PHOTOS: Seoul mayor, ruling party discuss excluding Filipino domestic workers from minimum wage rule

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Na Kyung-won, a ruling People Power Party lawmaker, jointly hosted a policy seminar at the National Assembly on Tuesday to discuss a proposal to exclude Filipino domestic workers from the minimum wage rule.

August 27, 2024

South Korea to increase financial aid for North Korean defectors

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - South Korea will boost financial assistance for North Korean defectors, as part of its budget plans for next year. The Unification Ministry said Tuesday that its proposed budget stands at 1.55 trillion Korean won (US$1.17 billion), down 3.7 percent from this year. However, the proposal includes a 50-percent increase in the initial lump-sum payment given to North Korean defectors to help them settle and adapt to their new life in South Korea. The proposal,

August 27, 2024

Jeju's popularity wanes among Korean travelers: survey

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Once a top destination for those seeking scenic beauty, gourmet food, and outdoor activities, the southern resort island of Jeju is losing its luster among Korean vacationers, according to a survey released Tuesday. Jeju, a favorite getaway for decades due to its proximity to Seoul and reputation as a tranquil retreat, is now struggling to maintain its allure. Rising costs have made it more expensive to visit Jeju than destinations in Southeast Asia, like Vi

August 27, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul fair showcases diverse holiday gifts

SEOUL, August 27 (AJU PRESS) - The 2024 Festive Gift Fair is being held at COEX in Seoul this week to showcasing new trends in the holiday gift industry, facilitate information exchange and stimulate distribution. Running from Monday to Thursday, various exhibition halls display a wide range of holiday gifts, including policy promotion items, household goods, traditional products, liquor, food and beverages, agricultural and fishery products, and health items. Participating exhibitors offe

August 27, 2024

Korea swiftly secures COVID-19 treatments amid rising cases

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Amid a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, Korea has swiftly secured some 177,000 doses of treatments, according to health authorities. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said earlier this week that shipments totaling 262,000 doses have been arriving in phases since mid-August, with approximately 5,000 doses being administered daily. The number of COVID-19 cases has surged recently, increasing from 226 in the thir

August 27, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul intensifies traffic enforcement in school zones as new semester begins

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - The Seoul Metropolitan Government launched intensive traffic enforcement and guidance activities in school zones across the city on Monday. In collaboration with the police and 25 district offices, the authorities are conducting a special crackdown on traffic violations in 1,684 child protection zones, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 4, coinciding with the start of the new school semester. The effort targets parking violations, helmetless motorcyclists, and vehicles exceedin

August 27, 2024

Hyundai Mobis steps up efforts to develop sustainable automotive materials

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Korean auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis Co., a key supplier to Hyundai Motor Group, is ramping up efforts to develop sustainable and innovative materials for mobility applications, the company announced on Tuesday. The firm is focusing on three key strategies: creating sustainable materials to meet global environmental regulations, developing innovative materials to lead the mobility sector, and implementing digital material technologies for virtual verificati

August 27, 2024

Shareholders approve merger between SK Innovation, SK E&S

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Shareholders of SK Innovation and SK E&S on Tuesday approved a plan to merge the two SK Group units, creating Asia's largest energy company by November. SK Innovation, the group’s energy holding company, announced that 85.76 percent of attending shareholders voted in favor of the merger at an extraordinary general meeting. SK E&S, a highly profitable and unlisted affiliate, also held a shareholders' meeting and approved the proposal.

August 27, 2024

About 80 Korean athletes gear up for Paris Paralympics

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - This year's Summer Paralympics in Paris are set to begin with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, about two weeks after the Olympics in the French capital. The ceremony is taking place on the Champs-Élysées, near the Triumphal Arch, where the Paralympic symbol, known as the Agitos, is already proudly displayed for the quadrennial global sporting event. About 4,400 physically-challenged athletes from 184 countries will compete in some 23 di

August 27, 2024

Burger chains in Korea spice up menus with local flavors

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Hamburgers, a staple of American fast food, are creatively evolving in Korea with traditional condiments and authentic local ingredients. Last month, Korean burger franchises Lotteria and No Brand Burger added new menus along with varied versions of their previous offerings, featuring bulgogi (Korean-style marinated beef) and kimchi (Korea's traditional fermented cabbage), either blended into the patty or used as toppings. "Intrigued by its hefty

August 27, 2024