Blue three-wheeler makes waves for beach reading in Korea

SOKCHO, Gangwon Province — For many Koreans, reading on the beach is still an unusual concept, just like seeing someone wear a bikini without a cover-up. But on a small beach in Korea, something is changing. On Aug. 26, two middle-aged women sat in beach chairs, their feet sinking into warm sand as gentle waves lapped at their toes. They both had a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Now and then, they looked up at the sea, then back down at the page. They had come to the Three Fe

2026-09-06 09:00:00:00

‘The Odyssey’ Imax run could end sooner than fans think

Ahn, 37, watched “The Odyssey” at an Imax screen in Apgujeong and enjoyed the experience. She hopes to see it again at Yongsan with her husband, but they have been unable to secure tickets. As of Sunday, nearly all Imax screenings at Yongsan through Aug. 30 were sold out, except for accessibility seats. “I’m hoping to get one once the initial hype dies down,” she told The Korea Herald. But this might not happen. Although “The Odyssey” is attracting large audiences in South Korea, the country’s s

2026-08-23 20:35:59:00

Stay on guard. Mosquitoes could be back

Although extreme heat has reduced South Korea's mosquito numbers this summer, health authorities caution that it is too soon to relax precautions as temperatures moderate. “As mosquito populations may increase again after the heat wave, local governments in high-risk areas should strengthen comprehensive control measures to reduce mosquito numbers,” KDCA chief Lim Seung-kwan said in a statement on Thursday. Lim urged those in high-risk areas to avoid outdoor activities at night, wear loose-fitti

2026-08-14 11:19:12:00

Woman arrested after allegedly vandalizing YG headquarters with golf club

A woman in her 20s was arrested on Thursday night on suspicion of damaging the entrance of YG Entertainment's headquarters with a golf club, according to local media reports Friday. Mapo police arrested the woman around 9 p.m. Thursday outside YG Entertainment's headquarters in Hapjeong-dong, Seoul. Asked about the incident, a YG Entertainment official confirmed to The Korea Herald that it had taken place but declined to provide further details. "We understand that she was handed over to the pol

2026-08-07 11:55:37:00

Draft beer likely to get more expensive

South Korea will end the temporary 20 percent tax break on draft beer at the end of this year, as announced in the 2026 tax reform package. Starting next year, draft beer will be taxed at the full rate, increasing costs for bars and restaurants and likely resulting in higher prices for consumers. South Korea now taxes beer based on volume instead of price. Standard beer is taxed at 885,700 won ($600) per kiloliter, while draft beer has received a 20 percent discount since 2020, reducing its tax

2026-08-04 12:17:36:00

Commuters, police officer’s rescue at a Seoul subway station goes viral

Surveillance footage from Wangsimni subway station in Seoul has gone viral, showing commuters and an off-duty police officer collaborating to assist a man who collapsed during the morning rush hour. Uploaded to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's YouTube channel on Thursday, the video has been viewed over 300,000 times as of Monday. According to the police, a man in his 60s suddenly lost consciousness while riding an escalator to the platform at Wangsimni station on Seoul Subway Line No. 2. N

2026-08-03 12:02:56:00

Monkey bites Korean tourist at Taj Mahal; hourlong ambulance delay sparks outrage

A South Korean tourist bitten by a monkey at India's Taj Mahal reportedly waited nearly an hour for an ambulance, prompting widespread online criticism over tourist safety after footage of the incident went viral. Videos circulating online show the woman clutching her arm as she was escorted to the site's medical center. The footage quickly sparked concern among internet users in Korea. "You have to be prepared to die before going to India," one user commented. "Waiting an hour in a situation li

2026-07-31 13:12:10:00

Pre-fame BTS, Rescene performances put local festivals back in spotlight

Local festivals in Korea rarely attract national attention, but Cheorwon in Gangwon Province is in the spotlight after it was revealed that both BTS and the rising girl group Rescene performed there before achieving major success. "The groups that once performed on our stages have become such major stars that inviting them back now would be difficult," a Cheorwon county official reportedly said Sunday. Interest in Cheorwon's festivals has grown after videos of Rescene's performance at last year'

2026-07-26 14:55:15:00

Korea's extreme heat spreads beyond Daegu

Daegu, traditionally known as South Korea's hottest city and nicknamed "Daefrica," is no longer the sole area affected by extreme summer heat. Scorching temperatures are now impacting North Gyeongsang Province, leading weather authorities to expand severe heat wave warnings on Sunday. "High temperatures are becoming increasingly widespread, not only in Daegu but also across inland and eastern coastal areas of North Gyeongsang Province," a Korea Meteorological Administration official said. At 11

2026-07-26 14:54:57:00

Princess Anne visits Cheong Wa Dae

President Lee Jae Myung welcomed Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence to Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday. This visit is Princess Anne's first trip to South Korea in eight years. She visited in 2018 for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics as a member of the International Olympic Committee. During their meeting, President Lee and Princess Anne discussed cooperation between South Korea and the United Kingdom. President Lee noted Princess Anne’s earlier visit to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' ship

2026-07-14 20:48:05:00