Yonhap News Summary

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.

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■ Yoon departs for Czech Republic to discuss nuclear energy cooperation

SEOUL -- President Yoon Suk Yeol left for the Czech Republic on Thursday for a trip focused on ensuring South Korea's bid to win a major nuclear energy project and deepen economic ties with the European nation.

During his four-day visit, Yoon will hold talks with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, trade, investment, technology and other areas.

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■ (LEAD) N. Korea says it test-fired new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying super-large warhead

SEOUL -- North Korea claimed Thursday it has successfully test-fired a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a super-large warhead, a day after South Korea said Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles.

The new missile, named the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5, was tipped with a 4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead in the test-firing conducted Wednesday by the North's Missile Administration, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

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■ Number of ER patients drops 32 pct during Chuseok holiday

SEOUL -- The number of patients who visited hospital emergency rooms dropped 32 percent during the Chuseok holiday, the health ministry said Thursday, assessing that there were no major disruptions in emergency care.

A prolonged walkout by trainee doctors had fueled concerns about potential disruptions at hospital emergency rooms during the holiday, prompting the government to ask patients with mild illnesses to visit community hospitals.

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■ (LEAD) Seoul shares end higher after Fed's rate cut

SEOUL -- Seoul shares ended higher Thursday as investors cheered the U.S. Federal Reserve's first rate cut in more than four years. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 0.21 percent, or 5.39 points, to close at 2,580.80.
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