North Korea hails UNESCO listing of Mt. Kumgang SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - North Korean state media on Wednesday reported the country’s recent inclusion of Mt. Kumkang on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The news coverage came about three days after the decision was made at the international body's annual gathering in Paris over the weekend. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) hailed the decision, saying that the country's scenic mountain was recognized for its "exquisite harmony of cultural tradition, natural ecosystem, and beautiful scenery." With the latest addition, North Korea now has three UNESCO World Heritage sites including two previous ones - the sprawling complex of ancient Koguryo tombs in Pyongyang and surrounding provinces, and historic monuments in the southern border town of Kaesong. Meanwhile, the South's southern port city of Busan was selected to host the next gathering scheduled to take place in July 2026. 2025-07-16 14:19:41

Korea moves to establish renewable-powered industrial zone SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - South Korea is intensifying efforts to establish industrial zones powered primarily by renewable energy, part of a broader strategy to align with international sustainability standards and accelerate the country's corporate energy transition. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy convened the first meeting of a new task force at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in central Seoul. The group, composed of senior officials from multiple ministries, is charged with drafting special legislation and crafting a development blueprint for what the government is calling “RE100 industrial complex," which will operate primarily on electricity from solar, wind, and other renewable sources. Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak, who chaired the meeting, said the initiative reflects the urgency of preparing domestic industries for an era in which global supply chains are increasingly governed by sustainability standards. “RE100 is becoming an essential requirement for export-oriented companies,” Moon said. “We must treat it not as a regulatory burden, but as an opportunity — using renewable energy to promote balanced regional development and advance our energy transition.” The plan follows a senior aides’ meeting on July 10 led by President Lee Jae Myung, during which the RE100 complex project was identified as a national policy priority. The term “RE100” refers to a global corporate initiative under which companies commit to sourcing 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2050. As major multinational firms require their suppliers to comply with RE100 standards, South Korea sees the initiative not only as a matter of environmental policy but also of economic competitiveness. The task force brings together representatives from the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Environment, and other key agencies. Officials said they had agreed to coordinate efforts across several domains: developing renewable energy infrastructure, enhancing residential and educational conditions for workers and their families, and creating incentives for companies to relocate to the complexes. Among the ideas discussed were sharp reductions in electricity rates, deregulated business environments, and the provision of high-quality housing, schools, and other amenities aimed at attracting top-tier talent and investment. The task force is expected to meet biweekly, with the goal of presenting a finalized blueprint and legislative proposal by the end of the year. 2025-07-16 14:13:37

TRAVEL: Haeinsa Temple's Tripitaka Koreana and Janggyeong Panjeon, treasures of UNESCO heritage SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - Haeinsa Temple, located on Mount Gaya in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province, welcomes about 3,000 international visitors each year through its templestay program. Although it sits in a relatively remote area, Haeinsa continues to attract foreign travelers drawn by two extraordinary treasures: the Tripitaka Koreana, often called a global miracle, and the remarkable wooden hall that preserves it, the Janggyeong Panjeon. The canon was produced during a time of national turmoil. Faced with repeated Mongol invasions, the people of Goryeo turned to Buddhism, hoping divine merit would protect the country. The project began in 1236 and took sixteen years to complete. A total of 81,258 woodblocks were carved, which is why it is commonly referred to as the “Eighty-Thousand Tripitaka.” This vast compilation is more than a religious text. It includes the recorded teachings of the Buddha, monastic rules, and interpretive commentaries by later scholars, making it a true encyclopedia of Buddhism. The preservation of the Tripitaka Koreana over the centuries is nothing short of extraordinary. Its survival is credited to the scientific precision, care, and discipline involved in its production. The wood used for the blocks was soaked in seawater to prevent decay, then carved, lacquered, treated, and reinforced at the corners to prevent warping. Every block was made with the utmost attention to detail. The Janggyeong Panjeon, which has protected the woodblocks for centuries, is itself a wonder. Believed to have been built around 1488 during the Joseon Dynasty, the structure consists of two parallel buildings. The southern building is called the Sudarajang, and the northern one is the Beopbojeon. The architecture of the hall is designed to naturally regulate temperature and humidity. The front windows are built with larger lower openings and smaller upper ones, while the rear windows are the opposite. The soil beneath drains well, and layers of salt, charcoal, lime, and sandy clay were added to the foundation. These materials help repel pests, absorb moisture during the rainy season, and release it when the air is dry. The Tripitaka Koreana is considered unmatched in both scale and significance. It holds special value for its size, historical importance, academic influence, consistency in calligraphy, advanced printing technology, carving technique, unique catalog system, and state of preservation. These qualities led to both the canon and the storage halls being recognized by UNESCO. The Janggyeong Panjeon was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995 for its scientific architectural design. The Tripitaka Koreana was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2007. 2025-07-16 14:11:31

New Zealand Embassy marks 10 years of free trade deal with South Korea SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - SEOUL — The New Zealand Embassy in South Korea on Tuesday released a video series to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, highlighting a decade of growing trade and cooperation between the two countries. The embassy said that the agreement, which came into force in 2015, has more than doubled trade between South Korea and New Zealand. Today, South Korea stands as New Zealand’s fifth-largest trading partner, and the deal continues to provide real, measurable benefits and new opportunities for exporters. Recent developments include New Zealand gaining access to the South Korean market for blueberries and dairy products. In return, South Korea has been granted approval to export mandarins to New Zealand. The embassy described these outcomes as clear examples of how the agreement remains active and mutually beneficial. Both governments have also agreed to explore a potential upgrade of the agreement. According to the embassy, South Korea’s capabilities in technology and manufacturing, combined with New Zealand’s expertise in food and beverage, sustainability, and education, offer strong potential for deeper cooperation. To mark the anniversary, the embassy produced a three-part video series. It features Ambassador Dawn Bennet in a segment on Korean food and New Zealand wine pairings with chef Keewuk Lee, a kapa haka performance by the Hiwa Crew at the National Museum of Korea, and a visit to Seoul National University that highlights the importance of educational exchange between the two nations. "This video series is a celebration of the vibrant and evolving partnership between New Zealand and Korea," Ambassador Bennet said. "Through food, culture, and education, we’re telling the story of a relationship that goes beyond trade, one built on shared values, mutual respect, and a growing connection between our people." 2025-07-16 13:41:47

PHOTOS: Pyongyang touts Mt. Kumgang's UNESCO World Heritage listing SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced Wednesday that Mount Kumgang has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The designation came three days after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee formally approved North Korea's long-standing application on July 13. Pyongyang initially submitted its bid for Mount Kumgang's recognition in 2021. However, the evaluation process was protracted, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After approximately four years, the scenic mountain, revered for its natural beauty and historical significance, has finally secured its place on the UNESCO list. 2025-07-16 12:52:20

US beef exporters intensify lobbying as Korea weighs lifting age restrictions SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - American beef exporters are intensifying their lobbying efforts to convince South Korea to lift its 16-year ban on U.S. cattle over 30 months old. This push comes as Seoul seeks leverage ahead of critical tariff negotiations with Washington. South Korea has maintained the 30-month age limit on American beef imports since the 2008 bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or "mad cow disease," crisis. Officials have cited a heightened risk of detecting BSE-linked hazardous materials in older cattle as the reason for the restriction. This barrier has become a central point of contention in U.S. trade pressure. On March 31, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) highlighted the beef age restriction as one of several non-tariff barriers in its annual National Trade Estimate (NTE) report. The report also noted, "In addition, Korea continues to prohibit the import of processed beef products, including ground beef patties, beef jerky, and sausage, regardless of age." The global landscape for beef imports has changed significantly in recent years. Japan lifted similar restrictions in 2019, followed by China in 2020 and Taiwan in 2021. This leaves South Korea, along with Russia and Belarus, as one of the few major markets still imposing age limits on U.S. beef. U.S. meat industry giants are engaging in what sources describe as comprehensive lobbying efforts targeting the Korean market. The U.S. Meat Export Federation suggests that lifting the age restriction could generate an additional $175 million in revenue for American exporters. Beyond beef, the apple market presents another point of contention. The U.S. has sought market access for its apples for 33 years, ever since filing a risk analysis request in 1993. Despite repeated American complaints, Korean quarantine authorities have consistently blocked these efforts. Domestically, regional governments are mobilizing opposition to agricultural concessions. The North Gyeongsang Province Council and Cheongsong County Council have issued formal statements demanding the immediate suspension of apple import reviews. Further protests are planned, with the farmers federation intending to demonstrate against non-tariff barriers outside the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. 2025-07-16 10:53:33

Korean dessert chain Sulbing to enter Philippine market SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - South Korean dessert franchise Sulbing is expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, announcing a new master franchise agreement with a local partner in the Philippines, Wednesday. The agreement, signed on July 15 at Sulbing’s headquarters in central Seoul, brings the brand into its third Southeast Asian market following Malaysia and Cambodia. Sulbing CEO Kim Eui-yeol and Winnie Go, head of Beyond Bingsu Cafe Inc. — a newly formed company under the Fredley Group of Companies — attended the signing ceremony. The Fredley Group, which operates more than 200 restaurants across the Philippines, will oversee Sulbing’s operations in the country through the new franchise entity. The first location is scheduled to open by the end of this year at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila, one of the Philippines’ largest commercial centers. A second location is also slated to launch before year’s end. “With Beyond Bingsu Cafe’s extensive experience in food and beverage operations, we expect to offer localized service and ensure stable store management,” a Sulbing official said in a statement. “Their expertise will play a key role in establishing Sulbing in the Philippine market.” Founded in South Korea and known for its modern take on bingsu — a traditional shaved ice dessert — Sulbing currently operates 587 stores domestically and 12 overseas, including locations in the United States, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The company also said it aims to expand into additional Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Laos, as part of a broader push to increase its global presence. 2025-07-16 09:44:23

Seoul lodges protest against Tokyo's repeated claim over Dokdo SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - South Korea on Tuesday lodged a strongly-worded protest against Japan's latest defense white paper, which once again repeats Tokyo's dubious claim to the country's easternmost islets of Dokdo. The Japanese government officially released the white paper the same day after a Cabinet meeting approved it, explicitly laying claim to Dokdo by referring to it by the Japanese name Takeshima and describing it as a "disputed" territory that "still remains unresolved." In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here urged Tokyo to retract the claim, saying, "We strongly protest against the Japanese government's repeated claim, which is incontestably inherent Korean territory from the historical, geographical and legal point of view." The ministry also pledged to "respond resolutely to any attempt to undermine South Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo" and called in a Japanese Embassy official in Seoul to lodge an official complaint. The Ministry of National Defense also separately summoned Hirofumi Inoue, Japan's defense attaché in Seoul to protest, urging immediate actions. Tokyo has repeated the claim since 2005. 2025-07-15 17:36:52

The Shilla Seoul picked Korea's top hotel in global La Liste ranking SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - The Shilla Seoul has been named Korea’s top hotel and ranked among the world’s 200 best in the 2025 edition of La Liste Top 1000 Hotels, an international ranking published by the French National Tourism Board. The annual list evaluates hotels around the globe based on aggregated scores from international guidebooks, professional media, industry journals, and online reviews. The Shilla Seoul stood out for its highly personalized service and culinary excellence, distinguishing itself in the fiercely competitive luxury hospitality market. Reviewers praised the hotel’s meticulous attention to guest preferences, from customized room preparation to seamless service from arrival to departure. The evaluation highlighted what it described as the hotel’s “authentic approach to hospitality,” noting its consistently high standards and detail-oriented service. The Shilla Seoul’s diverse fine dining offerings were also central to its ranking. All four of its restaurants were included in La Liste 2025, with the Korean fine dining restaurant La Yeon earning 96 points — the highest score among Korean restaurants — and maintaining its place in the global Top 200 for a sixth consecutive year. French restaurant Continental and Japanese restaurant Ariake were each recognized for the sixth straight year, while Chinese restaurant Palsun made the list for a third year running. La Liste, first published in 2015, ranks the world’s top 1,000 hotels and restaurants using a composite scoring system that incorporates data from review platforms such as TripAdvisor and Yelp, as well as assessments from the Michelin Guide, The New York Times, and surveys of culinary professionals worldwide. 2025-07-15 17:19:23

NewJeans' producer Min Hee-jin cleared of criminal charges, HYBE to appeal SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) -South Korea's police have cleared former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of breach of trust allegations filed by HYBE, the parent company behind K-pop girl group NewJeans. The Yongsan Police Station said Tuesday that after more than a year of investigation, the case would not be forwarded to prosecutors. HYBE filed the complaint in April 2024, accusing Min of attempting to take control of ADOR by colluding with outside investors and bypassing the internal decision-making process. At the time, HYBE held an 80 percent stake in the label, which Min had led since its launch. Min's legal team welcomed the police decision, stating, "After more than a year of investigation, police have found no grounds for criminal suspicion. Both the breach of trust and embezzlement allegations have been dismissed." HYBE responded that it would formally appeal the decision. The company pointed to a recent ruling by the Seoul High Court which stated that Min had “intentionally destroyed the integrated structure that was the premise of the exclusive contract,” referring to the internal governance and contractual foundation of ADOR and NewJeans. The legal dispute began with HYBE’s audit of ADOR in early 2024, which quickly escalated into a public power struggle between the two sides. Following the fallout, the five members of NewJeans attempted to terminate their contracts and began operating under the name "NJZ." The move was not authorized by ADOR. In June 2025, the Seoul High Court issued an injunction in favor of ADOR, blocking the members from promoting independently or using the NJZ name. The court reaffirmed that the group remains legally bound to ADOR and imposed penalties of up to one billion won, about $725,000, per violation. Although the police decision relieves Min of criminal responsibility, HYBE maintains that her actions caused structural harm to the company and continues to seek further legal review. The company says the police ruling does not reflect more recent developments that have come to light during civil proceedings. 2025-07-15 16:33:51