Korea's record Jan-Sept current account flags deepening reliance on chip exports

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - South Korea’s thriving semiconductor business has pushed the country’s current account surplus to its largest-ever level for September, but the details point to a growing dependence on a narrow set of export engines. Preliminary Bank of Korea data show the current account logged a $13.47 billion surplus in September, lifting the cumulative black to a record $82.77 billion for the January–September period — up 23 percent from a yea

November 6, 2025

Ramyeon now spans hundreds of varieties, but the classic spicy still gets the last gulp

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - Ramyeon, Korea’s signature instant noodle, sits at the forefront of the K-food boom, even being marketed vigorously through K-Pop Demon Hunters as its varieties keep evolving with a widening global footprint. The range now spans hundreds of flavors and formats — from trendy mala and truffle to butter-soy and black-garlic blends — though the original spicy profile remains the undisputed classic. Korea’s agri-food exports surpassed

November 6, 2025

South Korean FM to visit Cambodia to discuss measures against scam crimes

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will visit Cambodia to discuss measures to combat online scams involving South Koreans. He is scheduled to leave for Phnom Penh this weekend, spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said in the ministry's regular press briefing on Thursday. During his three-day trip, Cho plans to meet with Cambodia's foreign and interior ministers to discuss cooperation in combating scam crimes while enhancing bilateral relations. He will also meet w

November 6, 2025

Washington requests 'more time' to sign tariff deal with Seoul, FM says

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Amid growing speculation over why South Korea and the U.S. are still unable to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for their recent tariff-related deal, which was finalized on the sidelines of last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Thursday that Washington has requested "more time." When asked what has caused the delay, Cho said during a parliamentary hearing, "Giv

November 6, 2025

TRAVEL: Finding solace at temple high on mountain

BONGHWA, November 06 (AJP) - I recently undertook a stay at Cheongnyangsa Temple in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province. The experience was an immersion in a landscape and a tradition that demands both effort and reward. While Cheongnyangsan Mountain may not be among Korea’s highest peaks, its rugged, sheer cliffs and dramatic stone pinnacles deliver an astonishingly grand and theatrical scene. Cheongnyangsa is strategically built halfway up the mountain, meaning your jour

November 6, 2025

South Korea's AI and climate goals on collision course

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - South Korea plans to invest $17 billion by 2030 to build an "AI expressway" and take the lead in the global AI race, a vision strengthened by NVIDIA's pledge to supply next-generation GPUs powerful enough to anchor five hyperscale AI data centers. Yet how the country intends to reconcile this ambition with its climate commitments is increasingly unclear. Under an energy rationalization strategy released this week, the Ministry of Climate

November 6, 2025

KCC unveils glass designed to prevent bird collisions

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - KCC Glass said Thursday it has developed South Korea’s first bird-safe glass. The product, named SAVIRDS, employs a sandblasting technique that etches subtle patterns across the surface of the glass. The markings, spaced five centimeters apart, are visible to birds and recognized as obstacles — reducing the risk of fatal collisions that have become a growing environmental concern. SAVIRDS recently received certification from the American

November 6, 2025

Two rescued, at least seven missing after structure collapse at power plant in Ulsan

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - A large structure collapsed at a thermal power plant in the southeastern city of Ulsan on Thursday, trapping believed to be seven people under the debris, authorities said. The incident occurred at around 2 p.m. at the state-run utility company Korea East-West Power. According to firefighters, two individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse, while search efforts continue for the remaining victims. Authorities are investigating the cause of t

November 6, 2025

PHOTOS: Architectural biennale in Seoul draws visitors with eye-catching installations

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - The biannual architectural biennale in central Seoul has attracted over 500,000 visitors since its opening in late September. Marking its fifth year, this year's event, directed by renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick and hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is taking place near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul and runs until Nov. 18. Under the theme "Radically More Human," which reflects Heatherwick

November 6, 2025

Ethiopia's gold mining boom fuels record sales of Korean excavator

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Infracore said on Thursday that sales of its construction equipment in Ethiopia have risen nearly fivefold this year, propelled by a surge in gold mining activity. The company’s Develon brand sold about 1,300 machines in 2025, a 470 percent increase from a year earlier. Much of that growth came from the popularity of its 36-ton excavator, the DX360, which accounted for roughly 90 percent of total sales, or more than 1,100 units. Eth

November 6, 2025