Latest news with #Seollal
Korea Herald
12-02-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Korea's emergency rooms overwhelmed over Lunar New Year holiday
Over 100 patients denied treatment at first hospital taken to, amid absence of ER doctors South Korea saw a sharp rise in the number of emergency patient transfered to more than one hospital during this year's extended Lunar New Year holiday, as over 100 patients were denied treatment at the first hospital they were taken to. This figure marks an increase of more than double the 45 cases reported during last year's four-day Seollal holiday, reflecting the continued strain on the nation's medical system amid the yearlong doctors' strike, started when junior doctors resigned on mass on Feb. 20, last year. According to the National Fire Agency, around the Lunar New Year holidays Jan. 23-30, emergency services had to transfer 104 patients to a second hospital after the first facility was unable to admit them. This figure marks the highest number of emergency room patients transfered to a second hospital during Seollal in the past five years, surpassing 62 cases in 2021, 81 in 2022, 51 in 2023 and 47 in 2024. Amid the ongoing doctors' strike, the extended holiday, made longer by the government's designation of Jan. 27 as a special public holiday, possibly added to the pressure. While the total number of cases jumped, the daily average -- 13 cases in 2025 versus 12 during Seollal 2024 -- remained relatively stable. Last year's Seollal holidays were both shorter than this year's, as well as occurred Feb. 9-12, before the doctors' strike began Feb. 20. Gyeonggi Province reported the highest number of transfers to additional hospitals (29 cases), followed by: Daegu (18), Incheon (12), Gangwon (7), Jeonbuk (7), Seoul (6), Chungcheongnam-do (6), Chungcheongbuk-do (4), Gyeongnam (3), Jeju (3), Daejeon (3) and Sejong (1). In a smaller number of instances, patients were transferred again to a third hospital. These cases happened in: Daegu (3 cases), Incheon (2), Daejeon (1), South Chungcheong Province (1) and North Chungcheong Province (1). The fire agency did not state what it believes to be the reasons for this year's transfers, but past trends suggest doctor shortages tend to play a major role. During last year's Chuseok holiday, 48.2 percent of hospital transfers were due to a lack of specialists, reflecting the ongoing crisis in South Korea's medical system. Since February 2024, tensions over the government's plan to raise the medical school enrollment quota by 2,000 places starting this year sparked mass resignations of residents and specialists, straining emergency rooms in particular. To ease holiday disruptions, the NFA had expanded emergency transport measures ahead of the holiday, such as distributing patients based on severity and increasing 119 emergency medical staff.
![[Photo News] Ushering in Seollal with uplifting traditional spirit](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F02%2F05%2Fnews-p.v1.20250205.b96cd9975a6b4dc199bb04517b21b6d1_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
[Photo News] Ushering in Seollal with uplifting traditional spirit
Concert features prestigious traditional performing arts institutions On Wednesday afternoon, more than 1,000 spectators gathered at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea to celebrate Seollal, the Lunar New Year, enjoying a variety of Korean traditional performing arts. The concert, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the National Gugak Center and the National Theater of Korea, showcased performances by prestigious traditional performing arts institutions, including the National Theater of Korea and the National Gugak Center, alongside local artists and young artists who were part of the National Youth Arts Corps in 2024. The concert opened with the National Gugak Center's Folk Music Orchestra, featuring 'Gilnori and Chukwon Deokdam,' a traditional performance wishing the audience health and prosperity. It was followed by the National Gugak Center's Court Music Orchestra and Dance Company, which presented 'Yeominrak and Bongraeui,' symbolizing harmony and peace. The National Gugak Center's Youth Dance Education Troupe performed a traditional mask dance piece titled 'In Search of Another Self (Sangseonyaksu).' Riding on the popularity of the recent drama "Jeong-nyeoni," the National Changgeuk Company of Korea staged key scenes from its changgeuk (Korean traditional opera) adaptation of "Jeong-nyeoni." Additionally, performers from the National Folk Gugak Center and the National Namdo Gugak Center delivered a vibrant medley of folk songs, ushering in the new year with uplifting melodies. The National Dance Company of Korea showcased 'Mugo,' a powerful performance combining bold drum rhythms with graceful dance movements. The concert concluded with a grand finale by the National Orchestra of Korea, performing 'Shinbaetnori,' a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Korean rhythms. To further enrich the event, key attendees wore hanbok, the traditional Korean attire.
Korea Herald
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Festivities mark end of Seollal holiday
Visitors make the most of the final day of the Seollal holiday on Thursday at the Seoul Museum of History in Jongno-gu, Seoul, enjoying "samulnori," a traditional Korean percussion performance, and a vibrant lion mask dance. The museum also offers hands-on experiences with traditional games, including "neolttwigi" (a seesaw-like jumping game) and "tuho" (arrow throwing).
Korea Herald
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Yoon behind bars: Visitor ban to be lifted, lawyers mull bail request
Ruling party lawmakers, Yoon's aides expected to visit the arrested president at the Seoul Detention Center after Lunar New Year holiday A ban on visitors to President Yoon Suk Yeol will be lifted on Friday, allowing the sitting president, who is under pretrial detention while indicted over the martial law crisis, to receive visitors other than his lawyers. Right-wing politicians are apparently seeking to take advantage of the eased restrictions to rally support for the conservative president. Presidential officials, including Yoon's Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk and Chung's predecessor Kim Dae-ki, who served in the first two years of Yoon's term, are reportedly mulling a visit to Yoon as soon as Friday, after the Lunar New Year, or Seollal, holiday. The presidential office declined to comment when asked about plans for them to visit the detention center. Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of Yoon's ruling People Power Party, is also among the lawmakers expected to visit the Seoul Detention Center after the Seollal holiday. 'It is only right to visit the president -- whom we once served -- when he is going through tough times,' Kweon was quoted as saying by local media outlet MBN. Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling party also told reporters Tuesday that the lawmakers, including himself, wish to meet with and encourage the president. The five-term lawmaker said he plans to visit the detention center next week. Yoon is allowed to meet visitors once a day. This came as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which led a joint investigation with the police and the military into Yoon's martial law declaration, requested that the Seoul Detention Center lift Yoon's visitation ban after the investigative body transferred Yoon's case to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on Jan. 23. The CIO, which banned Yoon from having visitors other than his legal representatives, citing concerns about destruction of evidence, said it was now the task of prosecutors to take appropriate measures against Yoon, according to the CIO. The measure was in effect for a week, prohibiting people close to Yoon, including the first lady Kim Keon Hee, from visiting the arrested president. Although the visitor restriction was lifted last week, inmates at the prison cannot have visitors on weekends and national holidays, which means the detained president will be able to meet with his associates once the Lunar New Year holiday is over on Friday. Meanwhile, the president's legal representatives are expected to apply for bail. Unless the court approves the bail request, Yoon can be held at the detention center for up to six months. Prosecutors indicted him on Sunday on charges of insurrection, cutting short their investigation, after the Seoul Central District Court dismissed two consecutive requests from the prosecution on Jan. 24 and 25 seeking to extend its warrant and continue gathering evidence. The court ruled that an extension was neither necessary nor justifiable given that the prosecution is not an investigative authority.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Where your 2025 Chinese zodiac wants you to travel this year
Happy Lunar New Year! If you're unfamiliar with the concept, the lunar calendar is follows the moon's 12 phases, with each phase lasting approximately 29 days and the full calendar lasting 354 days. Lunar New Year is observed primarily in Asian countries such as China (chūnjié), Vietnam (Tết), South Korea (Seollal), Malaysia (Tahun Baru Cina), and many more. The Lunar calendar also operates on a 12-year cycle, and each year has a symbolic animal sign. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, specifically the wood snake. But what does that mean? The snake is the 6th animal in the Chinese zodiac and represents the "midpoint, symbolizing balance — or the need for it — in one's life," according to Jonathan H.X. Lee, a professor of Asian and Asian American folklore, religions and culture at San Francisco State University. It is a time for shedding the old and transforming into the new, which can be both empowering and freeing, but also disruptively jarring at times. Wood is associated with both trees and fire, so the wood snake specifically possesses qualities that represent both of those characteristics such as growth and tolerance but also passion and brightness. Vicki Iskandar, Chinese astrology and Feng Shui expert, predicts that the year of the Yin Wood Snake will bring a highly creative, collaborative and exciting year across the board — but also unpredictable. "This is a year to explore, get inspired, and share your light." Advertisement But what does that mean for travel specifically? Hong Kong based feng shui consultant Thierry Chow says 'Year 2025 will be very different. The Snake — with a strong fire element, along with some metal and earth elements — is a zodiac sign that can cause significant clashes and conflicts. We need to be mindful of accidents as we approach the Snake Year. The overall atmosphere in the world will become slightly more chaotic." Ain't that the truth. Chow also uses Chinese geomancy to analyze which parts of the world will have varying influence of luck for the year. "Because the fortune star will land in the east this year," she says, "travelers are encouraged to explore locations in that direction, whether within their city or abroad." Here are a few suggestions on where (and WHEN!) to travel based on your Chinese zodiac. You can also buy a commemorative Year of the Snake print here! Snake 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Advertisement Happy new year Snakes, this is your year. One thing that needs to be said right off the bat: brace yourself for change. 2025 might not be EASY for you, but it will be a much needed (in the long run) transformation. In fact, 2025 is going to be life-changing. Keep a positive mindset through the various challenges that will be thrown your way, and trust they WILL be challenging, but you can and will weather the storm and might even grasp major goals that you have been working towards these last few years. You'll want to keep your cards (and your travels) close as your home, health, and career settle from the year's shaking. Your travel theme for 2025 will be rest and rejuvenation. 2025 will feel like a battlefield at points, so when you have a second to breathe, prioritize travel experiences that are on the more relaxing side, but still close(ish) to home. Opt for an all-inclusive resort on Mexico's east coast (the new Tulum airport just opened!) or the Caribbean to catch your breath and prioritize your mental health for your the new life chapter this year will bring. Best months for Snakes to travel: May, August, November Horse 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Advertisement Horses, you're gonna have a fantastic year. 2025 will bring new blossoming relationships and strengthen existing ones, both romantic and platonic. Your career will also be in a good place this year, and your efforts will be recognized in a big way, setting your life up for big changes when the year of the Fire Horse rolls around in 2026. That said, you might find yourself staying up later than normal and pushing yourselves harder and longer to keep up with all of the exciting opportunities coming your way. Don't spread yourself too thin. Be mindful of both your time and energy so you don't burnout or get sick. This year is a great time to travel somewhere that might have be intimidating before. Destinations that may seem chaotic and overwhelming will be more manageable for you this year, especially if you travel as part of a group trip where you will shine amongst your new travel companions. Japan, Turkey, Ghana, and Taiwan might be calling to you - 2025 is the year to answer that call. Best months for Horses to travel: March, September, December Goat/Sheep 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Advertisement You might have a few challenges sprinkled throughout the year, but for the most part Goats/Sheep will have a pretty stable 2025. Work might give you a heavy plate, but it won't be anything unmanageable, especially if you have a friendly Horse coworker helping you out. While you'll probably want to avoid rocking the boat this year, it is a fantastic opportunity for you to pursue new hobbies outside of work and travel. Use this year to focus on your investments, saving towards your emergency fund, and planting the seeds for future plans. But back to travel, y'all have earned a relaxing vacation. Whether you are craving a beachside resort or returning to a favorite destination, this year your travel should aim to bring you peace and comfort. You'll want to prioritize self-care in your travels, especially towards the latter half of the year. Keep destinations such as Mexico, the Maldives, Hawai'i, the Philippines, or one of the European islands in mind if you choose to go international this year. Best months for Goats/Sheep to travel: March, May, November Advertisement Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 While 2024 was a major hit or unfortunate miss for Monkeys, 2025 will be an upward trend for all born under this zodiac. That said, it won't be all stars and sunshine, but Snake years often challenges Monkeys to become the best versions of themselves, which in turn will result in great accomplishments. As long as you put in the work in your relationships, career, and personal pursuits, you will have a prosperous year. Maybe even the best of all the zodiacs. Don't tell the Horses though. Because this will be a (rewarding) grind year for Monkeys, it will be important for you to balance your work with equally important and deserved vacations. You'll often be taking meetings and planning your exciting opportunities and collaborations while traveling, so visiting exciting cities such as Mexico City, Tokyo, London, and Cape Town will give you a chance to enjoy new places , but still allow you to stay well-connected to your various projects. If you are able though, try to squeeze in at least one outdoor/nature inspired trip to fully allow you to unplug and relax. You'll need the energy! Advertisement Best months for Monkeys to travel: February, August, November Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 You had a rough year in 2024, and one of the hardest you've had to work in a while. Well finally, those seeds you planted will finally begin to sprout in 2025. Your career and relationships will begin to settle into a cohesive familiarity, creating a more harmonious day-to-day routine. You may even be presented with a new major relationship or career advancement, take it in grateful stride but don't go full-throttle just yet. Enjoy the calm bliss of the rewards, especially in the first half of the year. You earned it. On that note, treat yourselves during vacation this year. Don't blow all of your money, but opt to stay in a nicer hotel with more comfortable flights if your budget allows. Visit destinations that feed your interests, so that the good energy of a reimagined hobby can fill you. For outdoor enthusiasts, try hiking the pristine mountains of Pakistan or kayaking the clear waters of Croatia. Those who travel for deep cultural experiences can immerse themselves in cities across China and Colombia. Or if you just want a warm place to read on the beach, Caribbean resorts will have you covered. Advertisement Best months for Roosters to travel: February, April, September Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Good job making it out of 2024 alive. It was truly a Dog-Eat-Dog year, no pun intended. Thankfully, 2025 will start to turn things around for the better and you'll have the opportunity to breathe. You may still have some lingering stress in the beginning of the year, that will begin to ease up and you'll be able to more clearly focus on recovering, rebuilding, and restructuring from any previous life upsets. Most notably, 2025 will be a great year for relationship building, though be mindful of those who may try to take advantage of your new upward mobility. When it comes to travel, be open to what opportunities the world offers. Instead of focusing on a specific destination, keep an eye out for flight deals and opportunities to visit places that may conveniently present themselves. If you do plan ahead though, prioritize visiting friends and families you haven't seen in a while, especially if you haven't been to those destinations before - those will end up being your favorite travel experiences of the year. Advertisement Best months for Dogs to travel: March, November, December Boar/Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 2025 is about to put Boars/Pigs through the RINGER. Similar to Snakes, this year will test your limits and force to you shed a lot of old comforts in pretty much all aspects of your life. The only thing you can expect this year is CHANGE. Before you start hyperventilating though, not all change is bad. Yes, it will be a challenging year that might change the trajectory of your future and daily of those changes will be for the best, even if it's uncomfortable getting there. For those reasons, this year it is more important than ever to carve out time for yourself. If you were a spontaneous traveler in the past, now is the time to try out planning your travels so that your plans are solidified. Life will be hectic this year, and it will be easy to get swept up in the chaos and forego prioritizing your mental well-being. To further aid in your relaxation, this would be a great year to join a group retreat to destinations such as Costa Rica, Bali (Indonesia), or Portugal which will both help take the planning stress off your shoulders as well as aid in much needed wellness guidance. Advertisement Best months for Boars/Pigs to travel: April, July, December Rat 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 If you're feeling apprehensive about 2025, there's a good reason. Rats will be straddling the luck fence during the Year of the Snake, so it will be important to listen to your intuition and play your cards on the safe side to come out of this year in the green. While your career and home life should remain relatively stable, you should take the opportunity to strengthen your close relationships. You'll need them for the onslaught that will be don't worry about that bridge until you get there. For now, research opportunities that arise from all angles, and sleep on any big life decisions or purchases. For Rats who haven't already gotten into the practice of buying travel insurance, now's the time to start. In terms of travel destinations, it'll be good to stick a little closer to home this year. Embrace the relaxing ease of a weekend trip to a nearby town or city you've never visited, or try out a domestic city you've always wanted to visit. If you want to slightly more international this year, great options are Canada, Puerto Rico, or a scenic cruise. Best months for Rats to travel: July, October, November Ox 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 If you are an Ox, you're gonna have a pretty solid 2025. Life might seem to run a little easier a little may make you suspicious, especially compared to your experience last year. However take the stability and ease in stride, your steady diligence toward your career and maintaining your relationships will set you up for a fruitful year. fruitful. Don't get too wrapped up in enjoying your good year that you overspend and empty out your finances. As long as you keep yourself to somewhat of a budget, you'll be in great shape. With that in mind, you can still enjoy fabulous vacations while being money conscious. For adventure seekers, countries like El Salvador or Namibia can keep you entertained on a lower budget, though you might want to use miles to cover the flight. Otherwise, there are plenty of budget-friendly cities in Europe that are easy to get to and affordable! Best months for Oxen to travel: January, July, November Tiger 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Gonna give it to ya straight Tigers, 2025 is not going to be nice to you - particularly in the relationship department. You'll want to watch what you say around people you don't know too well, and watch how you say things to the folks you do. This year might be one filled with miscommunications and social mishaps, which may bleed into your career or home life if you aren't careful. 2025 might leave you feeling drained emotionally, so check in often with yourself if you feel overwhelmed at the obstacles that may come your way. On that note, it is a good year for Tigers to take that dream trip they've dreaming about. It's the perfect year for escapism for Tigers, using the opportunity to reflect on all that you have achieved thus far, and where you want direction you want to start planning for the future. You very well may decide to stay the course you've been living, but realizing that on a nice trip to Antarctica or on a Kenyan safari doesn't hurt! Best months for Tigers to travel: February, August, December Rabbit/Cat 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Rabbits/Cats will have a pleasantly good year in 2025, especially coming off of the wreck that was 2024. You might notice yourself feeling happier with a bit of pep in your step this year, and overall feel at ease in life. You'll especially notice the difference when it comes to your relationships, in particular new platonic connections. Things will finally feel like they sense, so don't be surprised if 2025 brings about a new air of philosophical wanderings. Speaking of wandering, if you are able, this is the perfect year for Rabbits/Cats to have a sabbatical. Whether you take some time away from work, pursue a gap year, or use your retirement time to travel slowly, seeing multiple countries over a longer span of time will be extra enriching for you in 2025. For those on a budget, Southeast Asia might be better, or set out on a Eurotrip via train if you have a little extra wiggle room in your finances. Use the Year of the Snake to eat, pray, and most importantly, love. Best months for Rabbits/Cats to travel: March, June, September Dragon 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 It's not your year anymore Dragons, a way it's still your year because 2025 is going to be a good one for you. Dragons really put in the work last year, sometimes by force, but those milestones will really make headway towards the later half of 2025. You might have a few hiccups, particularly in your career and home life, but on the same leaf the Year of the Snake will also bring new opportunities that could allow you to grow and mature mentally and physically. Just be careful not to get bogged down in stress and be sure to take time for yourself. On that note, Dragons, reward yourself for all the perseverance you displayed in 2024 with a fun and exciting vacation, especially if it is one that involves new physical activities. Keep an eye on Spain, Ecuador, and Oman for a mix of stunning cities, breathtaking landscapes, and quaint strolls during dusk to close out a long day of exploring. Best months for Dragons to travel: July, August, October
