Getting ready for holiday crowds

Lifeguards at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, run across the sand during early-morning training to warm up ahead of patrols on South Korea's Constitution Day, which ushers in a long weekend. Large numbers of vacationers are expected at one of South Korea's most popular summer beaches, prompting rescue teams to run drills and prepare for possible emergencies throughout the holiday period.

2026-07-17 11:04:33:00

Getting umbrellas monsoon-ready

Residents of Songpa-gu, Seoul, wait in line to have their umbrellas repaired on Tuesday. Ahead of the rainy season each year, the district operates a mobile umbrella repair service that visits local community centers to provide free repairs for damaged umbrellas and parasols.

2026-07-07 11:50:50:00

Rainy season begins in south; Seoul stays hot, humid with isolated showers

South Korea's annual rainy season began in the country's southern regions on Wednesday, bringing heavy downpours to the south while leaving Seoul and much of central Korea hot, humid and outside the influence of the seasonal rain front. The Korea Meteorological Administration said the seasonal rain front could produce downpours of up to 30 millimeters an hour in some areas, with heavy rain advisories possible. Seoul, the capital region and much of central Korea, however, remain outside the influ

2026-07-01 09:33:03:00

Angry 'sea women' take to street

Dressed in their diving gear, a group of "haenyeo," or female divers, from Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, gathered outside the headquarters of Ssangyong Engineering & Construction in Seoul on Monday, demanding compensation for what they say are years of lost income caused by a harbor renovation project. The divers claim that pollution from construction at Homigot Port and changes to ocean currents caused by a newly built breakwater have sharply reduced marine life, leading to steep declines

2026-06-29 14:59:59:00

Homeward bound after World Cup exit

The South Korean team departed its base in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sunday, following elimination from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Players carrying luggage were seen leaving the team hotel before beginning the long journey back to Seoul. The Korean squad is expected to arrive in South Korea on Tuesday.

2026-06-29 10:38:05:00

Pineapple in kimchi stew? Jjigae gets its Hawaiian pizza moment

If pineapple on pizza is enough to make Italians cringe, pineapple in kimchi stew may have the same effect on South Koreans. A recent social media video showing a bubbling pot of kimchi jjigae — Korea's beloved spicy stew — with chunks of pineapple stirred into the broth prompted thousands of reactions from bewildered Korean viewers. "That's crossing the line," one commenter wrote. "Please don't make us angry," another joked. Others borrowed a famous line from the latet Netflix hit "Teach You a

2026-06-29 09:29:52:00

Court rejects inmates' damages claim over alleged prison overcrowding

A South Korean court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by inmates seeking damages over alleged overcrowding in correctional facilities, ruling there was insufficient evidence to support their claims. The Incheon District Court rejected a 39.5 million won ($25,700) damages claim brought by 24 inmates against the government. The plaintiffs argued that they suffered psychological distress after being housed in overcrowded cells that failed to provide the minimum living space necessary for basic daily l

2026-06-26 16:57:56:00

Sports day, senior edition

More than 3,500 senior citizens gathered in Busan on Wednesday for the annual Senior Sports Day, competing in events such as giant-ball rolling, mini basketball, ring toss and the traditional Korean game of yutnori. According to the Busan Metropolitan Government, the competition offered both recreation and friendly rivalry, with participants from 16 districts and counties across the city vying for the Busan Mayor's Trophy. Jointly organized by the city government and the Busan chapter of the Kor

2026-06-24 14:21:20:00

Won-dollar rate averages 1,520 through June, reaching crisis-era levels

South Korea’s currency has averaged above 1,520 won per US dollar in June, the highest level since February 1998, extending a period of currency weakness associated with times of crisis. According to the Bank of Korea’s Economic Statistics System, the won-dollar exchange rate averaged 1,521.4 won in daytime trading through June 19. Compared with historical monthly averages, that is the highest level since February 1998, when the exchange rate averaged 1,626.7 won during the Asian financial crisi

2026-06-21 11:14:03:00

Ex-Busan mayoral candidate investigated over alleged campaign attack hoax

Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok apologized Thursday after it emerged that a former Busan mayoral candidate from his party was under police investigation over allegations that he staged an attack during the local election campaign. In a Facebook post, Lee said he felt “infinite responsibility” for the investigation involving Jung Yi-han, who ran as the minor centrist party’s candidate, and pledged full cooperation with authorities. He also addressed the case during the party’s leadership meeting

2026-06-18 13:43:57:00