Unwritten rules of driving in Korea

Driving in a foreign country requires learning more than its traffic laws. In Korea, hazard lights, horns and even phone numbers left on dashboards carry meanings that may not be immediately obvious to newcomers. Here are some of the unwritten rules and practical habits to know before getting behind the wheel. What hazard lights mean when driving in Korea A quick double flash of hazard lights in Korea may mean “thank you,” “sorry” or “watch out.” The meaning depends on the situation. While traff

2026-09-03 11:25:19:00

Suspected killer of Chinese student made unwanted advances on another student: report

The 31-year-old Chinese man accused of murdering a Chinese graduate student is believed to have approached other students from the country as well, abusing his position as a university lecturer and attempting to coerce victims into romantic relationships with him. Zheng Changsheng, whose identity was revealed by police Tuesday, allegedly made unwanted advances on a graduate student in September 2023, according to local broadcaster Daegu MBC. When she turned him down, Zheng reportedly sent a mess

2026-09-03 11:13:24:00

S. Korea sees surge in suicide-encouraging content, most posts aren't deleted: report

More than 600,000 reports of online content that could encourage or facilitate suicide were filed in South Korea last year, but 7 in 10 remained online at the end of the year, government data showed Wednesday. The Health Ministry received 602,781 reports of what Korean law defines as “suicide-inducing information” in 2025, according to data provided to Rep. Seo Mi-hwa of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and first reported by Seoul Shinmun. The category includes posts seeking suicide partners

2026-09-02 17:09:33:00

Korea’s E-9 workforce hits record as sector gaps persist

The number of foreign workers in South Korea under the E-9 employment program reached a record 287,424 in July, but four in five remained concentrated in manufacturing, government data showed Wednesday. The figure has risen steadily from 159,463 in 2021 to 203,121 in 2022, 247,191 in 2023, 271,925 in 2024 and 282,839 last year, according to Labor Ministry data submitted to Rep. Kim Wi-sang of the main opposition People Power Party. Introduced in 2004, the Employment Permit System allows small an

2026-09-02 13:25:22:00

Suspected child abusers to be promptly separated from victim

South Korea will instruct police and child welfare officials to prioritize emergency protection when a child is the subject of two or more abuse reports within a year, after an 11-year-old boy in Cheonan died despite repeatedly seeking help. Under measures announced Wednesday, the government will revise its response guidelines this month to make temporary protection or emergency action the first consideration in cases involving repeated reports or a high risk of further abuse. The measures are n

2026-09-02 13:19:15:00

7 in 10 drug addiction patients give up after one treatment

Seven in 10 people treated for drug addiction in South Korea in 2024 had only one recorded hospital visit or admission that year, pointing to a persistent problem in the country's treatment and rehabilitation system. Of the 7,215 patients who received care for drug addiction, 5,115 had only one inpatient admission or outpatient visit during the year, according to an analysis by the National Assembly Research Service first reported Tuesday by the Seoul Shinmun newspaper. The NARS analysis of Nati

2026-09-01 13:24:07:00

Korea’s health spending more than doubles to record 225tr

South Korea’s health spending has more than doubled since 2014, reaching a record 224.99 trillion won ($163.86 billion) last year and accounting for 8.4 percent of gross domestic product. The total rose 3.8 percent from a year earlier, according to preliminary data in the National Health Accounts report released Tuesday by the National Health Insurance Service and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. That worked out to 4.35 million won per person. National health expenditure is divided into perso

2026-09-01 13:23:54:00

What it takes for foreigners to drive legally in Korea

South Korea’s extensive public transportation network makes it possible for visitors to get by without a car. But for those who plan to drive — whether for travel, work or a longer stay — the rules depend largely on how long they will be in the country and where their current license was issued. Short-term visitors may be able to use an international driving permit, while longer-term residents can exchange a foreign license for a Korean one or apply for a Korean license from scratch. If you have

2026-08-31 13:34:04:00

Nurse saves woman during swimming class

A nurse working at an emergency room resuscitated a woman suffering from cardiac arrest during a swimming class in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, officials at the hospital where she works at said Friday. Nurse Jeong Eun-ah of the Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital was waiting for her class when she saw a woman in her 50s fall unconscious in the water. The woman was immediately taken out of the water, but her heart had stopped, Jeong stepped in to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation, opening t

2026-08-28 14:36:46:00

Man dressed as woman intrudes on all-girls school: report

A person thought to be a man in women's clothing has recently trespassed on an all-girls high school in Wonju, Gangwon Province, according to local media reports Friday. The school reported the intrusion to police on Wednesday, according to the Yonhap News Agency. Surveillance footage of the school showed an individual wearing a wig and makeup entering the gates at around 4:51 p.m. on Tuesday, roaming the campus for about 40 minutes. Witnesses said he claimed to be a graduate of a nearby middle

2026-08-28 12:14:18:00