S. Korean presidential office anticipates supply chain cooperation with Cuba for EV batteries

SEOUL -- South Korea's presidential office aspires to cooperate in the mineral supply chain sector following the establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba. The Latin American country, well-known for its socialist and communist roots, is the world's fifth-largest producer of nickel, a critical material for secondary batteries, rechargeable batteries that are mainly used for the operation of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Along with manganese and cobalt,

February 19, 2024

Number of working S. Korean elderly reaches 5.7 mln in January 2024, up 6 percent year-on-year

SEOUL -- Recent data released by South Korea's state statistical information service has shown that the number of working South Koreans aged 60 and older reached 5,404,000 as of January 2024, up six percent compared to the same period last year. However, employed South Koreans in their 20s decreased by 1.3 percent year-on-year. South Korea is facing rapid aging, with estimates indicating that by 2073, about 30 percent of the population will be aged 75 years and older. This dem

February 16, 2024

S. Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Cuba

SEOUL -- South Korea and Cuba promised to stay as good friends by formalizing diplomatic relations between Seoul and Havana, despite escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The Latin American country, well-known for its socialist and communist roots, is now South Korea's 193rd ally. South Korea sees this diplomatic establishment as a crucial milestone in strengthening its presence in Central and South America. The formalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea

February 15, 2024

30% of S. Korean teenagers believe marriage is necessary: survey

SEOUL -- Only about 30 percent of South Korean teenagers believe that marriage is necessary, according to data released by a state-operated youth policy institute. The perception of marriage among teenagers has shifted over the past decade in a country where the fertility rate has plummeted from 1.24 in 2015 to 0.7 in 2023. South Korea is rapidly aging and is expected to face rapid depopulation in 2025 when the fertility rate drops to 0.65. While the country's administrative b

February 14, 2024

Eastern cities push to popularize hydrogen vehicles through subsidies for some 30 cars

SEOUL -- Donghae City and Gangneung City, two of South Korea's picturesque seaside locales situated along the East Coast, are set to entice consumers to invest in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles through substantial subsidies. Each hydrogen vehicle will be eligible for a generous subsidy of about 34.5 million won ($25,881). In 2019, former South Korean President Moon Jae-in introduced a new energy roadmap aimed at fostering the country's "hydrogen economy," with the o

February 11, 2024

70% of smartphone users used mobility service apps at least once: survey data

SEOUL -- A recent survey conducted by a smartphone app analyst firm unveiled that approximately 70% of South Korean smartphone users have utilized a mobility service app at least once. Mobility services, initially introduced in the country around a decade ago, are predominantly associated with taxi-hailing or ride-hailing services among South Korean individuals. One of South Korea's most renowned mobility service platforms is Kakao T, offering a comprehensive range of services

February 9, 2024

S. Korea smothers world with unique spicy 'K-sauce'

SEOUL -- "K-sauce," primarily renowned for traditional Korean condiments such as the spicy and sweet chili sauce "Gochujang," the spicy and salty bean paste "Ssamjang," and Korean sweet and a variety of spicy fried chicken sauces, is captivating food enthusiasts worldwide. This surge in interest can be attributed to the growing popularity of Korean cuisine, fueled by the global fascination with K-dramas and K-pop. According to customs data, South Kore

February 7, 2024

Education ministry to help multicultural families and N. Korean defectors adapt to S. Korea through mentorship programs

SEOUL -- South Korea's education ministry will assist children with a foreign parent or young North Korean defectors in adapting to South Korean society through a special mentorship program involving university students. According to data released by the South Korean government, there are at least 1.1 million families with at least one parent from foreign background. Children from these families, also known as "multicultural families," sometimes find it challenging t

February 6, 2024

About 18% percent of S. Korean restaurant and accommodation businesses use online reservation platforms

SEOUL -- About 18 percent of South Korean restaurant and accommodation operators used online order and reservation platforms to attract more customers in 2023, data released by the national statistics office showed. Online food delivery and hotel reservation app services became popular in the country during the last decade thanks to the wide distribution of smartphones. According to a survey of 1,001 South Korean adults randomly contacted through their phone numbers, conducted by

February 1, 2024

Average of $235 required to prepare for Confucian rite during Lunar New Year holiday: market data

SEOUL -- South Koreans would have to spend an average of 380,000 won ($235) to prepare for "Charye," a Confucian ritual of preparing tables full of food dishes for deceased ancestors, during the Lunar New Year holiday. The cost of the ritual has consistently been increasing every year due to inflation. On Seollal, the traditional Korean holiday for Lunar New Year Day, and Chuseok, the traditional Korean autumn harvest thanksgiving holiday, non-Christian families traditio

January 31, 2024