Can Korea's birth rebound close its demographic gap?

South Korea’s fertility rate is extending a tentative recovery from its record low, raising hopes that the annual figure could top 0.9 for the first time in seven years. The rebound, however, is unlikely to alter the country’s demographic trajectory on its own. Even as births rise, Korea’s child population continues to shrink while the number of older people grows rapidly, prompting calls for fiscal reform and a broader immigration strategy. The total fertility rate, or the average number of chi

2026-08-02 12:32:00:00

Delivery riders seek legal safeguards over apartment entry rules

Visitor restrictions at some apartment complexes in South Korea have sparked controversy, as delivery workers voice complaints about what they say are unreasonable regulations. The dispute centers on requirements such as removing helmets, providing personal information or using separate entrances for delivery workers. Some riders say such demands are demeaning and infringe upon their privacy. They also say complicated processes can disrupt their work, as most deliveries via platforms are commiss

2026-07-30 14:55:42:00

Seoul's Climate Card to be replaced by new fare reimbursement plan

The new nationwide fare reimbursement program, "Everyone's Card," is set to launch in September, effectively replacing Seoul's all-inclusive Climate Card monthly pass that will soon be discontinued. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday, the new initiative will launch Sept. 1. Existing Everyone's Card users based in Seoul will automatically receive additional benefits available to Seoul residents. The new program will require users to link a Korean bank account to receive re

2026-07-30 12:55:27:00

Answers to your questions about Korea's digital nomad visa

Nearly a month has passed since South Korea officially launched its digital nomad visa, but confusion remains. Online communities are filled with questions from prospective applicants, many of whom say they received different answers from different government offices as guidelines have been updated over time. To clear up some of the confusion, The Korea Herald asked the Ministry of Justice and immigration experts to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Only two things changed afte

2026-07-29 14:16:18:00

Make 'wakppu ball,' make Korean friends

The Seoul Global Center is inviting international students in Seoul to make "wakppu ball," or wax balls, with local participants as part of a cultural exchange program. Wax balls are a trending stress-relief toy in Korea made by coating a soft, squeezable ball with a thin layer of wax, which users then crack by squeezing. The program includes not only a wax ball-making session but also icebreaker games designed to help participants get to know one another, encouraging natural networking and cult

2026-07-28 20:02:08:00

Report bad taxi experiences in Seoul

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is encouraging international visitors to report poor experiences with taxi services, as part of efforts to improve the city's tourism environment. According to the Seoul Foreign Resident Center, foreign visitors who experience problems such as overcharging, drivers refusing to use the meter or other unfair practices can file complaints online. Reports may also be submitted for service refusals without a valid reason or other inconveniences encountered during a t

2026-07-28 17:34:12:00

Myanmar worker's remains sent home under labor welfare agency program

The remains of Aung Min Oo, a 37-year-old worker who died in an accident at a railroad construction site earlier this month, were sent to Myanmar on Tuesday following a farewell ceremony organized by the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service at Incheon Airport. The repatriation marked the second case under the state-run agency's support program for the families and loved ones of foreign workers who die in workplace accidents in Korea. The program assists the bereaved throughout the rep

2026-07-28 15:00:00:00

YouTube-inspired 'Yatcha' fights spread in Korean schools, spark concerns

A form of school violence inspired by a popular YouTube martial arts series is spreading among Korean students, prompting education authorities and experts to warn that the so-called consensual fights are still acts of violence and may constitute criminal offenses. The practice, known as "Yatcha Rule," imitates the format of a popular YouTube fighting channel called Yatcha_Club in which participants agree to fight under a set of rules. As concerns grow over students being coerced into such fight

2026-07-28 14:44:17:00

Man fined for stalking ex-girlfriend over date expenses

A 45-year-old man was fined for stalking his former girlfriend by repeatedly contacting her and demanding reimbursement for the money he spent on their dates, local media reported Monday. The Chuncheon District Court recently handed the man a 6 million won ($4,100) fine on charges of stalking, threats and unauthorized entry into a residence. The man broke up with the victim in May last year. Despite being told by the woman not to contact her, he sent her 61 text messages and made repeated unansw

2026-07-27 17:39:48:00

Seoul dreams fade, as housing prices hinder relocation

For decades, moving to Seoul was considered a pathway to success for young Koreans. But young people seeking to relocate today are increasingly dependent on family wealth due to high housing prices and cost of living expenses. According to a July report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Bank of Korea, social mobility has become difficult for people whose parents lack the financial means to support their children. The report found that social mobility has weaken

2026-07-27 14:54:58:00