hangeul Seoye,' or Korean calligraphy, has been designated as a National Intangible Heritage. Hangeul Seoye encompasses not only the act of writing Hangeul using traditional brushes and ink but also the rich traditional knowledge embedded within it. The art of Seoye has served as a vital medium for recording the lives of Koreans throughout history. The National Heritage Service highlighted its value for its distinctive brush techniques and refined aesthetic. It added that Seoye extends into various other artistic fields, contributing to cultural diversity and creativity. Around 206,000 visitors are expected to visit Korea's southern resort island of Jeju during the six-day Lunar New Year holiday. Visitors will enter Jeju via roughly 1,200 domestic flights and 124 international flights, as well as on six cruise ships. The number of Jeju-bound travelers marks a nearly 10% drop compared to last year's figure. The Jeju Tourism Association attributed the decline to the extended holiday, which led many travelers to opt for overseas trips instead of domestic destinations. Korea's celebrated Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, which kicked off on January 11, is set to surpass one million visitors this week. As of Wednesday, about 943,500 people have enjoyed the winter festivities, including more than 51,000 international tourists. Travelers from around the world—spanning the Arab region to Southeast Asia—have embraced Korea's unique winter traditions, such as ice fishing, highlighting the festival's global appeal. The festival will run through February 2. That's all from me. Wishing our viewers in Korea a wonderful and safe holiday, and to those watching from around the world, have a fantastic weekend!

[Short-form] How Korea celebrates Lunar New Year

2025/01/24 14:00

Explore how Korea celebrates ‘Seollal,’ a time when families reunite, traditions come alive, and hearts brim with hope for the year ahead!

More than 16,000 hospitals to open over Lunar New Year's holidays next week

2025/01/23 20:00

During the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays, or Seollal, around 16-thousand hospitals and clinics will provide services, with nearly 3-thousand being open on Lunar New Year's Day, which is January 29th. The health ministry stated on Thursday that more hospitals will be in operation than last year's Chuseok and Seollal holidays; the latter of which came before the country's prolonged medical standoff between doctors and the government. It also pledged to operate an emergency medical control center to monitor open hospitals, clinics and pharmacies to minimize gaps in the emergency medical system.

K-wave AI News

2025/01/23 14:00

Welcome to The Kulture Wave AI News. Here's our first story of the day. Passenger traffic at airports across Korea during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday is expected to surpass 4.4 million. The daily average is projected to reach nearly 441,700 nationwide, up more than 5% compared to last year. Incheon International Airport, in particular, is forecasted to see a roughly 13% rise in airport users from a year ago, with the busiest day anticipated to be this Saturday. To manage the surge in traffic, airport authorities are implementing special measures, extending operating hours for immigration and customs areas, and expanding security screening facilities. 'Cheongwadae,' the former Presidential Office will host a variety of events celebrating the Lunar New Year holiday. The "Cheongsa Chorong" festival will take place from next Monday to Thursday, featuring traditional games, music performances, and diverse interactive activities. During the day, visitors can enjoy games such as kite flying, 'Jegichagi' and 'Yutnori' at the main garden while evening events will offer a chance to view the Blue House's nightscape, as well as a New Year's concert. Cheongwade was opened to the public in 2022. An exhibition dedicated to Cattleya orchids will be held from this Friday through February 9 at the Sejong National Arboretum. Titled "Queen of Orchids," the exhibition will showcase more than 100 varieties of these vibrant and elegant flowers. Various hands-on programs are in store for visitors next week marking the Lunar New Year holiday, including gardening workshops and a flea market. Native to tropical rainforests in countries such as Mexico and Brazil, Cattleya orchids are renowned for their large, showy blooms and long-lasting fragrance. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

[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!