South Korea - The Korea Times

Cold snap to ease beginning Thursday

The cold snap that swept across the nation for several days until Wednesday is expected to ease later this week, the state weather agency said. Morning temperatures again dropped below freezing in the central region, including Seoul, and many southeastern areas in North Gyeongsang Province on Wednesday, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said. Gangwon Province's Daegwallyeong and Paju, Gyeonggi Province, registered minus 10.5 degrees Celsius and minus 6.9 degrees Celsius, respectively, with the mercury dropping to minus 1.6 C in the capital, the agency said. Daytime highs are expected to range from 6 to 13 C nationwide, marking a daily temperature difference of up to 15 C, it noted. The KMA said daytime temperatures will rise to the seasonal average of 8 to 15 C on Thursday and Friday, as the influx of cold air from the north ends and the relatively warm air flows in from the Yellow Sea.

Nov 19, 2025By Yonhap

Parrot ruffles feathers by showing up uninvited at Seoul cafe

Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station received an unusual report on Sunday of a parrot allegedly taking a sip from a customer's cup of coffee. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the culprit to be a medium-sized parrot weighing about 0.5 kilograms. The uninvited guest had flown in through a window and surprised patrons by darting around the outdoor seats. Before the parrot was rescued by authorities, the coffee shop owner fed it some snacks while some customers pet it. The bird is believed to be an endangered yellow-headed amazon (Amazona oratrix), a species native to Mexico and northern Central America. The species is characterized by its bright yellow head, green plumage, social behavior and unique vocal abilities. With only 4,000 left in the world, the yellow-headed amazon is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This designation prohibits private ownership. However, it remains unclear whether the parrot is privately owned or from a nearby area. If the parrot's original home cannot be identified w

Nov 18, 2025By Ahn Seo-hyeon

Parrot ruffles feathers by showing up uninvited at Seoul cafe

Season's 1st sub-zero weather grips Seoul

A cold snap hit Seoul on Tuesday, with the morning temperature dropping below zero for the first time this season, the state weather agency said, forecasting the chilly weather is expected to persist for some time. Seoul saw the season's first sub-zero temperature at 10:50 p.m. Monday, and the mercury fell further to minus 2 degrees Celsius at 5:46 a.m. Tuesday, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said. The capital's sensible temperature was estimated at minus 5.9 C due to strong winds. The agency said morning lows dropped by 5 to 10 C nationwide due to the influence of cold air flowing in from the north. Temperatures plummeted to minus 12.1 C on Hyangno Peak in Goseong, Gangwon Province, minus 8.2 in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, and minus 8 C in Pocheon and Paju, both in the vicinity of Seoul. In the central region, Chungju of North Chungcheong Province saw the morning temperature falling to minus 5.7 C. A cold wave alert has already been issued for Gangwon, North Chungcheong and some Gyeongsang province regions. Nationwide, daily highs will range from 4 to 11 C on Tuesday, t

Nov 18, 2025By Yonhap

Season's 1st sub-zero weather grips Seoul

Trees don sweaters as winter nears

As winter approaches, knitted covers adorn trees in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea braces for its coldest morning of the season Tuesday, with temperatures in Seoul plunging to minus 3 degrees Celsius. Forecasters say the chill will begin to ease by Thursday afternoon. Yonhap

Nov 17, 2025By Lee Hae-rin

Illegal pet sales surge on livestreams, raising concerns over animal welfare

A YouTube livestream recently drew attention after a host promoted the sale of puppies in real time, saying, “We only have four dogs left. You’ll be surprised at how cheap they are, prices are completely down. Anyone looking to raise a Samoyed? Take them home for a low price.” Viewers quickly flooded the chat with comments such as, “Do you have smaller dogs?” and “Show us the bichon!” The replay of the broadcast has since garnered over 20,000 views. During the stream, the host continued to encourage sales, saying, “All bichons have been sold, but reservations are open, contact me anytime,” and “We can deliver nationwide, so feel free to reach out.” This kind of live commerce, where pets are showcased, priced and sold in real time through YouTube, Instagram and other social media platforms, has become increasingly common in Korea. Modeled after televised home shopping channels, these broadcasts allow viewers to “order” a living animal with just a few clicks. However, such transactions are illegal under Korean law. Article 49 of the Enforcement Rules of the Anima

Nov 11, 2025By Youn Ye-jin

Illegal pet sales surge on livestreams, raising concerns over animal welfare

Korea finalizes goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53-61% from 2018 level by 2035

The government on Tuesday approved a goal to reduce South Korea's greenhouse gas emissions by 53-61 percent from 2018 levels by 2035, with President Lee Jae Myung stressing the transition to a carbon-neutral society is an "inevitable path" for sustainable growth. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting presided over by Lee, endorsing the nationally determined contribution (NDC) target for 2035, which is slightly higher than the government's initial proposal to cut emissions by either 50-60 percent or 53-60 percent. "There is controversy these days regarding the NDC, but the transition to a carbon-neutral society is an inevitable path that we must take for sustainable growth and a leap forward as a global economic power even if it that entails some pain," Lee said during the meeting. The finalized NDC will be officially announced at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, which began this day and runs through Nov. 21. Under the Paris Agreement, each country is required to submit and update its NDC every five years, outlining efforts to curb green

Nov 11, 2025By Yonhap

Korea finalizes goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53-61% from 2018 level by 2035

Korea reports another highly pathogenic bird flu case

Korea reported a highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) case at a chicken farm in the country's northwest, authorities said Monday. The case was discovered at the farm in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, prompting authorities to take quarantine measures, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The case marks the third AI case at a poultry farm this year. The ministry said it will launch a special quarantine check on poultry farms across the country to prevent the outbreak of additional cases.

Nov 10, 2025By Yonhap

Korea reports another highly pathogenic bird flu case

Korea effectively sets goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53-61% from 2018 level by 2035

A presidential commission on Monday approved a goal to reduce Korea's greenhouse gas emissions by 53-61 percent from 2018 levels by 2035. The Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth said it endorsed the nationally determined contribution (NDC) target for 2035, slightly higher than the government's initial proposal to cut the emissions by 50-60 percent. The government will finalize the emissions goal at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday and officially announce the plan at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, which begins on Tuesday and runs through Nov. 21, the commission said in a release. Under the Paris Agreement, each country is required to submit and update its NDC every five years, outlining efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Korea previously submitted its 2030 NDC in 2021, pledging to cut emissions by 40 percent from 2018 levels. The business community voiced concerns that the proposed target would undermine competitiveness in the energy-intensive manufacturing sectors, such as petrochemical, steel and autos. To achieve the

Nov 10, 2025By Yonhap

Korea effectively sets goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53-61% from 2018 level by 2035

Korea’s 2035 emissions plan faces backlash from both environmentalists, industry groups

Korea’s newly announced greenhouse gas reduction targets, unveiled Thursday, are drawing criticism from both environmentalists and industry leaders. Activists argue that the plan represents a retreat from previous climate goals, while manufacturing representatives contend it places unrealistic demands on the sector. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment presented two options for the nation’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): a 50 to 60 percent cut in emissions from 2018 levels, or a slightly stronger range of 53 to 60 percent. The target will be finalized next week after review by the presidential 2050 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission and the Cabinet. It will be announced at the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. Minister Kim Sung-whan said the government sought a "balanced goal" that is both scientifically sound and economically feasible, reflecting sharply divided views: Civil society has demanded at least a 61 percent cut, while industries warn that even a 48 percent reduction is excessive. "President Lee Jae Myung promised

Nov 6, 2025By Lee Hae-rin

Korea’s 2035 emissions plan faces backlash from both environmentalists, industry groups

Gov't to create $207.5 mil. loan for firms investing in carbon reduction projects

The government will launch a loan program worth 300 billion won ($207.5 million) over the next three years to support companies investing in carbon emission reduction facilities, and related research and development (R&D) projects, the industry ministry said Thursday. The program will provide financial support to companies participating in 16 projects aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions across industries such as oil refining and shipbuilding, as well as advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. With the support, participating companies plan to invest a combined 963 billion won in such projects, the ministry said. The projects include investment in emission reduction facilities by major oil refinery S-Oil Corp. and shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Ecotech Co., as well as fuel cell R&D investment by energy solutions provider HD Hydrogen, according to the ministry. Since 2022, the ministry has been providing low-interest loans to companies committed to achieving carbon neutrality. The latest plan, once implemented, will put the o

Nov 6, 2025By Yonhap

Environment & Animals