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

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

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

Korea enhances security reviews for foreign investments

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - The Korean government will tighten control over foreign investments deemed to pose national security risks and involve cutting-edge domestic technologies, officials said Monday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that a revised enforcement ordinance of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act will take effect Tuesday to better protect national security and domestic tech companies. Under the new rule, authorities can conduct ex officio

August 26, 2024

Senior employment in Korea hits all-time high amid aging population

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - Elderly people aged 60 and over accounted for a record high of 22.4 percent of the total workforce in South Korea this year, government data showed Monday. According to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Statistics Korea, the average monthly number of employed individuals in the 60-plus age group during the first seven months totaled about 6.4 million. Both their number and proportion in the total workforce were the highest on record. The perce

August 26, 2024

Lydia Ko wins her third major, cementing legacy as one of greatest golfers of generation

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - Lydia Ko etched her name into golf history on Sunday, capturing the AIG Women's British Open only weeks after becoming the first golfer to win three consecutive Olympic medals. The victory at the historic St. Andrews Old Course marked Ko's third major championship title. Ko, a 27-year-old New Zealander, closed out the tournament with a 3-under-par 69 in the final round, finishing two strokes ahead of a group tied for second, including Nelly

August 26, 2024

Combined national, household debt surpasses 3 quadrillion won

SEOUL, August 25 (AJU PRESS) - South Korea's combined government and household debt surpassed 3 quadrillion won ($2.26 trillion) for the first time, driven by lower tax revenue, increased bond issuance, and aggressive household borrowing for real estate investments, government data showed Sunday. According to the finance ministry and the central bank, the country's combined national and household debt reached a record 3,042 trillion won at the end of the second quarter. T

August 25, 2024

Nurses strike to exacerbate healthcare crisis in S. Korea

SEOUL, August 25 (AJU PRESS) - Some 30,000 unionized nurses and medical workers have decided to strike this week, citing demands for higher wages and a normalized medical system amid a prolonged walkout by trainee doctors. The Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union, representing approximately 30,000 nurses and medical workers at 61 hospitals, said over 91 percent of its members supported the strike plan. The union has been urging hospitals to swiftly address the medical vac

August 25, 2024