South Korea is increasingly focusing on 문화 (munhwa – culture) as a new driver of growth. In 2024, cultural exports—including 웹툰 (webtoon), 문학 (munhak – literature), 미용 (miyong – beauty), and food products—generated over $10 billion.
Even as 가을 (autumn) approaches, South Korea is enduring a late-season 폭염 (heatwave), with temperatures soaring above 35°C in many regions. The 기상청 (KMA) has issued 폭염주의보 (heatwave advisories) and 폭염경보 (heatwave warnings), urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
South Korea is making headlines as it balances its advanced technology with heavy reliance on fossil fuels—in 2025, about 60% (육십 퍼센트) of its energy still comes from coal and gas, while renewables (신재생에너지) make up only 9% (구 퍼센트).
Liberation Day (광복절, Gwangbokjeol) sparkles this year with the 80th anniversary of Korea’s freedom from Japanese rule. Across Seoul, Liberation Week bursts into life: Nodeul Island transforms into “Liberation Island,” while the iconic Bosingak bell rings 33 times to honor the fallen.
South Korea’s former First Lady faces questioning amid corruption charges –
Seoul’s spotlight turns political as Kim Geon-Hee (김 건희), the former First Lady, is set to be questioned today in connection with major corruption and stock manipulation allegations. It’s the first time a former presidential couple faces simultaneous legal battles—her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열), remains detained amid related scandals.
South Korea’s café culture is getting stricter. Starbucks Korea has issued a new rule asking customers not to bring bulky office gear—like desktops, printers, or desk dividers—into cafés.
South Korea is moving toward becoming a more multicultural society (다문화 사회) with over 2.11 million foreign residents—about 4.1 % of the population—as of early August 2025.
