Elite science high schools boost enrollment as AI, chip demand grows

South Korea's elite science high schools will admit a record number of students next year, expanding opportunities for young science talent at a time when universities and companies are competing for students in fields from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to medicine. The country's 22 science high schools will recruit 1,858 freshmen for the 2027 academic year, up 13.2 percent from 1,642 this year and the highest number since the first such school opened in 1983, according to private e

2026-08-17 14:04:08:00

Busan’s Haeundae named Korea’s first global tourism zone

Busan’s Haeundae district has been selected as South Korea’s first “global tourism zone,” as the city looks to capitalize on a surge in foreign visitors by turning the beach destination into a year-round place to stay, work and travel. The designation comes as international tourism to Busan continues to rise sharply. More than 2.42 million foreign travelers visited the city in the first half of this year, up 43.9 percent from a year earlier. Under the government-backed project, 6 billion won ($4

2026-08-17 11:24:05:00

Changwon asks public how to save its $24 million ‘ugly’ landmark

A South Korean city is asking the public for ideas to save a 34.4 billion won ($24.4 million) landmark that became famous for all the wrong reasons. Changwon, a city in South Gyeongsang Province, said Sunday it is holding a nationwide contest to find ways to improve the appearance and usability of the 40-meter-tall Big Tree, a giant observation structure built in Daesang Park. The structure was intended to become a new symbol of the city, but drew widespread criticism after it was unveiled last

2026-08-17 10:58:31:00

Man arrested after kicking gate of US Embassy in Seoul

A man in his 60s was arrested early Thursday after allegedly attempting to enter the US Embassy in central Seoul, police said. The Jongno Police Station said the man, whose identity was withheld, allegedly kicked the embassy's main gate near Gwanghwamun at around midnight while trying to gain entry. Police responding to a report arrested him at the scene on suspicion of attempted trespassing. The man is not believed to be a member of or affiliated with an anti-US group, according to police. His

2026-08-13 16:47:56:00

Korean gambling ring used sexual exploitation videos to lure millions of users

South Korean police said Wednesday they have uncovered an illegal gambling operation that used websites distributing child sexual exploitation material to lure users to online betting sites, generating an estimated 47.6 billion won ($34 million) in illicit profits over five years. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said two men, aged 40 and 36, have been detained and referred to prosecutors on charges including violations of laws protecting minors from sexual exploitation and banning illegal s

2026-08-12 17:29:49:00

Myanmar worker killed at KTX site worked up to 355 hours a month

A Myanmar worker who was killed last month at a KTX railway construction site had worked as many as 355 hours in a month, averaging more than 11 hours a day, payroll records showed. Aung Min Oo, 37, also worked stretches of 16 to 20 hours across two consecutive days and went entire months without a full day off, according to records first reported by the Kyunghyang Shinmun. The records were submitted by the Korea National Railway to Rep. Yoon Jong-oh of the Progressive Party. Aung died July 1 af

2026-08-12 13:12:14:00

Seoul hits 40 C for first time in 8 years

Temperatures in parts of Seoul surpassed 40 degrees Celsius on Friday for the first time in eight years, as extreme heat continued across South Korea ahead of a modest easing expected over the weekend. An automatic weather station in Nowon-gu, northeastern Seoul, recorded 40.2 C at around 3:30 p.m., according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. It was the first reading above 40 C at a Seoul observation point since Aug. 1, 2018, when an automatic station in Gangbuk-gu recorded 41.8 C. The

2026-08-07 16:42:35:00

Will weekend rain ease Korea's heat wave?

South Korea’s near-40 degrees Celsius temperatures are expected to ease slightly over the weekend, but there will be no real break from the heat. Western regions will remain sweltering, while heavy rain could bring more than 150 millimeters to parts of the east coast through Sunday. Seoul and Jeonju were forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius on Friday, with Incheon and Gwangju hitting 38 C and Daejeon and Daegu 37 C. Temperatures had already climbed to around 30 C in several major cities by 8 a.m

2026-08-07 10:56:16:00

Yeongdeungpo invites recent arrivals to explore the area

The Yeongdeungpo-gu Family Center is recruiting 20 foreign nationals who recently moved to Korea after marrying a Korean citizen for a free program designed to help them settle into the local community. The three-stage course begins with practical information about using public facilities and following everyday community rules. Participants will then explore Yeongdeungpo on guided tours and take part in a multicultural festival in October. Ten places are available for Chinese-speaking participan

2026-08-05 16:20:32:00

Climate Card users, claim back your 30,000 won

Foreign residents who have difficulty verifying their registered address can apply manually for a 30,000 won ($21) payback on Seoul’s Climate Card through Aug. 31. The Climate Card is Seoul’s unlimited public transportation pass covering eligible subway and bus routes for a fixed period. To qualify for the payback, applicants must live in an eligible area and have charged and fully used a 30-day pass. Short-term passes and passes refunded before their expiration are not covered. Applicants must

2026-08-05 11:53:55:00