Gangnam: The epitome of affluence in modern Korea

SEOUL, September 27 (AJP) - Gangnam in southern Seoul has been one of the most prosperous and wealthiest districts in Korea. The affluent area has now become a symbol of modern Korea, often associated with upscale lifestyle, economic success, and cultural vibrancy. Its reputation grew even further, after rapper Psy's megahit song "Gangnam Style" went viral globally in 2012. Gangnam, with its outstanding infrastructure and high-quality amenities that integrate b

September 27, 2024

Korea to lure more skilled foreign talent

SEOUL, September 27 (AJP) - Korea is set to attract more skilled workers from abroad as the country faces a declining population. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy said on Friday that it will introduce a new visa program for foreigners in high-tech industries and also streamline the overall process for obtaining work permits. "Unlike other countries such as Japan and Singapore, which are keen to attract global talent, Korea lags behind by focusing primarily on nurt

September 27, 2024

International forum to explore vision for free, unified Korea

SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - The International Forum on One Korea 2024 will kick off on Friday for a three-day run at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul in southwestern Seoul, exploring the vision and pathway toward a free and unified Korea. The event, co-hosted by Global Peace Foundation, Action for Korea United and One Korea Foundation, will bring together prominent experts, policymakers, journalists and civil society leaders from Korea, and the international community. The particip

September 26, 2024

Korea to launch first late-night autonomous taxi service

SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - Korea's first late-night autonomous taxi service is set to begin in southern Seoul on late Thursday. The city announced the late-night service will operate in a designated self-driving test area in Gangnam, spanning 11.7 square kilometers, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays. Rides will be free before paid service begins next year. Three vehicles will be available through the Kakao T taxi-hailing app. Users will see a "Seoul Self-Driving Ca

September 26, 2024

Trump claims his reelection would lead to 'mass exodus of manufacturing' from Korea

SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed during his campaign rally in Georgia on Tuesday that his reelection would usher in a "manufacturing renaissance" in the U.S. Trump pledged voters and supporters that the U.S. would see a "mass exodus of manufacturing" from countries like Korea and China if they voted for him in the presidential election in November. Trump outlined plans to provide tax incentives and reduce red t

September 25, 2024

Nat'l football team's head coach denies nepotism in his appointment

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the Korean men's national football team, came under intense scrutiny on Tuesday as he appeared before lawmakers at the National Assembly. During a parliamentary session of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee attended by Hong and other officials from the Korea Football Association (KFA) including chairman Chung Mong-gyu, calls were made for clarification regarding the controversies surrounding his appointment in J

September 24, 2024

Korea, US strengthen space alliance

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) will strengthen its space alliance with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). KASA chief Yoon Young-bin signed a joint statement with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson for cooperation in space and aerospace activities at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., according to the Korean space agency, Monday. This agreement follows the commitment made in April when the presidents of Korea and

September 23, 2024

Nuclear-powered US submarine docks in Busan

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - A nuclear-armed U.S. submarine arrived in South Korea on Monday. The USS Vermont docked at a naval base in Busan to replenish supplies and allow crew members to rest while carrying out its missions in the Asia Pacific region, according to the Navy. This is the first visit of the 7,800-ton Virginia-class submarine, 115 meters long and 10 meters wide, to South Korea since it was commissioned in 2020. The arrival of submarine, which is among the most a

September 23, 2024

Over 1,500 displaced as heavy rains batter southern provinces

SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Unusual autumnal torrential downpours swept across southern regions, causing landslides and flooding, and displacing more than 1,500 people, authorities said on Sunday. The record heavy rains also led to submerged roads and inundated buildings. Although heavy rain warnings have been lifted, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) warned of more rainfalls across the southern provinces later in the day. The hardest-hit areas included South Gyeon

September 22, 2024

Koreans' views toward Japanese improve, survey finds

SEOUL, September 20 (AJP) - Four in 10 Koreans see Japan favorably, a recent survey reveals. According to a survey of over 1,000 Koreans conducted by the East Asia Institute (EAI) last month, some 41.7 percent of respondents hold a favorable view of Japan, up 12.8 percentage point from a year ago and the highest level since the annual survey first began in 2013. An almost similar proportion, or 42.7 percent, had the opposite view, but that was a significant decrease from 53.3 per

September 20, 2024