Between Christmas, New Years and other year-end holidays, this is a season of gift-giving. But in South Korea, a recent series of gifts involving the army has resulted in some apologies.
Every travel destination uses marketing to reach an audience of potential visitors. That includes the Hawaii Tourism Authority, as well as the government of Australia. But in the case of the land down under, there’s a bit of controversy about how some of that marketing money is being spent.
One of the world’s most ambitious electricity projects is moving ahead in Asia. It’s still in a very preliminary stage — and not all the challenges are related to technology.
Much political attention in the United States remains focused on the southern border. In Asia, there’s another border that’s been in the news this week.
When you hear stories about trade these days, they’re often focused on tariffs — and the ongoing dispute between the United States and China. But there’s another trade story in Asia that also has lingering implications.
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for space landings and launches. Last week, NASA’s InSight lander touched down on Mars — and there have been other developments involving space programs in South Korea and India.
As U.S. troops continue their presence along the southern border, they are putting up more razor wire. While this border is getting more barbed wire, there’s another famous dividing line between two countries where the trend is going the other way.
If you’re having any stress in your life today, you might want to consider 18 year olds in South Korea. For those who want to go to college, this is a tremendously important day — packed with stress. Because some say today’s events can impact the rest of their lives.
Around the world, certain foods are associated with particular locations. For most people, sushi goes with Japan, bratwurst with Germany, and kimchi is a match for Korea. But on that last one, there’s been a development.
Pedestrian deaths remain a focus of concern across Hawai’i – where they are running at roughly seven times the pace of last year’s fatalities. In parts of Asia, there is another safety issue that’s drawing a lot of attention.
The United States and North Korea are quietly continuing talks about denuclearization. But South Korea’s government is moving faster toward cooperation on some projects with the North. And that’s drawing a reaction from the United States.
Police in South Korea this week made the largest seizure of methamphetamine in the country’s history. Authorities say it was smuggled in by an international syndicate; it’s the latest reminder that the drug remains a potent threat in the Asia Pacific.
Visitor spending and arrivals are up across the islands compared to a year ago. That includes visitors from most markets in the Asia Pacific. And residents in one of those countries are setting records for foreign travel.
Navy ships from more than a dozen countries will be taking part in an event next week in South Korea. But there is controversy – not about ships or weapons, but about a flag.
Glenn Fawcett / U.S. Customs and Border Protection
If you have travel plans coming up that include a flight to Asia, you may be part of the newest wave of airport technology. The idea is to get passengers on their way more quickly — and without having to always take out a passport.
We’re a week away from the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s annual Global Tourism Summit. While the state will update its latest strategies to attract visitors, other locations are considering similar plans. And that includes the capital of South Korea.
Hawai‘i’s unemployment rate remains just over 2% — that’s about half the national average. It’s also a very different story than in South Korea — where more discouraging figures came out this week.
September is full of seasonal events. There’s Labor Day, the start of the National Football League season, and later this month, the United Nations General Assembly. There’s word this week that President Trump will meet South Korea’s president during that period to talk about North Korea; and according to South Korean media, there may be developments to discuss.
This was a triumphant weekend for Hawai‘i sports teams. Not only did Honolulu win the Little League World Series, but the underdog UH football team has a perfect record after winning its first game. On the other side of the Pacific there was also big news in amateur sports.
Japanese automakers always top the charts when it comes to car sales in Hawai‘i. But in South Korea, German automakers dominate the rankings of imported cars. And in recent months there has been a dangerous trend with one of the best-selling brands.
For a little more than a year, Honolulu has had a bike sharing program on the streets. A similar program has been on the Big Island for even longer. But in parts of Asia, it’s a business that’s going through a lot of changes.
Summertime means hotter weather. Last Wednesday, Lihue hit a record high at 87-degrees. But in recent weeks, most of Japan and parts of Korea have been baking under far higher temperatures.
Hawaii is one of 18 states that raised its minimum wage this year to $10.10 an hour. That’s an increase of about nine-percent from last year. In South Korea, the minimum wage rose nearly twice as much this year and is headed higher — but the politics have become complicated.
As you may have heard earlier on NPR, President Trump heads to Europe today for a week of diplomatic meetings. He’ll be talking with allies and will also spend time in Helsinki with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But another high-level diplomatic meeting is taking place this week thousands of miles from Europe.
South Korea is changing the way it sells coffee — at least when you buy it at a coffee shop. Starting next month, if you drink your coffee in a café, you won’t be using a disposable cup. And that’s already stirring some controversy.
On this Independence Day, there’s an unusual event marking the day on the Korean peninsula. It’s a basketball game involving teams from North Korea and South Korea—and a date that is significant for both sides.
We’re about a month away from President Trump’s scheduled meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While residents in South Korea are closely watching developments, a survey shows they also have some surprising attitudes when it comes to their neighbors to the north. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.
The leaders of North and South Korea are scheduled to meet this Friday at the Demilitarized Zone on the border between the two countries. Both countries are scrambling with last minute preparations this week—but in different ways. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.
The western side of the Big Island of Hawai‘i is getting some extra attention this week at an unlikely location. Kona is making headlines in South Korea—but not for reasons you might expect. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.
