[Photo News] Wish upon a star

Parents and Buddhist worshippers pray among star-shaped notes bearing wishes for success on the college entrance exam at Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul on Tuesday. With this year’s College Scholastic Ability Test, or Suneung, set for Nov. 19, exactly 100 days away, the temple held an event where test-takers and their families hung notes carrying their hopes and wishes around the grounds. (Yoon Chang-bin/The Korea Herald)

2026-08-11 15:20:35:00

Heat wave, solar growth test Korea’s power strategy

South Korea’s record-breaking heat wave threw competing demands on its power system into sharp relief as the country seeks to meet rising electricity needs with nuclear and renewable energy. In Europe, extreme heat and drought have forced some nuclear plants to cut output because of cooling-water constraints. Korea faces a different problem as rapidly expanding solar generation produces large amounts of electricity during the day, while nuclear plants are slow to adjust output amid shifting supp

2026-08-11 15:15:39:00

Birds behind nearly half of Seoul’s summer power outages

Birds are a leading cause of summertime power outages in Seoul, accounting for nearly half of all such outages in recent years, Korea Electric Power Corp. revealed Monday. According to KEPCO data on power outages from June to August between 2023 and 2025, the number of outages in the capital caused by birds rose from 41 to 63. Their share of all summer outages increased from 41.8 percent to 49.6 percent over the same period. About 97 percent of bird-related outages were caused by crows and magpi

2026-08-10 16:07:28:00

Learn office Korean through K-dramas

Seoul’s Seongbuk Global Village Center is offering a Korean language program for foreign residents that uses popular Korean dramas to teach practical Korean and introduce workplace and social culture. The three-session program will feature scenes and conversations from "Misaeng," "Stove League" and "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim." Each class will focus on a different aspect of Korean work and social life. All sessions will be conducted in Korean. The first session will be held Friday, followed by se

2026-08-10 13:27:00:00

Why Seoul can’t shake its sewer smell

Occasionally, a sharp odor hits pedestrians as they walk along Seoul’s sidewalks. Although the smell often disappears within seconds, complaints have been repeatedly raised by residents and visitors. Posts describing sudden bursts of sewer-like odors can easily be found in both Korean and international online communities. According to a 2025 report by the Seoul Institute, sewer-related smells account for about half of the city’s civil complaints regarding bad odors. While complaints declined aft

2026-08-08 08:00:00:00

Cobras, crocodiles smuggled into Korea in snack tins, underwear

Five people have been indicted for allegedly smuggling nearly 200 wild animals, including cobras and endangered alligators, into South Korea and selling them to domestic buyers, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office said Friday. The suspects allegedly imported the animals on 14 occasions between November 2023 and August 2024. Of the roughly 200 animals involved, 54 were endangered species. The alleged ringleader was detained, while the other four were indicted without detention. The ani

2026-08-07 15:13:45:00

Heat illness? Gyeonggi insurance covers foreign residents

As temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius across the Greater Seoul area, registered foreign residents of Gyeonggi Province may be eligible for insurance payments if they are diagnosed with a heat-related illness. The climate insurance program is fully funded by the provincial government, so residents do not need to enroll or pay premiums. All registered residents of Gyeonggi Province, including foreign residents, are automatically covered regardless of nationality or visa type. Coverage applie

2026-08-07 13:17:08:00

Loud parties stir complaints at Seoul's public outdoor pools

Seoul’s expanded summer programs at Han River swimming pools have attracted more visitors, along with complaints over music, noise and tattooed guests. The Seoul Metropolitan Government operates six outdoor pools and water playgrounds along the Han River, charging admission of up to 5,000 won ($3.50). This year, it extended operating hours until 10 p.m. and introduced DJ-led pool parties at two locations, drawing families, young adults and foreign tourists. According to local media reports Thurs

2026-08-06 16:46:02:00

‘Seoul will be hotter than yesterday’: Expert warns of 40 C heat

Seoul could see temperatures climb to 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday as an intensifying heat wave pushes the capital close to its all-time high. The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast a daytime high of 39 C for Seoul, but Kim Seung-bae, head of the Korea Natural Disaster Association, said the temperature could rise further. “Easterly winds continue to heat the western part of the Korean Peninsula,” Kim said in an interview with local broadcaster YTN at 10 a.m. Thursday. “Today, Seo

2026-08-06 11:50:16:00

Shower truck offers Seoul’s homeless more than relief from the heat

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Euljiro in central Seoul was beginning to empty after another sweltering day. Office workers and tourists drifted away as dusk settled over the neighborhood. Near Exit No. 3 of Euljiro 1-ga Station, a small truck marked “Mobile Bath Vehicle” stood by the roadside. A weary-looking man emerged after a shower, the strain of the day still visible but his expression noticeably lighter. Inside, the shower room was bright and spacious, with gleaming faucets and floors free of rust

2026-08-06 11:39:36:00