South Korea's parliament opens under opposition boycott SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - Ruling-majority National Assembly of South Korea on Monday opened for extraordinary session under the boycott of the main opposition People Power Party. The session was called after 161 Democratic Party lawmakers, led by acting party leader and floor leader Han Byeong-do, submitted a formal request for the extraordinary session on July 3. The National Assembly duly announced the opening of the session in accordance with the request. People Po July 6, 2026

Tech expo in Seoul showcases cutting-edge quantum technologies SEOUL, July 2 (AJP) - A tech expo dubbed "Quantum Korea" kicked off its three-day run at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul on Thursday. Under the theme "Quantum in Action, Grand Challenges for Innovation," the expo, now in its fourth year, runs until Saturday, bringing together about 56 companies and research institutions from 12 countries to showcase the latest advances in quantum technologies. Booths from South Korean institu July 2, 2026

Large lithium batteries banned from Seoul subways SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - Passengers are no longer allowed to bring large-capacity lithium batteries on subways in Seoul under new regulations taking effect on Wednesday. They are prohibited from bringing lithium batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh) and battery-powered personal mobility devices, including electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric unicycles into subway stations and other railway stations in metropolitan areas. The ban, which came after a series of fires inv July 1, 2026

What better way to beat Seoul summer than with samba heat? SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - The vibrant sounds of Brazil echoed through central Seoul on Wednesday as Lotte World Adventure brought a burst of carnival spirit to Myeong-dong, staging a colorful street performance to mark the start of its annual summer festival. Brazilian dancers in dazzling feathered costumes paraded along Myeong-dong's UNESCO Street, captivating shoppers and tourists with energetic performances that briefly transformed one of Seoul's busiest c July 1, 2026

Heat advisory grips Seoul while monsoon approaches SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - Seoulites sought temporary relief from the scorching heat under shaded areas and other resting spots including the Cheonggyecheon Stream in central Seoul on Tuesday, as a heat advisory remained in effect across the capital. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), daytime temperatures in Seoul climbed to around 33 degrees Celsius. The KMA said heat advisories remain in place for Seoul, parts of the surrounding metropolitan area, and the c June 30, 2026

Young Koreans take their revote campaign to university district SEOUL, June 29 (AJP) -Young South Koreans demanding an investigation into the June 3 presidential election over ballot shortages have shifted their protest to Seoul's university district as the movement's original rally site in Jamsil has increasingly come to be dominated by hard-line conservative activists. The steady beat of drums drew curious glances from pedestrians in Hongdae on Saturday as hundreds of young demonstrators marched through one of Seoul's busiest com June 29, 2026

K-lifestyle at display at THE MAISON 2026 SEOUL, June 26 (AJP) - Premium living trends on display as THE MAISON 2026 opens at COEX THE MAISON 2026, a premium lifestyle exhibition, is being held at Hall C of COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, from June 25 to 28. Brands across home living, interior design, home décor, kitchen and tableware, and lifestyle categories are showcasing the latest trends in residential and commercial spaces. THE MAISON is a premium living trade fair launched by the June 26, 2026

Cheers turn into groans at Gwanghwamun after World Cup defeat SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) -Disbelief, disappointment and frustration filled the air at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, where thousands gathered at the much-loved open space for the make-or-break Group A match against South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday morning, Korean time. All 11,000 seats prepared for the official public viewing were filled before 10 a.m., prompting Seoul city officials to block a traffic lane to accommodate the sprawling cheering squad. June 25, 2026

Seoul turns to water-spraying drones as lovebug season returns SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Strange insects known as lovebugs have started swarming park pathways and hiking trails, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Government to deploy water-spraying drones ahead of their expected mass appearance this summer. City officials on Thursday tested the drones in areas around Mt. Bulamsan in northwestern Seoul on Thursday, where large numbers of lovebugs have been spotted, before deploying them in heavily infested areas. Complaints have surged in recent y June 25, 2026

The luxury of reading in the AI age SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - In an age of short-form videos and instant answers, reading a book may gradually become a rarity — and perhaps even a luxury, something admired and increasingly envied. That may explain the crowds. The 2026 Seoul International Book Fair opened on June 24 for its 68th edition, bringing together 538 publishers, literary agencies and publishing-related organizations from 18 countries. As in recent years, tickets sold out in advance an June 24, 2026