Authorities warn of spread of livestock disease as Lunar New Year migration looms SEOUL, February 2 (AJP) - South Korea is on alert for the potential spread of livestock diseases ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, when many people travel nationwide to their ancestral hometowns. Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong on Monday convened a meeting at the government complex in Sejong to discuss stricter quarantine measures aimed at preventing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease. Quarantine officials said th February 2, 2026

Tighter loans fuel demand for smaller apartments SEOUL, February 2 (AJP) - Strong demand for homes along the Han River in Seoul has driven up prices of small or midsize apartments, as they are relatively affordable and eligible for larger loans. According to transaction data of real estate compiled by KB Kookmin Bank and released on Monday, the average price of apartments measuring 60 to 85 square meters in about a dozen districts south of the Han River stood at 1.83 billion won (about US$1.3 million) in January, up 0.96 percent February 2, 2026

Heavy snow blankets country overnight SEOUL, February 2 (AJP) - Heavy snow fell across the country overnight, disrupting commuters during the morning rush hour, with further snowfall expected in eastern and southern regions, the Korea Meteorological Administration said on Monday. Seoul and surrounding metropolitan areas saw up to 7 centimeters of snow overnight, tapering to flurries by early morning. The heaviest snow fell in mountainous Gangwon Province, with Cheorwon accumulating 17.3 centimeters, Hwacheon 16.6 cen February 2, 2026

Amy Yang finishes runner-up at shortened LPGA season opener SEOUL, February 2 (AJP) - Amy Yang finished runner-up at this year's LPGA Tour season opener, which was reduced to 54 holes due to bitter cold and strong gusts in Orlando, Florida on Sunday. With the fourth and final round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions canceled due to freezing temperatures, Yang, who shot 10-under 206 through the first three rounds, finished second, three shots behind Nelly Korda of the U.S. Without having to hit a single shot on Sun February 2, 2026

Majority of workers use AI to enhance productivity, survey finds SEOUL, February 2 (AJP) - Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly driving workplace productivity in South Korea, with more employees using AI tools to cut repetitive tasks and devote more time to strategic and creative work, according to data released on Monday by workplace solutions company Notion. The findings are based on a survey of 480 office workers and freelancers who have used AI. Some 61.5 percent of respondents said they used AI tools for work, a rate much higher th February 2, 2026

Seoul's industry minister takes baton for Washington talks to head off U.S. tariff hikes SEOUL, February 01 (AJP) -South Korea has stepped up last-minute diplomacy in Washington to head off a threatened hike in U.S. reciprocal tariffs, with Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo widening outreach across the Trump administration, Congress and U.S. industry just days after Seoul’s industry minister returned home with limited tangible progress. Yeo Han-koo, who arrived in Washington early Friday, has continued meetings through the weekend with U.S. administration officials, la February 1, 2026

Seoul confident but cautious as Canada submarine bid turns into Korea–Germany contest SEOUL, February 01 (AJP) -South Korea has mounted a full-court, government-led push to win Canada’s next-generation submarine program, but Germany’s entrenched role within NATO and its long-standing engineering ties with Ottawa remain formidable obstacles, said a senior presidential official. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said Saturday that Seoul remains confident in its technological edge, even as it competes against Germany for what is widely regarded as o February 1, 2026

Foreign workers missing after deadly factory fire in South Korea SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - A massive fire at a household goods factory in South Korea left at least one foreign worker dead and another missing, authorities said on Saturday, highlighting ongoing safety concerns involving migrant labor in the country’s manufacturing sector. The blaze broke out at around 2:55 p.m. on Friday at a factory in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, which produces sanitary products such as wet wipes and diapers. Firefighters declared the f January 31, 2026

Korean political leaders pay final respects to former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - A funeral service for former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan was held on Saturday morning at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul, drawing senior political figures from across the political spectrum. President Lee Jae-myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung attended the service alongside National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Lee’s family. Leaders and lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party as wel January 31, 2026

Korea, U.S. fail to reach deal in tariff talks as discussions set to continue SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - South Korea and the United States failed to reach a conclusion in tariff negotiations this week, as talks over Washington’s potential reimposition of higher duties on Korean goods ended without agreement. South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said Saturday that discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had deepened mutual understanding but fell short of producing a concrete outcome. “Both sides were able to better January 31, 2026