South Korea to allow in-city tax refunds for cruise tourists starting April 6 SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - Cruise tourists visiting South Korea will be eligible for in-city tax refunds starting April 6, allowing them to reclaim value-added tax (VAT) and other domestic taxes on purchases made at downtown duty-free shops, the Korea Customs Service said Friday. Under South Korea’s tax refund program, foreign visitors can receive refunds on VAT and individual consumption tax included in purchases made at designated duty-free stores when goods are confirmed for e April 3, 2026

Korea, Indonesia elevate ties as Middle East shock drives energy cooperation SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) — South Korea and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a “special comprehensive strategic partnership” on Wednesday, as Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets pushed the two Asian economies to deepen cooperation on supply security and strategic industries. In their first summit in Seoul, President Lee Jae Myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto framed the upgrade as a response to mounting global uncertainty, with both side April 1, 2026

Navy deploys US Seahawks to boost South Korea's naval capabilities SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - The U.S. MH-60R Seahawk, a multi-mission maritime helicopter, has been deployed in South Korea, the Navy said on Wednesday. The deployment follows the delivery of two MH-60Rs by American defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin under a deal signed with the U.S. in December 2020 to procure around a dozen, with the remaining units to be gradually deployed, making South Korea the seventh country to operate the highly versatile helicopter, widely regar April 1, 2026

Lee set for talks with Indonesian president SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung is set to hold a summit with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Seoul on Wednesday. In a written press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to expand cooperation in trade, defense, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, while further deepening bilateral relations. Their discussions are expected to focus on defense coo April 1, 2026

Another goalless defeat in friendly dims South Korea's World Cup hopes SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - With the FIFA World Cup just three months away, South Korea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Austria in a friendly match held in Vienna on Tuesday, raising concerns ahead of the quadrennial global extravaganza. It was its second straight goalless defeat after a 4-0 loss to Ivory Coast in London last Saturday. Despite having 11 shooting attempts, well ahead of Austria's five, South Korea with a full lineup of star players like Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC, Le April 1, 2026

Kim Hyo-joo defends title at Ford Championship in Arizona SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - Golfer Kim Hyo-joo won the LPGA Tour's Ford Championship in the U.S. on Sunday, defending her title. In the tournament's third and final round at Whirlwind Golf Club in Arizona, Kim shot a 3-under 69, finishing at 28-under 260 to edge out U.S. golfer Nelly Korda by two strokes. Korda closed the tournament at 26-under 262. It was Kim's ninth career LPGA title and her second consecutive LPGA Tour victory, following her win at the Fortinet Found March 30, 2026

Pro-Palestinian, pro-U.S. rallies converge in Seoul on Land Day eve SEOUL, March 29 (AJP) - Rival demonstrations filled the streets of central Seoul on Sunday, as pro-Palestinian activists and Iranian expatriates backing the United States held back-to-back rallies that briefly brought opposing crowds face-to-face without incident. The larger of the two gatherings, organised by the group dubbed "People in Solidarity with Palestinians," drew about 200 participants to Jongno-district before marching toward the U.S. and Israeli embassies. Sout March 29, 2026

South Korea may impose mandatory civilian car rationing if oil hits $120-$130 a barrel SEOUL, March 29 (AJP) - South Korea's finance chief said the government could impose mandatory vehicle rationing on civilians if international oil prices climb to $120-$130 per barrel, signaling a potential escalation in the country's crisis response to the Middle East conflict's economic fallout. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Koo Yun-cheol said Sunday the government would elevate its energy crisis alert to Stage 3 if prices breach that thresh March 29, 2026

Lee's approval rating slightly dips to 65% but still remains high SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell slightly after reaching its highest level for three consecutive weeks, a poll showed on Friday. Pollster Gallup Korea surveyed 1,000 adults nationwide earlier this week and found that about 65 percent of respondents said Lee was doing well in his job, down 2 percentage points from the previous week. About 24 percent disapproved of his performance, while 10 percent remained undecided. The ruling Democrat March 27, 2026

South Korean businesses in race to expand presence in Viet Nam SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - With Viet Nam further solidifying its status as a strategic hub in Asia, major South Korean conglomerates are accelerating their push to make deeper inroads into the Southeast Asian country through investment and partnerships. These efforts are being led by companies likes SK Group, HD Hyundai, and GS Energy. In response, Viet Nam is also wooing foreign investors, pledging support to attract more investment from global firms. The country's General Secr March 27, 2026