BUZZ KOREA

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...