News

K-wave AI News

2025/03/27 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. As wildfires rage on for a sixth day across the Gyeongsang region, local governments are canceling or scaling down spring festivals. Tongyeong City has postponed the 'Bongsutgol Flower Outing Festival' to next month, while Namhae has also indefinitely postponed the county's flower and bracken festivals originally set for this weekend. Hadong County has canceled the 'Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival,' and Changwon City is considering scaling down events for Jinhae Gunhangje, Korea's largest cherry blossom festival. Asia's largest art fair, Art Basel Hong Kong, has opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's edition features 240 galleries from 42 countries and regions, with more than half of the participating galleries from the Asia-Pacific region. 20 galleries from Korea are taking part this year, with nine leading Korean galleries, including Arario Gallery, Gallery Baton, and Hakgojae Gallery, showcasing works in Art Basel's main 'Galleries' section. Art Basel Hong Kong is an annual international art fair and one of the most prominent art events in Asia. Various hands-on programs are in store across Korea commemorating listing of Korea's traditional 'jang' making culture as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. On April 4, a special event will be held at Gyeongbokgung Palace, offering visitors a chance to experience how jang, or fermented paste, is made. Attendees can explore traditional jang jars, jang ingredients and tools, learn about related history, and also get a taste of various fermented sauce at the palace's royal kitchen. Reservations will be available through Naver Reservation starting this Friday. Over in Jeollabuk-do Province, Sunchang county, known for its high-quality 'gochujang,' or red pepper paste, will host a series of immersive activities on April 5, including gochujang making in the traditional Sunchang style. These events aim to promote the value and significance of Korea's jang culture and ensure its preservation and development. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Wildfire spreads to Jirisan Mountain, national treasures evacuated

2025/03/27 10:00

It's not just people the fires have put at danger. The disastrous wildfires have also engulfed a number of historic sites, pushing authorities to relocate some national treasures. Lee Seung-jae has more. The wildfires raging in Sancheong-gun, and Hadong-gun counties have now spread to the Jirisan National Park. Jirisan National Park is considered a sacred mountain to the people of Korea, and was the first national park in the country. Forestry officials have made every effort to prevent the further spreading of the wildfire at the national park by spraying fire retardants and mobilizing helicopters. Residents and livestock are being evacuated from the area, and major cultural heritage items, including national treasures, are also being moved to safety. By Wednesday, the Korea Heritage Service said it had moved 15 historic pieces to safety from areas affected by wildfires. Among them are 10 national treasures, including a seated stone Buddha statue from the now-destroyed Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. 15 national heritage items have been destroyed by wildfires, including 11 designated as national heritage and 4 as provincial heritage. While items can be moved to safety more freely, sites such as temples are impossible to move. This has led to historically important temples like Gounsa Temple being damaged. "This temple is an important and historic temple where many masters and believers have been practicing and receiving comfort for over 1,300 years. It is a place of comfort for many people, but I am very afraid that it may disappear." The Korea Heritage Service, on Tuesday, issued the highest national heritage disaster alert level. In the four-tier alert system, the KHS issued the "serious" level for the first time ever. The KHS explained that the highest alert level was issued due to the very high risk of damage to the national heritage items and sites due to the rapidly spreading wildfires. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

S. Korea's birthrate increases for 7th straight month in Jan.

2025/03/27 10:00

The birth rate in South Korea continued its positive momentum in the first month of 2025. Around 24-thousand babies were born in January, up 11% compared to a year ago. Park Jun-han reports. As of January, the number of childbirths in South Korea has been on the rise for seven consecutive months. According to Statistics Korea's data on Wednesday, the number of childbirths in January 2025 was 23-thousand 9-hundred-47. This number is 11.6 percent higher than the 21-thousand-4-hundred-61 births in January 2024. That's the biggest percentage increase since related data was first compiled. South Korea's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman would have during her lifetime, also increased from January 2024's point-8 children to this January's point-88 children. The statistics show an increase in the total fertility rate for 25-29 year olds, those in their 30s, and those aged 40 and over. The number of marriages in South Korea has been rising for the past ten months, with the marriage rate increasing by over ten percent compared to the year before for all of those ten months except for June 2024 and January 2025. In January 2025, the number of marriages came to 20-thousand-1-hundred-53, point-7 percent higher than that of January last year. "If you look at the marriage growth rate, it has been increasing since April 2024 until now. In January 2025, there was a point-7 percent increase, so it looks like the growth rate has decreased a little bit, but it's actually due to the impact of four fewer reporting days because of the Seollal holiday in January 2025. If the number of reporting days hadn't decreased by four, the marriage rate would have been in the 20 percent range or at least in double-digit growth." Even though there has been a recent increase in births and marriages, the declining population and aging society remain concerns for South Korea. As a result of 39-thousand-4-hundred-73 deaths in January 2025, the country saw a natural population decline of 15-thousand-5-hundred-26 people. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

Live from Andong City: Wildfires rage across southern S. Korea as death toll rises

2025/03/26 20:00

We begin with devastating wildfires that started last week in the southeastern part of the country. As it gets worse, some 20 people have been killed. Our Lee Eun-hee is standing by at one of the areas hit hard by the disaster. Eun-hee, how's the situation there? Yes, Jung-min, I'm now in Andong City in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. The wildfire that started in Uiseong-gun County on Saturday continues to spread. Where I am stood right now is Hahoe Village which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A fire that that is around 5 to 10 kilometers away from the village, carried smoke towards the area, and by noon today, the smoke had thickened, increasing tension around the site. Residents have been evacuated and moving back and forth depending on the situation. Firefighters and residents are focusing on spraying water on homes and structures in the village every two hours to protect them from the flames. In this map you can see how the fire has been spreading to neighboring cities and counties due to strong winds including the counties of Yeongdeok, Yeongyang, Cheongsong, and here in Andong. On my way to the site a few hours ago, there was an evacuation order for residents in certain areas of Andong City. The challenging weather conditions have been complicating the firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, the wildfire that started in Sancheong-gun County in Gyeongsangnam-do Province on Friday has been raging on for six days now. The flames have now spread to Hadong-gun County, even reaching around 2-hundred meters inside Jirisan National Park. The containment rate, which was at 90-percent at one point on Tuesday, fell to 75-percent at around noon today. Authorities are fully mobilizing helicopters and ground firefighting teams in the area to bring the fire under control. However, the damage is worsening and as of this evening, over 1-thousand 5-hundred residents have been relocated to shelters. As residents are fleeing from the chaos, multiple casualties have been reported in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Gyeongsangnam-do Province. The latest update as of this evening shows a provisional estimate of at least 24 people dead and at least 26 injured. While one elderly person was found to have been completely consumed by the fire, others died during the evacuation process. The areas most heavily impacted are Uiseong-gun County and Andong City, where over 370 square kilometers have been affected. As of Wednesday, over 23-thousand people are taking shelter in temporary facilities. Also, more than 200 structures, including homes, factories, and cultural heritage sites, have been damaged by the flames. And Eun-hee how have authorities been responding? According to the government, over 1-hundred helicopters are actively involved in the operation, but at around noon today, one firefighting helicopter crashed at the scene in Uiseong-gun County, with the pilot confirmed dead. Additionally, over 4-thousand-5-hundred personnel are actively involved in the operation and over 5-hundred firefighting units, focusing on key facilities and densely populated areas of Uiseong, Andong, Yeongyang, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok. "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, along with relevant ministries, local governments, public institutions, volunteers, and village leaders on the front lines, is fully mobilizing all efforts to combat the wildfire and protect residential areas." We're eagerly awaiting the rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow, but the expected amount is small, so it's uncertain whether it will help extinguish the fire. But even a small amount could offer some relief, and authorities are hoping for any assistance it may bring. That's all I have for you, Jung-min. All right Eun-hee thank you for that report. That was our Lee Eun-hee reporting live from Andong in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

How South Korean adoptees raised abroad are returning in search of their identities

2025/03/26 20:00

Effort to better accommodate adoptees from overseas seeking to trace their roots here in Korea continue with both the government and private entities offering assistance. Our Bae Eun-ji tells us more. Kim Sperling was born in Seoul in 1975, and was sent to an adoption agency when he was a month old. He was then adopted in Germany when he was just seven months. "I probably totally barred the whole abduction thing that the agency might've tried to sell to adoptive parents. If I had questioned that, there would have been no place where I could have found answers at that time. In the 80s and the 90s, nobody knew anything about Korea." He first returned to Korea at the age of 30, seeking to find his roots. "For me, it was about okay, I've got to clear the relationship between me and Korea. I mean, it's there and I cannot deny it." That's when he also made efforts to find his biological parents. "I started looking for them in 2006. A few weeks later I got an email and it's like we looked at the files and we contacted the hospital and they had another file and we have a name of your mother and I was surprised. It had a birth date but the police wouldn't locate any person with a matching name and birth date." He now lives in Korea with his wife and two children. He's also a photographer who has worked on projects that portray different stories about Korean adoptees who've returned to their country of birth. His works also include projects that relate to his Korean heritage, including Dokdo as well as Korean nurses and miners who were sent to Germany in the mid-1900s. "I am Korean, and I am German, and you know it's like the way my Korean is something that like my Korean identity my consciousness is like still evolving. It's like I'm learning every day." Sterling was just one of many Korean children who were sent abroad for adoption. Since 1953, after the country was ravaged by the Korean War, around 200-thousand Korean babies are known to have been sent to other countries. Louise Lindberg was adopted in Sweden when she was 12. After working as a social worker in Sweden for 18 years, she decided to return to the country where she was born. She now helps overseas Korean adoptees reconnect with their heritage at a non-profit organization and explains many of those who return have said they feel safe and comfortable. "And just like things like hey, people just like look like me, and they feel really comfortable. Because I asked, why did you come? What is the best thing with being in Korea? And they were like everybody just looks like me and I can just feel safe." The South Korean government is also making efforts to help these Korean adoptees who grew up overseas. The Overseas Korean Agency newly opened a service counter in central Seoul, aimed at providing a "one-stop" service that will not only provide interpretation services but also help them find their birth parents. "One example of the services that this counter could provide is finding parents using DNA matches, or providing adoption information." As the country continues to acknowledge its past on adoption, the government is now hoping to provide full support to make up for decades of lost time. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

S. Korea's birthrate increases for 7th straight month in Jan.

2025/03/26 20:00

The number of newborns in January noted a remarkable rise from a year ago, having surged over 11-percent. Park Jun-han covers the latest findings. As of January, the number of childbirths in South Korea has been on the rise for seven consecutive months. According to Statistics Korea's data on Wednesday, the number of childbirths in January 2025 was 23-thousand 9-hundred-47. This number is 11.6 percent higher than the 21-thousand-4-hundred-61 births in January 2024. That's the biggest percentage increase since related data was first compiled. South Korea's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman would have during her lifetime, also increased from January 2024's point-8 children to this January's point-88 children. The statistics show an increase in the total fertility rate for 25-29 year olds, those in their 30s, and those aged 40 and over. The number of marriages in South Korea has been rising for the past ten months, with the marriage rate increasing by over ten percent compared to the year before for all of those ten months except for June 2024 and January 2025. In January 2025, the number of marriages came to 20-thousand-1-hundred-53, point-7 percent higher than that of January last year. "If you look at the marriage growth rate, it has been increasing since April 2024 until now. In January 2025, there was a point-7 percent increase, so it looks like the growth rate has decreased a little bit, but it's actually due to the impact of four fewer reporting days because of the Seollal holiday in January 2025. If the number of reporting days hadn't decreased by four, the marriage rate would have been in the 20 percent range or at least in double-digit growth." Even though there has been a recent increase in births and marriages, the declining population and aging society remain concerns for South Korea. As a result of 39-thousand-4-hundred-73 deaths in January 2025, the country saw a natural population decline of 15-thousand-5-hundred-26 people. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

How South Korean adoptees raised abroad are returning in search of their identities

2025/03/26 17:00

Effort to better accommodate adoptees from overseas seeking to trace their roots here in Korea continue with both the government and private entities offering assistance. Our Bae Eun-ji reports. Kim Sperling was born in Seoul in 1975, and was sent to an adoption agency when he was a month old. He was then adopted in Germany when he was just seven months. "I probably totally barred the whole abduction thing that the agency might've tried to sell to adoptive parents. If I had questioned that, there would have been no place where I could have found answers at that time. In the 80s and the 90s, nobody knew anything about Korea." He first returned to Korea at the age of 30, seeking to find his roots. "For me, it was about okay, I've got to clear the relationship between me and Korea. I mean, it's there and I cannot deny it." That's when he also made efforts to find his biological parents. "I started looking for them in 2006. A few weeks later I got an email and it's like we looked at the files and we contacted the hospital and they had another file and we have a name of your mother and I was surprised. It had a birth date but the police wouldn't locate any person with a matching name and birth date." He now lives in Korea with his wife and two children. He's also a photographer who has worked on projects that portray different stories about Korean adoptees who've returned to their country of birth. His works also include projects that relate to his Korean heritage, including Dokdo as well as Korean nurses and miners who were sent to Germany in the mid-1900s. "I am Korean, and I am German, and you know it's like the way my Korean is something that like my Korean identity my consciousness is like still evolving. It's like I'm learning every day." Sterling was just one of many Korean children who were sent abroad for adoption. Since 1953, after the country was ravaged by the Korean War, around 200-thousand Korean babies are known to have been sent to other countries. Louise Lindberg was adopted in Sweden when she was 12. After working as a social worker in Sweden for 18 years, she decided to return to the country where she was born. She now helps overseas Korean adoptees reconnect with their heritage at a non-profit organization and explains many of those who return have said they feel safe and comfortable. "And just like things like hey, people just like look like me, and they feel really comfortable. Because I asked, why did you come? What is the best thing with being in Korea? And they were like everybody just looks like me and I can just feel safe." The South Korean government is also making efforts to help these Korean adoptees who grew up overseas. The Overseas Korean Agency newly opened a service counter in central Seoul, aimed at providing a "one-stop" service that will not only provide interpretation services but also help them find their birth parents. "One example of the services that this counter could provide is finding parents using DNA matches, or providing adoption information." As the country continues to acknowledge its past on adoption, the government is now hoping to provide full support to make up for decades of lost time. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

S. Korea's birthrate increases for 7th straight month in Jan.

2025/03/26 17:00

The number of newborns in January here in Korea noted a remarkable rise on year as it surged over 11 percent. Park Jun-han covers the latest findings. As of January, the number of childbirths in South Korea has been on the rise for seven consecutive months. According to Statistics Korea's data on Wednesday, the number of childbirths in January 2025 was 23-thousand 9-hundred-47. This number is 11.6 percent higher than the 21-thousand-4-hundred-61 births in January 2024. That's the biggest percentage increase since related data was first compiled. South Korea's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman would have during her lifetime, also increased from January 2024's point-8 children to this January's point-88 children. The statistics show an increase in the total fertility rate for 25-29 year olds, those in their 30s, and those aged 40 and over. The number of marriages in South Korea has been rising for the past ten months, with the marriage rate increasing by over ten percent compared to the year before for all of those ten months except for June 2024 and January 2025. In January 2025, the number of marriages came to 20-thousand-1-hundred-53, point-7 percent higher than that of January last year. "If you look at the marriage growth rate, it has been increasing since April 2024 until now. In January 2025, there was a point-7 percent increase, so it looks like the growth rate has decreased a little bit, but it's actually due to the impact of four fewer reporting days because of the Seollal holiday in January 2025. If the number of reporting days hadn't decreased by four, the marriage rate would have been in the 20 percent range or at least in double-digit growth." Even though there has been a recent increase in births and marriages, the declining population and aging society remain concerns for South Korea. As a result of 39-thousand-4-hundred-73 deaths in January 2025, the country saw a natural population decline of 15-thousand-5-hundred-26 people. Park Jun-han, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/03/26 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The National Heritage Disaster Crisis Level has been raised to "serious" as massive wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province rage on for a fifth consecutive day. This marks the first time Korea has issued the highest-level alert. The National Heritage Service warns that the risk of damage to cultural heritage sites in Uiseong, Andong, and other parts of the province remains high, with strong winds continuing to drive the fire eastward. The historic Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, a thousand-year-old Buddhist site, has been destroyed by wildfires, with its Gaunru Pavilion and Yeonsujeon Hall reduced to ashes. The two national treasures were charred beyond recognition. Manhyujeong Pavilion in Andong, widely known as a filming location for the K-drama Mr. Sunshine, has escaped major damage. Authorities remain on high alert as the wildfires continue spreading east, with thick smoke detected around Andong's traditional Hahoe Village and Byeongsanseowon, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. While no direct fire damage has been reported in these areas, additional personnel and firefighting equipment have been deployed to prevent potential losses. The Heo Jun Museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition titled "Joseon's Doctors: Practicing Benevolence." The exhibit highlights the stories of "yu-ui" —Confucian scholars who also served as physicians— and royal court doctors of the era who embodied the Confucian virtue of benevolence and altruism through their practice of medicine. Over 100 artifacts showcasing Joseon-era medical traditions are on display. Founded in 2005 and located in Seoul's Gangseo-gu District, the Heo Jun Museum is dedicated to honoring Heo Jun's legacy and promoting the global recognition of traditional Korean medicine. The exhibition runs until September 7. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Five lions rescued from the war in Ukraine arrive at their forever home in the UK

2025/03/26 10:00

Finally, in the UK five neglected lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine have found a new home at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent. The group includes a male African lion named Rori and lionesses Amani, Lira, Vanda, and Yuna. Their rescue journey was facilitated by the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine. After being temporarily cared for in Belgium, the lions arrived at The Lion Rescue Center, a sanctuary established through a fundraising campaign and officially opened on Tuesday.

Motorcyclist found dead after being trapped in 20-meter-wide sinkhole in Seoul

2025/03/25 20:00

A sinkhole that opened up here in Seoul on Monday killed one person and authorities now seek the cause of the incident. Park Kun-woo reports. A motorcyclist who had been trapped in a large sinkhole in Seoul was found dead at around 11:30 AM on Tuesday. The 30-year-old was identified after around 17 hours of rescue efforts, from when the approximately 20-meter-wide and deep sinkhole appeared on Monday evening. An official explained that the search operations were made more difficult due to thousands of tons of water and soil filling the sinkhole. "Accumulated soil and water raised the water level and construction equipment got tangled up, making it impossible to enter the area right away." The victim was discovered several hours after his mobile phone and motorbike were found underground earlier that morning. A car driver who passed over the area of road just before the collapse was injured and transported to hospital. The sinkhole appeared in the middle of a road in Myeongil-dong of Gangdong-gu District, eastern Seoul, at around 6:30 PM on Monday, affecting four lanes of a six-lane road. Due to concerns of further collapses, four nearby schools were temporarily closed on Tuesday. Fire authorities point out a possible link to the nearby subway Line 9 extension project and a burst underground pipeline as potential causes of the incident. Seoul officials plan to conduct a thorough investigation to find out the actual cause with experts and related organizations. An emergency safety measure meeting was also held by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Tuesday morning to discuss follow-up measures. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Motorcyclist found dead after being trapped in 20-meter-wide sinkhole in Seoul

2025/03/25 17:00

A sinkhole that opened up here in Seoul back on Monday killed one person and has temporarily closed four schools in the vicinity as authorities now seek the cause of the tragic event. Park Kun-woo reports. A motorcyclist who had been trapped in a large sinkhole in Seoul was found dead at around 11:30 AM on Tuesday. The 30-year-old was identified after around 17 hours of rescue efforts, from when the approximately 20-meter-wide and deep sinkhole appeared on Monday evening. An official explained that the search operations were made more difficult due to thousands of tons of water and soil filling the sinkhole. "Accumulated soil and water raised the water level and construction equipment got tangled up, making it impossible to enter the area right away." The victim was discovered several hours after his mobile phone and motorbike were found underground earlier that morning. A car driver who passed over the area of road just before the collapse was injured and transported to hospital. The sinkhole appeared in the middle of a road in Myeongil-dong of Gangdong-gu District, eastern Seoul, at around 6:30 PM on Monday, affecting four lanes of a six-lane road. Due to concerns of further collapses, four nearby schools were temporarily closed on Tuesday. Fire authorities point out a possible link to the nearby subway Line 9 extension project and a burst underground pipeline as potential causes of the incident. Seoul officials plan to conduct a thorough investigation to find out the actual cause with experts and related organizations. An emergency safety measure meeting was also held by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Tuesday morning to discuss follow-up measures. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

[Kulture Issue] Ensuring safety and credibility amid rising popularity of K-food?

2025/03/25 14:00

From Kimbap to Ramyeon. K-food is growing more popular around the world and is also readily available in more and more places. That’s why, it’s not only taste that should be a priority, but also the packaging, safety and credibility of Korean food items being consumed overseas. Today, we invite someone in charge of that into the studio, Chung Harim , an inspector at the Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services. Welcome Ms. Chung ! Q1) Let’s first talk a bit about the current popularity of Korean food abroad. How big is it? Q2) Which K-food items are trending nowadays? Q3-1) What’s behind the growth in the popularity of K-food? Q3-2) Ms. Chung, as an inspector at your agency, you must also be embarking on business trips abroad a lot. What are you in charge of overseas? Also, are there particular moments when you feel the love for K-food while in a different country? Q4-1) The interest in hallyu may not be enough to keep the interest in K-food. When it comes to eating, a sense of trust is a must. What’s the government doing on that front? Q4-2) What’s the second one? Q4-3) Food safety policies exist in other countries too. Is Korea stricter in any way? Q5) What are some major accomplishments in terms of building credibility in food safety, and what are your expectations in the future? Q6) Finally, would you like to share some words to all the global K-food lovers out there?

People trek 'Korea Memorial Roads,' with national pilgrimage trails launched on Sunday

2025/03/25 10:00

In light of the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, a special tour took place here in Seoul over the weekend which offered trekkers the chance to join a unique trail that traces Korea's fight for independence. Our Kim Bo-kyoung was there. Thousands of enthusiastic trekkers began walking along the trail that starts at Baekbeom Square, on Namsan Mountain in Seoul. They headed along one of the "Korea Memorial Roads," national pilgrimage trails covering Korea's key historic sites. The patriots ministry launched this meaningful trail over the weekend, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation this year. "South Korea's proud history has come this far after going through many hardships and challenges. The Patriots Ministry tries to remember this through cultural events such as trekking and camping." There are three courses in Seoul related to the country's independence. One that goes around the Jongro area, taking Tapgol Park where the Declaration of Independence was read on March first, 1919, a second route around the Seodaemun area, where trekkers can visit the Prison History Hall where martyrs were imprisoned during the Japanese colonial era. And last, but not least, the route around Namsan Mountain where people can visit the March 1st Independence Movement Monument. Not being a competition participants slowly walked along the trail, enjoying the scent of the newly arrived spring. The focus is not on speed, but on appreciating our ancestors' unyielding wish for independence. "By walking along the trail, tracing historic sites of the independence movement, people will be able to reflect on the courage and sacrifices made for the country's freedom." "I think this is a meaningful event because it lets people think about Korean history, which is easy to forget, once more." More 'Korea Memorial Road' routes are to be announced nationwide. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

Rescue efforts continue for motorcyclist trapped in 20-meter-wide sinkhole in Seoul

2025/03/25 10:00

A massive sinkhole, 20 meters wide and deep, opened in a road in Seoul on Monday evening, trapping a motorcyclist and injuring a car driver. Rescue efforts have been ongoing for over 14 hours, in an effort to find the missing motorcyclist. Choi Min-jung reports. Rescue operations are continuing in Seoul after a motorcyclist fell into a massive sinkhole on a public road. According to authorities a sinkhole opened in the middle of a road in Myeongil-dong, Seoul at around 6:30 PM on Monday. The sinkhole is approximately 20 meters wide and 20 meters deep, affecting four lanes of a six-lane road. "We have been manually removing soil to search for the missing person underground. However, due to cracks forming on the upper part of the sinkhole, further entry was deemed too dangerous." The fire department said Tuesday morning, rescuers found the victim's mobile phone at 1:37 AM. The motorcycle was found at 3:30 AM. With tons of water and soil accumulated at the sinkhole, rescue workers in diving suits as well as a search-and-rescue dog continue their efforts to find the victim. Additionally, a car driver who passed through the area just before the collapse was injured and transported to the hospital. Schools in the area decided to close on Tuesday, as a precaution for student safety. As for the cause of the sinkhole, authorities have not ruled out a possible connection to the ongoing subway Line 9 extension project near the collapse site. Construction has been temporarily suspended after the incident. On Monday night, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon urged enhanced safety measures to avoid additional casualties. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

People trek 'Korea Memorial Roads,' with national pilgrimage trails launched on Sunday

2025/03/24 20:00

Back on the local front. We shed light on a tour here in Capital Seoul that offers you the chance to join a trek that traces Korea's fight for independence. Our Kim Bo-kyoung was there. Thousands of enthusiastic trekkers began walking along the trail that starts at Baekbeom Square, on Namsan Mountain in Seoul. They headed along one of the "Korea Memorial Roads," national pilgrimage trails covering Korea's key historic sites. The patriots ministry launched this meaningful trail over the weekend, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation this year. "South Korea's proud history has come this far after going through many hardships and challenges. The Patriots Ministry tries to remember this through cultural events such as trekking and camping." There are three courses in Seoul related to the country's independence. One that goes around the Jongro area, taking Tapgol Park where the Declaration of Independence was read on March first, 1919, a second route around the Seodaemun area, where trekkers can visit the Prison History Hall where martyrs were imprisoned during the Japanese colonial era. And last, but not least, the route around Namsan Mountain where people can visit the March 1st Independence Movement Monument. Not being a competition participants slowly walked along the trail, enjoying the scent of the newly arrived spring. The focus is not on speed, but on appreciating our ancestors' unyielding wish for independence. "By walking along the trail, tracing historic sites of the independence movement, people will be able to reflect on the courage and sacrifices made for the country's freedom." "I think this is a meaningful event because it lets people think about Korean history, which is easy to forget, once more." More 'Korea Memorial Road' routes are to be announced nationwide. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

People trek 'Korea Memorial Roads,' with national pilgrimage trails launched on Sunday

2025/03/24 17:00

Up next we shed light on a tour here in Capital Seoul that offers you the chance to join a trek that traces Korea's fight for independence. Our Kim Bo-kyoung was there. Thousands of enthusiastic trekkers began walking along the trail that starts at Baekbeom Square, on Namsan Mountain in Seoul. They headed along one of the "Korea Memorial Roads," national pilgrimage trails covering Korea's key historic sites. The patriots ministry launched this meaningful trail over the weekend, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation this year. "South Korea's proud history has come this far after going through many hardships and challenges. The Patriots Ministry tries to remember this through cultural events such as trekking and camping." There are three courses in Seoul related to the country's independence. One that goes around the Jongro area, taking Tapgol Park where the Declaration of Independence was read on March first, 1919, a second route around the Seodaemun area, where trekkers can visit the Prison History Hall where martyrs were imprisoned during the Japanese colonial era. And last, but not least, the route around Namsan Mountain where people can visit the March 1st Independence Movement Monument. Not being a competition participants slowly walked along the trail, enjoying the scent of the newly arrived spring. The focus is not on speed, but on appreciating our ancestors' unyielding wish for independence. "By walking along the trail, tracing historic sites of the independence movement, people will be able to reflect on the courage and sacrifices made for the country's freedom." "I think this is a meaningful event because it lets people think about Korean history, which is easy to forget, once more." More 'Korea Memorial Road' routes are to be announced nationwide. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/03/24 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Dozens of wildfires that have swept across multiple regions in Korea in recent days have caused damage to three national heritage sites so far. The Cultural Heritage Service reports that the 900-year-old 'Hadong Duyang-ri Ginkgo Tree' in Sancheong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, was partially burned in the fire. In the same province, two annex buildings near the cultural heritage site 'Dubangjae,' which houses the portrait of General Kang Min-cheom from the Goryeo Dynasty, were completely destroyed. In Jeongseon, Gangwon-do Province, parts of the historic scenic site 'Baegunsan Chiljoknyeong' were damaged. Efforts to fully contain the blaze in the southeastern regions are ongoing but are being hindered by unfavorable weather conditions. An exhibition exploring the possibilities and limitations of generative AI and its impact on art is now open. The Coreana Museum of Art in Seoul is showcasing a thematic exhibition titled "Synthetic Fever," which examines the potential and constraints of generative AI, alongside the excitement and fears it provokes, through the perspectives of nine contemporary artists. It highlights how AI technology is reshaping the concepts of art and creativity, while also revealing its complex impact on societies. The exhibition runs until June 28. The annual Everland Tulip Festival has kicked off, welcoming visitors to a vibrant spring experience with over one million flowers from over 100 species, including tulips, daffodils, and muscari. Everland operator Samsung C&T Corporation says this year's festival offers an expanded lineup of globally popular Sanrio character-themed content for an immersive experience. The festival's main venue, the 10,000-square-meter Four Seasons Garden, showcases a dazzling array of spring blooms alongside 11 interactive experience zones. Visitors can also experience the festival's signature daytime and nighttime performances, including captivating carnival parades and circus shows. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Landmarks around the world join Earth Hour

2025/03/24 10:00

On Saturday, the Earth Hour campaign united millions globally, in a symbolic action against climate change. From 8:30 to 9:30 PM local time, iconic landmarks dimmed their lights to raise environmental awareness. In New York City, the Empire State Building's tower lights were turned off. In Sydney, the sails of the Opera House went dark. Rio de Janeiro's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, and landmarks in Hong Kong and Tokyo also switched off their lights. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour 2025 saw participation from over 180 countries and territories.

Pope Francis leaves hospital after first public appearance in five weeks

2025/03/24 10:00

Over in Italy, Pope Francis has made his first public appearance in over five weeks, following a prolonged hospitalization due to bilateral pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff's return was met with widespread relief and joy. "Thank you all and I see this lady with the yellow flowers, she is good!" On Sunday, Pope Francis emerged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since mid-February. Appearing in a wheelchair, he greeted some 3,000 people outside the hospital. Expressing his gratitude, the Pope said thank you to everyone. While the Pope faced significant health challenges, including acute respiratory crises and early-stage kidney failure during his hospitalization, he remained conscious and continued his papal duties. Upon discharge, Pope Francis stopped at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to offer prayers before returning to the Vatican.