PHOTOS: World's highest outdoor bridge open to public in Seoul SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - Lotte World Tower, located in the Songpa-gu, Seoul, is offering its "Sky Bridge" experience program until November 30. The attraction features a bridge-like structure connecting the building's 117th and 118th floors. At 541 meters above ground, the Sky Bridge is billed as the world's highest outdoor tower bridge. The experience includes access to the tower's observatory, a guided tour across the bridge, and professional photography. The program is priced at 130,000 won ($90) per person. 2025-03-10 13:48:43

PHOTOS: A taste of Korean tradition SEOUL, March 07 (AJP) - The traditional Korean practice of "jang" making, encompassing the fermentation of soybean paste and soy sauce, was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Dec. 3, 2024. The process, deeply rooted in Korean culinary tradition, involves boiling soybeans to form "meju," or soybean blocks, which are then dried. Around the lunar new year, these blocks are submerged in salt water and fermented in earthenware vessels for several months. The resulting mixture is then separated into "doenjang," a thick soybean paste, and "ganjang," soy sauce, both essential seasonings in Korean cuisine. 2025-03-07 15:50:09

PHOTOS: Heartwarming home-style meals of Jeonju Baekban in Kyungdong Market Editor's Note: This photo story marks the first in a series exploring Korea’s must-visit traditional restaurants for international visitors. SEOUL, March 07 (AJP) - Beneath the clamor of Kyungdong Market, in the basement's labyrinthine corridors, Jeonju Baekban hums with a quiet, persistent energy. Here, amid the sacks of herbs and the cries of vendors, a singular culinary experience unfolds, one that transcends the simple act of eating. At lunchtime, the kitchen of Jeonju Baekban is a study in controlled chaos. Not only do patrons fill the few tables, but a steady stream of phone orders from market merchants keeps the staff in constant motion. This is not a restaurant vying for Michelin stars, but a purveyor of baekban, the quintessential Korean home-style meal, a daily ritual elevated by dedication and abundance. For 10,000 won, roughly $7.50, diners are presented with a tray that strains under the weight of 12 meticulously prepared side dishes and a steaming pot of freshly cooked rice. The sheer volume is a statement, a testament to the generosity that defines this corner of Seoul. Each dish, from the crisp kimchi to the savory braised vegetables, speaks of fresh ingredients and unhurried preparation. The ritual of transferring the rice and soup into individual bowls is a moment of communal intimacy, a reminder of shared meals in kitchens across Korea. And when the rice pot is empty, a bowl of nurungji tang, the comforting scorched rice soup, arrives, a warm conclusion to a substantial meal. But Jeonju Baekban’s reputation extends beyond its food. Kim Kyung-ae, the restaurant’s delivery maestro, navigates the market’s crowded arteries with a stack of laden trays balanced precariously on her head. Her steady gait, her unwavering focus, is a spectacle in itself, a testament to the physical demands of daily life in the market. The restaurant's success is rooted in the relentless dedication of its owner, Kim Jong-soon, and her team. They begin their day at 3:30 a.m., sourcing fresh ingredients and preparing the day’s meals. The rice is cooked to order, ensuring its warmth and freshness. In a nearby traditional medicine shop, Bae Soon-ok, who has worked in the market for over four decades, explains her loyalty to Jeonju Baekban. “The food is delicious, and you can feel the sincerity,” she says. It is a sentiment echoed by many in the market, where word-of-mouth recommendations are the most reliable form of advertising. The affordability and quality of Jeonju Baekban are no accident. The market’s access to fresh, inexpensive ingredients and its base of loyal, local customers create a symbiotic relationship. But it is the unwavering commitment to quality and the tireless work ethic of the owners that truly set this establishment apart. In a city constantly reinventing itself, Jeonju Baekban offers a glimpse into a simpler, more grounded existence, where a meal is not just sustenance but a celebration of tradition and community. It is a reminder that in the heart of Seoul, amidst the bustling commerce, a humble meal can be an extraordinary experience. People enjoy meals from Jeonju Baekban. AJP Cho Bo-hee A pot of nurungji tang, scorched rice soup/ AJP Cho Bo-hee 2025-03-07 14:13:53

PHOTOS: Korean music legend Lee Mi-ja to retire with farewell concerts in April SEOUL, March 06 (AJP) - Lee Mi-ja, the revered "Queen of Elegy" in Korean popular music, has announced her retirement after a 66-year career, culminating in farewell concerts next month. The singer, known for her emotive ballads, will perform at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul on April 26 and 27. The concerts will feature Lee alongside younger vocalists, a gesture intended to highlight the continuity of the Korean trot. Lee, who has been a fixture in the Korean music scene since her debut in 1959, expressed her deep respect and affection for the trot songs that defined her career. A press conference preceding the concerts was held on Wednesday at the Stanford Hotel in Seoul, where Lee appeared with fellow singers Joo Hyun-mi and Jo Hang-jo. 2025-03-06 10:30:25

PHOTOS: Winter's lingering grip SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - Heavy snowfall blanketed the nation on March 4, prompting widespread snow removal efforts. Across the country, crews worked to clear roads and pathways. 2025-03-05 14:28:42

PHOTOS: Snowfall blankets South Korea in early spring SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - A heavy snowfall swept across South Korea in early March, as spring's nascent warmth was beginning to take hold. The incongruous juxtaposition of winter's last gasp against the budding season created a striking, if fleeting, tableau. 2025-03-04 14:20:52

PHOTOS: Spring is in the air in Gangneung SEOUL, February 28 (AJP) - Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is experiencing a surge of seasonal activity amid signs of spring, including the planting of potatoes, the catching of mullet, and the harvesting of seaweed. Farmers prepare to plant potatoes in the fields of Songjeong-dong, Gangneung City, Feb. 28, 2025. Yonhap 2025-02-28 15:57:32

PHOTOS: 10 elderly female divers, or haenyeo, retire in Jeju SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Aboard a yacht off Jeju Island, 10 haenyeo, the island's renowned female divers, marked their retirement on Feb. 26 in a ceremony punctuated by the warm appreciation of their successors. 2025-02-27 15:38:37

TRAVEL: Soyosan Mountain in Dongducheon SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - One of the best things about hiking is the opportunity to connect with nature as it changes beautifully with each season. Typically, a 4- to 5-hour hike involves steady walking through fresh forest air, navigating slopes that enhance physical fitness while boosting cardiovascular health. It is often said that people in their 30s and 40s live off their innate stamina, but after 50, physical strength depends on how well it was maintained in earlier years. Hiking is a habit best developed from a young age, making it easier to continue even in old age. I have tried various forms of exercise, but few are as safe or as effective for building a strong physique as hiking. Winter hikes, in particular, are less exhausting than summer hikes due to lower temperatures, which reduce sweating and make breathing more comfortable. Additionally, walking on snow-covered trails eases the strain on your knees. Korea has plenty of great mountains for hiking. What’s even better is the ease of access—many mountains are reachable by city bus or subway. Last Saturday, I joined a hiking group to visit Soyosan Mountain in Dongducheon, located on the border of Dongducheon City and Sinbuk-myeon in Pocheon City, Gyeonggi Province. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes by subway from Seoul’s Jonggak Station. At 587 meters, Euisangdae, the main peak, isn’t particularly high, but the steep slopes make it a challenging climb. The trail circles the mountain and loops back to the starting point. Since it was our group’s first hike of the year, we held a Sisanje ceremony to pray for a safe year of hiking. We prepared simple offerings of rice cakes and fruit, observed a moment of silence in a Christian style, and then shared the food. Although it was late February and temperatures fluctuated above and below freezing, the north-facing trails were icy, requiring the use of crampons (aizen). It’s crucial to carry crampons and gaiters even in early spring, as safety accidents are often caused by inadequate preparation during the thawing season. After navigating a steep, icy trail, we reached Gongjubong, the first peak, which offers a panoramic view of Dongducheon City. The path from Gongjubong to Euisangdae, the highest peak, follows a ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expansive vista is a delight to the eyes. At Euisangdae, a Korean national flag (Taegeukgi) fluttered next to the summit marker. The wide-open, 360-degree view is a privilege reserved for those who reach the top. The descent was challenging, as the north-facing slope was covered in ice, creating a slippery path. For beginners in winter hiking, it was tricky to navigate, requiring cautious steps. After safely descending the steep slopes, we arrived at Jajaeam, a small hermitage. Taking a refreshing sip of spring water at Wonhyosaem and gazing at the temple, along with the magnificent sight of the frozen waterfall in front, was truly a moment to catch my breath. This image shows Euisangdae Pavilion on Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee This image shows the dust-cleaning station at the hiking trail entrance. AJP Cho bo-hee 2025-02-26 16:08:20

PHOTOS: Sungkyunkwan University honors ancestors ahead of graduation SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul observed a traditional rite known as "Goyurye" on Feb. 25, just prior to its graduation ceremony. Goyurye is a traditional practice in which individuals or institutions notify their ancestors of significant upcoming events. Sungkyunkwan University, which traces its origins to the Joseon-era national education institution of the same name, continues to uphold these traditional ceremonies for important occasions. 2025-02-26 14:18:47