The Korea Herald

Vietnam pop star to push Korea tourism

Jul 31, 2011

Vietnamese pop singer My Linh has been appointed an honorary ambassador for tourism to South Korea, reported Asia News Network.The singer was named an honorary ambassador by the South Korea embassy in Vietnam in Hanoi on Wednesday. The ceremony was held in conjunction with an event to promote Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and South Korea’s Jeju Island in their bid to be named among the New Seven Wonders o
Argentina decorates local envoy

Jul 31, 2011

State decorations are one of the best ways a country can show appreciation to an individual who has improved ties between two countries.Last week, former Korean Ambassador to Buenos Aires Choe Yang-boo was awarded the Order of Mayo (May) in the rank of Grand Cross in recognition for his “outstanding services in strengthening the traditional ties of friendship between the two countries,” said Argen
Britain launches one year countdown to Olympics

Jul 31, 2011

To mark one year until the greatest show on earth ― the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics ― the British Embassy and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation held an event July 27 in the Olympic Park in Seoul to countdown to the London Games. British Charge d’Affaires Andrew Dalgleish, unveiled a One Year to Go Omega countdown clock in the Seoul Olympic Museum. Lee Dae-hoon, Korean taekwondo athlete, and
ECB official stresses eurozone soundness on Korea visit

Jul 31, 2011

Investors can be confident that fears of a debt contagion “bonfire” across the eurozone were without grounds and that the bloc’s economic future is bright, a senior member of the European Central Bank said on a visit to Korea on Wednesday.Central Bank of Luxembourg governor Yves Mersch was in Seoul to meet with Bank of Korea head Kim Choong-soo and senior figures in investment, banking and insuran
New Zealand’s model for food security

Jul 31, 2011

‘Food innovation key to feeding global population’With a rapidly growing world population, ensuring food security and safety for future generations is a crucial challenge. New Zealand has a key role in meeting the task, according to the general manager of a renowned food science institute and an official from the country’s economic development agency. “Riddet Institute is really interested in unde
South Korea seeks to ban Japanese lawmakers from visiting its territory

Jul 28, 2011

South Korea said Thursday it will ban two Japanese lawmakers from visiting an island near the country’s easternmost islets of Dokdo, a move that has been rekindling criticism over Tokyo’s longstanding territorial claims. Four lawmakers of Japan’s opposition Liberal Democratic Party said last week they plan to visit the island Ulleungdo on Aug. 1 to see for themselves “how South Koreans feel” about
China demanded S. Korea stop activities near Ieodo

Jul 27, 2011

Ieodo is not a disputed territory and both South Korea and China are aware that this submerged rock in the East China Sea cannot be claimed by either side, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. The ministry unofficially announced its position as news reports unveiled China had recently renewed its territorial claim over Ieodo by demanding South Korea halt its work to hoist a sunken commercial s
Lee warns Japan lawmakers against visit to Ulleung-do

Jul 27, 2011

President Lee Myung-bak said Wednesday that Korea could not guarantee the safety of Japanese lawmakers if they visit Ulleung-do, the closest they can get to Korea’s easternmost islets of Dokdo, over which Japan claims sovereignty.Lee made the remarks in a Cabinet meeting after he was briefed by the Foreign Ministry about the controversial plan of four Japanese lawmakers, according to presidential
GNP leader calls for ban on Tokyo politicians’ island visit

Jul 25, 2011

South Korea’s ruling party leader urged the government Monday to ban a group of Japanese lawmakers from entering the country as they plan to visit an island near the country’s easternmost islets of Dokdo in an attempt to lay claims to the islets.Four lawmakers of Japan’s conservative opposition Liberal Democratic Party said last week they are planning to visit Ulleung Island in the East Sea, the c
Three allies urge N.K. on denuclearization

Jul 24, 2011

Foreign ministers of two Koreas hold meetings to explore possible resumption of dialogueSouth Korea, the United States and Japan called on North Korea on Saturday to take action to dismantle its nuclear program before the resumption of six-party talks.In a joint statement after the trilateral meeting on the sidelines of Asia’s largest security forum in Indonesia, South Korean Foreign Minister Kim
Courses in German, Austrian studies

Jul 24, 2011

The Austrian embassy in Seoul has announced a summer course for German and Austrian studies. The four-week program will include an intensive German language course for speakers of varying ability and workshops on Austrian politics, history and culture.The course is in accordance with the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework and is designed in particular to meet the needs and interests of
Indian Embassy’s services shut for visit

Jul 24, 2011

The Indian Embassy in Seoul will close its consular wing from July 26 to July 27 due to Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s state visit to South Korea from July 24-27.The aim of President Patil’s visit, which comes at the invitation of President Lee Myung-bak, is to increase cooperation between India and Korea.Presdient Lee previously visited India in January 2010 as Chief Guest for India’
U.K. offers new visa for the talented

Jul 24, 2011

The U.K. has announced a new visa program to welcome leaders in science, humanities, engineering and the arts to the country.The new “Exceptional talent” category will go into effect from Aug. 9, and will be open to those recognized as being at the top of their field, and people who display sufficient potential. There will be 1,000 places available in the first year ― 500 between the start date an
Mandela’s birthday celebrated

Jul 24, 2011

Two events were organized by the South African Embassy to honor the life of former president Nelson Mandela and teach orphaned children about his life and South African cultures.The embassy, in cooperation with Mannam Volunteer Association, organized the events with the theme “Take Action! Inspire change!” to coincide with Mandela’s birthday, which fell on July 18. Volunteers from Mannam Associati
On the road to freedom, Egypt celebrates national day

Jul 24, 2011

January’s popular uprising against former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will continue to have an impact not just across Egypt and the Middle East but also the world, Egyptian Ambassador Mohammad El-Zorkany told a gathering on the country’s national day on Thursday.“The revolution that erupted in Egypt on the 25th of January 2011 is proceeding and is evolving and I think eventually we will give