South Korean and US Presidents hold first phone call, seeking closer ties between the two countries

SEOUL, June 07 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae-myug and U.S. President Donald Trump had their first phone call on Friday evening, pledging to continue strengthening the alliance between the two countries. According to the South Korean presidential office, Lee and Trump spoke for 20 minutes on Friday night. Trump congratulated Lee on his election victory, and both leaders agreed on the importance of the alliance as the core of diplomacy between the two countries. Trum

June 7, 2025

President Lee says sacrifice for the nation deserves special recognition

SEOUL, June 06 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Friday called for stronger recognition and support for those who have sacrificed for the country, saying, “A special reward should be given for a special sacrifice made for all.” Speaking at the 70th Memorial Day ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery, Lee paid tribute to fallen patriots and emphasized that remembrance must go hand in hand with responsibility. “We commemorate Memorial Day each year to remember, to re

June 6, 2025

UN-backed first glaciers preservation forum held in Dushanbe

SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - A three-day international conference on glacier preservation concluded in Tajikistan’s capital on Saturday, drawing over 2,600 participants from 90 countries. The first high-level international conference on glacier preservation, held from Thursday to Saturday last week, brought together government officials, UN representatives, scientists, and civil society leaders to share strategies for protecting glaciers and water resources. The conferen

June 5, 2025

Kazakhstan hosts event in Seoul to boost bilateral tourism

SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - An event promoting tourism to Kazakhstan was held at a hotel in central Seoul on Wednesday. Hosted by the state-run Kazakh Tourism National Company, the event brought together around 150 participants from the travel and aviation sectors including major tour agencies and airlines here. Kazakh officials from the Almaty Tourism Board, Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and other leading resort and travel agencies also attended. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Seoul

June 5, 2025

Event promotes tourism to Georgia amid growing interest among South Korean travelers

SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - An event promoting tours to Georgia was held at a hotel in central Seoul on Wednesday, bringing together tourism officials, representatives from travel agencies and other participants. Riding the wave of increasing number of visitors to the South Caucasus country in Eastern Europe, the event, hosted by the Georgian Embassy in Seoul, offered them an opportunity to learn about the country's historic and cultural heritage, tourist attractions, and authentic cu

June 5, 2025

National Assembly passes bills for independent probes into ex-president and former first lady

SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - A series of bills proposing independent prosecutors to investigate former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee over several allegations were passed at the National Assembly on Thursday. The bills proposed by the ruling Democratic Party (DP) called for investigations into about a dozen charges related to Yoon's botched Dec. 3 martial law debacle last year, as well as other allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who has been embr

June 5, 2025

Korean economy shrinks in early 2025

SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - South Korea’s economy contracted in the first quarter of 2025, ending two consecutive quarters of modest growth. This reflects ongoing weakness in domestic demand and construction investment, according to revised figures released Thursday by the Bank of Korea. Gross domestic product fell 0.2 percent from the previous quarter, matching preliminary estimates. The decline followed 0.1 percent expansions in both the third and fourth quarters of 2024.

June 5, 2025

Korea's ETF market surges past 200 trillion won milestone

SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - South Korea’s exchange-traded fund market surged past a major milestone this week, with total net assets reaching a record 201.28 trillion won (approximately $150 billion) on Thursday, according to data released by the Korea Exchange. This marks the first time the fast-growing sector has crossed the 200 trillion won threshold. The achievement underscores the ETF market’s rapid ascent in the country. Net assets have nearly doubled since June 2023

June 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Namdaemun's hidden alley serving up noodles, hospitality — and history

SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - In a market as vast and bustling as Namdaemun, one of Seoul’s oldest and busiest commercial hubs, the true culinary treasures are often hidden in plain sight. Tucked into narrow passageways and behind unmarked corners are food alleys that many visitors — and even seasoned locals — walk past without noticing. One such enclave is Kalguksu Alley, a humble yet vibrant corridor that feels worlds away from the souvenir stalls and wholesale clo

June 5, 2025

S. Korea finalizes $17 billion Czech nuclear deal

SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - The state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has finalized a landmark agreement to construct two next-generation nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic — marking the country’s first overseas nuclear project in 16 years. The agreement, signed June 4, paves the way for the construction of two reactors at the Dukovany site in southern Czechia. Valued at approximately 26 trillion won (around $17 billion), the deal is South Korea’s first

June 5, 2025