Seoul - Ten of thousands of South Korean auto workers went on a partial strike Wednesday to protest the government's lifting a ban on importing US beef.

Seoul - In a departure from their dependence on domestic mobile phone brands like Samsung or LG, South Korean mobile carriers are preparing to launch non-Korean brands for smart-phones.

International vendors such as HTC, RIMM, Apple and Nokia will be able to sign up with local carriers to put their international bestsellers in the hands of South Koreans.

SK Telecom launches Tuesday a touch-screen Windows Mobile smart- phone from Taiwanese vendor HTC, while it is also considering launching its next version Touch Diamond smart-phone from HTC later this year.

Seoul - In the face of stiff competition from TV and the internet, South Korean newspaper readership is falling, the Korea Press Foundation (KPF) said Monday.

Seoul  - South Korea's largest steelmaker is engaged in talks to import iron ore and coal from North Korea, the steelmaker said on Wednesday.

Seoul  - South Korea called Wednesday on Japan to immediately start energy shipments to North Korea to spur on negotiations with Pyongyang on ending its nuclear programmes.

Seoul, June 17 :