PHOTO: Korean Stone Art Museum SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Korean Stone Art Museum At the entrance of the outdoor garden, Garden of Stones, in the Korean Stone Art Museum, a massive stone tiger (seokho) stands guard. Traditionally, these stone tigers served as guardian spirits, protecting royal tombs from evil spirits. Passing beyond the seokho, visitors are greeted by a row of stone scholar statues (muninseok), which were once placed at noble family tombs. These particular statues were repatriated from Japan. A little further in, a pair of janggunseok (stone generals) stand solemnly. Unlike muninseok, which could be placed at the graves of high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty, janggunseok symbolized military command and could only be installed at the tombs of kings and queens. According to an information plaque, these stone generals, along with jangmyeongseok (stone lanterns) and six other stone artifacts, were repatriated in 2019 by Cheon Shin-il, the chairman of the Korean Stone Cultural Heritage Foundation, after being held in Japan since 1927. Nestled in the foothills of Bukaksan Mountain in Seongbuk-dong, the Korean Stone Art Museum is a unique space where visitors can explore Korea's ancient stone relics, each infused with the hopes and beliefs of the ancestors. Beyond the muninseok and janggunseok, the museum also features stone village guardians (beoksu), child monk statues (dongjaseok), Buddhist relics such as stone pagodas and stone Buddhas, and many other historical stone artifacts. Among the vast collection, the stone statues that once stood watch over tombs form the museum’s central theme. For centuries, Koreans placed muninseok, janggunseok, and stone animal sculptures (seoksu) near graves to ward off evil spirits and ensure the deceased's peaceful rest. The Garden of Stones, where these various stone artifacts blend harmoniously with nature, offers a tranquil atmosphere, free from the usual crowds. Visitors can take their time appreciating the sculptures in peace. The elevated part of the garden provides a spectacular panoramic view of Seoul, stretching from Namsan Seoul Tower to Lotte World Tower in Jamsil. Inside the museum, the Dongja Hall on the second floor features an array of small, endearing stone statues—dongjaseok, or child monk sculptures. Like muninseok, dongjaseok were placed in royal or aristocratic burial sites. Each statue holds different symbolic objects, reflecting the wishes of the past. Some figures hold lotus flowers, symbolizing creation and prosperity, while others grip clubs, representing protection and loyalty. Rams symbolize good fortune, while pouches and turtles signify longevity. Beyond Dongja Hall lies Beoksu Hall, dedicated to beoksu, the stone totem poles once erected at village entrances. Ancient Koreans believed that having a beoksu—a human-faced stone guardian—at the entrance of a village or along a road would scare away evil spirits and ward off epidemics. Sitting in the museum café next to Dongja Hall, sipping tea while gazing at the stone relics, brings a sense of calm and quiet reflection—as if the mind is being cleansed by the presence of these timeless guardians. A giant Buddha statue.. AJP Cho bo-hee Stone artworks featuring warriors are being displayed. AJP Cho bo-hee Janggunseok is being displayed. AJP Cho bo-hee Dongjagwan is located on the second floor of the museum. AJP Cho bo-hee 2025-02-12 16:06:59

PHOTOS: A graduation in hanbok SEOUL, February 12 (AJP) - On Feb. 11, graduates of Dongmyeong Girls’ High School in Seoul marked their commencement in traditional fashion, donning hanbok for the ceremony. The event also included a coming-of-age ritual. Graduates wearing hanbok perform a deep bow at Dongmyeong Girls’ High School in Seoul, Feb. 11, 2025. Yonhap A graduation ceremony at Dongmyeong Girls’ High School in Seoul, Feb. 11, 2025/ Yonhap Graduates wearing hanbok perform a deep bow at Dongmyeong Girls’ High School in Seoul, Feb. 11, 2025. Yonhap Graduates of Dongmyeong Girls’ High School pose for a photo, Feb. 11, 2025. Yonhap 2025-02-12 15:54:24

PHOTOS: Jeju Island - where spring begins SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Jeju Island is the first place in South Korea to welcome spring. While the cold wave still lingers, the island presents a striking contrast of green landscapes interwoven with patches of snow. As Jeju eagerly awaits the full bloom of the season, its transition from winter to spring offers a picturesque view of nature’s renewal. 2025-02-11 16:58:12

PHOTOS: Jeongwol Daeboreum, first full moon of lunar calendar SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - On Feb. 12, South Korea will celebrate "Jeongwol Daeboreum," the first full moon of the lunar calendar. This day is steeped in tradition, with families gathering to eat "ogokbap," a nourishing five-grain rice dish, and partake in "bureom," the custom of cracking walnuts, peanuts, and other hard-shelled nuts to ensure good health in the year ahead. Across the country, time-honored rituals mark the occasion. In rural areas, children and adults alike take part in "jwibulnori," swinging cans filled with burning embers to cleanse the fields of pests. Bonfires blaze in the form of "daljip," or "moon houses," symbolically sending away misfortune. And in some regions, the centuries-old "gossaum" — a spirited, tug-of-war-style contest — unfolds in a test of strength and community pride. Together, these customs usher in the lunar year with hopes of prosperity and well-being. A "daljip" burning ceremony is held to pray for a bountiful year and well-being at the Gossaum Theme Park in Gwangju on Feb. 8, 2025. Courtesy of Gwangju Nam-gu Office People enjoy "jwibulnori" during an event to celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum in Nowon-gu, Seoul, Feb. 9, 2025. Yonhap People enjoy "nakhwa nori (sparkling fire play)" during an event to celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum in Nowon-gu, Seoul, Feb. 9, 2025. Yonhap The "gossaum," a tug-of-war style contest of strength and community pride, is held at the Gossaum Theme Park in Gwangju on Feb. 8, 2025. Courtesy of Gwangju Nam-gu Office 2025-02-10 18:04:49

PHOTOS: Heavy snowfall disrupts commute across South Korea SEOUL, February 7 (AJP) - Heavy snowfall blanketed South Korea on the morning of Friday, disrupting the commute for many across the country. Similar conditions had affected the previous day's evening rush hour. Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is covered in snow on Feb. 6, 2025. Yonhap A citizen walks through the snow near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Feb. 6, 2025. Yonhap A parking lot at an apartment complex in Chuncheon is covered in snow on Feb. 7, 2025. Yonhap Snow falls at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in Suwon on Feb. 6, 2025. Yonhap A citizen walks through the snow near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Yonhap People cross a crosswalk at the Euljiro 1-ga intersection in Seoul on Feb. 6, 2025. A citizen clears snow from a road in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Yonhap 2025-02-07 13:54:30

PHOTOS: Graduates in South Korea embrace new beginnings SEOUL, February 6 (AJP) - Graduates of all ages are bidding farewell to their schools in South Korea, experiencing a mix of nostalgia and excitement as they prepare for a new chapter. Graduates pose for a photo during a commencement ceremony at Samil Technical High School in Suwon, on Jan. 8, 2025. Yonhap Students dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean dress) participate in the pledge of allegiance during their graduation at Jaedong Elementary School in Seoul, on Jan. 10, 2025. Yonhap A graduate enjoys watching a graduation video at Namincheon Middle School in Incheon on Feb. 5. The average age of the graduates is 66, with the oldest being 82. Yonhap Ahead of graduation, students at Juwon Elementary School in Busan capture memories with their teachers by taking photos on Feb. 5, 2025. The average age of the graduates is 66, with the oldest being 82. Yonhap Students take photos around their teacher at Juwon Elementary School in Busan, set to close down permanently after this year's graduation. Yonhap 2025-02-06 14:23:57

PHOTOS: Winter's special gift – Snow flower hike SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - A special gift of winter – a snow flower hike A snow flower hike is a special experience you can only enjoy in winter. Snow flowers, also known as "sanggodae," occur when moisture in the air freezes on tree branches, blooming like flowers. Since sanggodae melts when temperatures rise above freezing, it can usually be seen in high-altitude areas over 1,000 meters above sea level. Fortunately, Korea has several mountains that meet this requirement. Last Saturday, I visited Mount Taegisan, which spans the counties of Hoengseong, Hongcheon, and Pyeongchang in Gangwon Province. A group of regular mountain hiking club members chartered a bus and departed from Seoul at 6:30 a.m., reaching the entrance of the trail after a three-hour drive. Mount Taegisan, standing 1,261 meters high, offers a moderate hiking course, beginning at 980 meters in elevation and utilizing a paved road as the trail. The round-trip hike is approximately 12 kilometers and takes about four hours. Preparing for a snow flower hike requires special gear. You’ll need high-cut hiking boots, gaiters, and crampons. It's important to wear functional hiking clothes that wick sweat and block wind, along with warm accessories such as a hat, gloves, and a neck warmer. Be sure to pack portable food and water for the hike. As you walk along the snow-covered trail adorned with blooming sanggodae, the crisp mountain breeze may be chilly, but it’s invigorating. Compared to summer hiking, winter hiking is less exhausting since the snow acts as a cushion underfoot and you sweat less. The higher you ascend, the more intricate and awe-inspiring the snow flowers become, turning the landscape into a breathtaking masterpiece. A snow flower hike is a unique delicacy reserved for the healthy and adventurous. Despite the cold, you'll find yourself sweating from the effort of the climb. Food enjoyed at the summit tastes particularly delicious and deeply satisfying. Commemorative photos taken with the stunning snow flower backdrop serve as special mementos of the hike. Snow flower hikes are typically possible from January to February. After finishing the four-hour hike, you’ll descend to a nearby restaurant, where the meal feels like the best feast of your life. Once the meal is done and you board the bus, the gentle exhaustion from the day’s trek lulls you into a deep sleep. By the time you arrive back in Seoul at dusk, you’ll feel light and rejuvenated, filled with energy to take on the week ahead. 2025-02-05 20:00:20

PHOTOS: Cold wave hits Korea as temperatures plunge SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) - A harsh cold wave has swept across South Korea, with morning temperatures in Seoul dropping to minus 12 degrees Celsius and wind chills plunging to minus 18 degrees. Despite the freezing conditions, Koreans are continuing with their daily routines. 2025-02-05 14:55:03

PHOTOS: Award-winning photos capture beauty of Korea's national parks SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - The Korea National Park Service, under the Ministry of Environment, has announced the winners of its 23rd National Park Photography Contest, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. The competition, which ran for 60 days beginning in June 2024, drew 3,676 submissions from photographers capturing the beauty of South Korea’s national parks. After five rounds of judging, a panel of experts selected 80 winning entries. Autumn in Mt. Juwang (Park Jong-sun)/ Courtesy of the Korea National Park Service 2025-02-04 16:44:52