South Korea’s hospitality sector faces challenges as political turmoil sparks travel cancellations, raising concerns about safety and tourism recovery.
South Korea’s tourism industry, which contributed ₩84.7 trillion ($59.1 billion) or 3.8% of GDP in 2023, faces new challenges as political unrest deters visitors. The recent six-hour martial law, later rescinded, has led to some trip cancellations and a slight drop in hotel bookings.
Accor Group reported a 5% rise in cancellations, and the Korea Tourism Start-up Association noted declining bookings for early 2025. Hotels in Seoul, previously fully booked, now offer discounts to attract guests. Concerns extend to medical tourism, with some foreign patients cancelling appointments.
The "Korean Wave" of cultural exports and reputation for safety are key to South Korea’s tourism strategy, but ongoing protests could hinder growth in sectors like MICE tourism.
Experts believe the impact may be temporary if stability returns, while others remain optimistic about travel demand, particularly from China, South Korea’s largest visitor source.
North Korea launched over 10 rockets from near Pyongyang on Thursday, prompting fresh concerns in the region.
South Korea, the U.S., and Japan held their first joint air drills since President Lee Jae Myung took office, signalling security cooperation even as Seoul seeks renewed dialogue with North Korea.
Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee is under scrutiny following revelations that she used a secure presidential phone line to speak with a top aide just weeks before being questioned in a major stock price manipulation and bribery probe.
South Korea and Japan have agreed to deepen their cooperation with the United States in addressing regional security challenges, including North Korea, during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, according to local media reports.
South Korea’s new president Lee Jae-myung will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the G7 summit in Canada, marking his first major diplomatic engagement.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its Youth in Business programme in Türkiye, building on its success in 12 other countries. The initiative aims to mobilise up to €250 million in financing to support young entrepreneurs under 35.
North Korea on Thursday marked the first anniversary of its defence pact with Russia, praising the “absolute solidity” of the alliance and defending its military involvement in the war in Ukraine, despite international condemnation.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran's foreign minister is expected in Istanbul on Saturday for a key Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) council meeting as regional tensions rise over Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The US Embassy in Qatar has temporarily barred its personnel from entering Al Udeid Air Base due to rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
The World Bank has approved a $640 million loan to Bangladesh to help improve gas supply security and reduce dangerous air pollution in urban areas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its Youth in Business programme in Türkiye, building on its success in 12 other countries. The initiative aims to mobilise up to €250 million in financing to support young entrepreneurs under 35.
North Korea on Thursday marked the first anniversary of its defence pact with Russia, praising the “absolute solidity” of the alliance and defending its military involvement in the war in Ukraine, despite international condemnation.
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