– Seasonal local specialties drive increase in domestic accommodation searches to
Changwon, Seocheon, Gwangyang, Jindo, and Nonsan

SEOUL, May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Food is increasingly taking center stage as a primary reason for travel, with more Asian travelers eager to explore destinations that offer unforgettable culinary experiences. Reflecting this shift, digital travel platform Agoda unveiled its ranking of Asian travelers that are most passionate about culinary experiences during their travels.

The findings, derived from a survey of Asian travelers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, reveal that South Korea ranks third among eight markets, with 34% of respondents identifying food as a key reason for travel, surpassing the regional average of 31%.

Topping the list are travelers from Taiwan region, where 47% cite gastronomy as a major travel driver. They are followed by Vietnam (35%), South Korea (34%), Malaysia (33%), Japan (32%), Indonesia (31%), Thailand (20%), and India (8%), rounding out the top eight most flavor-forward markets.

South Korea, in particular, is renowned for its rich variety of seasonal ingredients, each tied to specific regions and harvest periods. This has fueled a growing trend among travelers of all ages to explore springtime delicacies across the country.

Based on accommodation searches made by South Korean travelers on Agoda between January and March 2026, Changwon recorded a 34% year-on-year increase in searches. The city is widely known for its styela clava, which is at its peak between March and May, and accounts for approximately 70% of domestic production. A staple of spring ingredients, it is commonly enjoyed raw, steamed, or served in stews.

Agoda reports that Seocheon, renowned for its webfood octopus, also saw a 30% rise in search volume. Prized for its chewy yet tender texture, it is frequently featured in hot pots and spicy stir-fried dishes. At its best taste in March and April, the city recently hosted “Seocheon Camellia & Webfoot Octopus Festival,” from March 21 to April 5. The event featured various programs, including an octopus culinary market, children’s octopus fishing, etc.

Gwangyang, known for corbicula, a local specialty often prepared as sashimi or in hearty soups, also experienced a 28% increase in searches. Additionally, Jindo saw a 23% rise in travel interest, likely fueled by its spring crab, which is enjoyed in diverse preparations such as steaming, soy sauce marination, and salads. Anticipation for the upcoming “Jindo Crab Festival,” taking place from May 1 to May 3, could play a role in further boosting travel demand, with domestic searches increasing by 357%.

Nonsan, the country’s largest strawberry-producing region, recorded an 18% increase in search volume. The “Nonsan Strawberry Festival,” held from March 26 to 29, drew approximately 670,000 visitors and generated sales of 150 tons of strawberries, according to the city government during its April monthly meeting.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, said “Today’s travelers are increasingly eager to engage with the local food culture of the destinations they visit. From Changwon’s styela clava dishes to Nonsan’s strawberry-based desserts, South Korea offers a wide range of seasonal culinary experiences. We remain committed to helping travelers discover authentic regional flavors around the world, supported by competitive value across flights, accommodations, and activities.”

For those seeking out their next culinary adventure, Agoda offers over 300,000 activities, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your next foodie getaway today.

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BEIJING, May 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forty-five years has been identified as the critical age threshold at which elevated sperm DNA fragmentation significantly reduces fertility potential in men.

High levels of DNA fragmentation, defined as a breakdown of genetic material inside sperm cells, make it harder for sperm to fertilise an egg with other potential adverse outcomes including impaired embryo development and higher miscarriage rates.

Advanced age is an established risk factor for elevated sperm DNA fragmentation with existing studies suggesting a gradual rise as men get older, but the specific age at which it exceeds the clinical brink has been poorly defined.

However, new research presented at the 2026 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in Beijing has revealed the age group in which the high-risk threshold is crossed.

Clinical embryologist Ms Yixin Seow said 45 to 49-year-old men had been identified as the age group when a significant rise in sperm DNA fragmentation occurs compared to all younger cohorts.

Her research team conducted a retrospective analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation records at a major Malaysian fertility centre with 249 subjects stratified into five age groups from 30 years to 50-plus years.

“The outcome confirmed gradual increases in DNA fragmentation across the age groups, but most noticeably from age 45, after which it plateaus with minimal further increase in men over the age of 50,” Ms Seow said.

“While larger prospective studies are warranted, our research has clearly shown the age group where there is marked downturn in fertility potential.

“We recommend counselling of patients participating in assisted reproductive technology about the potential impact of advancing male age on likely success of conception and ongoing pregnancy

“Additionally, men aged 45-plus should consider sperm DNA fragmentation testing.”

Infertility affects one in every six couples around the world. It is defined as the failure to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse, or the inability to carry pregnancies to a live birth. The causes of infertility are equally shared between male and female partners.

The ASPIRE Congress at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing has attracted almost 3,000 scientists, clinicians, nurses and counsellors specialising in assisted reproduction.

It has cast a global spotlight on fertility health in the Asia Pacific region which, like other parts of the world, is experiencing a disturbing downturn in fertility rates.

ASPIRE is a unique Asia Pacific taskforce of specialists in the management of fertility and assisted reproductive technology, and it is dedicated to advancing access to quality treatment for those experiencing infertility across the region.

For further information on the ASPIRE 2026 Congress, go to https://www.aspire2026.com

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BEIJING, May 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The emotional burden of infertility actively undermines the capacity of many women to make sustained lifestyle changes, including weight loss and physical activity, that can improve their chances of becoming pregnant.

A global conference on assisted reproduction in Beijing heard today that the gap between lifestyle recommendations and action among women suffering the emotional stress of infertility was not a matter of willpower, rather a matter of psychology.

Infertility affects one in every six couples worldwide with the causes equally shared between men and women. Professor Anuja Dokras, an internationally renowned researcher and patient advocate in fertility health, said up to 60 per cent of affected women experience mental health challenges including anger, sadness, isolation, shame and guilt.

“Yet only about 20 per cent of them seek professional psychological support,” she told the 2026 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE).

“Most of these women internalise blame for their inability to conceive and shame predicts emotional eating and health care avoidance.

“Women seeking fertility treatment show significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression and psychiatric disorders than men, and the severity of these conditions is influenced by the cause and duration of infertility, the treatment type and number of failed IVF cycles.”

Professor Dokras is the Executive Director of the Women’s Health Centre for Clinical Innovation and the Founder’s Professor of Women’s Health in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. She is also the Director of the PENN Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Centre and specialises in understanding cardiometabolic risk and mental health co-morbidities associated with PCOS.

Professor Dokras said women who were obese or living with metabolic disorders associated with PCOS had significantly lower chances of conceiving than their healthy counterparts.

“In women with PCOS visible symptoms, including hirsutism and weight gain, intensify the dynamics of weight stigma with increased prevalence of disordered eating, anxiety and depression.

“Critically, the clinical encounter itself can reinforce barriers when lifestyle advice is delivered through a weight-centric lens without psychological scaffolding.

“A weight-centric consultation approach is perceived as stigmatising and counterproductive. Clinicians should speak the language of self-care, not weight targets.”

Professor Dokras said evidence-based, integrated lifestyle and psychological support was vital in helping women to overcome barriers to better outcomes in fertility treatment.

“Evidence from randomised controlled trials supports the integration of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based interventions alongside lifestyle programs,” she explained.

“They demonstrate significant reductions in depression, anxiety and infertility-specific distress as well as improved quality of life.

“Effective support requires reframing lifestyle change as self-care, screening routinely for psychological distress throughout the treatment cycle, avoiding stigmatising language, and embedding mental health provision within fertility services as standard practice.”

Around 3,000 specialists in fertility health – including scientists, clinicians, nurses and counsellors – are attending the ASPIRE Congress at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing.

For further information, go to https://www.aspire2026.com

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BEIJING, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A major new study has shown that South and East Asia dominate patterns of global warming related decline in male fertility with the strongest and most consistent evidence coming from India, Pakistan and the southern parts of China.

The effects of increased environmental temperatures on male reproductive health include declining sperm concentration and motility and increased sperm DNA fragmentation, or genetic damage that can hinder fertilisation and embryo development.

Male related factors account for around 50 per cent of infertility cases around the world and the impact of rising ambient heat on semen parameters raises serious implications across wide areas of Asia where total fertility rates are in serious decline.

Outcomes of the study undertaken by the Taiwan IVF Group and Ton Yen General Hospital, Taiwan (China) in collaboration with Stanford University (USA) are being presented at the 2026 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in Beijing.

Research principal and Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University, Dr Jack Yu Jen Huang, MD, PhD, FACOG said: “Given the temperature sensitivity of spermatogenesis, even modest increases in ambient temperature could have cumulative, population-level effects over time.

“As global warming accelerates, male reproductive health may represent an emerging climate sensitive public health concern.”

The testes function optimally at temperatures lower than the internal body heat level, and previous studies have shown elevated scrotal or ambient temperatures can impair sperm production.

The latest research explored global patterns to reveal comparative data across regions. It is based on a systematic review of international studies on temperature exposure and semen parameter trends between 2000 and 2024. Artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning tools were applied to extract key variables including geographic regions and semen outcomes.

Dr Huang said studies examining occupational heat exposure alone were excluded from the analysis as they reflected localised, job-specific conditions rather than broader climatic trends.

“Our findings therefore represent population level climate associated temperature effects including consistent seasonal variations showing poor semen quality parameters in warmer periods.”

The global patterns on temperature associated lower sperm concentration and motility show South and East Asia as major hot spots of concern followed by the Middle East, Europe and North America.

“South and East Asia are likely more affected due to a combination of factors including higher baseline ambient temperatures and rapid urbanisation that contribute to greater cumulative heat stress on spermatogenesis,” Dr Huang explained.

“With ongoing global warming, chronic heat exposure may increasingly impact male reproductive health.”

Dr Huang said potential approaches to address the issue include:

• increasing public awareness of heat exposure and reproductive health;
• encouraging protective behaviours;
• expanding research integrating climate and reproductive health data; and
• exploring clinical and lifestyle interventions to mitigate heat-related effects.

The research team was assisted by research intern Jeffrey Zi Kang Huang from Taipei American School, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence in biomedical research including AI-assisted data analysis and pattern recognition across global datasets.

“Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies will be important to better define causality and guide interventions,” he added.

The ASPIRE Congress is being held at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing. More than 3,000 scientists, clinicians, nurses and counsellors in assisted reproduction from around the world are attending the Congress.

For further information, go to https://www.aspire2026.com

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Books Link China and Latin America, Ushering in a New Chapter of Cultural Dialogue

BEIJING, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 23, the 2026 Buenos Aires International Book Fair kicked off its 50th edition, a flagship event in the Spanish-speaking world gathering over 1,500 exhibitors from 40+ countries and regions.

Organized by China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd., China’s leading publishers participated with engaging displays and events, becoming a standout highlight.

China Pavilion: A Cultural Gateway

Under the theme Reading China, the China pavilion sits in a prime spot, blending Eastern charm with modern design. It features 600+ titles and a special Sino-Argentine literary exhibition, drawing local readers and industry insiders. A reader from Córdoba, Argentina, told reporters at the pavilion: “China and Argentina are geographically distant, but both our literatures share profound themes of patriotism, family and friendship. I hope to read more works by Chinese writers.”

Diverse Cultural and Publishing Exchanges

The delegation hosted 11 events, including the Sino-Argentine Contemporary Literary Dialogue and industry cooperation seminars. Radina Dimitrova, renowned sinologist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, noted that books serve as a timeless path of culture and ink bridging China and Argentina, highlighting the power of literary exchange to foster mutual understanding.

Paula Pampín, Editor-in-Chief of Argentina’s Ediciones Corregidor, emphasized that books should be regarded not merely as commercial commodities but as the most effective vehicle for cultural diplomacy. She stressed the value of direct Chinese-to-Latin American Spanish translation, avoiding filtered interpretations via European languages, and called for stable long-term cooperation such as joint publishing initiatives.

The events also covered university sessions, poetry sharing, copyright collaboration, co-publishing and overseas distribution. Delegates held in-depth B2B talks with representatives from CLACSO, the Peruvian cultural delegation and Argentine Book Chamber.

Heritage Demonstrations Captivate Fair-goers

An intangible cultural heritage event, showcasing paper-cutting, calligraphy and traditional performances, delighted visitors, forging warm cultural connections through interactive displays.

Growing Ties for Years to Come

Tailored for Spanish-speaking audiences, the exhibition highlighted diverse localized publications. Moving forward, Chinese publishers will deepen copyright cooperation, literary exchanges and academic ties with Latin America, strengthening cross-cultural bonds.

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ATHENS, Greece, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A forum on intercultural dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations to mark the 20th anniversary of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership was held here on Thursday.

The forum, themed “The Beauty of Harmony: Coexistence through Integration,” was jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Embassy in Greece and the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, said that the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. As China’s national news agency, Xinhua has always been committed to telling stories of practical and friendly cooperation as well as intercultural dialogue and mutual learning between the two civilizations.

At a critical crossroads concerning the future of humanity, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for building a world where “the light of civilization illuminates the right path for human progress,” Lyu said.

Lyu said that as an important bridge for people-to-people communication and a vital force in promoting dialogue among civilizations, the media shoulders unique social responsibilities. Looking ahead, Xinhua is ready to work with Chinese and Greek partners to jointly uphold the vision of civilization based on equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness, actively carry forward the common values of humanity, promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and contribute to mutual learning among civilizations.

He noted that the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, on Thursday released a report titled “The Theory of Cultural Empowerment: China’s Cultural Consciousness in Marching Toward High-Quality Development.”

Former Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said the anniversary marked an important milestone in Greece-China cooperation. The two sides have achieved fruitful results in trade, economic and investment cooperation, while further deepening a multidimensional partnership centered on civilizational exchange and dialogue, he said, adding that cooperation between the two sides has broad prospects.

Chinese Ambassador to Greece Fang Qiu said that looking ahead, China and Greece will strengthen strategic alignment, advance cooperation in such areas as digital infrastructure, green transition and smart manufacturing, continuously deepen mutual learning among civilizations and practical cooperation, and promote mutual empowerment in culture, trade and economy.

About 150 representatives from the two countries’ governments, media outlets, cultural institutions, research organizations and enterprises attended the forum.

Former Greek Foreign Minister George Katrougalos said the significance of the Greece-China comprehensive strategic partnership has become increasingly evident as the international order undergoes profound changes. The friendship between Greece and China has endured and grown stronger, while the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has brought tangible development benefits to Greece, he added.

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