The United States announced that it is joining the 108 countries and international organizations taking part in the 2012 Yeosu Expo.The U.S. Embassy said that its pavilion will build upon the expo’s theme of “The Living Ocean and Coast,” and showcase the diversity, spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development of the American people. “This demonstrates the U.S.’ commitment to deepening our friendly ties and strengthening U.S.-Korea relations and engagement in

The Spanish Embassy is holding “The Week of Spain at Universities” throughout this week at several schools across the country.Spain has long cooperated with local universities to promote Spanish language and culture. Foremost among these is the Aula Cervantes center in Kyung Hee University.The embassy also works with Spanish lecturers at several other institutions such as the University of Pyeongtaek and Korea University.During Spanish Week there will be screening of some relevant Spanish movies

A former senior South Korean diplomat in Russia has been under a probe by prosecutors on suspicion of embezzling tens of millions of won of the government's budget, the Seoul prosecution and the culture ministry said on Friday.Ryu Min, 53, is suspected of pocketing about US$51,714 between 2008 and M

SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrived Wednesday in South Korea for a two-day visit that is expected to focus on efforts to revive the stalled six-nation talks on North Korea's nuclear programs and expansion of the bilateral currency swap deal, officials said.Li, widely e

The top U.S. envoy on North Korea has reported some progress after the first day of talks over Pyongyang’s nuclear program, the second direct encounter between both sides in less than three months.Speaking to reporters and TV cameras Monday night as he re-entered his lakeside hotel after their first meeting at the United States’ U.N. mission in Geneva, Stephen Bosworth called himself “neither optimistic nor pessimistic.’’“We have had a good day of talks. I think we’re moving in a positive direct

No South Korean casualties have so far been reported in Turkey where a massive earthquake struck its southeastern region killing at least 100 people, the Foreign Ministry here said Monday. A 7.2-magnitude quake hit the Turkish province of Van on Sunday, killing some 140 people and injuring another 350, according to overseas news reports that quoted Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The death toll could reach 1,000, reports say. Two South Korean nationals, who reside in Van Province,

Enrollment in the upcoming New Zealand general elections and referendum are under way with the elections set for Nov. 26.Eligible New Zealanders overseas can vote in the lead-up to Election Day but must be enrolled first.To be eligible to vote, the person voting must be a New Zealand citizen and have visited New Zealand within the last three years, or a permanent resident of New Zealand and have visited New Zealand in the last 12 months.Once enrolled, voters can cast their ballot from Nov. 9.All

Gumi City and the Netherlands Embassy have teamed up for a special concert by the Gumi City Choir as part of celebrations of 50 years of diplomatic relations.This choral concert is part of a tour starting in Seoul on Nov. 1 before continuing to Breda, Rotterdam and Eindhoven in the Netherlands on Nov. 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The Seoul concert will be held at the Hyehwa Catholic Church from 8 p.m. The conductor of the choir will be Joseph Hwang, a graduate from the Brabant Conservatory in the N

This year’s Canada Education Fairs 2011will take place on Oct. 30 at COEX, southern Seoul.Organized by the Embassy of Canada, the event showcases 64 Canadian institutions including public school districts, private schools, colleges, universities and private language training institutions all ready to meet prospective students and parents with interests in studying in Canada.“The fair will be a good opportunity to find out more information on studying in Canada and Canada’s world-wide-recognized