 A weak currency is proving to be a strong economic advantage for South Korea. As the Korean won remains under pressure, Chinese tourists are flocking to Seoul for luxury shopping, beauty treatments and duty-free bargains.


Chinese tourists fuel South Korea's retail boom

Chinese tourists have played a key role in driving South Korea’s tourism recovery, contributing significantly to the rebound in international arrivals. Popular destinations such as Seoul and Busan have seen increased visitor numbers, boosting the hospitality and retail sectors. The resurgence reflects easing travel restrictions and renewed demand for overseas travel. Officials expect the upward trend to continue as regional tourism strengthens further.

Chinese visitors lead South Korea's tourism recovery

South Korea has announced a massive expansion of its unmanned aerial capabilities as part of a strategic shift to counter growing threats from North Korea. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back confirmed that the military aims to procure approximately 11,000 commercial drones by the end of 2026 to serve as training platforms for the country’s ambitious "500,000 Drone Warriors" program.  


Seoul to procure 11,000 commercial drones by the end of 2026

More than 6,000 people protested on Friday night at a vote-counting centre in Seoul, demanding this week's ‌local elections be repeated after a shortage of ballots prevented some people from voting, the Yonhap news agency reported.
The crowd gathered at the SK Olympic Handball Stadium, where votes were counted from Wednesday's elections to pick mayors, provincial governors, county officers and members of local assemblies, Reuters witnesses ​said. Yonhap reported unofficial police estimates of the crowd size.

South Koreans Rally For Election Justice; Demand Election Rerun

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party has strengthened its political position by winning 12 of 16 major mayoral and provincial races in local elections. The results give President Lee Jae Myung's party broader control over regional governments just a year into his presidency. However, the conservatives secured an important symbolic victory as incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon retained his post. 


South Korea Local Polls: Democrats Win 12 Of 16 Mayoral & Provincial Gubernatorial Posts

Robot monks took center stage at the Lotus Lantern Festival celebrations, blending tradition with advanced robotics. The event showcased how technology is being integrated into cultural and religious festivities, drawing attention from visitors and tech enthusiasts alike. The unique display highlighted the evolving role of AI and robotics in modern ceremonial practices.


Robot Monks Lead Lotus Lantern Festival Celebrations

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a new “K9-type howitzer” artillery system, raising fresh concerns over military escalation on the Korean Peninsula. The weapon is reportedly capable of striking targets deep inside Seoul, intensifying fears of a renewed security threat in the region.

The inspection highlights North Korea’s continued focus on expanding its long-range artillery and missile capabilities, as tensions with South Korea and its allies remain high.

Kim Jong-un Inspects K9-Type Howitzer | New Threat To Seoul?

A robot monk has made its debut at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, marking a unique blend of tradition and technology in South Korea’s Buddhist practices. The robotic figure is designed to assist with rituals, engage visitors, and demonstrate how modern innovation is being integrated into spiritual spaces. The development has sparked curiosity and debate about the future of religious experiences in a tech-driven world.


Robot Monk Makes Debut at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul

South Korea has hosted a unique “Power Nap Contest” as the country continues to grapple with rising levels of sleep deprivation. Held in Seoul, the event brought together participants competing to achieve the most restful nap under monitored conditions.


South Korea Hosts Power Nap Contest in Sleep-Deprived Nation

Netflix is planning a live tour for KPop Demon Hunters as it builds momentum ahead of the animated sequel set for 2026.

The move signals the platform’s push to expand the franchise beyond streaming, tapping into the global popularity of K-pop and animated content.

Details on locations and dates are yet to be announced, but the tour is expected to play a key role in promoting the upcoming sequel.

KPop Demon Hunters Tour: Netflix Plans 2026 Shows Ahead of Sequel

Seoul is preparing for a massive turnout as BTS returns to perform in the South Korean capital, prompting heightened security and crowd control measures.

Authorities are on alert ahead of the show, with large-scale arrangements in place to manage crowds and ensure safety as thousands of fans are expected to gather.

The concert marks a major moment for the global K-pop group, with the city gearing up for one of its biggest entertainment events.


BTS: Seoul on High Alert as BTS Returns for Massive Concert | WION

The United States has reportedly begun relocating parts of its missile defence systems from South Korea to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran intensifies. The move includes components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system that had been stationed on the Korean Peninsula.


US-Iran War: US Moves Missile Defences From South Korea, Seoul Claims Security Intact 

Divers in colorful hanbok performed underwater routines at a Seoul aquarium on February 10, 2026, ahead of Seollal (Feb 16-18). The spectacle drew cheers, promoting holiday spirit amid palace visits and hanbok rentals offering free entry. Families enjoyed tteokguk feasts and games like yutnori in quieter city spots.


Hanbok Divers Plunge into Seoul's Lunar Cheers

South Korean President Lee arrived in China seeking to strengthen ties while carefully sidestepping Taiwan tensions following Beijing's recent military drills around the island. The visit underscores Seoul's delicate balancing act between its key economic partner China and security ally the United States amid heightened regional flashpoints. 

Seoul's Lee Lands in China, Seeks to Avoid Taiwan Friction After Drills

South Korea has proposed military talks with North Korea to ease border tensions. The move aims to reduce conflict risks and improve security communication between the two Koreas.

Seoul Proposes Military Talks with Pyongyang Amid Rising Tensions

Seoul Proposes Military Talks with Pyongyang Amid Border Tensions

Seoul’s newest digital exchange is embracing the world of K-Pop, planning to list tokens tied to music rights.
This move could revolutionize fan engagement, music monetization, and investment opportunities in South Korea’s booming entertainment industry.

K-Pop Token: Seoul’s New Exchange Turns to K-Pop Tokens | Music Rights Go Digital

A Pakistani man, found to be a member of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation designated by the United Nations, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been reportedly arrested by the South Korean police. The man was working as a market clerk in Seoul's Itaewon district, according to local media outlet Korea Herald.&nbsp;The man was arrested on August 2 in Itaewon-dong, Seoul, where he had been working at a local market, according to the report. It further added that the man has not been accused of carrying out or plotting any acts of terror.&nbsp;The officials at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency said that the suspect is in his 40s, and has been arrested in violation of the Act on Counter Terrorism and the Immigration Act.<h2>How did it all begin?</h2>The Pakistani man entered South Korea in December 2023, through the visa he got from a South Korean consulate in Pakistan, as he allegedly posed as a businessman intending to establish a business in South Korea.&nbsp;According to the investigation, the suspect joined LeT in Pakistan in 2020. He was being trained in the use of weapons and infiltration tactics and was accepted as an official member of the UN-designed terrorist organisation.&nbsp;The man, although he is not accused of plotting or carrying out any acts of terrorism in South Korea, is a member of the LeT, which violates Article 17 of the Act on Counter-Terrorism for the Protection of Citizens and Public Security.&nbsp;However, the man reportedly denied the charges imposed against him.The South Korean police are investigating whether the man has sent any money to the LeT group or not.<h2>What do we know about LeT?</h2>The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was listed as a terrorist organisation in May 2005 by the United Nations Security Council, for engaging in terror activity and supporting listed individuals and entities, including Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden.&nbsp;Notably, the terror group has been behind several major terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai terror attacks.&nbsp;

The officials at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency said that the suspect is in his 40s, and has been arrested in violation of the Act on Counter Terrorism and the Immigration Act.

A Pakistani man, found to be a member of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation designated by the United Nations, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been reportedly arrested by the South Korean police. The man was working as a market clerk in Seoul's Itaewon district, according to local media outlet Korea Herald. The man was arrested on August 2 in Itaewon-dong, Seoul, where he had been working at a local market, according to the report. It further added that the man has not been accused of carrying out or plotting any acts of terror. The officials at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency said that the suspect is in his 40s, and has been arrested in violation of the Act on Counter Terrorism and the Immigration Act. How did it all begin? The Pakistani man entered South Korea in December 2023, through the visa he got from a South Korean consulate in Pakistan, as he allegedly posed as a businessman intending to establish a business in South Korea. According to the investigation, the suspect joined LeT in Pakistan in 2020. He was being trained in the use of weapons and infiltration tactics and was accepted as an official member of the UN-designed terrorist organisation. The man, although he is not accused of plotting or carrying out any acts of terrorism in South Korea, is a member of the LeT, which violates Article 17 of the Act on Counter-Terrorism for the Protection of Citizens and Public Security. However, the man reportedly denied the charges imposed against him. The South Korean police are investigating whether the man has sent any money to the LeT group or not. What do we know about LeT? The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was listed as a terrorist organisation in May 2005 by the United Nations Security Council, for engaging in terror activity and supporting listed individuals and entities, including Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden. Notably, the terror group has been behind several major terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai terror attacks.

The officials at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency said that the suspect is in his 40s, and has been arrested in violation of the Act on Counter Terrorism and the Immigration Act.

Pakistani man, linked to LeT, arrested in South Korea - Here's what we know

Heavy rain in South Korea has killed at least 17 people in recent days, government records showed Sunday, while 11 remain unaccounted for in the intense downpours. South Korea typically experiences monsoon rains in July and is usually well-prepared. But this week, the country's southern regions were hit with some of the heaviest hourly rainfall on record, according to official data.&nbsp;There was also a dangerous deluge in the north early Sunday, with close to 170 millimetres (6.7 inches) of rain hitting Gapyeong county in Gyeonggi province, east of the capital Seoul, leaving at least two dead and five missing. The number of casualties rose throughout the day as bodies of those previously reported missing -- many swept away in landslides -- were recovered. &nbsp;&nbsp;A woman in her 70s was killed when her house collapsed in a landslide, while the body of a man in his 40s was found near a bridge after he drowned, Yonhap news agency reported. The total number of deaths from the five-day deluge now stands at at least 17, with 11 missing, according to interior ministry data as of Sunday evening. Most of the deaths occurred in the southern county of Sancheong, which has seen nearly 800 millimetres of rain since Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the bodies of those who had gone missing retrieved on Sunday, the number of deaths in the rural county of 33,000 rose to 10, with four still unaccounted for. Scientists say climate change has made extreme weather events more frequent and intense around the world.&nbsp;In 2022, South Korea endured record-breaking rains and flooding, which killed at least 11 people.They included three people who died trapped in a Seoul basement apartment of the kind that became internationally known because of the Oscar-winning Korean film "Parasite". The government said at the time that the rainfall was the heaviest since records began, blaming climate change for the extreme weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

At least 17 dead, 11 missing as torrential rains lash South Korea

Heavy rain in South Korea has killed at least 17 people in recent days, government records showed Sunday, while 11 remain unaccounted for in the intense downpours. South Korea typically experiences monsoon rains in July and is usually well-prepared. But this week, the country's southern regions were hit with some of the heaviest hourly rainfall on record, according to official data. There was also a dangerous deluge in the north early Sunday, with close to 170 millimetres (6.7 inches) of rain hitting Gapyeong county in Gyeonggi province, east of the capital Seoul, leaving at least two dead and five missing. The number of casualties rose throughout the day as bodies of those previously reported missing -- many swept away in landslides -- were recovered. A woman in her 70s was killed when her house collapsed in a landslide, while the body of a man in his 40s was found near a bridge after he drowned, Yonhap news agency reported. The total number of deaths from the five-day deluge now stands at at least 17, with 11 missing, according to interior ministry data as of Sunday evening. Most of the deaths occurred in the southern county of Sancheong, which has seen nearly 800 millimetres of rain since Wednesday. With the bodies of those who had gone missing retrieved on Sunday, the number of deaths in the rural county of 33,000 rose to 10, with four still unaccounted for. Scientists say climate change has made extreme weather events more frequent and intense around the world. In 2022, South Korea endured record-breaking rains and flooding, which killed at least 11 people. They included three people who died trapped in a Seoul basement apartment of the kind that became internationally known because of the Oscar-winning Korean film "Parasite". The government said at the time that the rainfall was the heaviest since records began, blaming climate change for the extreme weather. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Korea typically experiences monsoon rains in July and is usually well-prepared. But this week, the country's southern regions were hit with some of the heaviest hourly rainfall on record, according to official data

A 34-year-old man who fell into a sinkhole in eastern Seoul was found in cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning, 17 hours after the incident occurred, authorities said.

Motorcyclist swallowed by huge Seoul sinkhole, later found dead

Korean actor Kim Sae-Ron, known for roles in 'Brand New Life' and 'Bloodhounds,' was found dead in Seoul at the age of 24. Police confirmed no evidence of criminal activities at the scene. Fans mourn the tragic loss of the rising K-drama star.

24-year-old Korean actor Kim Sae-Ron found dead in Seoul

North Korea conducts its first missile launch of the year as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Seoul, escalating tensions in the region during high-stakes diplomatic talks.

North Korea Launches Missiles as Blinken Arrives in Seoul, Marks First Missile Test Of The Year

Seoul, South Korea
Nearly a week after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, thousands of his supporters rallied in the capital Seoul on Saturday (Dec 21), demanding his presidential duties be reinstated.
Several thousands protesters supporting Yoon, who are chiefly older and more conservative people, have gathered since the midday Saturday. 
Lee Young-su, a 62-year-old businessman said, "These rigged (parliamentary) elections eat away at this country, and at the core are socialist communist powers, so about 10 of us came together and said the same thing - we absolutely oppose impeachment."
The South Korean president has also made claims of election hacking and "anti-state" pro-North Korean sympathisers as justification for imposing martial law, which was denied by the National Election Commission. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yoon-impeached-what-happens-now-all-you-need-to-know-783957">Also read: South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know</a>
Meanwhile, protesters against Yoon were also rallying several hundred metres apart in Seoul on Saturday. 
Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended, however, he still remains in office. He has not been complied with various summonses by authorities investigating whether martial law constituted insurrection. 
He has also not responded to the attempts made by the Constitutional Court to contact him, which decides whether to remove him from office or restore his powers. 
Watch | South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Fails to Appear at Corruption Hearing
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The court is planning to schedule its first preparatory hearing on Friday. 
The protests by Yoon's supporters as well as those opposing him, were held in Gwanghwamun in the country's capital. 
The anti-Yoon protesters gathered in the afternoon, waving K-pop light sticks and signs like "Arrest! Imprison! Insurrection chief Yoon Suk Yeol" to catchy K-pop tunes.
"I wanted to ask Yoon how he could do this to a democracy in the 21st century, and I think if he really has a conscience, he should step down," 27-year-old Cho Sung-hyo at the protest site said.
(With inputs from agencies)

Several thousands protesters supporting Yoon, who are chiefly older and more conservative people, have gathered since the midday Saturday. 



Seoul, South Korea Nearly a week after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, thousands of his supporters rallied in the capital Seoul on Saturday (Dec 21), demanding his presidential duties be reinstated. Several thousands protesters supporting Yoon, who are chiefly older and more conservative people, have gathered since the midday Saturday. Lee Young-su, a 62-year-old businessman said, "These rigged (parliamentary) elections eat away at this country, and at the core are socialist communist powers, so about 10 of us came together and said the same thing - we absolutely oppose impeachment." The South Korean president has also made claims of election hacking and "anti-state" pro-North Korean sympathisers as justification for imposing martial law, which was denied by the National Election Commission. Also read: South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know Meanwhile, protesters against Yoon were also rallying several hundred metres apart in Seoul on Saturday. Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended, however, he still remains in office. He has not been complied with various summonses by authorities investigating whether martial law constituted insurrection. He has also not responded to the attempts made by the Constitutional Court to contact him, which decides whether to remove him from office or restore his powers. Watch | South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Fails to Appear at Corruption Hearing × The court is planning to schedule its first preparatory hearing on Friday. The protests by Yoon's supporters as well as those opposing him, were held in Gwanghwamun in the country's capital. The anti-Yoon protesters gathered in the afternoon, waving K-pop light sticks and signs like "Arrest! Imprison! Insurrection chief Yoon Suk Yeol" to catchy K-pop tunes. "I wanted to ask Yoon how he could do this to a democracy in the 21st century, and I think if he really has a conscience, he should step down," 27-year-old Cho Sung-hyo at the protest site said. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands rally in South Korea, protesting against President Yoon's impeachment, blame rigged elections

Nearly a week after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, thousands of his supporters rallied in the capital Seoul on Saturday (Dec 21), demanding his presidential duties be reinstated.

Several thousands protesters supporting Yoon, who are chiefly older and more conservative people, have gathered since the midday Saturday.&nbsp;

Lee Young-su, a 62-year-old businessman said, "These rigged (parliamentary) elections eat away at this country, and at the core are socialist communist powers, so about 10 of us came together and said the same thing - we absolutely oppose impeachment."

The South Korean president has also made claims of election hacking and "anti-state" pro-North Korean sympathisers as justification for imposing martial law, which was denied by the National Election Commission.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yoon-impeached-what-happens-now-all-you-need-to-know-783957">Also read:&nbsp;South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know</a>

Meanwhile, protesters against Yoon were also rallying several hundred metres apart in Seoul on Saturday.&nbsp;

Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended, however, he still remains in office. He has not been complied with various summonses by authorities investigating whether martial law constituted insurrection.&nbsp;

He has also not responded to the attempts made by the Constitutional Court to contact him, which decides whether to remove him from office or restore his powers.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Fails to Appear at Corruption Hearing

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The court&nbsp;is planning to schedule its first preparatory hearing on Friday.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;protests by Yoon's supporters as well as those opposing him, were held in Gwanghwamun in the country's capital.&nbsp;

The anti-Yoon protesters gathered in the afternoon, waving K-pop light sticks and signs&nbsp;like "Arrest! Imprison! Insurrection chief Yoon Suk Yeol" to catchy K-pop tunes.

"I wanted to ask Yoon how he could do this to a democracy in the 21st century, and I think if he really has a conscience, he should step down," 27-year-old Cho Sung-hyo at the protest site&nbsp;said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly a week after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, thousands of his supporters rallied in the capital Seoul on Saturday (Dec 21), demanding his presidential duties be reinstated.

Nearly a week after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, thousands of his supporters rallied in the capital Seoul on Saturday (Dec 21), demanding his presidential duties be reinstated. Several thousands protesters supporting Yoon, who are chiefly older and more conservative people, have gathered since the midday Saturday. Lee Young-su, a 62-year-old businessman said, "These rigged (parliamentary) elections eat away at this country, and at the core are socialist communist powers, so about 10 of us came together and said the same thing - we absolutely oppose impeachment." The South Korean president has also made claims of election hacking and "anti-state" pro-North Korean sympathisers as justification for imposing martial law, which was denied by the National Election Commission. Also read: South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know Meanwhile, protesters against Yoon were also rallying several hundred metres apart in Seoul on Saturday. Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended, however, he still remains in office. He has not been complied with various summonses by authorities investigating whether martial law constituted insurrection. He has also not responded to the attempts made by the Constitutional Court to contact him, which decides whether to remove him from office or restore his powers. Watch | South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Fails to Appear at Corruption Hearing × The court is planning to schedule its first preparatory hearing on Friday. The protests by Yoon's supporters as well as those opposing him, were held in Gwanghwamun in the country's capital. The anti-Yoon protesters gathered in the afternoon, waving K-pop light sticks and signs like "Arrest! Imprison! Insurrection chief Yoon Suk Yeol" to catchy K-pop tunes. "I wanted to ask Yoon how he could do this to a democracy in the 21st century, and I think if he really has a conscience, he should step down," 27-year-old Cho Sung-hyo at the protest site said. (With inputs from agencies)

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