Volunteers serve up samgyetang (chicken and ginseng soup) to more than 100 older adults in Beomcheon-dong in Busan on July 15.YONHAP
Happy Wednesday. We hope you've been staying dry during the rainy season. Here are the stories you need to know in Korea!
In today's news, consumers are wary of the potential high prices for new smartphone models, with many looking to stick with last year's models over the upcoming releases.
In other stories, we explore some of Seoul's hidden subway spaces, abandoned over time and remaining largely unused. We also find out why many people are trading out eating samgyetang (chicken and ginseng soup) during boknal (traditional hot days during summer) for other options this year.
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Today's top story
BUSINESS
Potential sticker shock pushes smartphone buyers to last year's iPhone and Galaxy models
With a new iPhone release set for September and Galaxy's foldable launching next week, July is traditionally a busy month for smartphone shoppers sizing up their next upgrade. This year, however, many are holding back, instead leaning toward last-generation flagships like the iPhone 17 and the Galaxy S26 series.
Companies also know about the consumer reaction, with Samsung increasing production of last year's model to meet demand.
Stepping into Seoul's abandoned subway spaces: The ghostly remnants of national upheavals
In a corner inside Sinseol-dong Station in eastern Seoul sits a pink steel door. But behind this door is a forgotten boarding area built for passengers who never came.
This is but one of the many hidden platforms and concourses scattered throughout the capital that trace a history that never came to be.
‘Hope’ opens with record presales and strong global buzz
Director Na Hong-jin’s first film in a decade debuted Wednesday in theaters with 599,000 advance tickets, a 68.1 percent booking share and sales to more than 200 countries.
