OPINION: US voters say they're ready for woman president − but sexist attitudes still go along with opposition to Harris

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Since President Joe Biden exited the presidential race on July 21, 2024, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris' campaign has generated widespread enthusiasm and attention. She quickly became the official Democratic presidential nominee and erased Donald Trump's lead over Biden in national and swing-state polling. Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have also drawn tens of thou

August 23, 2024

New variant drives sharp increase in COVID-related hospitalizations

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - A recent wave of COVID-19 cases has led to a rise in hospitalizations during the third week of August, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KCDA) said Friday. From Aug. 11 to 17, the number of COVID-related hospitalizations surged nearly fourfold, with the number of patients rising from around 465 to 1,464 in just a few weeks. Patients with COVID-19 now account for 70.3 percent of all respiratory disease cases, up from 32.4 percent in

August 23, 2024

PHOTOS: Meet diverse animals at Seoul Children's Grand Park Zoo

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Seoul Children's Grand Park Zoo is home to about 600 animals across 60 different species. Following last year's escape incident involving Sero the zebra, the zoo has intensified its efforts to enhance animal safety and welfare.

August 23, 2024

Travelers from Korea to Japan increase this month despite earthquake concerns

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Despite concerns about major earthquakes following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Japan this month, the number of travelers flying from Korea to Japan has increased compared to last year. According to data from Incheon International Airport Corp. and Korea Airports Corp., about 1,385,000 travelers used Japan routes, including both departures and arrivals, at domestic airports from Aug. 1 to 20. This represents a 20.8 percent increase from a year ago

August 23, 2024

PHOTOS: Wangsan Beach beckons with camping, tidal flats, water fun

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Wangsan Beach, located on Yongyu Island in Incheon, is just an hour's drive from Seoul. The beach allows camping anywhere along its shores, and its gentle slope of the seabed makes it ideal for families with children. During low tide, visitors can explore tidal flats and collect shellfish, while high tide offers opportunities for various water activities such as jet skiing, surfing and yachting.

August 23, 2024

Korea, Paraguay sign trade, investment framework agreement

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Korea and Paraguay signed a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) in Seoul on Friday, paving the way for expanded economic cooperation. Paraguay is the second country in Mercosur, the South American trade bloc, with which Korea has signed a TIPF, following Brazil. The agreement was signed by Korea's Minister for Trade Cheong In-kyo (right) and Paraguay's Minister of Industry and Commerce Javier Giménez. Paraguay, which re

August 23, 2024

OPINION: How Canada finally broke its longtime habit of diplomatic engagement with China

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly recently met with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, marking the first official visit following a multi-year diplomatic crisis. The resumption of ministerial contact has led some commentators to call for a return to regular bilateral diplomacy between Canada and China since "glimpses of a rainbow appear to be on the horizon" for the relationship. Others have noted that Canadians are stil

August 23, 2024

PHOTOS: Hand Arti Korea exhibition showcases handmade crafts in Seoul

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - The Hand Arti Korea Exhibition opened Thursday at COEX in Seoul for a four-day run. Themed "Time for Handmade Crafts," the event features 810 booths from 500 companies, offering a wide range of handmade crafts including sewing, knitting, quilting, ceramics, objets d'art and upcycling. Visitors can explore various categories of handmade items and participate in hands-on workshops. The exhibition's class booths provide opportunities for atten

August 23, 2024

7 dead, 12 injured in hotel fire in Bucheon

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Seven people were killed and a dozen others injured in a fire at a hotel in Bucheon, west of Seoul on Thursday. According to authorities, the fire began around 7:39 p.m. (1039 GMT) on the eighth floor of the nine-story building and quickly spread to the upper floor, generating thick smoke. The blaze was fully extinguished at 10:26 p.m., nearly three hours later. Toxic fumes were attributed to the main cause of the casualties. Initial investigations

August 23, 2024

PHOTOS: South Korea conducts nationwide civil defense training

SEOUL, August 22 (AJU PRESS) - South Korea conducted a nationwide civil defense drill on Thursday to enhance citizens' preparedness for potential air raids. The 20-minute exercise began at 2 p.m. with the sounding of an air raid siren. Participants quickly evacuated to nearby designated civil defense shelters, where they remained for 15 minutes. Vehicles on some major streets were halted for five minutes as part of the drill.

August 22, 2024