The Latvian Embassy in Seoul celebrated its National Day and the silver jubilee of its relations with Korea last week, promoting the country’s tourism, cultural and environmental assets around the Baltic Sea. The holiday on Nov. 18 marks the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia in 1918, when the country declared independence from Russia after more than 200 years of occupation. Latvia was subsumed into the Soviet Union in 1940, but became a vibrant democracy and market economy following the dis

Mike Flynn, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's first national security advisor, told a delegation of South Korean officials that relations between the two countries are a "vital alliance" and should be further strengthened, an official said. Mike Flynn (EPA-Yonhap)Flynn also told the delegation during the meeting earlier Friday that he plans to tackle the North Korean nuclear issue as a "priority," South Korea's deputy National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong told reporters. Flynn, a retired thre

In Denmark, people pursue happiness in everyday activities that land the Scandinavian society at the top of international happiness rankings year after year. Whether chumming around the fireplace, reading by the candlelight or cooking for loved ones, Danes have mastered the art of “hygge”: the pursuit of well-being through down-to-earth endeavors, which reportedly contributes to overall health and wealth.While the Nordic nation has championed its societal peace of mind, Korea has struggled, rank

Marking the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight, the Hungarian Embassy and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History have organized a photo exhibition that runs until Jan. 22. Organized in collaboration with the House of Terror Museum in Budapest, the exhibition showcases some 50 pictures and infographics at the museum in Seoul.The exhibition includes representative images of the time, such as students marching on the streets and the Hungarian flag with a

Throughout the late 1980s and ’90s, the Visegrad Group of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia transformed from Soviet satellite states to sovereign European democracies. On Feb. 15, 1991, Polish President Lech Walesa, Czechoslovakian President Vaclav Havel and Hungarian Prime Minister Jozsef Antall met in the small castle town of Visegrad, Hungary, and established the informal alliance of Central European nations. The waves of transition that followed rippled from Warsaw, Prague and

In line with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Economic Community Blueprint 2025, the regional bloc of 10 countries aims to enhance their physical, institutional and societal connectivity over the next 10 years to navigate the volatile world economy. Bolstered by the launch of the ASEAN Community last year, which comprises of security, economic and socio-cultural dimensions, the association envisions a “more comprehensively and seamlessly connected” Southeast Asia through state-of-the-

South Korea's military held an emergency meeting on Thursday to assess the possible impact of the Donald Trump presidency on its decades-old alliance with the United States that has been critical in maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. At the meeting, civilian leaders and the military's top brass reviewed potential U.S. defense policy changes that may occur between Washington and its Asian ally.Rep. Kim Young-woo, a ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker who heads the National Defense Committee in

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday reaffirmed Washington's security commitment to South Korea during his telephone conversation with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, an official source said.During the talks that lasted some 10 minutes, Trump was quoted as saying that the United States will maintain a "firm, strong" defense posture to defend its Asian ally South Korea. The talks took place at around 10:00 a.m.Trump added that Washington will work together with Seoul "until the end

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Korea Center in Seoul hosted its annual culinary fair last week, bringing Southeast Asia’s diverse, distinct foods to the Korean public that has become increasingly drawn to the region’s gastronomic and touristic attractions.The event, titled the “ASEAN Culinary Festival 2016,” was held at COEX in Seoul from Wednesday to Saturday. It showcased 30 signature dishes and beverages from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which were prepared by top c

The Finnish embassy in Seoul showcased last week the country’s wholesome, organic edibles in a bid to raise its profile in Korea, where consumers increasingly look for healthy options in their diet. Finland, located at the northeastern edge of Europe, is famous for its simple, yet nutritious cuisine made from organic ingredients grown near the Arctic. Much of its food comes from the unsoiled arctic greens and its crystal-clear waters. Representing cleanness, trustworthiness and high quality, the

Gen. Vincent K. Brooks -- commander of United States Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command -- was bestowed a Korean name last week at a ceremony in a show of appreciation for his commitment to strengthening fraternity between the defense forces of the US and Korea. At the venue Friday organized by the ROK-US Alliance Friendship Association, the top commander was given a plaque and a scroll displaying his new name: “Park Yu-jong.” The last name “Park” comes from Park Je

Sudan’s vast land and water resources and strategic position in northeastern Africa present unexplored opportunities to Korean investors, according to the country’s top envoy. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour came to Korea last week and held a discussion on diverse bilateral with his counterpart, Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se. He also met potential investors and officials at a forum organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “With vast land and water, we have large

The European Union delegation to Korea and Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance will jointly organize a series of programs in emissions trading to help curb greenhouse gas emissions and jump-start the green economy simultaneously. Officially launched July 8, the three-year scheme shares the EU’s experience and knowledge in operating the emissions trading system -- an innovative approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the trading of emissions credits on the market -- with the Ko