Transport · Busan
The Busan Transportation Corporation and its labor union reached a tentative agreement early on Friday morning, Oct. 23, resolving a contract dispute and averting a threatened general strike. All four Busan subway lines are running normally under standard schedules. The deal followed overnight negotiations over wage adjustments and safety staffing measures.
So what
Travel through Busan by subway without worrying about transit disruption, as all lines are operating normally.
Weather
Typhoon Champi is tracking northward toward southern Korea, bringing rain and strong wind to Jeju Island and southern coastal provinces starting Friday afternoon through the weekend. Jeju is forecast to receive 30 to 80 mm (1.2 to 3.1 inches) of precipitation, with mountain wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h (56 mph). Other southern regions, including Busan and South Gyeongsang, anticipate 5 to 30 mm of rainfall.
So what
Check local weather and ferry schedules before traveling if you are visiting Jeju or the southern coastline this weekend.
Entry
South Korea's Ministry of Justice announced reforms to the E-7-4 skilled worker visa system on Thursday. The revised pathway eases evaluation criteria for foreign workers on non-professional E-9 and maritime E-10 visas seeking long-term stay. The assessment reviews Korean language proficiency, local income levels, and duration of domestic employment.
So what
If you are working in Korea on an E-9 or E-10 visa, check the revised criteria to see if you qualify to transition to an E-7-4 visa.
Culture
Netflix Korea confirmed a worldwide rollout date of December 11 for its original series 'Tantara' (literal Korean title: 'Slowly and Intensely'). The star-studded production pairs top actors Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo in lead roles. The cast also features Cha Seung-won, Lee Ha-nee, and Seolhyun.
So what
Mark December 11 on your streaming calendar if you are eager to watch Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo together in a major new series.
Events · Sokcho
The 2026 Seoraksan Autumn Leaves Festival will take place on October 24 and 25 at the Seorak-dong C-District parking grounds in Sokcho, Gangwon Province. The event features traditional games, stage performances, and a giant bibimbap mixing event that offers free tastings to attendees. The festival coincides with prime autumn leaf viewing around Mount Seorak.
So what
Travel to Sokcho this weekend if you want to pair autumn hiking at Seoraksan with free traditional Korean food and local festivities.
Events · Seoul
Pope Leo XIV issued a video invitation on Thursday encouraging young Catholics worldwide to join a gathering of faith and friendship in Seoul for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027. Official registration for the gathering opened on the same day. The global event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of international visitors to the South Korean capital in summer 2027.
So what
Visit the official World Youth Day platform to register or review travel requirements if you intend to join the international gathering in Seoul.
Culture
BTS member Jungkook reached 300 million views on YouTube for his solo music video '3D' on Friday, Oct. 23. This marks Jungkook's third solo music video to hit the 300-million threshold since the track premiered in September 2023. Additionally, BTS's music video for '2.0,' a track from their album 'ARIRANG,' crossed 200 million views on Thursday.
So what
Stream the videos on YouTube to join BTS fans worldwide celebrating the group's latest global streaming milestones.