Criticism of Washington's $350 billion investment demand 'not anti-Americanism,' says Seoul's top envoy

Published: 07 Oct. 2025, 17:32 Cho Hyun, minister of foreign affairs, speaks during an interview with the JoongAng Sunday at the Sejong governmental complex on Oct. 1. [KIM SANG-SUN] As South Korea struggles to finalize a trade deal with the...

Asian markets mostly higher in quiet holiday trading

A person stand in front of an electronic stock board showing Japan's Nikkei index at a securities firm on Oct 6, in Tokyo. (AP) TOKYO, Oct 7, (AP): Asian shares were mostly higher Tuesday in quiet holiday trading, while Japan’s benchmark rose to...

South Korea: Highways remain congested nationwide on Chuseok holiday

Seoul: Major expressways across South Korea remained congested with heavy traffic Monday as drivers hit the road to celebrate the seven-day Chuseok holiday with their families or began their return home. Chuseok, which falls on Monday this year,...

This Clever Travel Pillow Doubles as Noise-blocking Sleep Headphones for Long Flights—and It’s on Sale at Amazon

If your seatmate were to pull this device out of their carry-on, you might do a double-take. It’s not your average travel pillow, but people say it’s so much better because of its unusual design and techy features. In addition to being cushiony...

New Report Reveals How The Ultra-Wealthy Will Travel In 2026

Luxury travelers prioritize exclusivity and avoiding crowds. getty The ultra-wealthy can splurge on travel experiences most others only dream of, and there are often common factors that characterize their choices. Luxury travelers prioritize...

South Korean Fast Food Chain Lotteria To Open At The Curve This December

If you’ve ever been to South Korea, chances are you’ve spotted a Lotteria (롯데리아) on just about every corner. It’s the kind of place locals and tourists alike flock to when cravings hit. It’s a burger joint that feels familiar, but with a...

South Korea's airport workers on an indefinite nationwide strike from 1 October 2025

Workers across the nation’s 15 airports have vowed to continue striking until their demands for improved working conditions are met. Workers at 15 airports across South Korea, including Incheon International Airport, Gimpo International Airport,...

Tourism Malaysia scales up promotions

PUTRAJAYA, 7 October 2025: Tourism Malaysia hosted the Global Tourism Meet 2025, an international tourism business event set to become a pivotal annual gathering. The event brought together 600 international buyers and 100 media representatives...

Who is Mereena Alex? Indian woman who works for the US army in South Korea is now an Instagram sensation

At 24, Mereena Alex has become something of a social media sensation, not for the usual reasons, but for how she is sharing her life as a young woman in the US Army. Mereena is stationed in South Korea and works as a radiology technologist, but it...

Agoda reports strong rise in travel interest to India

Agoda data shows travel searches to India up 24% for Diwali week, with inbound interest growing 67% year-on-year. NEW DELHI, INDIA – Digital travel platform Agoda has reported a sharp rise in travel interest to India during the upcoming Diwali...

South Korea Exceeds Its 300,000 International Students Target, Surpassing 2027 Goal Two Years Early

Mumbai: South Korea has exceeded its target for 300,000 overseas students, with the figure reaching 305,329 students to date as per August 2025 data from the Korea Immigration Service and ICEF Monitor. The nation was only aiming for this by 2027,...

The Best Festivals and Events in South Korea This October 2025

October is one of the most enchanting times to visit South Korea. The weather turns crisp, autumn foliage paints the cities and mountains in gold and crimson, and the country bursts to life with celebrations of light, art, food and heritage....

Asian markets mostly higher in quiet holiday trading after AI deals push Wall St to more records

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

BTS Jin`s encore concert: South Korean hotels hike prices by 1200 percent!

Following the announcement, hotel prices near the venue skyrocketed, with some fans reporting 200–1200 percent price hikes and even sudden cancellations of confirmed bookings BTS' Jin has returned with fresh content, and the competition among the...

‘The V’ a boost for urban growth, tourism: Liew

‘The V’ a boost for urban growth, tourism: Liew Published on: Tuesday, October 07, 2025 Published on: Tue, Oct 07, 2025 Text Size: Dark Mode: Off Liew being warmly welcomed upon arrival by Tan Sri David Chu, Executive Chairman of Jesselton...

Heavy Traffic Continues Nationwide on Second Day of Chuseok Holiday

Photo : YONHAP News Heavy traffic continues across major highways Tuesday morning, the second day of the Chuseok holiday. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, as of 8 a.m., the drive to Seoul tollgate was estimated at about seven hours...

Surge in domestic violence feared during long Chuseok holiday in South Korea

SEOUL – As South Korea enters one of its longest Chuseok holidays in recent years — lasting seven days thanks to adjacent public holidays — concerns are growing that family-related violent crimes could spike during the period. Police statistics...

The cosmetic surgery capital that tourists can’t resist

Forget Paris or Bali, South Korea has quietly become the new pilgrimage site for anyone chasing a younger face or a sharper jawline. Just like the country’s music, the South Korean K-beauty craze has now gone global, drawing thousands of...

The World’s Deadliest Travel Destinations for Americans in 2025

Last August, Taylor Swift cancelled shows in Vienna, Austria after authorities announced arrests over a terror plot targeting the concerts. Amidst rising terrorist claims throughout Europe, Italy has remained at a Level 2 travel advisory for...

Netflix strikes gold again with hit K-drama 'Genie, Make A Wish' during Chuseok holidays

Netflix has struck gold once again as the Chuseok holidays kicked off. The new Netflix original series 'Genie, Make A Wish,' which was released on October 3, shot straight to the No. 1 spot in Korea's Netflix rankings within just one day,...