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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PHOTOS: Celebrating India – weaving tradition and modernity through fabric and culture SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - The vibrant colors of India’s northeast came to life on the evening of November 7 at the Textile Center in Seoul’s Gangnam District, where Celebrating India showcased the region’s cultural and fashion heritage. Organized by the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) in Guwahati, Assam, the event was held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Seoul, the Korea Federation of Textile Industries (KOFOTI), and the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK). The opening ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Indian Ambassador Gourangalal Das, who said, “We have gathered today to celebrate the stories woven into India’s textile heritage. The intricate patterns of our fabrics carry the touch of artisans and embody not just fashion, but the essence of our communities and way of life.” He was followed by Nyato Dukam, Minister of Industries, Commerce and Textile of Arunachal Pradesh, and Kento Jini, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. inister Dukam said, “It is an honor to see India’s traditional textiles introduced to the global audience through this event,” adding his gratitude to the Embassy of India, ICCK, and KOFOTI. Minister Jini noted that “this celebration in Seoul will further strengthen the ties between the people of India and Korea, and help promote the culture of India’s northeastern states.” KOFOTI Vice Chairman Joo So-ryeong remarked, “This year marks both the 52nd anniversary of Korea–India diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of KOFOTI. The two nations have long collaborated in various fields, and we look forward to expanding sustainable exchange, especially in textiles and fashion.” The fashion showcase featured a diverse collection that harmonized the traditional textiles of India’s northeast with modern design sensibilities. The first segment highlighted established designers reinterpreting regional fabrics and embroidery through a contemporary lens, while the second segment presented emerging designers offering experimental and elegant creations that energized the audience. The event drew a wide range of guests, including officials from the Indian Embassy, representatives from Indian state governments, members of Korea’s textile and fashion industries, and media professionals, reflecting a growing bond between the two nations. More than a fashion show, Celebrating India served as a cultural platform introducing India’s craft traditions to the world and deepening the cultural and industrial exchange between South Korea and India. 2025-11-10 17:16:41 -
PHOTOS: Architectural biennale in Seoul draws visitors with eye-catching installations SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - The biannual architectural biennale in central Seoul has attracted over 500,000 visitors since its opening in late September. Marking its fifth year, this year's event, directed by renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick and hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is taking place near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul and runs until Nov. 18. Under the theme "Radically More Human," which reflects Heatherwick's signature style of innovative and unconventional architecture infused with humanism, vividly colored installations and structures are on display at multiple venues including a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno. Beautifully blended with seasonal foliage, autumnal trees and flowers, they immediately capture the attention of passersby and tourists. Among the impressive works is a 90-meter-long installation dubbed "Humanise Wall," standing at the center of the park that is slated to be turned into an art gallery by 2028. The twisted steel structure is a tapestry of about 1,428 metal panels featuring images and stories from Seoulites and people around the world, illustrating how their lives and ideas can be manifested in public space. Along the path, the structure, resembling a Möbius strip, that divides the park's space, guides visitors to a chair shaped like a spinning top, made of spun steel and copper, offering them a place to rest. About two dozen giant walls also greet visitors. While identical in size, they each have their own distinct and diverse styles. Now, with just two weeks remaining until its finale, visitors can explore and appreciate art installations alongside various projects from about 21 cities across 15 countries at Gwanghwamun Plaza and nearby areas. One of the exhibits highlights Seoul's past, present, and future, showing how the city's landscape has evolved through its key landmarks and buildings. Another project features an artificial intelligence–assisted interactive exhibition that explores how urban space and architecture connect with people. 2025-11-06 15:19:07 -
PHOTOS: Dried persimmons from Sangju — taste of centuries SEOUL, November 05 (AJP) - Late autumn transforms Sangju in North Gyeongsang Province into a spectacle of vivid orange. This is the season when the autumn sun-kissed persimmons are harvested and processed into the region’s renowned specialty: Gotgam, or dried persimmons. Sangju is traditionally famed for persimmons, rice and silk. While modern crops like grapes and cucumbers have joined its list of specialties, it is the gotgam that defines the region. Sangju's dried persimmons are particularly prized for their exceptionally high sugar content and soft, tender flesh. This superior quality is no accident; the region boasts the perfect climate, characterized by warm, sunny autumn days and crisp, cool evenings — ideal conditions for the slow, meticulous drying process. The prestige of Sangju Gotgam stretches back centuries. Historical records from the Joseon Dynasty attest to its excellence, noting its designation as an official tribute item presented to the king. Today, the tradition continues on a massive scale. Sangju is proudly the world's largest producer of dried persimmons, with an annual output of approximately 7,500 tons. The region accounts for more than 60 percent of South Korea's total national production. Stepping into a processing facility is an unforgettable travel experience. The air is thick with the sweet, earthy scent of fresh fruit. Persimmons, glowing a vibrant orange, cascade from machines into sorting areas. Workers swiftly peel the fruit and then string the pale spheres onto skewers. From there, the magic begins: the strung persimmons are carefully hung, filling vast, three-story warehouses from floor to ceiling in what appears to be a gigantic, edible curtain. The transformation takes patience. For about 50 to 60 days, the persimmons undergo a natural drying process in the cool, circulating air. This slow method is key to preventing spoilage and maximizing longevity, yielding the chewy, sugar-dusted treat that has delighted Koreans for generations. As global interest in hansik (Korean cuisine) and its traditional foods surges — demonstrated by the global recognition of Korean food practices and the inclusion of persimmons in high-profile events like the APEC summit — Sangju Gotgam stands ready for its moment in the international spotlight. It's a testament to the community's commitment to preserving a time-honored tradition while embracing a global future. For travelers seeking a taste of Korean history, culture, and nature, a visit to Sangju in late fall offers a truly golden experience. 2025-11-05 10:49:58 -
PHOTOS: 2025 Small Business Convention opens with craftsmanship and passion on display SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - The 2025 Korea Small Business Convention opened on October 31 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Now in its 20th year, the convention is South Korea’s largest annual event dedicated to small business owners, aimed at elevating their social and economic standing while fostering communication and unity within the community. Held under the theme "Small Businesses Opening Today, Connecting Tomorrow’s Korea," this year’s event celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs across the country and explores new drivers for growth. Over two days, the convention features an opening ceremony, skills competitions, exhibitions, and seminars. From October 31 to November 1, more than 1,540 small business owners from across the country are showcasing their skills and creativity in the 2025 Small Business Skills Championship. Organized by associations including the Korea Outdoor Advertising Association, the Korea Bakers Association, the Korea Makeup Artists Association, the Korea Florists Association, and the Korea Culinary Masters Association, the competition spans categories such as advertising design, baking, makeup, floral arrangements, and culinary arts. Contestants approached their craft with remarkable focus and sincerity. In an age when artificial intelligence is transforming industries, the passion expressed through their hands filled the venue with energy. Machines may evolve, but human touch and sincerity remain irreplaceable. The skill and dedication on display illuminated this year’s championship, reminding visitors that the beauty of human craftsmanship endures beyond time. 2025-11-03 17:30:07 -
PHOTOS: As APEC opens in Gyeongju, Seoul feels the buzz SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit opened on Monday in Gyeongju, national attention has fixed on the gathering of world leaders. Though Gyeongju sits some 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the capital is equally swept up in the APEC fervor. Excitement over the high-profile event has spread across the country, with banners and displays promoting APEC visible throughout Seoul. At major landmarks such as Seoul Station and the Gwanghwamun area — frequented by foreign visitors — the atmosphere is charged with anticipation for the summit and its potential to elevate South Korea’s role on the global stage. 2025-10-27 17:48:25