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1,209 published stories

Sustainability

Climate Change and the Food Crisis in Korea

Imagine a future where kimchi, South Korea’s beloved staple, becomes a rare delicacy due to the scarcity of its essential ingredient—napa cabbage. As the global climate crisis deepens, this scenario is no longer a far-off possibility but a pressing concern for Korea’s agricultural industry. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events are disrupting the nation’s food production, pushing key crops to the brink of collapse and causing food prices to soar. Over the la

Busan

BGF Retail Begins Construction on Largest Logistics Center in Busan

Busan, South Korea - BGF Retail, the operator of South Korea’s largest convenience store chain CU, has officially begun construction on what is set to become the country’s largest logistics center for the convenience store industry. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 3, 2024, in Busan, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious expansion and modernization efforts. The ceremony, held at the Busan International Industrial Logistics City in the Gangseo-gu District,

Busan

Busan Seeks Inspiration from Boston’s Urban Success Story

Busan, South Korea — As part of its ambitious plans to rejuvenate its waterfront areas, Busan has invited Boston’s urban design expert, Ju Jung-Joon, to share insights from the successful redevelopment of Boston’s South Boston Waterfront. The area, once an industrial zone, was transformed into a bustling mixed-use district following Boston's "Big Dig" project, which rerouted highways underground, reconnecting the city to its waterfront. The South Boston Waterfront, also known as the Seaport Dis

Opinion

Transforming Busan’s Vacant Homes into Green Spaces

As one of South Korea's largest cities, Busan is facing a confluence of challenges that threaten the vibrancy of its urban landscape. Once a bustling hub of economic activity, the city is now grappling with a steadily declining population, driven by a combination of aging demographics and the outmigration of younger generations. This demographic shift has led to an increasing number of vacant homes, particularly in the city’s mountainous regions where accessibility is limited and modern infrastr

Busan

Busan Fireworks Festival 2024: Tickets Now Available

Busan, South Korea – The highly anticipated 19th Busan Fireworks Festival is set to light up the city’s skyline on November 9, 2024. As one of South Korea’s most celebrated events, this year’s festival promises to be more spectacular than ever, with enhanced fireworks displays over the iconic Gwangan Bridge. Ticket sales for reserved seating have officially begun, offering global visitors a chance to secure the best views for this dazzling spectacle. The Busan Fireworks Festival, which first be

Busan

Nongshim Invests $143M in New Busan Ramen Factory

Busan, South Korea – Nongshim, a major player in the global food industry, has recently announced a bold investment of approximately $143 million to build a new export-only ramen factory in Busan. This strategic move is designed to double the company's annual export production to 1 billion units by the first half of 2026, as Nongshim seeks to capitalize on the soaring global demand for Korean cuisine. The decision to situate the new factory within the Noksan National Industrial Complex in Busan

Politics

Why South Korea’s Emergency Room Crisis Needs More Than Just Patient Penalties

In a bid to address the growing strain on South Korea’s emergency rooms, the government has unveiled a series of measures aimed at curbing the influx of non-critical patients. Among these, the most controversial is the significant increase in fees for those seeking emergency care for less severe conditions. This policy, ostensibly designed to alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments, has sparked a wave of criticism for its apparent misdiagnosis of the real issues at hand. Rather than tac

Opinion

IMF Labor Reforms in South Korea: A 1997 Repeat?

As South Korea navigates a period of economic recovery, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stepped forward with a series of labor market reform recommendations aimed at boosting the nation's productivity and economic growth. Released amid cautious optimism for the country’s 2024 economic prospects, the IMF’s report argues that the current recovery presents a rare opportunity to implement reforms that could drive long-term growth. However, the proposals have sparked a heated debate within