South Korea - The Times Of Central Asia

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Bishkek Collaborates with KOICA and Seoul Institute on Sustainable Urban Transport Project

On March 11, Aibek Junushaliyev, Mayor of Bishkek, met with representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Seoul Institute, an official think tank for South Korea’s capital, to discuss preparations for a project titled, Creating a Sustainable Urban Transport System to Achieve Carbon Neutrality in Bishkek. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life for Bishkek residents. According to the Bishkek municipality, KOICA representatives presented an implementation plan, while the Seoul Institute provided practical recommendations on integrating innovative transport technologies. The project’s key objectives include: Developing a long-term transport strategy for Bishkek, ensuring sustainable urban mobility Integrating modern technologies to optimize public transport routes, monitor traffic flows, and enhance efficiency through data analysis Improving accessibility and safety for all categories of users, including pedestrians and cyclists Engaging stakeholders, such as local communities, businesses, and NGOs, to ensure an inclusive and citizen-focused transport system Promoting environmental sustainability by introducing eco-friendly public transport and expanding pedestrian and cycling infrastructure Mayor Junushaliyev emphasized that the project’s success would not only modernize the city’s transport infrastructure but also enhance Bishkek’s environmental sustainability and investment appeal. Municipal transport remains a pressing issue in Kyrgyzstan’s rapidly growing capital. However, in recent years, Bishkek has taken steps to modernize its fleet, replacing older diesel-powered vehicles with larger, more eco-friendly buses running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Uzbek Citizen Purchases Luxury Apartment in Seoul for Over $5 Million in Cash

An Uzbek citizen has purchased a high-end apartment in Seoul, South Korea, for 7.4 billion won (approximately $5.09 million), according to a report by the Korean publication Choson Biz. The property is located in Banpo Xi, a prestigious residential complex in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. With a dedicated area of 244 square meters, the apartment was sold at the highest recorded price for the complex, surpassing the previous record by 300 million won. The transaction took place in November last year. The buyer, a 41-year-old Uzbek national whose given address is in Tashkent and is identified only as "A", is registered under the “Korea-Uzbekistan Traditional Medicine Clinic” in Tashkent, a center that promotes traditional medicine and provides acupuncture training for Uzbek doctors. Official records indicate that the property transfer was registered on the 28th. Reports suggest that the buyer paid the full amount in cash, as no mortgage was listed on the property deed. Banpo Xi, a large residential complex with 3,410 units, is also home to several South Korean celebrities, including comedian Park Jun-hyung, Kim Ji-hye, and actress Yeo Jeong-a. The purchase comes amid a rising trend of foreign real estate investment in South Korea. As of June 2023, nearly 100,000 housing units in the country were owned by foreigners, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Chinese buyers lead the list, owning 52,798 units (55.5%), followed by U.S. nationals with 21,360 units (22.5%). Canadians hold 6,225 units (6.5%), while Taiwanese and Australians own 3,307 (3.5%) and 1,894 (2.0%) units, respectively.

Uzbekistan Approves Regular Flights from Malaysia, South Korea, and Egypt

Uzbekistan has approved regular flights for airlines from Malaysia, South Korea, and Egypt, the Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan announced. Under an intergovernmental air services agreement between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, AirAsia X Berhad received approval on February 3, 2025, to operate regular flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent. On the same day, South Korea’s T’way Air was also granted permission to launch regular flights on the Seoul-Tashkent-Seoul route under the Uzbekistan-South Korea air services agreement. Both AirAsia X Berhad and T’way Air will operate these flights using Airbus A330 aircraft. On February 4, Egypt’s Red Sea Airlines received approval to operate regular flights between Sharm el-Sheikh and Tashkent. This decision follows the Uzbekistan-Egypt air services agreement, and the airline will use Boeing 737 aircraft for these flights. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported that Uzbekistan Airways altered its flight routes to Europe starting in January, bypassing Russian and Belarusian airspace. The airline’s press service stated that the decision was based on recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and was not related to the recent Azerbaijan Airlines crash.

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Builds National Center for Aquaculture and Fisheries Development

Construction of Kyrgyzstan’s National Center for the Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries is underway in the village of Bokonbaevo on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The project is a joint initiative of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry and the Korea Maritime Institute. The center will provide training in fish farming technologies for farmers, students, and researchers. According to the ministry, a well has been drilled to a depth of 180 meters, and pumping equipment and water purification systems have been installed to supply water for the center’s incubation workshop. The facility is scheduled for completion by December 2026. It will include fish incubation workshops, laboratories, residential quarters, a canteen, and other necessary infrastructure. The center is designed to boost Kyrgyzstan’s fishing industry. Currently, the country produces about 30,000 tons of fish annually, of which only 5,000 tons are exported. However, experts estimate that Kyrgyzstan has the capacity to produce up to 105,000 tons and export 50,000 tons of fish. According to official statistics, in 2023, Kyrgyzstan produced 33,600 tons of fish and exported 5,556 tons of fish and fish products, mainly to Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Lithuania. Fish farming in Kyrgyzstan, particularly trout production, is carried out in artificial ponds and fishery farms at lakes Issyk-Kul and Son-Kul.

Samsung TVs to Be Produced in Kazakhstan

Silk Road Electronics and Samsung Electronics have signed an agreement to launch TV manufacturing in Kazakhstan. The partnership will manufacture Samsung's latest range of televisions, including premium models, to cater to demand in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The new production line will be established at Silk Road Electronics' facility in Sarani, located in the Karaganda region. “Samsung Electronics, as a long-standing technology leader, is committed to being closer to its consumers. The launch of production in Kazakhstan will increase the availability of our products for the local market,” said Jong Yujin, President of Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia. The localization of production is expected to deliver significant benefits, including developing industrial infrastructure and creating new jobs. “We will provide world-class products at affordable prices for Kazakhstani consumers,” added Alexander Kritsky, Director of Silk Road Electronics, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration. The project, supported by the Industry Development Fund, is set to commence operations in the second quarter of 2025, with Kazakhstani-made TVs expected to hit the market in the latter half of the year. Silk Road Electronics operates on the premises of the former Karagandarezinotechnika plant, which spans over 61,000 square meters. Approximately 25 billion tenge was invested in modernizing the facility. The plant’s primary owner is the Uzbek company Artel, known for producing various household appliances under its brand, including TVs, washing machines, and stoves. Artel partners with Meridian Company and SPK Saryarka. Meridian Company is owned by Andrei Lavrentiev, who also leads Qarmet. Previously, Samsung Electronics announced its plans to establish the production of washing machines at the Saran plant.

The Impact of Korean Culture on Kazakhstan: Personal Stories and Impressions

In recent years, Korean culture - including K-pop and doramas (dramas) - has gained incredible popularity in Kazakhstan. It has had a significant impact on young people, offering not only entertainment, but also support, motivation, and new opportunities to socialize and express themselves. To better understand how Korean culture is influencing life in Kazakhstan, TCA talked to young people about their stories and experiences. [caption id="attachment_26045" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Image: TCA[/caption] Alua, 22, computer club administrator For me, as an insecure teenager, K-pop and doramas have been a tremendous support and help in shaping my personality. Songs about self-love, with words of encouragement and motivation give many teens a foothold they often can't get from their environment. The doramas teach us and show us that nothing is impossible, that everything is in our hands. They also show young girls what healthy relationships should look like. That's what I love about Korean culture, the lack of gender boundaries and the promotion of healthy attitudes. I think this kind of influence has a great effect on the youth of Kazakhstan. Doramas are television series produced in South Korea and other Asian countries. They cover a wide range of genres: romance, drama, comedy, sci-fi, historical subjects, and more. Doramas are known for their high-quality productions, plot twists, and colorful characters. [caption id="attachment_26046" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Image by Nastya, from the official BTS film festival in Kino Park, Astana[/caption] Nurlan, 19, student at a pedagogical faculty I like Korean culture because of its unconventionality. For example, K-pop groups such as BTS have always fought against male stereotypes and I’m inspired by it. I think it's really great, because in Kazakhstan there are big problems with the perception of gender roles. In addition to male stereotypes, they are also breaking down female stereotypes through female groups like BLACKPINK, who present themselves as confident girls who are not afraid of getting their own way. Also in Kazakhstan, many convenience stores like the Korean 7/11 are opening up where you can eat noodles and tokpoki, and sit with friends, just like in the doramas. I really like it, and I’m happy that Korean trends that are reaching us in Kazakhstan. [caption id="attachment_26049" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Image: TCA[/caption] Sarah, 21, store administrator and student I started getting into Korean culture back in 2010, when my sister showed me the dorama Boys More Beautiful Than Flowers. After that, K-pop and doramas helped me not to get discouraged during difficult moments, offering an interactive culture that nurtured a sense of love and support. Even if it wasn't fashionable then and I was made fun of, K-pop kept me going. Now, however, it’s a worldwide phenomenon, and that’s nothing short of heartwarming. So many people around the world have discovered a whole new genre of music, movies, TV series and things in the Korean media space, such as albums and photocards, fan-sites, merch, and concerts. Doramas and shows like Running Man and Apartment 404 have become my favorite part of celebrity promotion in Korea....