BUZZ KOREA

Photo Credit = Pixabay South Korea is one of the world’s most cashless societies, leading the transition to a "cashless economy." With mobile payments and digital wallets becoming integral to daily life, especially among younger generations, this shift is not just about convenience—it’s reshaping how people live and interact in modern society. 1. What is a Cashless Society? A cashless society is one where physical money is rarely used, with transactions instead carried out through digital means like credit cards, mobile apps, QR codes, and NFC (Near-Field Communication). South Korea is at the forefront of this global trend. As of 2024, less than 10% of transactions involve cash, and digital payment methods dominate. Even traditional markets, once reliant on cash, now commonly accept QR codes and card payments. 2. Mobile Payments and Lifestyle Changes Among the Young Younger generations have been pivotal in driving the adoption of digital payments, embracing new technologies a...

Photo Credit = Pixabay South Korea's railway and subway unions have announced plans for indefinite strikes starting next month, demanding wage increases and additional manpower.  Tourists visiting South Korea are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions. The Korean Railway Workers' Union held a press conference on November 21 at Seoul Station, declaring, "If the government and the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) do not change their stance, we will begin an indefinite strike on December 5." Adding to the concerns, the Seoul Metro Union, which operates subway lines 1 through 8, announced on November 19 that it would hold a strike starting December 6. The union is opposing workforce reductions and the implementation of a one-person operation system. The potential strikes are expected to cause significant inconvenience for visitors relying on public transportation, especially as the year-end tourism season approaches. In the first half of 2024, South Korea ...

For 25 years, the MAMA AWARDS has pioneered new paths, establishing itself as a prestigious global K-POP awards show. This year, the 2024 MAMA AWARDS promises to deliver stages filled with passion and ambition, reflecting the event’s legacy of excellence. The 2024 MAMA AWARDS will kick off on November 22 KST (November 21 local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA. Following this, the excitement will continue on November 22 and 23 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, in a relay format. As the lineup of prominent performing artists takes shape, ILLIT, TWS, and YOUNG POSSE are set to showcase their distinct styles and aspirations on stage, heightening anticipation among fans. ILLIT, who was named in the first lineup of performing artists, has garnered attention for her unique and quirky charm. Following her debut hit Magnetic , she achieved back-to-back success with her second single, Cherish (My Love) , both of which performed strongly on domestic and international music cha...

Photo Credit = Pixabay For those new to cryptocurrency investing, selecting the right exchange is the first and most critical step. Each platform differs in terms of coin offerings, fee structures, and security measures, making a careful decision essential. In South Korea, the top four exchanges are Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, and Korbit. Here’s a breakdown of their features and strengths. Fees: A Key Factor in Choosing an Exchange Transaction fees are a primary consideration for investors, as lower fees mean more capital can be allocated to actual investments. Upbit, Korea’s leading exchange by trading volume, charges 0.05% for regular transactions and 0.25% in the BTC market. Bithumb has a higher base fee of 0.25%, but it offers subscription coupons that can reduce fees to as low as 0.04%. Coinone and Korbit charge 0.2% and 0.15%, respectively. Low transaction fees have contributed to the financial success of these exchanges. In 2021, Upbit’s operator, Dunamu, reported revenue of KRW 3....

Photo Credit = Pixabay Microplastics are tiny particles generated as plastic materials break down under environmental factors like friction and light. Although there is no universal definition, the term typically includes microplastics (less than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 1 µm). The rising concern over microplastics stems from their potential health risks. Studies have shown that microplastics are present in the air we breathe, drinking water, food, and everyday products like toothpaste, lotion, and shampoo. Experts warn that when microplastics enter the body through the respiratory system, digestive tract, or damaged skin, they can accumulate in tissues, potentially leading to long-term issues such as obesity, inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, genetic mutations, reproductive toxicity, and even cancer. Microplastics Found in Blood Vessels A study published earlier this year in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) by researchers at Luigi Vanvitelli Universi...

The debate over transitioning Dongduk Women’s University into a co-educational institution has intensified, spreading from internal campus disputes to external gender-related conflicts. Students opposing the transition have staged a week-long protest, while external groups and online threats further exacerbate tensions. Campus Protests and Division Among Students Students opposing the co-ed transition have occupied the university’s main building since November 11, boycotting classes in protest. They argue that the university must maintain its identity as a women-only institution to ensure the safety and educational rights of female students. However, the prolonged protests have sparked divisions among students. A group of students critical of the protest formed a “Victims’ Coalition,” arguing that their right to education is being violated. “Some students depend on class attendance to secure scholarships or graduate, and their rights are being stripped away,” one student commented. Per...

Many people in Korea use K-PASS when using public transportation. Therefore, foreigners visiting Korea may also find it of interest. Below are key questions and answers regarding K-PASS distributed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. What is the K-PASS program? ▶ K-PASS is a program designed to promote public transportation usage and reduce transportation costs. It provides a refund for a certain percentage (20–53%) of public transportation fares regardless of the distance traveled. Transportation expenses up to KRW 200,000 per month are fully recognized for a refund. However, for expenses exceeding KRW 200,000, only 50% is recognized for the refund. What are the conditions for receiving a refund? ▶ Anyone aged 19 or older who resides in a participating municipality and uses public transportation 15 or more times per month is eligible for a refund. Refunds are given for up to 60 trips, with the highest amounts prioritized if usage exceeds 60 trips. What transportati...

Photo Credit = Pixabay The College Scholastic Ability Test, commonly known as the CSAT or "Suneung," is one of the most important exams in South Korea, taken by hundreds of thousands of students each year. This test serves as a crucial assessment for college admissions and plays a central role in the Korean education system. The Suneung is often referred to as the "once-in-a-lifetime exam," as it significantly impacts students' futures and career paths, going beyond mere academic evaluation. The Suneung is typically held in November and covers major subjects including Korean, Mathematics, English, and various social or scientific electives. The exam is divided into multiple subjects, each administered at specific times. Many students invest several months or even years in thorough preparation. During this time, they often attend private academies and engage in self-directed study while forming study groups with friends to support and compete with each other. T...

Actor Song Jae-rim has passed away at the age of 39. According to Seoul’s Seongdong Police Station, Song was found deceased at his residence in Seongdong District around 12:30 p.m. on the 12th. Police stated, "No evidence of foul play has been found at this time," adding that a note was discovered at the scene. A friend who had planned to have lunch with Song visited his home and discovered him, subsequently notifying the authorities. Song made his debut in the 2009 film Actresses and gained popularity through his roles in various dramas, including Moon Embracing the Sun , Flower Boy Ramen Shop , Not Yet Thirty , Fantastic Tower , Inspiring Generation , Surplus Princess , Unkind Women , and films such as Crazy Love , Bait , Snob , and Yaksha . He also became well-known for his appearance on the 2014 variety show We Got Married . In recent months, Song had been active in the entertainment industry, starring in the June drama Bitter Romance and the August show Queen Wu . He a...

Rose’s "Apartment (APT.)" is based on a traditional Korean drinking game, which at first glance appears to be just a game but actually incorporates elements from two popular drinking games. The first game, sharing its name with the song, is called "Apartment." This game is commonly played at drinking gatherings, where participants stack their hands on top of each other in random order. The "catcher" or "caller" then calls out a floor level, and the person whose hand is at that level is identified. This game enhances the atmosphere at drinking gatherings and encourages interaction among participants. It adds both tension and fun as players try to match the caller’s chosen floor. If the caller misses, they take a drink. The second game, hidden in the song’s main section rhythm, called Apateu , is inspired by Korea’s classic drinking game, 369. This game is known and loved by nearly every Korean. In 369, participants count up from 1, clapping inste...

The Cybertruck was spotted in Yeouido, Seoul, and it is the same vehicle recently used by singer G-Dragon. The Tesla Cybertruck, which has sparked global attention with its unique design and futuristic features, is still not officially available in South Korea. Despite this, the vehicle continues to attract attention, especially after popular artist G-Dragon was spotted driving one, further fueling curiosity among Koreans. While a few individuals have privately imported the Cybertruck into South Korea, it has yet to be officially launched in the country. This delay can be attributed to several factors, but it is clear that South Koreans' love for Tesla is undeniable. In 2023, Tesla's sales in South Korea reached 16,461 vehicles , and since the company began delivering cars to Korean customers in June 2017, its cumulative sales have now surpassed 60,000 units . Additionally, as of August 2024, South Koreans held Tesla stocks worth 15.2 trillion KRW (112 billion USD) , making Te...