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Korea

Reporting and analysis on South Korea’s national affairs, government, elections, policy, and the broader forces shaping public life.

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Coverage of Korean public affairs, institutions, and national developments, including their consequences for Busan and the wider policy agenda.

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South Korea Launches $30 Million ASEAN Digital Innovation Initiative
KoreaJan 16, 2025

South Korea Launches $30 Million ASEAN Digital Innovation Initiative

Seoul, South Korea - In a bold step toward fostering regional cooperation and technological advancement, South Korea announced the launch of the Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project (KADIF) at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting held in Bangkok on January 16, 2025. This ambitious $30 million initiative, funded through the Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Fund, aims to enhance digital infrastructure, cultivate talent, and accelerate economic growth across the ten ASEAN member nations over

South Korea Introduces Mobile Foreigner Registration Cards
KoreaJan 9, 2025

South Korea Introduces Mobile Foreigner Registration Cards

Seoul, South Korea - Starting January 10, 2025, foreign residents in South Korea can embrace a more convenient and secure form of identification as the government rolls out its new mobile foreigner registration card. In a move that underscores the country’s commitment to digital innovation, the mobile version will offer the same legal validity as the traditional physical card, making it a game-changer for over 2.5 million foreigners living in South Korea. The introduction of the mobile foreigne

South Korea's K-Food+ Exports Break $13 Billion Barrier
KoreaJan 8, 2025

South Korea's K-Food+ Exports Break $13 Billion Barrier

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

Oxford English Dictionary Adds 7 New Korean Words
KoreaJan 7, 2025

Oxford English Dictionary Adds 7 New Korean Words

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

South Korea’s Environmental Policies in 2025
KoreaJan 2, 2025

South Korea’s Environmental Policies in 2025

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

Jeju Air Flight 7C2216: Investigating the Tragedy
KoreaDec 30, 2024

Jeju Air Flight 7C2216: Investigating the Tragedy

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,

Changnyeong-Miryang Expressway Opens, Boosting Travel and Tourism in Gyeongnam
KoreaDec 27, 2024

Changnyeong-Miryang Expressway Opens, Boosting Travel and Tourism in Gyeongnam

Changnyeong, South Korea — The much-anticipated Changnyeong-Miryang Expressway officially opened on December 28, marking a transformative milestone in Gyeongsangnam-do’s transportation network. This new route is set to significantly reduce travel times, enhance connectivity, and boost regional tourism and economic activity. The 28.5-kilometer stretch of highway, part of the Hamyang-Ulsan Expressway, links Changnyeong County to Miryang City, providing a safer, faster alternative to the historica

South Korea Pioneers Legal Framework for Autonomous Ships
KoreaDec 24, 2024

South Korea Pioneers Legal Framework for Autonomous Ships

Seoul, South Korea - South Korea has once again demonstrated its leadership in maritime innovation, with the Cabinet approving the enforcement decree for the 「Autonomous Ship Act」 on December 24, 2024. As the world’s first legislation dedicated to autonomous ships, this landmark decision paves the way for a future where intelligent, AI-driven vessels revolutionize global shipping. With the law taking effect on January 3, 2025, South Korea positions itself as a key player in the race to dominate

The Ships for America Act: Challenges and Opportunities for South Korea
KoreaDec 21, 2024

The Ships for America Act: Challenges and Opportunities for South Korea

The Ships for America Act, introduced in December 2024, signifies a transformative effort by the United States to reclaim its long-diminished shipbuilding industry. The act represents an ambitious attempt to rebuild the capacity of U.S. shipyards, expand the nation’s maritime workforce, and strengthen national security by reducing reliance on foreign-built ships. While the act’s immediate focus lies in domestic revitalization, its broader implications resonate across the global shipbuilding indu

Gyeongnam Province Establishes South Korea’s First LNG Bunkering Offshore Testbed
KoreaDec 20, 2024

Gyeongnam Province Establishes South Korea’s First LNG Bunkering Offshore Testbed

Changwon, Gyeongnam -Gyeongnam Province in South Korea has completed the nation’s first offshore testbed for LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering transfer systems, a landmark achievement that underscores the country's commitment to sustainable maritime innovation. The facility, which began operational testing on December 19, 2024, provides an essential platform for supporting domestic companies seeking to develop and commercialize LNG bunkering equipment for global markets. LNG bunkering is th

Kim Tae-ri to Showcase Hanbok on Global Stage
KoreaDec 18, 2024

Kim Tae-ri to Showcase Hanbok on Global Stage

Seoul, December 18, 2024 — Actress Kim Tae-ri, celebrated for her commanding presence on screen, is stepping into a new role: a cultural ambassador for hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire. Through a global campaign spanning New York’s Times Square, Paris' Citadium, and an upcoming exhibition in Seoul, Kim Tae-ri aims to share the elegance and timeless beauty of hanbok with the world. The initiative is part of the “Hanbok Wave Project,” spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism i

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