Apt Rose And Bruno Mars Revive A Fading Korean Tradition

South Korea's culinary prowess has achieved an unprecedented milestone. In 2024, the nation’s K-Food+ exports soared to over $13 billion, marking a 6.1% year-on-year growth and cementing its place as a formidable force in the global food market. This remarkable achievement, spanning agricultural goods and related industries, speaks to more than just economic success; it is a testament to the growing international appetite for Korean flavors and innovation. At the heart of this success lies a co

For decades, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has been a linguistic barometer of global cultural shifts, capturing the evolution of the English language with precision. In its latest update in December 2024, the OED once again turned to South Korea, a cultural powerhouse, adding seven new Korean words to its lexicon. From food to familial relationships and traditional arts, these words underline the influence of "K-Culture" on the world stage, marking yet another milestone in the global embra

Busan, South Korea - Beneath Busan’s vibrant urban landscape lies a housing market grappling with mounting pressures. Once regarded as a relatively stable and accessible sector, the city’s rental market is now defined by stark inequalities, rising fraud cases, and systemic vulnerabilities. From the widening gap in housing prices between affluent and struggling neighborhoods to the growing number of tenants filing leasehold registration orders to protect their rights, the challenges facing Busan’

Gimhae, South Korea -In a bold move to tackle climate change and build a more livable city, Gimhae has unveiled a sweeping plan to invest 218.6 billion KRW in environmental initiatives throughout 2025. The city’s vision is to transform itself into a leader in sustainability, blending global ambitions with local action to create a greener, more resilient future. At the heart of this initiative is Gimhae’s push for carbon neutrality. From installing solar panels at key facilities to rolling out e

Busan, South Korea - Busan Metropolitan City is launching an ambitious initiative to transform Dadaepo into a major marine tourism hub, with an investment of approximately 1 trillion KRW. This collaborative project between Busan City, Saha District, and private developer Eltn Construction is poised to create a "complex marine leisure tourism city," integrating luxury accommodations, recreational facilities, and eco-friendly developments to enhance the region’s global appeal. The project aligns

Busan, South Korea - As part of its commitment to inclusive and accessible public services, the city of Busan has announced the rollout of barrier-free self-service tax payment kiosks, starting January 7, 2025. These state-of-the-art kiosks aim to enhance the convenience of tax payments for all citizens, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and others who face challenges accessing information. This initiative represents a significant upgrade in user-centered design and accessibi

As South Korea strides into 2025, the Ministry of Environment has unveiled a comprehensive suite of policies designed to address the pressing climate and environmental challenges of our time. From enhancing carbon trading mechanisms to providing greater incentives for electric vehicles, these measures underscore the government’s determination to pursue sustainability while navigating economic and social complexities. However, while the breadth of these policies reflects ambition, they also rais

Busan, South Korea - When Mayor Park Heong-joon introduced the 15-Minute City policy in 2021, it was lauded as a bold step toward creating accessible, sustainable neighborhoods. The promise was clear: to design urban spaces where healthcare, education, work, and recreation would be reachable within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Over the years, the initiative gained international recognition, particularly for its design-focused projects like the award-winning wallscapes in Dangam-Gaegeum. Howev

Busan, South Korea – In response to the tragic Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives on December 29, Busan City has established a public memorial at City Hall to honor the victims. The crash, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea’s history, has led to a nationwide period of mourning. Jeju Air Flight 2216, en route from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Muan International Airport, encountered mechanical failures, likely caused by a bird strike. The Boeing 737-800 attempted an em

On the morning of December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash-landed in South Korea, marking one of the most devastating aviation incidents in recent memory. The Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Muan International Airport, carried 181 people. After encountering technical difficulties during landing, the aircraft collided with a rigid concrete structure beyond the runway, resulting in a fire that claimed 179 lives. Only two survivors, seated in the tail section,

Busan, South Korea - Busan City has announced the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at transforming urban living standards. After more than three years of construction and a total investment of 1,087 billion KRW, the modernization of the city’s sewage treatment facilities has been finalized. Operations are scheduled to begin in January 2025, bringing long-awaited relief to local residents who have endured decades of challenges stemming from outdated infrastructure. The sewage t

Busan, South Korea - Busan City is poised to introduce 72 innovative policies and programs in 2025, covering six key areas: economy and youth employment, urban development and transportation, healthcare and welfare, women and childcare, safety and environmental sustainability, and culture and tourism. These changes reflect the city's ambition to enhance residents’ daily lives, address pressing societal needs, and pave the way for a prosperous future. Mayor Park Heong-joon described the initiati