Picnic mats are hot items at convenience stores thanks to cherry blossoms

SEOUL, April 05 (AJU PRESS) - South Korean convenience stores near renowned cherry blossom picnic spots have witnessed a remarkable surge in sales of picnic essentials like mats, instant noodles, ice cups, and sun protection items. The country's meteorological service forecasts the full bloom of cherry blossoms in Seoul this week. Unlike in Western countries where benches or outdoor chairs are common for picnics, South Koreans typically use picnic mats. During spring's che

April 5, 2024

Two-day early voting begins ahead of next week's general elections

SEOUL, April 05 (AJU PRESS) - The two-day early voting began, Friday, ahead of the April 10 general elections, largely seen as a referendum on the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

April 5, 2024

Virtual artist 'iaaa' to release debut song 'Our Season'

SEOUL, April 05 (AJU PRESS) - iaaa, a virtual artist created by South Korean content startup Studio Meta-K, will drop her debut song "Our Season." Through the digital single, the 21-year-old virtual human will portray the innocence of first love, along with the nostalgic memories of spring between two people. The 173-centimeter (5'8")-tall digital human is a member of Studio Meta-K's virtual artist group "Season." iaaa made her debut in February 20

April 5, 2024

Korea's iconic percussion show 'Nanta' to take place in Africa's largest cultural event

SEOUL, April 04 (AJU PRESS) - The state-run Korea Foundation will hold the iconic Korean percussion show "Nanta" in Côte d'Ivoire. The performance will be featured at the Marche des Arts du Spectacle d'Abidjan (MASA), the largest cultural event in Africa, where South Korea will be showcased as this year's special guest nation. Nanta is a non-verbal theatrical performance combining percussion and comedic elements. It features lively performances and a un

April 4, 2024

HD Hyundai hands over 3,000-ton attack submarine to Navy

SEOUL, April 04 (AJU PRESS) - South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has delivered a new 3,000-ton class attack submarine to the country's Navy. Named after independence fighter Shin Chae-ho, who resisted Japanese rule during the 1910-45 colonial period, the submarine boasts advanced features. HHI announced the handover on Thursday, highlighting the vessel's capabilities. The diesel-electric submarine incorporates air-independent propulsion technology, allowin

April 4, 2024

Korean coffee brands shift focus to overseas markets amid intense domestic competition

SEOUL, April 04 (AJU PRESS) - South Korean coffee brands are setting their sights on overseas markets as competition intensifies at home. This comes as foreign coffee chains like Canadian giant Tim Hortons, which opened its first Seoul store in December 2023 and plans 150 by 2028, and U.S.-based Intelligentsia Coffee, launched in February 2024, enter the South Korean market. The domestic market is indeed saturated. According to market research firm Euromonitor, South Korea's a

April 4, 2024

[OPINION] Baltimore bridge disaster and our vital infrastructure

KENOSHA, April 04 (AJU PRESS) - Baltimore’s famed Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed quickly, after being struck by an enormous ocean-bound container ship. The disaster

April 4, 2024

S. Korean fruit-flavored jelly becomes bestseller in Viet Nam

SEOUL, April 04 (AJU PRESS) - "Boom Jelly," a fruit-flavored jelly series produced by South Korean confectionery maker Orion, has become Viet Nam's favorite jelly product, thanks to the company's know-how of creating chewy jelly products that do not easily melt or go bad in hot weather. The major South Korean confectionery maker raised more than 130 billion won ($96.5 million) in global sales in 2023, up 56 percent compared to a year ago. China was Orion's bi

April 4, 2024

S. Korean small firms showcase consumer goods at 'Vietnam International Trade Fair'

SEOUL, April 03 (AJU PRESS) - A total of 58 South Korean small and medium-sized companies are participating in the Vietnam International Trade Fair, an annual exhibition in Hanoi scheduled for April 3 to 6. South Korea set up a joint exhibition booth, presenting various consumer goods, including cosmetics and food. The annual event, organized by Viet Nam's industry ministry, is one of the largest trade exhibitions in the Southeast Asian country. According to the Korea Trade-In

April 3, 2024

Busan Port welcomes largest-ever fleet of foreign cruise ships

SEOUL, April 03 (AJU PRESS) - Amid a surge in foreign travelers to South Korea following the COVID-19 pandemic, Busan Port, the country's largest maritime gateway, witnessed a historic moment with four foreign cruise ships simultaneously docking at its piers for the first time. With an annual handling capacity of 20 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), Busan Port serves as South Korea's primary hub for both cargo and passenger ships. Typically, passenger ships shuttlin

April 3, 2024