Journalist
Yoo Na-hyun유나현
shooting@ajupress.com
PhotographerGeopolitics, Culture, History, People & Photo Journalist
Photojournalist, AJU PRESS (AJP) Covering news, culture and society in South Korea through an Asian perspective.
"Every moment is worth documenting."
Latest by Yoo Na-hyun
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Seoul braces for this summer's heatwave with air-conditioned shelters SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - More than a dozen makeshift shelters have been installed in public areas, including Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, as another record-breaking summer season approaches, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Thursday. These shelters are equipped with air conditioners, fans, tables and chairs, allowing Seoul residents to rest comfortably and find temporary relief from high temperatures. They will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Aug. 11. The city also plans to expand rest areas with sunshades, cooling and misting fans, and other facilities to help protect residents from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. 2026-06-11 14:12:09 -
Kakao workers stage first-ever strike amid pay disputes SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - Unionized workers at mobile messaging giant Kakao staged a rally on Wednesday, their first-ever strike since the company's founding in 2006. They gathered in front of their office in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province at around 10 a.m. before marching for about an hour in a partial strike, chanting slogans demanding job security and management's resignation. They claimed about 1,000 Kakao employees as well as 1,500 workers across its affiliated companies participated in the strike. The strike came amid disputes over bonuses and compensation, but also appears partly fueled by comparisons with Samsung, whose workers secured hefty pay increases and benefits in recent labor negotiations after the semiconductor giant posted massive revenues from an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chip boom. 2026-06-10 16:59:54 -
Healthcare-themed event kicks off in central Seoul SEOUL, June 9 (AJP) - A healthcare-themed event kicked off in central Seoul on Tuesday, bringing together industry workers and health-conscious visitors. Now in its fourth year, the three-day event at Seoul Plaza showcases the latest trends in health-related industries and displays of medical devices, wellness equipment, and other smart technologies. The event also offers a wide range of health-related programs, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to explore various healthcare products and services, as well as take part in health checkups and workouts. Highlights of the opening day included various programs such as a jazz concert and jump rope activities, while a special session on Thursday will provide information on diabetes and other topics related to disease prevention and health management. 2026-06-09 16:57:48 -
Chip sell-off sends KOSPI below 8,000 SEOUL, June 8 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI closed at 7,484.41, down 676.18 points, or 8.29 percent, from the previous session, falling below the 8,000-point level According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI opened at 8,048.09, down 112.50 points, or 1.38 percent, from the previous close, before extending its losses throughout the session. The index fell as low as 7,442.73 during intraday trading. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ also declined sharply, ending the day at 911.39, down 91.05 points, or 9.08 percent. Amid the sharp market sell-off, circuit breakers were triggered on both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets. Sell-side sidecars, which temporarily suspend program-driven sell orders, were also activated in both markets. 2026-06-08 17:17:53 -
Nvidia CEO meets SNU students before wrapping up whirlwind Seoul trip SEOUL, June 8 (AJP) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who has become the talk of the town due to his high-profile visit to Seoul, met with students at Seoul National University on Monday. Huang attended an on-campus event at the country's top university in southwestern Seoul, where participants were introduced to an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform called "OpenClaw." He also delivered a 15-minute lecture on AI technology and its impact on future industries. Huang woke early in the morning to visit key business partners including SK Group and LG Group. Later in the day, he is also scheduled to visit automaker Hyundai Motor Group’s headquarters in Yangjae, southern Seoul, and online portal Naver's headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Since his arrival in Seoul last Friday, Huang has kept a busy schedule, mingling with business leaders at informal gatherings that began with grilled pork belly and a mix of soju and beer at a barbecue restaurant, before moving to a nearby fried chicken restaurant for a late-night second round. He also threw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game and joined another gathering over fried chicken and beer. He is set to wrap up his stay here later in the day or early Tuesday. 2026-06-08 16:30:45 -
Election officials make final preparations ahead of local elections SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - Election officials were making final preparations across the country on Tuesday, just a day ahead of this year's local elections. They inspected polling stations while testing ballot machines and conducting simulations to ensure smooth vote counting. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), polling stations nationwide will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Voters will be allowed to cast their ballots at designated polling stations based on their registered residential address and must present a valid photo ID such as a resident registration card, driver's license or passport. After voting concludes, ballot boxes will be sent to counting centers across the country for machine sorting and manual checks to tally the results. The elections, held every four years, will choose about 4,000 officials this time including metropolitan mayors, provincial governors, local government heads and education superintendents, and fill other vacancies. 2026-06-02 17:08:36 -
Thousands enjoy Seoul in early summer vibe through palace walking event SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - Foreign residents, international students and tourists explored Seoul's historic palaces and cultural landmarks during the 2026 Seoul Foreign Palace Walking Event held in central Seoul on Sunday. Hosted by Aju Economic Daily, the event brought together participants from various countries, including China, Japan, the United States, France, India, Vietnam and Mexico, as well as Korean citizens. Participants followed a roughly 7-kilometer route starting from Gwanghwamun Square and passing through Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Jogyesa Temple, offering a unique opportunity to experience Korea's history and traditional culture in the heart of the capital. Many foreign participants stopped to take photographs and admire the scenery around the historic palaces and Bukchon Hanok Village, experiencing firsthand the blend of traditional heritage and modern urban life that characterizes Seoul. The event was held as part of the Cheong Wa Dae-Seoul Five Grand Palaces Trekking Festival, the nation's only palace-themed walking festival. Organizers expanded the program to twice a year, in spring and autumn, beginning last year. In addition to the walking course, visitors enjoyed cultural performances and K-culture photo zones featuring royal costumes, royal physicians and palace guards. Participants dressed in traditional attire and posed for commemorative photos throughout the venue. The opening ceremony was attended by Lim Kwu-jin, president of Aju Economic Daily; Gil Gi-yeon, chief executive officer of the Seoul Tourism Organization; Cho Tae-sook, chairperson of the Seoul Tourism Association; Jacques Flies, the Ambassador of Luxembourg to South Korea; and Wray Mulendema Hamweene, minister counsellor at the Embassy of Zambia to South Korea. The event provided foreign visitors with an opportunity to experience Seoul's cultural heritage while promoting the city's historic palaces and traditional attractions to an international audience. 2026-06-02 15:26:00 -
National cemeteries see surge of visitors as South Korea commemorates Korean War SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - Visitors have been flocking to national cemeteries across the country to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and war heroes, as June is observed as the month commemorating the Korean War (1950~1953). Many visitors paid tribute with flowers and moments of silence at the Seoul National Cemetery in southern Seoul, where soldiers and others who died for the nation are laid to rest. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs plans to hold various events, programs, and memorial services for veterans and their families across the country as part of efforts to raise awareness of the sacrifices and contributions of war veterans, independence fighters, and national merit recipients. 2026-06-01 17:43:44 -
New York–inspired fashion brand opens flagship store in Seoul's Yeonnam-dong SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - Contemporary designer brand CARLYN held the grand opening of its new flagship store in Seoul's trendy neighborhood of Yeonnam-dong on Friday. Known for its New York–inspired modern aesthetic, CARLYN has built a following among young consumers in South Korea and across Asia for its handbags and accessories. The new four-story store features an exterior inspired by the brand's signature quilting design, with spaces divided into four themes — "volume," "freedom," "lightness," and "colorways" —offering visitors an immersive experience of the brand's collections. Located in Seoul's hip district near Hongik University areas, a popular destination for young people and international tourists, the store is expected to attract plenty of visitors and raise the brand's profile. The opening event was attended by Wendy of K-pop girl group Red Velvet, Yook Sung-jae of boy group BTOB, Leeseo of girl group IVE, as well as Thai actors EMI, BONNIE and MIK. 2026-05-29 16:01:27 -
Nexon's 'MapleStory' brings fantasy world to life in southern Seoul SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - Game developer Nexon's iconic game "MapleStory" has taken over southern Seoul with giant monster installations and themed attractions as part of a large-scale event marking its 23rd anniversary. The monthlong event, in collaboration with the Lotte Group, runs until June 21 around Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake in Jamsil, bringing the world of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to life. At the lawn of Lotte World Tower, visitors can explore a themed exhibition inspired by Henesys, one of the most recognizable towns in "MapleStory." Giant sculptures of iconic monsters including "Orange Mushroom" and "Slime" are also on display. At nearby Seokchon Lake, game-themed art balloons have drawn crowds of residents, tourists and "MapleStory" fans. The oversized installations stand out against Seoul's urban skyline and have become popular photo spots. Visitors can take commemorative photos, explore interactive exhibition spaces and experience the game's fantasy world in real life, along with augmented reality mini-games, a stamp rally and a pop-up store. 2026-05-29 15:32:29