SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - An instant noodle-themed store in Seoul has become something of a pilgrimage site for foreign tourists and other visitors. Drawn by the global popularity of K-pop and South Korean dramas, many who have seen their favorite idols enjoying instant noodles on screen flock to the store for an authentic taste. Run by convenience store chain CU, the store called "Ramyun Library," solely dedicated to instant noodles, has its shelves filled with a massive col

SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - A nominee for a high-ranking post at the Pentagon stressed the need for U.S. allies to take greater responsibility for regional and global stability, arguing that the U.S. has long shouldered an unfair burden. In a written statement submitted to the Senate Committee on Armed Services ahead of his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Elbridge Colby, the nominee for U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy, said, "I believe alliances are key. But, as President

SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - Support for South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has risen to 44.2 percent, surpassing the ruling People Power Party (PPP) by a margin greater than the survey’s margin of error, according to a new poll released on Monday. The survey, conducted by Realmeter among 1,506 adults aged 18 and older last week, found that the DP’s approval rating climbed 3.1 percentage points from the previous week. Meanwhile, support for the PPP

SEOUL, March 02 (AJP) - Nearly three in ten newly hired university graduates at major South Korean companies last year had prior work experience, reflecting a growing preference for experienced candidates. According to a survey by the Korea Economic Research Institute (KERI) on major companies' hiring plans for the first half of 2025, released on Sunday, 28.9 percent of newly hired university graduates in 2024 had prior work experience. This marks a 3.2 percentage point increa

SEOUL, March 02 (AJP) - The Russian Embassy in the Republic of Korea hosted a Maslenitsa celebration on February 28, bringing together students, diplomats, and guests for a day of cultural festivities. The event was attended by about 100 guests, including Russian embassy officials and their families, as well as representatives from other foreign embassies. Students from the Russian school at the embassy performed traditional songs and dances, showcasing

SEOUL, March 1 (AJP) - North Jeolla province secured the right to represent South Korea in the bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, delivering a stunning upset over the capital Seoul in a national vote that showcased growing support for regional development. The southwestern province garnered 49 votes to Seoul's 11 in Friday's secret ballot held by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), shattering expectations and positioning a regional contender to potentially host S

Tourists take a photo at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul on Jan. 9, 2025. Yonhap SEOUL, February 28 (AJP) - Tourists will be banned from sightseeing in Bukchon, a district known for its characteristic alleys filled with traditional Korean homes in central Seoul, during certain hours. With the tourist curfew starting from Saturday, visiting hours for Bukchon Hanok Village will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and violators will face a fine of 100,000 Korean won (US$75). The village attracts

SEOUL, February 28 (AJP) - Nearly 60 percent of South Koreans favor impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle last year, a poll suggests. According to the survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Pollster Gallup Korea earlier this week, about 50 percent of respondents supported impeachment and 35 percent were against it. The rest were undecided. By political inclination, nearly all or 97 percent of supporters of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) w

SEOUL, February 28 (AJP) - South Korea's democracy has been mired in political turmoil caused by President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle last year. In the latest report released on Thursday by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a think tank affiliated with the U.K. magazine, the country's democracy index ranked 39th among 167 countries in the world, down ten spots from a year ago. Since 2006, the EIU has evaluated countries in five categories