SEOUL, Feb. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — The number of self-employed individuals in South Korea who failed to repay their debts increased by 35% in 2024, as high interest rates and prolonged domestic economic stagnation deepened financial distress, new data shows. The burden was particularly severe for those aged 60 and older, with defaults in this group [...]
SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — Four out of 10 foreigners visiting South Korea for medical treatment said the country’s culture influenced their decision to come here, a survey showed Sunday. More than 41 percent of those surveyed answered positively when asked if the cultural experience in South Korea influenced their decision to receive medical [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — While students, parents, and teachers broadly acknowledge the authority of teachers as professionals, a new survey reveals a significant gap between this recognition and the actual respect and autonomy afforded to educators in South Korea. According to a report by the Korea Educational Development Institute (KEDI), more than 80% of [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s female suicide rate is projected to worsen through 2030, rising from 15.1 to 16.6 per 100,000 people, even as the overall national suicide rate declines, according to a government health report. The findings were published in the ‘2024 Key Indicator Analysis Report’ by the Ministry of Health and [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — The percentage of South Koreans suffering from nutritional deficiencies has more than doubled over the past decade, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s (KDCA) 2023 National Health Statistics report released on January 28, 2025. In 2023, 17.9% of Koreans aged one and older were classified as nutritionally [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s coffee imports reached a record high of nearly 2 trillion won ($1.38 billion USD) in 2024, reflecting an 11% increase from the previous year, according to data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. The country imported 215,838 tons of coffee, including green beans, roasted beans, concentrates, [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Koreans hit the road for holiday travel, highway rest stops become essential destinations for refueling and grabbing snacks. During last year’s Chuseok holiday (September 14-18, 2024), the most popular item sold at rest stops nationwide was the Americano, generating 2.27 billion won ($1.57 million USD) in sales, according [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — The number of pets traveling on Korean Air flights has more than doubled over the past four years, reflecting the growing demand for pet-friendly travel. According to Korean Air, the total number of applications for pet transport—both as in-cabin companions and as checked baggage—reached 57,595 in 2024, a 12.6% increase [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — The rapid rise of individual media creators in South Korea has led to significant earnings for top content producers. The top 1% of YouTubers and live-streamers, also known as BJs (Broadcast Jockeys), earned an average of 1.325 billion KRW (approximately $1 million USD) annually, according to data released by Representative [...]
SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — A stark gender divide exists among South Korean teenagers regarding dating expenses, with young women overwhelmingly favoring equal cost-sharing while young men show more traditional views, according to a lifestyle report released by Woori Bank on January 23. The “Teens’ Diary” report, which surveyed 3,729 teenagers aged 14-18 nationwide, revealed [...]