News

Heavy rains in dry season kill at least 29 in DR Congo's capital

2025/06/17 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. Starting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, heavy weekend rains in the capital Kinshasa have triggered floods and landslides that have claimed at least 29 lives. Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said on Sunday local time that sudden downpours, unusually heavy for the dry season, dumped nearly 90 millimeters of rain across the city on Saturday. Drone footage on Monday showed the devastation as the storm overwhelmed drainage systems and walls. Roads and bridges have been swept away, and many neighborhoods saw power outages. Rescues are underway, with affected residents relocated to temporary shelters. Kinshasa lies on the Congo River, and many residents live in areas vulnerable to flooding. More than 30 people died in Kinshasa in April, also due to flash floods.

Economic sentiment highest in 11 months: BOK

2025/06/17 10:00

Meanwhile,.. the country's economic sentiment rose to an 11-month high on the back of a rally in the domestic stock market and the prospects of a second supplementary budget plan. According to the Bank of Korea, the country's News Sentiment Index stood at 108-point-4-3 as of June 13th, recording the highest level since July of last year. The index fell to just above 77 on December 10th, in the wake of the emergency martial law declaration, and briefly rebounded to the 100 mark in January. However, due to concerns over U.S. tariffs, it fell again to the 80-point range before the recent rebound. The BOK releases its NSI figures every Monday, showing the economic sentiment based on economy-related media outlets. A figure above 100, means optimism outweighs pessimism.

S. Korea's competitiveness ranking drops to 27th after impeachment saga

2025/06/17 10:00

In this year's Global Competitiveness Ranking, South Korea fell to 27th place—down from 20th last year. The annual report, released on Tuesday by Switzerland's International Institute for Management Development, cited declines in South Korea's domestic economy, infrastructure, and social indicators—linked in part to recent political unrest. The presidential office responded by stressing that President Lee Jae-myung has consistently advocated for what he calls "genuine growth" to boost the nation's long-term potential. The administration says it will turn that vision into action—with a focus on restoring South Korea's global competitiveness.

[On-Point] S. Korea's Lee attends G7 summit in Canada; no meeting with Trump

2025/06/17 10:00

Leaders of G7 nations have gathered in Canada, and South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung is also there --making it his first overseas trip since taking office less than two weeks ago. For more on this, we have Professor Christophe Gaudin, Professor of Political Science at Kookmin University. Professor Gaudin, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. At the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia should be readmitted to the group, and that the war in Ukraine would not have happened if Moscow had been kept in the club. What's your take on this? 2. The U.S. and the UK also signed a trade deal during the summit. As the Trump administration continues to sign deals with key trading partners, including the recent framework with China --do you think South Korea could move closer to reaching a trade agreement as well? 3. It appears that President Lee will not be able to hold a meeting with Trump, with the U.S. president leaving the G7 early because of the conflict between Israel and Iran. How do you think the situation in the Middle East will unfold? And how could this affect South Korea? 4. This is President Lee's first diplomatic trip since taking office. Could you tell us more about the significance of this trip? 5. The Lee administration is also considering whether the president should attend the NATO Summit in the Netherlands. How do you think he should approach relations with European countries? Alright I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today. Thank you so much for your insight. We appreciate it.

Pres. Lee departs for Canada to attend G7 summit

2025/06/16 20:00

Good evening. President Lee Jae-myung has departed for Canada this afternoon to take part in the G7 summit as a guest and also to sit down with the leaders of major economies. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has our top story. South Korea's new leader, President Lee Jae-myung, is making his diplomatic debut on the global stage. President Lee began his three-day trip to Canada on Monday to attend the Group of Seven summit, less than two weeks after taking office. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung is accompanying him and will participate in official programs arranged by the host nation. "President Lee will build rapport with world leaders and lay the groundwork for tangible progress on key issues, including trade. In particular, by highlighting the strength of Koreans who overcame martial law and insurrection, and the resilience of our democracy, we expect this summit to elevate South Korea's standing on the global stage." The President's first stop is Calgary, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with leaders of non-G7 countries, who were invited to the summit along with South Korea. Those invited countries include Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa and Ukraine. The following day, on Tuesday local time, he will participate in the G7 expanded session in Kananaskis, where the focus will be on energy security. Lee is expected to speak twice, laying out Korea's vision for diversifying global energy supply chains and promoting AI-integrated energy innovation. Bilateral meetings are also being arranged with G7 members. Attention is on whether Lee will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, at a time when the July deadline for the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs is approaching, while Seoul and Tokyo mark 60 years of normalized diplomatic ties this Sunday. "Through bilateral talks, we will have an opportunity to strengthen friendly cooperation with major countries in terms of our national interest and pragmatic diplomacy. We will also make progress in discussing pending issues, such as trade." This year's G7 summit, marking its 50th anniversary, will take place on Monday and Tuesday in Canada. President Lee is expected to conclude his schedule and return to South Korea late on Wednesday. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

[Weather] Most of rain will stop by tonight, hot conditions remain tomorrow

2025/06/16 20:00

The heavy rain has finally taken a break across the country. However, showers are expected in the inland areas tomorrow. There will be around 5 to 30 millimeters in Gangwon-do Province and the southern regions. Those in areas that have already seen a lot of rain will need to be careful. The first heat wave warning of the year for the Seoul metropolitan area was issued yesterday. Daytime temperatures will rise to around 30 degrees Celsius in inland areas for the time being. It is important to take care not to get any heat-related diseases in this hot weather. Tomorrow morning will start warm at around 19 to 23 degrees Celsius all over the country. Highs will move up to 30 degrees in Seoul, 29 degrees in Chuncheon and Jeju. Starting with the central parts of the country on Thursday night, more rain is forecast nationwide on Friday and Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Koreans splash the heat away at Gimpo Aramarine Festival

2025/06/16 20:00

Before monsoon season officially hits us in just a matter of days here in South Korea, a summer festival in Gimpo is helping people beat the summer heat, blending water fun with music, culture and eco-friendly experiences. Byeon Ye-young was there. This summer is forecast to be hotter than usual. Heavy rainfall is expected to start in June. And what better way to make most of the sweltering heat and rain than water sports? "Here at the Gimpo Aramarine festival, visitors can kayak, kayak, slide down water slides, and splash the heat away." Following its roaring success over the past years, the Gimpo Aramarine festival came back this year, this time running for four days. The festival centers on the theme of connecting water and the environment with culture. "This year marks the 9th edition of the Gimpo Aramarine Festival. Our main programs include the Pori Race, various water leisure activities, and a yacht competition. We're doing our best to offer fun and exciting experiences not only for Gimpo residents but for visitors from all over." Running from June 14th to 17th, the event offers more than just water sports. A dance competition and live performances by popular artists add to the energy and excitement. Visitors can also explore community partnership booths offering hands-on experiences linked to water and sustainability. "Oh, we heard there are lots of fun activities for kids to enjoy here, so we decided to come." At the Carbon-Neutral Wooden Play Experience booth, children play with eco-friendly wooden toys while learning about carbon neutrality. And one charming star stole the show: the festival's duck mascot, Pory. Gimpo has a unique tradition of using ducks in rice farming to control pests an eco-friendly practice that inspired the city's lovable duck mascot. On Sunday, the ducks made a splashy return in the annual rubber duck race, now with a brand-new name: Pory Race. The name "Pory" is a playful blend of "Gimpo" and ori , the Korean word for duck, and was selected through a public naming contest. With rubber ducks raining from the sky, the Pori Race once again filled the city with smiles and laughter. According to officials, an estimated 80,000 visitors attended the festival over the weekend. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Meet the first foreigner to visit all 76 Korean heritage sites in just two months

2025/06/16 20:00

While most of us are still planning that "someday" trip, one Turkish traveler has already stamped her way through all 76 Korean heritage sites in just two months. Park Hyo-been has her story. While most Koreans have barely scratched the surface of the country's rich heritage, one foreign traveler has gone the distance—visiting all 76 cultural treasures from Ganghwa Dolmen Sites to the Museongseowon Confucian Academy in Jeongeup city. Ayse, a Korean language teacher from Türkiye, began her journey in April at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and wrapped it up in just two months. When asked to name her favorite site, she said it was impossible to choose just one. "I think you really have to break it down into categories. If we're talking about the most photogenic place? Definitely Pocheon Art Valley. But if I had to pick somewhere that felt both very Korean and somehow exotic, I'd say Naksansa Temple. And when I went to Hahoe Village in Andong I was honestly speechless." She also said the driving force to visit all the key Korean heritage sites was the stamps. The stamp is at the heart of the Korean Heritage Passport Tour, where participants receive a special "passport" and collect stamps at 76 designated sites across 10 themed routes. "My husband first told me about the program. But the moment I got my very first stamp, I was like—wow, this feels amazing. There was this powerful sense of achievement that made me want to keep going. And I guess another reason was I wanted to be the Turkish person who knows Korea best." The Korean Heritage Passport Tour is part of the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign, launched in 2020 by the Korea Heritage Agency and the Korea Heritage Service. It is an immersive program designed to promote the beauty and value of Korea's national heritage. Since its official launch in May 2023, nearly 400 people have completed the full tour so far. "We deliberately included lesser-known sites outside the Seoul metropolitan area. Since last year, interest has remained strong. So far, we've received around 260,000 applications, and we expect that number to hit 400,000 by the end of this year." As for Ayse, her Korean journey is far from over — in fact, it's only just begun. "I'll travel Korea until the day I die, seriously. I'll keep going until there's not a single step in Korea I haven't walked. Right now, I'm planning to visit all the cities I haven't been to yet, or the ones I passed through too quickly. That's my goal for the next year." Her journey may have started with stamps, but it continues with a deep love for Korea — one step, one city, one story at a time. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Israel-Iran fighting continues, no sign of peace talks yet

2025/06/16 20:00

The exchange of fire between Israel and Iran continued with Iran's attacks overnight on Monday local time, causing significant civilian casualties. The damage continues to mount, but no talks between the two sides seem to be on the way. Our Kim Do-yeon reports. Casualties continue to mount as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day with escalated exchanges involving missiles. Iranian missiles struck Israel's Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa before dawn on Monday, killing at least eight people and destroying homes. More than a 100 people were wounded from this most recent barrage of missiles. The latest fatalities in Israel, reported by the country's national emergency services, raised its death toll to 24 since Friday. Israeli attacks in Iran have killed at least 224 people since Friday according to Iran's health ministry. Iran says it's not looking to negotiate for peace until its retaliation for Israel's attacks is complete. An anonymous official spoke to Reuters on Monday and was quoted "The Iranians informed Qatari and Omani mediators that they will only pursue serious negotiations once Iran has completed its response to the Israeli pre-emptive strikes." Meanwhile the Iranian parliament is preparing a bill to leave the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but said it remains opposed to developing of weapons of mass destruction. "We will still refrain from pursuing a nuclear bomb. Of course, we don't know what will happen in the future, but we still uphold the fatwa of the Supreme Leader and move forward accordingly." Israel as it also launched series of missiles and operations against Iran overnight, said it knew there would be a price to its strikes on Iran, but that they had to be done. But, a military official said that Iran will also pay a price for its attacks on Israelis. "People of Israel, I promise you-anyone who harms you will pay and is paying a heavy price, anywhere and in every front." Meanwhile, the roads out of Tehran are clogged with vehicles as civilians try to leave the city ahead of any additional attacks by Israel. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

PPP selects new floor leader on Monday

2025/06/16 20:00

The People Power Party elected third-term lawmaker Song Eon-seok as its new floor leader today. Song's priority as floor leader is to address calls for party reform and to resolve internal conflict amid the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Song announced "change and renewal are necessary" and a return to the past is "fundamentally wrong". Also on Monday, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party Kim Byung-kee was at the Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects before presiding over his first Supreme Council meeting. Kim then sat down with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won‑shik.

Seoul reviews legal options to curb anti-North Korea leaflet campaigns

2025/06/16 20:00

And the South Korean government is stepping up its efforts to discourage some activist groups from launching leaflets into North Korea, citing ongoing safety concerns near the border. Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil reports. Seoul's Ministry of Unification says it is now coordinating with other government agencies to curb cross-border leaflet launches. The move follows President Lee Jae-myung's directive over the weekend to prepare a coordinated response, citing safety concerns for residents near the border. At today's meeting we plan to discuss a comprehensive government response to the leaflet launches including both preventative measures and post incident penalties as directed by the President." Since South Korea's Constitutional Court struck down the leaflet ban in 2023, citing freedom of speech, leaflet launches have continued in a legal gray zone. Launches have come from a number of activist groups, including defector-led organizations and, more recently, families of South Korean abductees. The government, seeking to curb the launches, says existing aviation and safety laws can already be used to regulate the activity and that new enforcement guidelines may follow. Asked if that would violate the 2023 court ruling, the Unification Ministry said it would not. "We believe that requesting a stop to the leaflet campaigns, considering the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the safety of the public, does not violate the Constitutional Court's decision." The announcement came the same day families of abductees made a renewed public plea. "We're not asking for their return. We just want to know if they're alive. If the President would meet with and offer comfort to the two mothers featured on these leaflets, I will stop sending them." The Unification Ministry says abductee issues were previously raised with the North during more than ten rounds of Red Cross talks. With inter-Korean dialogue stalled, the Ministry says it's keeping close contact with families and remains committed to listening. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

South Korea, Japan mark 60 years of diplomatic ties at reception on Monday

2025/06/16 20:00

President Lee Jae-myung called for a continued partnership between South Korea and Japan, as the two countries marked 60 years since the normalizing of diplomatic relations. On Monday, the Japanese Embassy in Seoul held a reception to celebrate the milestone, with a video message from the South Korean leader, who could not attend in person due to his trip to Canada for the G7 Summit. He emphasised the "remarkable progress" made by Korea and Japan over the past 60 years in various fields such as economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Lee said the two nations were important partners that must jointly address the rapidly changing international environment, calling on both to move "hand in hand toward a better future" --the official slogan for the 60th anniversary. The Korean Embassy in Tokyo will also host a reception on Thursday, which Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to attend personally. The two countries signed the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations twenty years after South Korea was liberated from Japan's colonial rule, when the imperial power surrendered, ending World War Two.

State Affairs Planning Committee launches on Monday to chart policy direction for new administration

2025/06/16 20:00

A presidential advisory body has been set up to set out the groundwork for the new administration's broad agenda over its five-year term. Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. A new presidential committee has been launched to chart the policy direction and initiatives of the Lee Jae-myung administration over its five-year term. Dubbed the "State Affairs Planning Committee", the 55-member body held its first session on Monday where its chairperson, Lee Han-joo, spoke of the committee's goals. "We will need to recalculate the financial plans for our pledges, determine their priorities, organize the necessary legislative measures, and draft a five-year roadmap for their implementation." Aside from setting policy priorities, a key mission for this committee within its 60-day mandate is to propose a plan for government restructuring making it more efficient and responsive. The chairperson stressed the need for decentralization of authority, administrative efficiency to support South Korea in becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence, and institutional reform to better address the climate crisis. He also called for comprehensive reforms in areas such as long-term tax and fiscal policy. While short-term priorities will be implemented swiftly, he added, long-term goals like climate action will be pursued through detailed annual plans. The committee, effectively serving as a transitional body, was formed as President Lee assumed office without a formal transition process. Special task forces will address balanced regional development, government restructuring, and tax reform, while seven subcommittees will oversee policy planning in areas such as the economy, social affairs, governance, and foreign affairs. In the coming days, the committee will receive policy briefings from each ministry as the first step in assessing the current situation. A final report summarizing the committee's work is to be published within 30 days of the end of its mandate. The committee also plans to establish additional channels for public engagement, aiming to incorporate citizen input and broaden participation in shaping national policy. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee Jae-myung’s G7 debut: Pragmatic diplomacy faces global test

2025/06/16 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is making his international debut this week at the G7 Summit in Canada. Though Korea isn't a member of the G7, President Lee is attending as an invited guest—just twelve days into office. He's expected to meet with leaders from the U.S., Japan, and other major economies to discuss tariffs, global trade, and energy security. He'll also deliver a key presentation on AI-linked energy strategies. The trip is about more than just diplomacy—it's the first appearance on the global stage since last December's martial law crisis, which shook Korea's democracy. According to the presidential office, it's a chance to show the world that "Democratic Korea is back." And with high-level meetings still being arranged, the president is using this G7 moment to reintroduce South Korea as a key player—committed to what he calls "pragmatic diplomacy" in a fast-changing global order. For a deeper discussion on this, we are joined by Gi-Wook Shin, Director of the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center here in the studio with us. 1. Let's start with President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the G7. Though President Lee is just less than two weeks into his post, what do you think is the reason behind his decision to attend this summit? 2.With that in mind — President Lee is pushing a pragmatic foreign policy. On his first appearance on the multilateral stage, what should he focus on most? 3.Now, turning to the U.S. — One key moment will be Lee's first encounter with President Trump. Whether it's a formal summit or an informal chat, how should Lee prepare? 4.Speaking of that relationship — Trade is front and center. With the U.S. and China finalizing their second deal, how should Korea approach its own July package talks with Washington? 5.Beyond tariffs — Issues like defense costs and U.S. troop presence are also in play. You've mentioned "buying time" could be a strategy — why is that? 6.On China — Lee signaled interest in mending ties even before the election. But with U.S. pressure and trilateral cooperation with Japan in motion, how can he keep the balance? 7.Looking ahead — There's growing speculation that Lee might attend the NATO Summit later this month. From a pragmatic diplomacy lens, what's the smart approach? 8.Come November — South Korea will host the APEC Summit in Gyeongju. How can the Lee government use that as a launchpad for its diplomatic agenda? 9.And finally, on North Korea — Washington is reopening the door to "letter diplomacy." You've said the U.S. likely won't bypass Seoul — why not? And how should Korea position itself now?

Pres. Lee to make diplomatic debut at G7 summit in Canada

2025/06/16 17:00

We start here on the local front as President Lee Jae-myung is headed to Canada to take part in this year's Group of Seven summit. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin covers the president's agenda. South Korea's new leader, President Lee Jae-myung, is making his diplomatic debut on the global stage. President Lee begins his three-day trip to Canada on Monday to attend the Group of Seven summit, less than two weeks after taking office. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung is accompanying him and will participate in official programs arranged by the host nation. "President Lee will build rapport with world leaders and lay the groundwork for tangible progress on key issues, including trade. In particular, by highlighting the strength of Koreans who overcame martial law and insurrection, and the resilience of our democracy, we expect this summit to elevate South Korea's standing on the global stage." The President's first stop is Calgary, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with leaders of non-G7 countries, who were invited to the summit along with South Korea. Those invited countries include Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa and Ukraine. The following day, on Tuesday local time, he will participate in the G7 expanded session in Kananaskis, where the focus will be on energy security. Lee is expected to speak twice, laying out Korea's vision for diversifying global energy supply chains and promoting AI-integrated energy innovation. Bilateral meetings are also being arranged with G7 members. Attention is on whether Lee will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, at a time when the July deadline for the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs is approaching, while Seoul and Tokyo mark 60 years of normalized diplomatic ties this Sunday. "Through bilateral talks, we will have an opportunity to strengthen friendly cooperation with major countries in terms of our national interest and pragmatic diplomacy. We will also make progress in discussing pending issues, such as trade." This year's G7 summit, marking its 50th anniversary, will take place on Monday and Tuesday in Canada. President Lee is expected to conclude his schedule and return to South Korea late on Wednesday. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

[Weather] Most of rain will stop tonight, hot conditions remain for the time being

2025/06/16 17:00

For a few days, heavy rain has been falling across the country, mainly on the south and Jeju Island. Even though most of the rain had already stopped earlier this afternoon, rain keeps falling in parts of Gangwon-do Province until tonight. Showers are forecast for the inland areas tomorrow. There will be at least 5 millimeters to as much as 30 millimeters in Gangwon-do Province and the southern regions. Yesterday, the first heat wave warning was issued in the Seoul metropolitan area this year. For the time being, daytime temperatures will rise to around 30 degrees Celsius in inland areas. Please take care not to get any heat-related illnesses in this hot weather. Tomorrow morning will start warm at around 19 to 23 degrees all over the country. Highs will move up to 30 degrees in Seoul, 31 degrees in Gwangju, Daegu, and Gyeongju. Starting with the central parts of the country on Thursday night, it will rain nationwide on Friday and Saturday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Russia says it struck oil refinery reports Ukrainian attack on drone factory

2025/06/16 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. Russia has confirmed a major strike in Ukraine, targeting a key oil refinery. At the same time, it says Ukrainian drones attacked its drone production facility. Russian Defence Ministry officials reported that a coordinated air-and-sea missile strike hit an oil refinery in Ukraine's Poltava region overnight on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as an assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and said it was conducted "after the Americans asked us not to strike at Russian energy facilities." In a separate incident on the same day, Moscow reported that Ukrainian drones struck a drone factory near Yelabuga in Tatarstan, causing a fire and killing at least one person. Russian air defenses said they intercepted six Ukrainian drones. The details of the strike on the drone factory were confirmed by Ukraine. With a massive manhunt underway in the U.S. state of Minnesota after the shootings of Democratic state lawmakers, authorities on Sunday found the car used by the suspect, who allegedly posed as a police officer, while committing the crime. Authorities say a 57-year-old suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, disguised in a police-style uniform and latex mask, carried out coordinated shootings at two locations in the Minneapolis suburbs in the early hours of Saturday morning. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin were shot and critically wounded first, before former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Officers confronted the suspect at Hortman's residence, but Boelter escaped on foot. His car was recovered, along with a hit list which included the names of around 70 Democratic politicians. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting a "politically motivated assassination," and the FBI issued a 50,000 U.S. dollar reward for information leading to the suspect's capture. In India, at least four people were killed, and more than thirty others injured on Sunday after a bridge collapsed at a popular tourist location. According to reports, at least 20 people fell into the water when the bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundamala, Pune, collapsed due to heavy monsoon rain. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing for those who remain unaccounted for. Despite being flagged as structurally unsound, enforcement lapses allowed visitors, as well as bicycles, to continue using the footbridge. Authorities warn the death toll could rise, as rescue operations continue. Bolivia's city of La Paz celebrated its annual Gran Poder, or the Great Power festival, over the weekend, blending traditional Catholic devotion with indigenous Andean culture. The streets were filled with vibrant dances, prayers, and music, dedicated to a 17th-century painting of Jesus Christ. While the day of the Great Power is typically exuberant, the event was more subdued this year, with a moment of silence for six people killed in clashes between protesters and police following the disqualification of a former President. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Meet the first foreigner to visit all 76 Korean heritage sites in just two months

2025/06/16 17:00

South Korea hosts a total of 76 national heritage sites and one Turkish traveler has become the first foreigner to visit all of them over a span of two months. Park Hyo-been shares her story. While most Koreans have barely scratched the surface of the country's rich heritage, one foreign traveler has gone the distance—visiting all 76 cultural treasures from Ganghwa Dolmen Sites to the Museongseowon Confucian Academy in Jeongeup city. Ayse, a Korean language teacher from Türkiye, began her journey in April at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and wrapped it up in just two months. When asked to name her favorite site, she said it was impossible to choose just one. "I think you really have to break it down into categories. If we're talking about the most photogenic place? Definitely Pocheon Art Valley. But if I had to pick somewhere that felt both very Korean and somehow exotic, I'd say Naksansa Temple. And when I went to Hahoe Village in Andong I was honestly speechless." She also said the driving force to visit all the key Korean heritage sites was the stamps. The stamp is at the heart of the Korean Heritage Passport Tour, where participants receive a special "passport" and collect stamps at 76 designated sites across 10 themed routes. "My husband first told me about the program. But the moment I got my very first stamp, I was like—wow, this feels amazing. There was this powerful sense of achievement that made me want to keep going. And I guess another reason was I wanted to be the Turkish person who knows Korea best." The Korean Heritage Passport Tour is part of the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign, launched in 2020 by the Korea Heritage Agency and the Korea Heritage Service. It is an immersive program designed to promote the beauty and value of Korea's national heritage. Since its official launch in May 2023, nearly 400 people have completed the full tour so far. "We deliberately included lesser-known sites outside the Seoul metropolitan area. Since last year, interest has remained strong. So far, we've received around 260,000 applications, and we expect that number to hit 400,000 by the end of this year." As for Ayse, her Korean journey is far from over — in fact, it's only just begun. "I'll travel Korea until the day I die, seriously. I'll keep going until there's not a single step in Korea I haven't walked. Right now, I'm planning to visit all the cities I haven't been to yet, or the ones I passed through too quickly. That's my goal for the next year." Her journey may have started with stamps, but it continues with a deep love for Korea — one step, one city, one story at a time. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

South Korea, Japan to mark 60 years of diplomatic normalization at reception event Monday

2025/06/16 17:00

Here in Capital Seoul on this Monday. The Japanese Embassy is hosting a reception today to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. President Lee Jae-myung is not expected to attend the event as he is on his way to Canada today for the Group of Seven summit. Meanwhile over in Tokyo. The Korean Embassy there will host a similar reception on Thursday. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to partake in the event. During the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations back in 2015 President Park Geun-hye and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the receptions hosted by the respective embassies.

S. Korean gov't monitoring situation in Israel, Iran after raising traveling advisory level

2025/06/16 17:00

And in light of the military confrontation between Israel and Iran the government here is urging its people to cancel or postpone travel to the two places. In fact over the weekend Korean authorities raised their travel alert for both Israel and Iran to "Special Travel Advisory". Also this past Sunday the Foreign Ministry hosted a video conference to check on safety protocols for Koreans residing in the region. Director-General for Overseas Koreans Yoon Joo-seok called on Koreans in Iran to closely heed the guidance of the embassy there. There have been no reports of Korean casualties in the violence-affected areas thus far.