The South Korean public is more sensitive to air quality these days, in light of increasing news reports on the negative impacts of fine dust and with a slew of released apps that send almost real-time updates on the concentration of harmful particles. So how bad is fine dust to one’s health?Fine dust particles do not just cause respiratory problems such as bronchial and asthmatic diseases, they also increase the chance of cerebrovascular diseases, according to the Korean Medical Association.Fin

Social Affairs June 24, 2016

A latest report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has sent a solemn message to the world: If we do not effectively tackle air pollution, it could cause 6 to 9 million premature deaths and economic consequences of $2.6 trillion annually by 2060.South Korea was among countries singled out as those in greater danger. The report said that South Korea could see at least 1,109 early deaths per 1 million people in 2060 -- the only OECD member to exceed the 1,000 mark -- unl

Social Affairs June 24, 2016

Gary Cook, a senior IT analyst at Greenpeace, said that he has noticed a particular trend among the younger generation in the United States -- they delay getting their driver’s license after they turn 20.“It’s interesting. America, very much defined by car culture, is seeing lowering importance of getting a car. An interesting shift over the last five years,” Cook said in an interview with The Korea Herald.He explained that many drivers in the U.S. are choosing electric vehicles as the first opt

Social Affairs June 24, 2016

Two public parks in Jongno -- Jongmyo and Tapgol -- will turn into special zones for the elderly by offering a variety of welfare facilities and cultural activities, Seoul City said Monday. The two parks are frequented by senior citizens to rest, meet friends and have a meal at a soup kitchen in the neighborhood.The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it would inject 60 million won ($51,000) over the next four months to build more facilities and programs for the senior citizens. Public and privat

Social Affairs June 15, 2016

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced its plan to gradually reduce the number of taxi stands in the city.The SMG said Sunday that it would cut 30 taxi stands each year over the next five years -- downsizing about one-third of the current 419 taxi stands installed throughout Seoul. YonhapA city official said the plan is intended to save on maintenance costs. The low level of income from advertising at taxi stands is another reason, the official added.Amid the increasing popularity of mobile

Social Affairs June 15, 2016

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Sunday that it has launched the salvage operation of the sunken Sewol ferry, which has remained underwater off Jindo Island in South Jeolla Province the past two years and three months.The ministry said it aims to complete the operation of lifting the bow of the ferry by Wednesday. The operation was previously postponed in May due to technical problems. The lifting of the bow section is considered the most challenging part of the operation. If the liftin

Social Affairs June 13, 2016

For many Seoulites, a visit to Daerim-dong or Yeonnam-dong would mean a stop in the district’s Chinatown for exotic menus featuring lamb skewers or bubble tea. It is also in such ethnic zones that Chinese immigrants tend to search for an affordable home in their new country.These tight-knit foreign communities are also found in other areas of the city, including the Vietnamese town in Wangsimni, Nepalese town in Changsin-dong and Mongolian town in Gwanghui-dong. In Itaewon is an Islamic town str

Social Affairs June 12, 2016

The Environment Ministry signed memorandums of understanding Wednesday with 59 household goods firms here to review the safety of biocides in their products amid a growing nationwide “chemical-phobia” following a humidifier disinfectant tragedy, which allegedly claimed more than 200 lives since 2011.In a group briefing Wednesday attended by representatives of manufacturers, distributors and importers, the ministry said that it will first review products like deodorants and spray items of these c

Social Affairs June 8, 2016

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon is on the hot seat amid escalating criticism over his governing ability with regard to the recent deadly safety accident and prolonged conflicts with civic activists concerning city affairs. Park has 1 1/2 years left in his second term.During a press briefing Tuesday, Park said that safety measures discussed in the past had mostly not considered the real conditions at work sites and had been “empty talk.”He added, “I will stop blaming the past and continue to think abou

Social Affairs June 7, 2016

The South Korean government will propose a revision bill to ensure the safety of subcontract workers and enforce stronger preventive measures for industrial accidents, a ministry said Monday. The Ministry of Employment and Labor said they are preparing to propose a revision to the current Industrial Safety and Health Act to better protect subcontract workers from safety accidents. Members of a union group for part-time workers protest near Guui Station in Seoul on Saturday, calling for workers’

Social Affairs June 6, 2016