Links from Jan-April 2025

The weather is looking good out there and what better way to spend the start of a nice Seoul spring than to ignore the remnants of the cherry blossoms outside and instead stay inside perusing another oversized collection of interesting links from Q1 of 2025. Hard to believe we're already almost 5 months into the new year. Hard to believe Korea doesn't have a president still either. You can accuse Korea of a lot of things, but you can never accuse it of not being dynamic. 

I'll be honest here, I completely forgot I was doing this. I was just perusing articles and thinking "that's interesting, I think that tidbit of information deserves a wider audience." And adding these links to my Links folder until I realized it was pushing nearly 300. Whoops. Time to get these out there. Bonus AI summary included!

OK, let's use the power of AI a little. Here's a 1 paragraph summary of all of these links courtesy of Gemini:

Several South Korea-related news headlines cover a range of topics. An increase in voice phishing scams has been reported, while Seoul ranked high for Coldplay concert wristband returns. The credit card industry is seeing firms leave ID verification. SK Telecom will offer free USIM replacements due to a hacking incident, which involved Lazarus hackers breaching multiple companies through watering hole attacks. Job Korea launched an app for foreign job seekers. Incheon and Icheon are seeing JD.com expanding, potentially becoming "China's Coupang." Frozen pizza sales have surpassed frozen dumplings in convenience stores. Naver's Whale evaluation system is being used by Gwangju students. A Costco is planned for Pyeongtaek in June. Various "10원 Tips" covered topics like Earth Day, AI-generated content, online postage issues with Daum, KT expanding its AI spam alerts, Woori Bank launching a budget mobile service, the US Embassy denying Busan consulate closure, arrests for deepfake sex crimes, Google promoting Gemini AI with Le Sserafim, and a subway defecator incident.

I also asked it what it felt were the top 10 most important headlines here:

Based on the provided list, here are what I consider to be the top 10 most important headlines, focusing on impact, societal relevance, and potential for widespread consequences:

1. Damage from Voice Phishing Scams Nearly Double in Q1: This highlights a significant and growing threat to the financial security of individuals.
2. SK Telecom to offer free USIM replacement to all customers after network hacking incident: This indicates a major security breach affecting a large portion of the population and the company's response.
3. Lazarus hackers breach six companies in watering hole attacks: This points to sophisticated cyberattacks with potential for significant data loss and disruption.
4. Nearly 1,000 caught for deepfake sex crimes; 93 percent in 10s and 20s: This reveals a disturbing trend in digital crime, particularly affecting and involving young people.
5. Woman who built up body for year to kill abusive ex-husband gets 17-year jail term: This is a tragic case highlighting issues of domestic abuse and the extreme measures taken by victims.
6. Korean Man Uses Makeshift Flamethrower To Set Apartments On Fire: This is a serious incident of violence and potential danger to public safety.
7. Over 300 South Koreans Busted In An International Child Porn Crackdown: This underscores the country's involvement in a serious global crime.
8. Police Arrest 2,600, Place 42 in Detention in Illegal Rebate, Corruption Crackdown: This signals a significant effort to combat corruption, which can have broad societal impacts.
9. Foreign nationals surpass 5% of population: Justice Ministry: This marks a notable demographic shift in South Korea with potential social and economic implications.
10. Seoul schools to ban frog dissections amid animal cruelty, psychological trauma concerns: This reflects a changing societal attitude towards animal welfare and the psychological well-being of students.

I'm not entirely sure I'd agree with its choices here. But you can decide for yourself. 

OK one more. How about the most relevant for foreigners in Korea?

Here are the top 10 most relevant news stories for foreigners in Korea, based on the provided headlines and considering their direct impact and usefulness:

1. Digital foreign resident ID cards to get banking OK starting Friday: This is crucial for financial access and daily life for foreign residents.
2. Korea to enhance English language services in banking: Improved accessibility in banking will significantly benefit non-Korean speakers.
3. Seoul to create foreigner support center at Coex Hyundai Department Store: A dedicated support center can provide essential assistance and resources.
4. LG U+ introduces fully online activation process for foreigners to open cheap 알뜰폰 phone plans: Simplifying mobile phone access is vital for communication.
5. Gyeonggi Province Offers Discount on International Express Mail for Multicultural Families! This offers a direct cost-saving benefit for a specific group.
6. Kwangju Bank opens first foreigner-exclusive banking center in region: Tailored banking services can better meet the needs of foreign residents in that area.
7. Ministry of Justice opens specialized residency visa program in North Chungcheong: Changes in visa policies directly affect the ability to live and work in Korea.
8. Free Wi-Fi to be available on all express buses nationwide: Easier internet access during travel is a significant convenience.
9. Naver Map, a Must-Have App for Foreigners Visiting Korea, Proceeds with "BE LOCAL" Campaign to Introduce Popular Hotspots in Generation MZ: Improvements and targeted information within a widely used navigation app are very helpful.
10. First-ever union for foreign English teachers in Korea fights to end job restrictions: This is important for the rights and working conditions of a significant portion of the foreign population.

Not bad. Now kick back, relax, and peruse the whole list. 

Links from January - April 2025

1. Damage from Voice Phishing Scams Nealy Double in Q1
2. Seoul tops Coldplay's LED wristband return rate in world tour
3. Credit card firms exit ID verification services amid dominance of telecom-led authentication
4. 10원 Tips - - SK Telecom to offer free USIM replacement to all customers after network hacking incident - Korea Herald https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10473896
5. 10원 Tips - - "Victims are redirected to sites that mimick software vendors, such as the distributor of Cross EX - a tool that enables South Koreans to use security software in various web browsers for online banking and interactions with government websites"https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/lazarus-hackers-breach-six-companies-in-watering-hole-attacks/
6. Job Korea Launches Innovative App to Support 2.5 Million Foreign Job Seekers in Korea
7. Venerable Jinwoo offers condolences to Pope Francis, referring to him as ‘Bodhisattva of Compassion’
8. 'China's Coupang' coming to Korea? JD.com opens hubs in Incheon, Icheon
9. Lazarus hackers breach six companies in watering hole attacks - Bleeping Computer
10. Frozen pizza sales surpass frozen dumplings in South Korea’s convenience stores - CHOSUNBIZ
11. SKT "Sends text messages sequentially"
12. Gwangju students take exams using Naver's Whale evaluation system - CHOSUNBIZ - Chosunbiz
13. SK Telecom to offer free USIM replacement to all customers after network hacking incident
14. 10원 Tips - - Pyeongtaek is getting a Costco in June #코스트코 #평택 #COSTCO #Pyeongtaek #코스트코코리아
15. 10원 Tips - - Korean Ministry of Environment poster featuring various adorable metropolitan city and environment-related administration mascots, urging you to "lights out" for Earth Day #EarthDay #환경부 #환경 #지구의날 #소등행사
16. 10원 Tips - - AI made IU a UFC champion fighter. Via https://www.pannchoa.com/2025/04/theqoo-images-made-by-sora-ai.html via https://theqoo.net/hot/3706986217?page=2
17. "Failed Online Postage System and Backdoor Listing Dilemma" Daum's Mistakes ② [The Ill-Fated Daum]
18. KT Expands AI Spam Alert Service to Samsung MMS Messages
19. Woori Bank Launches Budget Mobile Service with Generous Incentives
20. US Embassy Denies Busan Consulate Might Close
21. Nearly 1,000 caught for deepfake sex crimes; 93 percent in 10s and 20s
22. Google releases videos with Le Sserafim promoting Gemini AI
23. Seoul subway mystery defecator leaves trail of disgust
24. Woman who built up body for year to kill abusive ex-husband gets 17-year jail term
25. Redesign of the Seoul Metro Subway Line Maps for the First Time in 40 Years -
26. Korean Man Uses Makeshift Flamethrower To Set Apartments On Fire
27. Romanization rules not mandatory for names on passports: court
28. 'I was so shocked': Search underway for man who unzipped pants on train
29. SK Telecom users' SIM data leaked in hacking attack
30. GS25 Leverages “Search Failures” to Discover Hidden Demand for Alcohol Products
31. South Korean music apps struggle with YouTube Music
32. 10원 Tips - - Naver logo doodle for Earth Day 2025 by artist Yishin Noh (노이신) https://www.instagram.com/noyisin #2025지구의날 #지구의날 #EarthDay #EarthDay2025 #Naver #네이버
33. As Seoul's gov't withholds sinkhole risk data, privately generated maps fill the breach
34. 10원 Tips - - Naver, Daum, Zum sidebar doodles to celebrate today's 65th anniversary of the so-called April Revolution, the Korean pro-democracy protests against Syngman Rhee in 1960. #419혁명 #419혁명기념일 #Naver #Daum #Zum #네이버 #다음 #줌
35. [Gadget Review] Apple Intelligence: Smooth start for Korean support, with room to grow
36. Naver signs licensing deal with Universal Music to elevate creators’ content
37. Samsung phones will soon alert users about malicious MMS in Korea
38. 10원 Tips - - Naver and Zum sidebar doodles for the 11th anniversary of the Sewol disaster back in 2014. 잊지 않겠습니다 "We won't forget" #세월호11주기 #세월호 #Sewol #Sewolho
39. 10원 Tips - - You may have noticed this pop-up when using Naver Map if set to a non-Korean language. Naver Map running a promo for non-Koreans suggesting trendy local spots and discounts. Kor/Eng blog post explainer: https://blog.naver.com/naver_map/223830016446?trackingCode=rss #​Naver #NaverMap #네이버지도 #네이버
40. NAVER Map, a Must-Have App for Foreigners Visiting Korea, Proceeds with "BE LOCAL" Campaign to Introduce Popular Hotspots in Generation MZ
41. 10원 Tips - - Neat look at how geography ultimately influenced Korea's geopolitics, from the kingdoms periods to today. Glance through the gorgeous maps, stay for the neat insight. https://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/p/the-force-that-drives-korea
42. 10원 Tips - - Cute Naver logo doodles for spring and cherry blossom blooming by artist Nanan Kang (나난) @ https://www.instagram.com/nanankang #스페셜로고 #봄꽃 #나난 #네이버 #Naver
43. 10원 Tips - - Somebody gave former president Yoon a "MAKE KOREA GREAT AGAIN" hat which he obligingly sported. #MAGA #MKGA #윤석열전대통령 #윤석열 Via https://n.news.naver.com/article/022/0004026993?ntype=RANKING
44. Korea to enhance English language services in banking
45. Seoul sees sharpest drop in world’s wealthiest cities rank
46. Foreigners choose K-pop as 1st image that comes to mind when thinking of Korea for 8 straight years
47. Police Arrest 2,600, Place 42 in Detention in Illegal Rebate, Corruption Crackdown
48. 10원 Tips - - Good news for tourists and short-term visitors: Korea may soon let you register for payment apps like Toss, Naver Pay, Kakao Pay, just with your passport, no ARC card necessary https://www.etnews.com/20250407000327
49. 10원 Tips - - Coupang Play to live broadcast NASCAR Cup Series for South Korean fans https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-sports/2025/04/09/Y5OZXIF54JCR3EHKLSIX7CFKO4/ #NASCAR #Coupang #CoupangPlay #쿠팡플레이 #나스카
50. 10원 Tips - - "of 374 Koreans busted in the crackdown, 213 were in their teens" - This detail makes me suspect this was probably deepfakes of classmates. Over 300 South Koreans Busted In An International Child Porn Crackdown https://www.koreaboo.com/news/south-koreans-busted-in-worldwide-child-pornography-crackdown/
51. 10원 Tips - - Bulky high school senior in Mokdong, pissed about female teacher telling him not to play phone games in class, smacks her one across the face with the phone. Props at least to kids who stepped up to restrain him after that. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250410151800004?input=tw
52. 10원 Tips - - Naver sidebar doodle for today's anniversary of establishment of Korean provisional government-in-exile in Shanghai April 11, 1919 following Japan's takeover. #대한민국임시정부수립일 # #대한민국임시정부 #네이버 #Naver
53. 10원 Tips - - Wow. Drunk dude start breakdancing in bar, female manager comes out and kicks him in his "important place"... now he claims sexual dysfunction as a result. I'm calling my junk "급소" from now on. https://www.insight.co.kr/news/498722
54. Over 300 South Koreans Busted In An International Child Porn Crackdown
55. Tim Hortons Brews More Brand Presence in Seoul With Line of Retail Coffee Products Available Now in Grocery
56. Han Dong-hun Publishes a Book
57. South Korea Is Using Abandoned Coal Mines for Mock-Moon Exploration
58. Pigeon-feeding in Gwanghwamun Square, parks to be fined starting July
59. 'Help me': Emergency dispatcher clings to desperate words to find and rescue woman in mortal danger
60. Mastermind behind Distribution of Drug-Laced Drinks to Students Gets 23 Years in Prison
61. 10원 Tips - - Pleasantly surprised to see that Ruliweb has generous RSS feed support. Wish more Korean sites were like this. #Ruliweb #루리웹 #RSS https://bbs.ruliweb.com/etcs/board/10/read/31
62. 10원 Tips - - This week from 2-8pm get 1+1 decaf drinks at Starbucks #Starbucks #스타벅스 #디카페인 #커피 1+1 진행 - Korea IT Times https://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=139973
63. 10원 Tips - - Collection of Korean web portal company logo doodles for Arbor Day 2025 #ArborDay #ArborDay2025 #2025식목일 #식목일 #Naver #네이버 #아주뉴스 #AjuNews #일베 #Ilbe #Daum #다음 #Nate #네이트 #DCInside #디시인사이드 #EBS #한국교육방송공사 #Zum #줌 #Nate #네이트
64. Indonesian man helps save many in Korean wildfires, carrying dozens of elderly on his back to safety
65. Coupang Lands in Las Vegas to Inspire American Exports
66. South Korea overtakes France to become top cosmetics exporter to US
67. 10원 Tips - - Interesting story actually. How much gets lost in translation when quoting a cultural nuance meme? Would Koreans understand me if I said , ex: 딱 1달러 당장 사야지! (Robocop reference)Idol's Talk About Kissing Goes Viral And Stresses Out Fans https://www.koreaboo.com/stories/nct-wish-sion-kissing-24-viral/
68. 10원 Tips - - Interesting to compare the reception in Korea with what's happening in USA right now at Tesla stores. "Crowds flock to see new Tesla Model Y ahead of release" https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-03-31/business/industry/Crowds-flock-to-see-new-Tesla-Model-Y-ahead-of-release/2274352 #Tesla...
69. 10원 Tips - - Korean MAGA coworker told me this last week, certain that these wildfires were caused by Chinese because he "saw it on YouTube"... Old clip of arson suspect reignites anti-Chinese attitudes as South Korea battles deadly blazes | AFP Fact Check https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.388H762
70. S. Korean farm becomes 'nursing home' for sick, abandoned animals
71. [WHY] Why do so many Korean men enlist during college?
72. South Korean Women Surpass Men in University Graduation Rates, Study Finds
73. Kakao Mobility expands ride-hailing app k.ride to 12 more countries
74. Shinhan Card launches prepaid tourist card in partnership with Lord System
75. Controversial American streamer Johnny Somali joins an anti-impeachment rally for Yoon Suk Yeol
76. NAVER Launches “AI Briefing” For Searching, Short-Form Content, Places, and Shopping, Poised to Expand AI Personalization Across Its Services
77. Seoul schools to ban frog dissections amid animal cruelty, psychological trauma concerns
78. Nazi Values Uncovered in K-Dramas: South Korea’s Bloodline Obsession Mirrors a Dark Legacy
79. Man booked for pouring engine oil on Mount Taehaeng observation deck
80. Free Wi-Fi to be available on all express buses nationwide
81. Police announce monthlong illegal weapons amnesty from April 1 to 30
82. Overstay Penalties, Immigration Application Fees Waived in Special Disaster Zones
83. Baseball fan dies from head injury sustained at stadium
84. Kakao’s superfan app Berriz opens its doors in 18 languages
85. 10원 Tips - - TIL: Linux makes up just ~30% of servers in Korea. "국내 리눅스 서버 사용률이 29.7%에 달해" http://www.itdaily.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=231777 #Linux #리눅스
86. 10원 Tips - - Naver will show AI snippets in search results. 네이버 검색의 진화된 AI 브리핑을 선보입니다. : 네이버 블로그 https://m.blog.naver.com/naver_search/223807628464?fromRss=true&trackingCode=rss
87. Kakao Mobility Integrates Google’s AI to Streamline Delivery Services
88. New Alternative Trading System to Open
89. Koreans more likely to eat alone than anyone else in G20: report
90. More Korean startups relocate abroad to tap bigger markets
91. CU's protein shakes bulk up on foreigner purchases
92. Burglar fries chicken, takes beer in late-night restaurant break-in
93. As Voice Phishing Escalates, Police-Backed Prevention App Sees Record Adoption
94. Digital foreign resident ID cards to get banking OK starting Friday
95. Naver launches HyperCLOVA X-powered AI briefing service on 27th - CHOSUNBIZ - Chosun Biz
96. Man gets 7 years as washing machine reflection captures sexual assault
97. Two children set Gangnam park on fire while roasting marshmallows, police say
98. US tech group challenges South Korea’s map data ban
99. Naver Launches AI Briefing Service Across Digital Platforms
100. NAVER Launches AI Shopping App “NAVER Plus Store,” Ushering in the Era of “AI Commerce”
101. FTC issues fine and corrective order against Kakao Entertainment for operating deceptive social media accounts for viral marketing
102. Less than 1% of foreign residents use mobile ID cards two months after launch
103. Coupang Play partners with Premier League for exclusive broadcasts starting 2025-2026 - CHOSUNBIZ
104. 10원 Tips - - LG U+ introduces fully online activation process for foreigners to open cheap 알뜰폰 phone plans. No awkward Korean phone call necessary! Compare plans & sign up in 5 min. Multi-lingual guide (English Thai Vietnam Russian) here: https://www.uplusmvno.com/benefit/event/detail?mvnopEvetId=EV0000002155...
105. 10원 Tips - - It's #InternationalPuppyDay #강아지의날 and #Naver #네이버 & #Daum #다음 celebrate with cute logo doodles. Search it on Naver to get a mini-game where clicking adds random dogs to the results page with cute barks.
106. First-Of-Its-Kind Smartphone Video Security Service for Safe Walks -
107. 10원 Tips - - April Fool's Day prank idea: casually hand these to your friend saying it's a popular new Korean candy, big umami flavor. (They're actually individually wrapped soup stocks). #만우절 #육수한알 #AprilFoolsDay
108. 10원 Tips - - Among Koreans of all ages, ChatGPT dominates. Korea's own AIs take the #2 spots, WRTN for younger and Adot for older. Interestingly, both of those offer multiple models so it's possible OpenAI being used in those too. #AI #챗GPT #뤼튼 #에이닷 #Adot #ChatGPT #Wrtn
109. 10원 Tips - - You can now send up to 120 full-size photos at a time in KakaoTalk. #카카오톡 #KakaoTalk https://www.metroseoul.co.kr/article/20250320500114
110. 10원 Tips - - Naver, Zum & Ilbe logo doodles for World Water Day. Is "흑린이" offensive? #세계물의날 #WorldWaterDay
111. 10원 Tips - - This is actually a pretty great ad from Perplexity taking a swipe at Google with a mini Squid Game featuring the real Lee Jung-jae https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UKM_yvTexI #이정재 #오징어게임 #퍼플렉시티 #Perplexity
112. Korea Customs Service Warns of Surge in Illegal Drug-Laced Medications
113. 10원 Tips - - Translation fail. Chosun Biz uses OpenAI software to auto-translate their Korean language articles into English. Korean headline says "17th of next month" (i.e. April) but AI wrote it as "November 17". I wonder why though. https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-retail/2025/03/17/56FNOMMVABG4DJEXH5HEKVAOXU/ #TranslationFail...
114. Gyeonggi Province Offers Discount on International Express Mail for Multicultural Families!
115. Theaters introduce new experiences: Watching movies while knitting
116. [instiz] KIM SAERON'S AI COMMEMORATIVE VIDEO WAS REVEALED
117. Korean children's myopia rate twice the global average, research finds
118. No rest for the wicked: Customs cracks down on sleeping, cold medicine
119. Delivering a price hike: Stores start differentiated pricing for app orders
120. 10원 Tips - - Cool feature in Naver Map: if the place you searched directions for is likely to be closed by the estimated time you'd arrive, it will warn you before starting navigation. #네이버 #네이버지도 #Naver #NaverMap
121. 10원 Tips - - IKEA opening first outlet in Seoul (fifth in Korea) next month (April). #IKEA #이케아 https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2025/03/129_394306.html
122. Seoul to create foreigner support center at Coex Hyundai Department Store
123. Strava bans user for running in North Korea
124. South Korean hospital adopts PASS QR code app for IDV
125. Strava Bans User for Running in North Korea
126. 10원 Tips - - Another hint about T-money on iPhone in Korea. At this point tech aspects seem settled; just waiting on fee/regulatory negotiations. "Per Apple's backend, T-Money will support Apple Pay Express Transit" https://x.com/aaronp613/status/1899949970696134986 #Tmoney #Apple #티머니 #애플
127. Korean driver's licenses get first update in 23 years
128. Tmap denies rumors of driver being involved in 'kidnapping attempt'
129. Legal AI ‘Super Lawyer’ Passes Bar Exam, First of Its Kind in Non-English-Speaking Country
130. Naver enhances map app with new destination info and driving analysis features - CHOSUNBIZ - Chosunbiz
131. 10원 Tips - - Naver logo doodle for #InternationalWomensDay #국제여성의날 by artist #Nano #나노 https://www.instagram.com/universenano #Naver #네이버
132. 10원 Tips - - 2025 cherry blossom blooming forecast for Korea, via Woori Mobile
133. 10원 Tips - - Subway sandwich restaurants in Korea have turkey back on the menu. Apparently it came back in Nov but I didn't notice. https://biz.sbs.co.kr/article/20000202608 #Subway #써브웨이 #터키
134. 10원 Tips - - Doodled versions of IU and Park Bogum featured in promotional #Naver logo doodle today for their new drama <폭싹 속았수다> (English title is different: "When Life Gives You Tangerines") #박보검 #ParkBogum #IU #아이유 #Netflix #넷플릭스 #폭싹속았수다 #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines
135. Ministry of Justice opens specialized residency visa program in North Chungcheong
136. QPR join forces with NAVER
137. Govt. allows self-driving freight truck trial operations on all highways
138. A cup of joe without the go: Watchdog tests decaffeinated pods
139. Buldak Ramen maker to spice up Coachella with exclusive partnership
140. Seoul Expands Urban Forest Playgrounds for Children with New Additions
141. Wikipedia list sheds light on Korea's historic restaurants
142. Lotto conspiracy theories resurface as 2 jackpot winners emerge from same store
143. Telegram assists police crackdown, but offenders move to other encrypted apps
144. LG's AI phone bot will soon be powered by Google Gemini
145. Coupang fresh food scammer dodges slammer
146. Foreign nationals surpass 5% of population: Justice Ministry
147. 10원 Tips - - The idea that in Korea, iPhone is for girls and Galaxy is for guys is gone. iPhone usage among Gen Z males now higher (52%) than Galaxy. Will they keep this trend as they move into ajusshi age? https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20250227090116
148. 10원 Tips - - How the Squid Game robot girl "Younghee" would look in other countries. #오징어게임 #영희 #SquidGame #Younghee #AI https://cboard.net/hit3/125445
149. Identity of 'Captain America' man revealed
150. Kia to install Samsung’s SmartThings controls in electric vans
151. Complexities of Renouncation and Selection of Korean Citizenship by Dual Nationals
152. Apple won't comment on $3.2 million fine for mishandling data in South Korea - AppleInsider
153. Gunshots wake Gwangju residents as stabbed police inspector shoots assailant point-blank
154. Makeup use among elementary school students raises concerns
155. Are you living like 'a hothouse flower'? Viral checklist sparks buzz in South Korea
156. Naver Rebrands Delivery as "Naver Shipping" with Enhanced Options
157. Tourist curfew violators to face fines in Seoul's Bukchon area from March
158. 10원 Tips - - After a run of 26 years since 1999, Naver's kid-friendly portal Naver Junior aka "Juniver" is shutting down. #네이버 #쥬니버 #쥬니어네이버 #NAVER https://www.news1.kr/it-science/general-it/5703839
159. 10원 Tips - - Korean portal logo doodles for #Samiljeol, aka 3/1 Day (#삼일절), celebrating the Korean Independence Movement with activist Yoo Gwansoon 유관순 featured on many. Suspiciously absent from their frequent logo doodling is Chosun Ilbo.
160. 10원 Tips - - Google tries once again to get precise map data for Korea exported out to improve Google Maps (and maybe autonomous driving?) but as usual Korean gov hesitates. https://www.etnews.com/20250224000314
161. Korean Insurance in English for Expats @CalamityJaneKoreaSamsung Life Insurance vs. Samsung Fire and Marine Insurance Stupidly named and confusing, I know. Here is the difference. I used to work for Samsung Life in addition to Samsung Fire and Marine, but gave up working for Samsung Life because the premiums are so high for life insurance, and when...
162. TikTok users surpass Facebook in South Korea
163. NAVER Upgrades AI Model: Smaller Size, Higher Performance
164. South Korea Lifts Restrictions on Free Birthday Candles at Bakeries
165. Apple’s iPhone to Support RCS Messaging in South Korea, Bridging Gap with Galaxy Phones
166. Ministry of Justice to Expand Region-Specific Visas amid Population Crisis
167. Fire station asked to pay for doors broken during rescue operation
168. Travel, driving bans slapped on 157 who failed to pay child care costs
169. Kwangju Bank opens first foreigner-exclusive banking center in region
170. Kakao VX launches 'Friends Screen' golf store in Chicago area - CHOSUNBIZ - 조선비즈
171. 10원 Tips - - Whoa, an expressway under construction just completely collapsed today in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do. One of the craziest GIFs I've ever seen. Several people (construction workers) presumed dead. https://n.news.naver.com/article/119/0002926936?ntype=RANKING
172. 10원 Tips - - Korean hotel/etc bookings app #Yanolja and #KakaoTalk gifts gain #ChatGPT Operator support. But do you really trust just saying "Hey Google, have ChatGPT book me 3 nights in Jeju and send Ice Americano to Jane"? #챗GPT #카톡 #야놀자 https://www.news1.kr/it-science/general-it/5698966
173. Seoul Court Denies Dual Citizenship in Case of “Birth Tourism” in the U.S.
174. Science: Airport Plan Imperils South Korea’s Globally Critical Tidal Flat
175. Apple enables Find My in South Korea for iOS 18.4 developer beta - AppleInsider
176. 10원 Tips - - Shower thought: Bum Fights was just a smaller scale version of Squid Game. The guy literally went out, found vulnerable people on the streets, had them fight to the death for a cash prize, for relatively comfortably wealthy viewers at home.
177. 10원 Tips - - Somebody noticed that the map in the #Cyberpunk game looks a lot like #Incheon. I have to agree, right down to the airport and city hall. Night City Looks Kind of Like Incheon. : cyberpunkgame https://www.reddit.com/r/cyberpunkgame/comments/1irs8gu/i_was_just_looking_around_google_maps_and_i/ #사이버펑크...
178. 10원 Tips - - Hans Zimmer will perform in Korea on May 17, 2025 at the Incheon Inspire Arena https://www.luck-d.com/agit/lifestyle/1881
179. 10원 Tips - - The new iPhone 16e is $699 in USA and ₩990,000 in Korea. At the current exchange rate, those are the exact same price.
180. 10원 Tips - - Korean Captain America had a busy week, breaking into the Chinese embassy and Seoul police station. Take a real wild guess which side of the political aisle he is. But you have to admit, he's got style. #캡틴아메리카 #CaptainAmerica #윤석열대통령지지자 #尹지지자
181. Korea Tourism Organization - VisitKorea @koreatourismNo Cash? No Problem! You can now use your credit card to purchase a single-use Airport Railroad (AREX) ticket😃🤩 Find out more👇 💠VK News: https://bit.ly/3ECuViU #visitkorea #koreatravel #arex #koreatour #koreatransportation #seoultour #incheoninternationalairport #seoulsubway #publictransport
182. South Korea to Introduce VR Driving Tests for Elderly License Renewals
183. First-ever union for foreign English teachers in Korea fights to end job restrictions
184. Picture-perfect payment: Toss to launch face-scanning system at convenience stores
185. Fair Trade Commission orders Naver to correct misleading Plus Membership ads - CHOSUNBIZ - 조선비즈
186. South Korea Rolls Out Mobile Resident Registration Cards Nationwide
187. Lotte World to open new MapleStory-themed area at park
188. 'Stop The Steal' snatches top spot from Han Kang’s 'Human Acts' on best-seller chart
189. Int'l students in Busan to get up to 13% off o'seas shipping
190. Int'l workers, families to get free medical service in Seoul suburb
191. Toy Gun Bank Robbery in South Korea Sparks Satirical Online Reactions
192. Why Korean variety shows are so text-heavy -- and why it works
193. Suzanne Crowder Han, long-term foreign resident of Korea, dies at 71
194. Elderly Driver Signs Show Success in Promoting Road Courtesy, Survey Finds
195. 10원 Tips - - Toss Bank seems to be prepping for Apple Pay support #토스뱅크 #애플페이 #ApplePay #Toss https://www.etnews.com/20250204000255
196. 10원 Tips - - Naver logo doodle for the start of the 2025 Asian Games in Harbin, China #하얼빈 #아시안게임 #Naver #네이버
197. Excess Mortality Topped 3,000 during 6-Month Medical Vacuum Last Year
198. Naver Pay integrates K-Pass benefits into mobile transportation card system - CHOSUNBIZ - 조선비즈
199. ONLYOFFICE Docs 8.3 Released With Apple iWork and Hancom Office File Support
200. 10원 Tips - - Costco Korea membership prices are increasing. Still a pretty good deal if you ask me. Don't forget you can use your Korean Costco membership internationally too, even when you visit your home country. #Costco #코스트코
201. 10원 Tips - - Want a mobile resident IDs so you don't need to carry the physical card around? Either (1) wait for your next card to have the IC chip and tap it to the phone app, or (2) don't wait, just go now to local 주민센터 to get a special QR code the app can scan. #모바일주민등록증
202. 10원 Tips - - Naver Map may soon let you call Uber Taxis in-app. Hope to see this integrated to better serve tourists and short-term visitors. #Uber #우버 #NaverMap #네이버지도 #Naver https://it.chosun.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=2023092133492
203. Nonghyup adds global mode, 'teenager mode' to banking app
204. TGI Fridays pulls out of Korea as nation moves on from casual dining
205. Explainer: Why is Toss suing Kakao? How a text message launched a legal war
206. Foreigner in 20s caught for distributing drug ‘rush'
207. Naver Moving to Partner with Uber Taxi to Challenge Mobility Platform Leadership
208. Kakao Bans Chinese AI Model DeepSeek, Citing Privacy Concerns and OpenAI Partnership
209. CJ Olive Young launches US subsidiary and plans first offline store to boost Korean beauty in America
210. Costco to hike membership fees in May
211. WRTN launches 'secure' KakaoTalk-based DeepSeek AI service
212. Nonghyup adds global mode, 'teenager mode' to banking app
213. DeepSeek surges to No. 1 downloaded app in Korea
214. Naver's search market share exceeds 70% amid impeachment crisis; Daum declines - CHOSUNBIZ - 조선비즈
215. 10원 Tips - - Official splash page (in English) for introducing Naver Map to foreign visitors https://mkt.naver.com/navermapapp?dtm_source=blog_notice&dtm_medium=mktatrb_ex&dtm_campaign=2412-navermap-002&pcode=blog_notice&campaign_id=2412-navermap-002&channel_id=blog_notice #Naver #NaverMap #네이버...
216. 10원 Tips - - Naver now supports passkeys for login 패스키 소개 : 회원정보 고객센터 https://help.naver.com/service/5640/contents/24005?lang=ko #Naver #네이버 #패스키 #passkeys
217. Naver Introduces Passkey Login to Enhance Security and User Convenience
218. Hyundai’s New Excavator Runs on Hydrogen, Not Diesel
219. Seoul Launches AI-Powered Public Data Hub for Natural Language Queries
220. Account of 'date' with sex doll at Korean amusement park sparks controversy
221. 10원 Tips - - Recently thought about how I used to watch stuff on Pandora TV. Decided to check it out again... turns out it shut down 2 years ago. Whoops. "Streaming service Pandora TV to end its service next month" https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/12/19/business/industry/Pandora-TV-October-2004-video-streaming/20221219140711906.html
222. 10원 Tips - - Tip from #NaverMap: search "명절무료주차장" to find local parking lots that are free during the Lunar New Year holiday. City govs will set up temporary free lots during next week (schools, gov centers, sports complexes, etc) #설날 #명절 #네이버지도 #LunarNewYear
223. 10원 Tips - - Accidentally bank transfered 5,000,000 won instead of 500,000 won? Or sent it to wrong person? Apply to the Korea Deposit Insurance Corp to help get it back. They can help contact the receiver and arrange them to return it, or court order them to! https://fins.kdic.or.kr/ir/aplygudn/MtrsGvbkSprtProc/selectScrn.do
224. 10원 Tips - - Naver Map shares the top 20 most popular domestic travel destinations for #Seollal (#LunarNewYear) holiday last year. 3 of the top 5 are beaches! #설날 #네이버지도 #NaverMap
225. US moms turn to Sanu Retreat for Korean-inspired postpartum care
226. Coupang Eats starts food delivery service in Japan
227. Hybe’s Weverse superfan platform hails 30% growth in last year
228. Anonymous citizen donates their entire lottery winnings to charity
229. Chinese man involved in drugging Seoul children to blackmail parents handed prison term in Cambodia
230. Courier messages apologizing for 2 a.m. deliveries ahead of Seollal move netizens
231. Korean police nab leader of sexual blackmail ring that victimized 159 teens and more
232. Craft beer market expands, diversifies following eased regulations: gov't
233. KT Launches AI Voice Phishing Detection System in South Korea
234. 10원 Tips - - After Hyundai Card (currently) and Shinhan Card (next month), looks like KB Bank (국민은행) cards will support Apple Pay too (TBD). Funnily, it seems like Korean tourists' love of Apple Pay usage abroad is a big driver. https://n.news.naver.com/article/366/0001048343 #국민카드 #애플페이 #ApplePay
235. 10원 Tips - - Koreans are surely world experts at contractions. I saw 쿼파치 ("Qua-pa-chi")and knew immediately: Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Which by the way are now available with jalapenos. #맥도날드 #쿼파치 #McDonalds https://www.fnnews.com/news/202501200615164579
236. 10원 Tips - - Cute new Disney Korea themed T-money cards available at convenience stores for limited time. #티머니 #디즈니 #티머니카드 #Disney #Tmoney
237. 10원 Tips - - Megabox has these cute Disney themed Yutnori sets available for purchase. Could make a good Seollal, Chuseok, or Christmas gift! #메가박스 #미키마우스 #윷놀이 #Megabox #Disney #MickeyMouse #Seollal #설날 via #인싸요정
238. 10원 Tips - - Korean friend is excited about the US inauguration because, he told me dead seriously: Trump will direct the CIA to capture Lee Jae-myung and hold him in Guantanamo. It's "all over YouTube." Hmm. Same dude tried making me invest in Ripple coin.
239. AliExpress Launches 'Global Selling' Program to Boost Korean SMEs' International Reach
240. 10원 Tips - - I read online that foreigners don't like shaman lady character (#무당 용궁선녀) in #SquidGame2 as "weird, unnecessary". I liked her acting and the role too. And did you know she cleans up pretty good too? Actress Chae Gook-hee (#채국희) #오징어게임 #오징어게임2 #SquidGame
241. 10원 Tips - - Cute little hashflag of a "Pink" from Squid Game when you use the hashtag #SquidGame on Twitter/X. Something I liked about S1 and again in S2 is getting character development of the people behind the masks.
242. Sharp Jump in Immigration: Data
243. Gyeonggi Province Offers up to 13% Discount on International Express Mail Service (EMS) Rates for Multicultural Families
244. Mayor Oh Se-hoon Sets Global Safety Standard With Seoul Subway System’s 20 Years of Platform Screen Doors -
245. Data Wholesale Prices to Be Cut to Boost Budget Mobile Market
246. Police officer fights to save Swedish national who dies after 21 hospital refusals
247. Two Iconic Rides at Lotte World Adventure to Close After Two Decades
248. Consumer Trends for 2025 Focus on Festivals, AI and Self-Discovery, Shinhan Card Reports
249. South Korea Legalizes Ash Scattering at Sea Under New Burial Law
250. Seoul Expands EV Charging Infrastructure and Extends Highway Toll Discounts
251. Kakao Overhauls Daum App with Four-Tab Interface, AI Features
252. 10원 Tips - - The 3 pictured rides (Bungie Drop, Tree Carousel, Merking Carousel) are being retired from Lotte World. About 3 weeks left to ride them. #롯데월드 #번지드롭 #'머킹의회전목마 #LotteWorld https://www.moneys.co.kr/article/2025011416551937862
253. 10원 Tips - - Haha, after a major car crash today, Goyang City sent out a #KoreaEmergencyAlert asking drivers to please feel regret over this. It was a small typo. They corrected it to "please take a detour" a few minutes later. (후회 vs 우회)
254. 10원 Tips - - Yummy, fig flavor MyChew are coming out #인싸요정 #마이쮸 via https://www.facebook.com/392326196892126/posts/583493831108694
255. Koreans can easily sell their old Galaxy phones on Samsung’s website
256. Is it illegal to secretly view a spouse’s Google Photos when their Google account is signed in?
257. Seoul Records Lowest PM2.5 Level in 2024 With Fewest Bad Air Quality Days -
258. 10원 Tips - - Seems like T-money on Apple Pay is ready to go... but disagreements about fees is holding it up. https://www.etnews.com/20250110000131
259. Paris Baguette partners with Tottenham Hotspur
260. Corrective Orders for Illicit Content on Chat Apps Hit Record High in 2024
261. 10원 Tips - - Daum is changing their logo. Supposed to be more calm and cool, but looks too brooding for my taste. Reminds me of this meme. #Daum #다음
262. Hershey Kisses Sees Spikes in Sales in South Korea Due to Anti-Yoon Protesters
263. SK Telecom Launches Beta of Aster AI Agent in North America
264. Newly released mobile ID for expats is as valid as plastic card
265. 10원 Tips - - Italian BMT was the #1 sandwich at Subway in Korea for 2024. That's my go-to too. Followed by egg mayo, cheese steak, rotisserie chicken, roast chicken. #서브웨이 #Subway
266. 10원 Tips - - Mini chocolate churos coming to McDonalds Korea this week, just in time to ruin my new years diet plans. #맥도날드 #해피스낵 #한입초코츄러스 #McDonalds
267. 10원 Tips - - After 2 years of Hyundai Card only, Shinhan Card will support Apple Pay starting in February. https://www.etnews.com/20250108000114 #신한카드 #애플페이 #Shinhan #Apple #ApplePay #애플
268. Gov't to begin issuing digital residence cards to foreigners from Friday

If you made this far, please go outside and touch grass. Not me though. I'm having a Sunday evening highball and debating whether I want to go watch the Minecraft movie or not. This pale ale is saying: no.