Attempted leak of nuclear-related software possible cause behind South Korea's inclusion in 'sensitive country' list

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - The recent revelation that South Korea has been classified as a "sensitive country" by the U.S. appears to have been triggered by an attempted leak of nuclear reactor design technology. A semiannual report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) disclosed that an employee at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) was caught attempting to board a flight to South Korea with software related to nuclear reactors, resulting in the termination of

March 18, 2025

Food, restaurant chains raise delivery prices despite lower app fees

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - A growing number of South Korean restaurants are charging higher prices for delivery orders than for in-store purchases, despite recent changes in commission rates by major food delivery platforms. Industry sources said Tuesday that several major chains, including Ediya Coffee, Mom's Touch, and Gupne Chicken, have adopted dual pricing structures for delivery orders. Ediya Coffee, which operates approximately 3,000 stores nationwide, announced that st

March 18, 2025

Korea's pavilion nears completion for Osaka Expo

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - A delegation from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), led by its chief executive, Kang Kyung-sung, has visited the site of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, to assess preparations for the Korean Pavilion. Expo 2025, which will take place from April 13 to October 13 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in western Osaka, is set to explore the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry

March 18, 2025

PHOTOS: Late-season snow blankets Korea

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - A sudden, unseasonable snowfall gripped South Korea on Tuesday, with Seoul experiencing its latest-ever heavy snow advisory. The unexpected blizzard, arriving on the cusp of spring, caused widespread disruption. Here, images from across the country depicted scenes of snow-laden landscapes, a stark contrast to the budding signs of spring.

March 18, 2025

South Korea ranks 41st in global democracy index

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - South Korea ranked 41st overall in an index gauging the level of democracy worldwide, according to an annual report compiled by a Sweden-based research institute and released on Monday. The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden surveyed some 179 countries to assess their levels of democracy for last year and South Korea was among five countries "in a substantial decline" along with Hong Kong, Indonesia, M

March 18, 2025

PHOTOS: Nighttime strolls at Changgyeonggung Palace

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - Changgyeonggung Palace, a verdant oasis in the heart of Seoul, presents a captivating spectacle across the seasons. Its diverse arboreal landscape, rich in species, renders it a premier destination for leisurely strolls and photographic pursuits. The palace structures, while more intimate than their counterparts, exude a refined elegance. Evenings bring a heightened allure, as the intricate dancheong and latticework are accentuated by illumination.

March 18, 2025

Memory chip market shows signs of recovery

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - The global memory semiconductor market is exhibiting signs of a long-awaited recovery, as industry forecasts indicate a reversal in price trends for DRAM and NAND flash chips. Analysts suggest that Samsung Electronics, after enduring a prolonged downturn, may experience an earlier-than-expected resurgence. According to TrendForce, a market research firm, the first-quarter price forecast for PC DRAM, specifically DDR5 16Gb chips, has been revised upward f

March 18, 2025

Advisory issued as rare spring snow blankets Seoul

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - Spring is just around the corner, but a snow advisory was issued as a heavy snowfall blanketed Seoul and other metropolitan areas overnight. It was the latest-ever snow advisory issued for late March in the capital since accurate observations began in 1999. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), an unseasonal cold snap brought about up to 11.9 cm of snow to Seoul as of early Tuesday, 13.8 cm to Uijeongbu, and 12 cm to Pocheon in Gyeong

March 18, 2025

South Korea, US to begin talks on Alaska LNG project

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun is set to meet with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy next week to explore potential South Korean investment in a large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) project backed by the Trump administration. Dunleavy is expected to visit South Korea between March 24 and 25 as part of efforts to attract investment in the Alaska LNG development project, which has gained prominence in U.S.-South Korea trade and

March 18, 2025

Hanwha Ocean lands $1.61 billion order for container ships

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has secured a contract to construct six ultra-large container vessels for Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine, one of the world’s leading shipping companies. The deal, valued at 2.33 trillion won (approximately $1.61 billion), marks the highest price ever paid for container ships of this class, capable of carrying 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The vessels will be dual-fuel, designed to operate on both l

March 18, 2025