Perceptions of health linked to education, parenthood, economic level: study

South Koreans with higher education, income and no children are more likely to perceive themselves as healthier than their peers, according to the Korea Health Promotion Institute’s recent survey. The survey of 2000 adults aged 19-70, found that 39.4 percent of respondents with a university degree or higher considered themselves healthier than others their age, compared to 29.5 percent of those with a high school diploma or less. Similarly, 38.5 percent of economically active respondents r

Dec. 1, 2024

Serbian envoy touts growing Korea ties, economic potential at Global Biz Forum

Serbian Ambassador to South Korea Nemanja Grbic highlighted Serbia’s future opportunities and its growing role as a regional hub for innovation and investment during a session of the Global Business Forum on Wednesday. Addressing an audience of business leaders, Grbic emphasized Serbia's transition from an agriculture-dominated economy to a leader in information and communication technologies, with ICT exports now surpassing agricultural goods. Grbic also underscored the robust econom

Nov. 28, 2024

Yonsei University to hold additional essay test amid question leak controversy

The Ministry of Education approved Yonsei University's plan to conduct an additional essay test for natural sciences applicants after the original exam -- part of the 2025 admissions cycle -- was marred by a leaked question. The decision aims to resolve ongoing legal disputes over the leak and stabilize the university’s admissions process. The additional test, scheduled for December 8, comes in response to a court ruling that suspended the results of the original exam after proctors a

Nov. 27, 2024

Koreans to get Mobile ID cards from Dec. 27

Citizens will be able to issue a mobile ID card, allowing them to conveniently verify their identity using their smartphones without the need for a physical card. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that starting Dec. 27, citizens aged 17 or older who already hold a national ID card can apply for a mobile resident registration card, a digital initiative for the first time in 56 years since the system was in place. Citizens will have two options to apply for a mobile ID card. The fi

Nov. 27, 2024

Seoul Mayor denies ties with political broker

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on Tuesday refuted allegations that he received help during the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election from Myung Tae-kyun, a self-proclaimed power broker at the center of a growing political scandal. With a background in public opinion polling, Myung Tae-kyun has claimed he supported Oh's victory by providing polling data and strategic advice. Speaking at a press briefing at City Hall on Tuesday, Oh denied ever commissioning polls from Myung or receiving any related data. Th

Nov. 26, 2024

Suwon to host UNESCO education forum

Suwon, south of Seoul, will host the 2024 UNESCO International Forum on the Futures of Education from Dec. 2 to 4, bringing together over 1,800 participants from around the world, including government ministers, international organization representatives, academics and civil society experts. The forum, organized by UNESCO, builds on the organization's 2021 report "Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education," which emphasizes the need for equitable and su

Nov. 25, 2024

Ministry to launch agency to expand hangeul courses globally

The South Korean government is intensifying its efforts to expand Korean language education in elementary and middle schools worldwide, leveraging the growing global interest in Korean literature following author Han Kang's recent Nobel Prize win. The Ministry of Education on Monday unveiled its plan to establish a specialized agency to develop strategies for Korean language education tailored to different countries and regions. The agency will also create localized learning materials and

Nov. 25, 2024

Backlash, damage disputes continue after Dongduk Women's Univ. protests

Despite Dongduk Women’s University temporarily halting its plans to transition into a coeducational institution, the aftermath of student protests continues to fuel controversy as alleged employment discrimination and damage compensation claims take center stage. The dispute sparked an online backlash, with discriminatory posts targeting graduates of women’s universities appearing on anonymous forums like Blind, a workplace discussion app. Users claiming to work in human resources at

Nov. 25, 2024

Dongduk Women’s University halts coeducation talks

Dongduk Women’s University has reached an agreement with student representatives to temporarily suspend discussions on transitioning to a coeducational institution, weeks after the college's proposal reignited debates over the future of women’s universities in South Korea. The university confirmed that the coeducation talks would be paused indefinitely and that any future discussions would involve direct consultation with students. As part of the agreement, the student council pledge

Nov. 22, 2024

Teen smoking, drinking decline, while mental health, dietary habits worsen

A recent state-conducted health survey revealed a significant drop in smoking and alcohol consumption among South Korean teenagers over the past 20 years, but other negative trends in mental health and dietary habits are emerging. The Ministry of Education and Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency revealed Friday that the “current smoking rate,” -- measuring students who smoked at least once in the past month -- dropped from 11.8 percent in 2005 to 3.6 percent this year. Simi

Nov. 22, 2024