In the aftermath of the Hague tribunal’s ruling on the South China Sea, Seoul’s dilemma is poised to deepen as the U.S. will likely call for its ally to speak up on Beijing’s assertiveness in the region in pursuit of joint action, observers here said Wednesday.　The watershed findings announced Tuesday dealt a major blow to China. The tribunal rebuked Beijing’s claim to “historic rights” over the bulk of the resources-rich waters as lacking legal basis and said some of its activities breached the

July 13, 2016

Young cultural professionals from the four member countries of the Visegrad Group, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, visited Seoul on Sunday as part of the 2016 Korea-V4 Young Professional Cultural Exchange Camp. The week-long event, which is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and run by Herald Corp., will take place in Seoul and Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. While in Korea they will experience the local culture and forge new friendships with Korean cultural special

July 12, 2016

With Beijing’s rebuke showing little signs of abating over the U.S.’ envisioned THAAD stationing here, concerns are intensifying that China may take retaliatory steps that may take a substantial toll on the South Korean economy. Following last Friday’s announcement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials have reacted with sharp criticism, urging South Korea and the U.S. to shelve the plan. Official media churned out editorials and articles calling for military action and economic c

July 11, 2016

South Korea's ruling and opposition parties remained divided over the latest decision to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system in the country, with smaller parties expressing concerns over diplomatic fallouts with China and Russia, political pundits said Monday.Last week, Seoul and Washington agreed to station the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea to better counter Pyongyang's ever-growing missile threats. Moscow and Beijing have been opposing the move, claiming

July 11, 2016

The European Union delegation to Korea and Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance launched a project last week to tackle greenhouse gas emissions as part of bilateral cooperation to curb climate change. The emissions trading scheme cooperation project -- worth over 3.5 million euros ($3.87 million) -- will run until January 2019. The EU will offer technical assistance and expertise to Korea through consultations, workshops and study visits to the EU. Through the three-year initiative, both sid

July 10, 2016

Despite offering far-flung thrills for tourists, South Africa has been a relatively unexplored destination over the years. The country on the southernmost tip of Africa exhibits a myriad of wonders ranging from natural adventure to cultural heritage. Across its beaches, vineyards, plazas and savannas, one can find “city lights and star-studded nights, exquisite cuisines and world-renowned wines,” and hear “the roar of lions and whisper of grasslands,” according to the country’s tourism board. To

July 10, 2016

Former Mongolian President Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat has said North Korea's simultaneous pursuit of nuclear weapons and economic development is an "impossible" task, adding that Pyongyang should first give up its nuclear program to seek economic growth.Ochirbat, who served as Mongolia's first directly elected president from 1990 to 1997, said economic cooperation with North Korea will be impossible, unless the reclusive state gives up its nuclear program."North Korea needs to focus on enhancing its

July 10, 2016

For those craving unfranchised gastronomy, France’s “charcuterie” is bringing in homegrown cookery for a pleasant surprise. The French Embassy hosted a series of events last week to promote the culinary art and science of charcuterie: preserved meat products like bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pates, and confit, primarily from pork.Six companies -- assisted by the French Federation of Charcuterie Producers, France Gourmet and France AgriMer -- visited Korea to introduce t

July 6, 2016

South Korea on Sunday strongly condemned a terrorist attack that took place last week at a restaurant in Bangladesh, vowing to join global efforts to eradicate terrorism.A total of 22 people, including two police officers, have been killed after a group of gunmen on Friday stormed the restaurant in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka and took scores of customers and restaurant workers as hostages.South Korea's foreign ministry said the government cannot hide its shock and anger over the attack in B

July 3, 2016

The European Union delegation on Tuesday organized a workshop to raise the profile of European research institutions here and foster future collaboration with Korean partners in science, technology and innovation. The venue at the Hamilton Hotel in Seoul was co-organized by the delegation, the National Research Foundation of Korea and government-funded research agencies in Korea. As Europe leaps forward and engages the world in science and innovation, harnessing links and carrying out joint proj

July 3, 2016

Indonesian Ambassador John Prasetio on Thursday held an iftar -- a meal ceremony to mark the end of the daily Ramadan fast at sunset -- joined by several Muslim ambassadors. The event at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul included Islamic prayers, a speech and dinner, acting as a point of convergence for the believers. Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Chraibi, Kuwaiti Ambassador Jasem Albudaiwi, Tunisian Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nafti, Azeri Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov and Bruneian Ambassador Dato Paduka H

July 3, 2016