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  • Health

    Korea legalizes telemedicine for foreign patients to boost medical tourism

    Korea is expanding medical frontiers beyond its physical borders, legalizing telemedicine for international patients in a bid to solidify its position as a premier global health care hub. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced Tuesday the promulgation of a revised law that establishes a formal legal framework for remote medical care tailored specifically to foreign nationals. Set to take effect next year after a 12-month grace period, the legislation marks a major shift by regulatory planners seeking to maintain momentum in an industry that drew a record 2.01 million international patients last year. Under the newly amended Act on Support for Overseas Medical Expansion and Attraction of Foreign Patients, licensed doctors, dentists and traditional medicine practitioners at designated medical institutions can provide digital consultations, remote monitoring, clinical diagnoses and prescriptions to overseas patients using advanced information and communications technology. Unlike the stricter domestic telemedicine rules established under the Medical Service Act which limit remote ca

    2 MIN READBy Jhoo Dong-chan
    Korea legalizes telemedicine for foreign patients to boost medical tourism
  • South Korea

    Israeli Embassy denies detention, mistreatment of Korean activists

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Israeli Embassy denies detention, mistreatment of Korean activists
  • South Korea

    Korea, EU to push for stronger cooperation in critical minerals, supply chains

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Korea, EU to push for stronger cooperation in critical minerals, supply chains
  • South Korea

    Handong Global University showcases future of AI education

    2 MIN READBy Jhoo Dong-chan
    Handong Global University showcases future of AI education
  • South Korea

    Korea mulling timing of oil release with possible supply crisis in August: official

    2 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Korea mulling timing of oil release with possible supply crisis in August: official
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CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.

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Global Community

Eumseong’s foreign resident population hits new high, ranks 2nd in Korea

Eumseong County in North Chungcheong Province is seeing rapid demographic change, with newly released figures showing foreign residents now account for more than 16 percent of its total population ― the second-highest in Korea. According to local officials Monday, the number of noncitizen residents registered in the county reached 18,595 as of September, jumping 9.7 percent from 16,938 a year earlier and up from 14,843 in 2023. Now, foreigners make up 16.6 percent of its total population, giving Eumseong the second-highest foreign resident ratio among local governments nationwide, trailing only Yeongam County in South Jeolla Province. Eumseong officials say the continued influx highlights the county’s growing importance as a hub for migrant workers as it hosts around 3,000 firms, many of which are in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors and rely heavily on migrant labor. Its convenient transportation infrastructure, low industrial complex land prices and proximity to the Seoul metropolitan region are cited as other reasons. To help foreign residents settle and foster a sense of

Oct 27, 2025By Jung Min-ho
Eumseong’s foreign resident population hits new high, ranks 2nd in Korea
Society

Key venues revealed for pope's WYD 2027 visit to Seoul

Organizers for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 said Monday the Seoul World Cup Stadium, Gwanghwamun Square, Olympic Park and Yeouido Han River Park are among the key venues being considered for the global event in Seoul, which Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to attend. At a press briefing on the basic plan for the Aug. 3-8 event, the organizing committee, led by Archbishop of Seoul Archdiocese Peter Chung Soon-taick, said the Seoul World Cup Stadium is being considered for the Aug. 3 Opening Mass, which will officially commence WYD and showcase Korean history and culture. Pope Leo XIV will arrive in early August, with his official welcoming ceremony potentially at Gwanghwamun Square in the city center, featuring a car parade, a march and cultural performances. The pontiff is expected to offer a message for the youth "to take courage amid the flames of war and the immense challenges of climate crisis and economic inequality, as they wander through spiritual isolation and social disconnection," Chung said. The pope is also said to be interested in talking to North Korean youth through the event, acco

Oct 27, 2025By Yonhap
Key venues revealed for pope's WYD 2027 visit to Seoul
Society

APEC summit transforms Gyeongju into global diplomacy hub

Gyeongju, the historic capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, is rapidly becoming a focal point of global diplomacy as host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which began Monday. The weeklong event will temporarily shift the world’s attention to this ancient Korean city in North Gyeongsang Province, using its deep historical backdrop for critical discussions on the future of Asia-Pacific trade and security. Officials are operating under a mandate to ensure flawless execution for the high-stakes gathering. As a visible measure of this commitment, Pohang Gyeongju Airport, a regional gateway, has been temporarily repurposed as the exclusive hub for visiting corporate leaders. The city itself is being carefully managed and promoted as a unique convergence point, where the demands of 21st-century technology are set against the backdrop of millennia-old Korean culture, providing a distinctive setting for the world’s economic leaders. Delegates participating in the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting, scheduled Monday and Tuesday at Sono Calm and Commodore Hotel, bega

Oct 27, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
APEC summit transforms Gyeongju into global diplomacy hub
Law & Crime

Special counsel team raids home of ex-PM Hwang

A special counsel team attempted to raid the home of former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday over suspicions of inciting an insurrection following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's bid to impose martial law in December. The team of special counsel Cho Eun-suk arrived at Hwang's home to execute a search and seizure warrant but the door was locked and investigators waited outside to be let in. "(The raid) has to do with a case filed with the police regarding insurrection incitement charges related to former Prime Minister Hwang's actions on the day martial law was imposed," assistant special counsel Park Ji-young said during a press briefing. "We hope he will cooperate over a court-issued warrant, as he is a jurist who previously served as the minister of justice," she added. The former prime minister, who served under former President Park Geun-hye, was reported to the police in December by an online news outlet over Facebook posts he made on the day Yoon declared martial law on Dec. 3. In the posts, he called for using the emergency decree to "eradicate" pro-North Korea forces and th

Oct 27, 2025By Yonhap
Special counsel team raids home of ex-PM Hwang
Law & Crime

Prosecution's civic committee convenes to review 'Choco Pie theft' case

The prosecution on Monday convened a civic committee to review prosecutorial proceedings made in the case of "Choco Pie theft" that has drawn public outcry and questions over the role of law. In May, a court fined a subcontractor worker 50,000 won ($34.80) for taking a 400 won Choco Pie — a chocolate-covered marshmallow-filled snack — and a 650 won Custard cake from a company refrigerator and eating them without permission last year. The decision over the seemingly minor incident sparked public outcry and questions over the role of law, with some criticizing the prosecution for taking the case to court. The Jeonju District Prosecutors Office held a closed-door session of the committee, which consists of about a dozen members from various backgrounds, to review whether the steps it took on the case were appropriate. The prosecution will take the results of the meeting into consideration in future proceedings. The meeting takes place days before an appellate trial hearing for the case scheduled for Thursday. Based on the meeting's results, prosecutors may even seek lighter punishment, s

Oct 27, 2025By Yonhap
Prosecution's civic committee convenes to review 'Choco Pie theft' case
Law & Crime

1 dead, 1 critically injured in lotto ticket dispute stabbing in northern Seoul

One of two restaurant owners attacked in a stabbing in Seoul’s Gangbuk District has died, police said Monday, after a man in his 60s assaulted the couple in a dispute over a promotional lottery ticket. According to the Gangbuk Police Station, one of the victims — a husband-and-wife team in their 60s who ran the restaurant — died from injuries sustained in the attack, while the other remains in critical condition after surgery. The suspect, also in his 60s, was arrested at the scene on Sunday afternoon on charges of attempted murder, which were later upgraded to murder. Police said the man attacked the couple at their restaurant in Suyu-dong, allegedly shouting that they “refused to give him a lotto ticket.” Witnesses said the restaurant, which reopened in July, had been offering 1,000-won ($0.73) lottery tickets as a promotion to cash-paying customers. The suspect had visited the restaurant the day before but did not receive a ticket. When he returned the next day and was told that the event did not apply on Sundays, he became enraged and pulled out a knife from his pocket, acco

Oct 27, 2025By Hankookilbo
1 dead, 1 critically injured in lotto ticket dispute stabbing in northern Seoul
Politics

Lee set to unveil new partnership initiative, peace vision at ASEAN summit

KUALA LUMPUR — President Lee Jae Myung is set to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, where he will present South Korea's initiatives to strengthen cooperation with the regional bloc and seek support in Seoul's peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula. In his first participation in the annual gathering since taking office in June, Lee will lay out South Korea's new initiative to bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) forged with ASEAN last year and propose hosting a special Korea-ASEAN summit in 2029 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The "CSP vision," based on the initials of ASEAN's highest-level partnership framework, aims to position South Korea as a "contributor" to support youth in Southeast Asia, a "springboard" for growth and innovation, and a "partner for peace and stability," National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Sunday. Lee also plans to share his "END" initiative — standing for "exchange," "normalization" and "denuclearization" — aimed at easing tensions and improving inter-Korea

Oct 27, 2025By Yonhap
Lee set to unveil new partnership initiative, peace vision at ASEAN summit
APEC 2025

Gyeongju residents welcome APEC dignitaries

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — A day before this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, the southeastern city buzzed with anticipation Sunday as it prepared to welcome guests from around the world. Starting Monday, this historic city will host a series of APEC events, starting with the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting, followed by the APEC Ministerial Meeting and the CEO Summit. The Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, will bring together leaders from all 21 member economies, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The excitement surrounding the APEC events was evident as soon as visitors arrived at Gyeongju Station. Greeters dressed in hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, welcomed visitors with cheongsachorong — red and blue traditional lanterns — as many paused to take photos with them. The moment felt special for Kim Hyoun-su, a first-year student at Dongguk University’s Gyeongju campus who works as a staff member for the APEC events. “I hope more foreign visitors come to

Oct 26, 2025By Park Ung
Gyeongju residents welcome APEC dignitaries
APEC 2025

Security ramped up to highest level in Gyeongju ahead of APEC summit

Security in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, has been raised to the highest level as world leaders and top business figures converge on the city for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Key areas such as Gyeongju Station and the Bomun Tourist Complex, where the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will be held and hotels accommodating world leaders are located, will be subject to enhanced security and defense operations. Police plan to enforce strict security protocols around the Bomun complex, deploying up to 18,500 officers daily, with support from police special operations armored vehicles and helicopters. A three-tier security system will be in place to protect major figures, with personnel and equipment positioned across inner, middle and outer perimeters surrounding each individual. At Gyeongju Station, one of the city’s busiest public facilities, police are preparing precautionary measures, as multiple civic groups have announced plans to hold rallies there. In addition, 1,800 military personnel will be dispatched for ground security and patrol operations aro

Oct 26, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Security ramped up to highest level in Gyeongju ahead of APEC summit
Health

How too many cookies could hurt your mind: Everyday habits that quietly damage mental health

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Seemingly harmless daily habits like spending hours on your phone or snacking on chips can quietly take a toll on your mental health, according to WebMD. Experts say the mind is just as sensitive to lifestyle choices as the body, and small changes can make a significant difference. Being inactive The human body is built to move. However, many people spend long hours sitting or lying down, particularly as they age. Studies show that increased sedentary time can worsen anxiety, depression and chronic pain. The key, experts say, is finding the right level of activity that suits you. For some, high-intensity workouts bring energy and pleasure, while others may prefer to start small with something simple like walking. Even committing to one day a week of movement can make it easier to build consistency over time. Chronic stress No one can live entirely free from stress — and in small doses, it can actually be helpful. Moderate stress keeps the mind alert and engaged. But when stress becomes chronic, it harms both body and mind. Irritability, anxiet

Oct 26, 2025By Kormedi.com
How too many cookies could hurt your mind: Everyday habits that quietly damage mental health
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