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  Fuel tax cuts extended until February SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - The government decided to extend a fuel tax cut for another two months as it expires later this month. The Ministry of Economy and Finance said on Wednesday that the fuel tax cut will remain until the end of February next year to support people affected by volatile gas prices amid a rising cost of living. With the extension, the current tax reductions - 7 percent on gasoline and 10 percent on diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) - will remain in pla December 24, 2025
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  Fire at apartment complex in Seoul leaves two in critical condition, dozens evacuated SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - A fire broke out at an apartment complex in Songpa, southern Seoul, early Wednesday morning, leaving two people in cardiac arrest and dozens evacuated. According to fire authorities, the blaze started at around 5:36 a.m. on the fifth floor of the Olympic Athletes' Village, which was built just ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympics to house athletes and journalists and was later converted into a residential complex. Rescue officials said a man and a wom December 24, 2025
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  Korean debt issues tumble in Nov on concerns of borrowing rates going higher SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) -Equity offerings thrived while debt issuance shrank in South Korea in November, cutting direct financing by nearly 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion) and underscoring an unfavorable borrowing environment for Korean companies, data showed Wednesday. According to the Financial Supervisory Service, funds raised through stock and corporate bond issuance totaled 21.89 trillion won in November 2025, down 1.81 trillion won, or 7.6 percent, from the previous month. December 24, 2025
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  Millennials in Korea: No longer young, but unable to step into adulthood SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - In South Korea, millennials are no longer young — yet many remain unable to move into what society defines as adulthood. Grouped together with Gen Z under the shorthand "MZ generation," millennials are aging out of youth by any demographic measure. The youngest, born in 1996, will turn 30 next year; the oldest will be 45. But for a large share of this cohort, milestones traditionally associated with adulthood — stable employment, marr December 23, 2025
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  South Korea celebrates record 18.5 million tourists SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) -Sharmaine Lee from Singapore became the 18.5 millionth foreign visitor to South Korea this year on Tuesday, greeted with fanfare at Incheon International Airport as the country’s inbound arrivals surpassed the pre-pandemic peak of 17.5 million recorded in 2019. Buoyed by the milestone, the government has moved up its long-term tourism ambition, setting a target of attracting 30 million foreign visitors by 2030. According to the Korea Tourism Orga December 23, 2025
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  South Korea's stocks edge up, China and Japan trade flat SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s KOSPI rose slightly on Tuesday as Samsung Electronics closed at a record high, while Chinese and Japanese markets were little changed. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI gained 0.3 percent to finish at 4,117.32, extending its winning streak to a third session. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ fell 1 percent to 919.56. Samsung Electronics rose 0.9 percent to 111,500 won ($75.3), reaching the highest closing price in its history. SK hynix added 0.7 pe December 23, 2025
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  Naver, Spotify open joint popup store in Seoul to showcase audio content partnership SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korean internet giant Naver and global music streaming service Spotify have launched a two-day popup store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong to promote their content partnership. The popup store, running from Dec. 23 to 24 at XYZ SEOUL, allows Naver Plus membership subscribers to experience integrated audio content services from both platforms. Non-members can also gain access by signing up for the membership on-site. Since Nov. 27, Naver Plus membershi December 23, 2025
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  North Korea holds grand openings of new hotels near Mt. Paektu SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - North Korea has completed five hotels in the country's tourist zone of Samjiyon near Mt. Paektu, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, its leader Kim Jong-un attended an opening ceremony along with his daughter Ju-ae last Saturday, expressing "his unshakable will to turn ..... into an innovative and highly civilized city representing the tourism culture of the country." Ju-ae December 23, 2025
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  OPINION: Iteca Exhibitions marks 30 years of Uzbekistan's exhibition industry development SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The achievements of the anniversary season set an ambitious benchmark for the years ahead. In 2026, the calendar of exhibitions will expand to 22 exhibitions and 5 conferences, alongside new initiatives designed to support the domestic manufacturers, promote investment and further strengthen the key sectors of the national economy Since its establishment in December 23, 2025
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  Santa buses return to Busan streets SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Santa-themed buses, once a beloved winter tradition in Busan but suspended due to fire and safety concerns, are making a comeback. The Busan Bus Transport Business Association announced Sunday that 10 Santa buses will operate from December 22 through mid-January 2026, reviving the popular seasonal service that had captured citizens' hearts. December 23, 2025