PHOTOS: Seoul's public transportation on river SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Seoul's newest water transportation service, the Hangang Bus, officially began operations on Sept. 18. This new public transit option is expected to become a significant attraction for both tourists and locals, offering a unique way to experience the city. The Hangang Bus navigates a 28.9-kilometer route, connecting seven key piers along the river: Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil. The full journey from the Magok pier to the Jamsil pier takes approximately 127 minutes. The fare for a single trip is 3,000 won ($2.2) . Travelers can benefit from a transfer discount when connecting to or from other public transportation. It is important to note that cash payments are not accepted; fares must be paid with a transportation card or other cashless methods. Passengers can check real-time operational details, including schedules, remaining seats, and service cancellations due to weather, through major mobility applications such as Naver Maps and Kakao Maps. 2025-09-23 10:26:00

PHOTOS: BIFF 2025 SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially commenced its 10-day event, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The festival began with an opening ceremony on the evening of Sept. 17 at the Busan Cinema Center's outdoor theater. The outdoor theater, with its 5,000 seats, was completely filled with enthusiastic spectators. A wave of cheers and applause greeted a host of actors and directors as they made their way down the red carpet. The opening ceremony was hosted by actor Lee Byung Hun. The festival's lineup includes 328 films, which will be screened through Oct. 26. 2025-09-18 10:52:04

TRAVEL: Finding solace at old traditional house in Nonsan NONSAN, September 16 (AJP) - In an age of hyper-modernity, where sleek hotels and digital conveniences dominate our travels, there's a certain magic to stepping back in time. It's a magic that comes not from flawless service, but from the slight, delightful inconvenience of history itself. This is the experience that awaits at Myeongjae Historic House, where a stay is not just a night's rest, but a journey into the heart of Korea’s rich past. Nestled in the serene landscape of Nonsan, this traditional tiled-roof house is said to have been built by Joseon Dynasty scholar Yun Jeung. While he lived centuries ago, his legacy is tangible: the ridge beam inscription from 1847 has been preserved as a national folk cultural heritage, a silent testament to the house’s enduring history. The house is a living piece of art, perfectly integrated with its natural surroundings. A walk through the grounds reveals a harmony of nature and human craftsmanship. Majestic pine forests stand guard in the front and back, while hundreds of large, weathered crocks line the right side of the property. Still in use, they emit the rich, earthy scent of aging soy sauce — a scent that evokes a simpler, more connected way of life. Nearby, ancient zelkova trees, designated as protected cultural assets, cast their long shadows, adding to the timeless feel of the place. The interplay of the house, the crocks, and the trees is a photographer's dream, a scene begging to be captured. Inside, the home feels alive with history. Visitors can see everyday items that have all but vanished from modern life. The wood, which has been meticulously maintained by Yun Jeung’s descendants, speaks of a commitment to preservation. The bedrooms are a study in traditional aesthetics, decorated with antique furniture and accessories, and adorned with classic Korean bedding. Yet, the house doesn't exist in a vacuum; the bathrooms and washing facilities have been subtly modernized, providing a comfortable blend of old and new. This fusion of past and present was on full display on Sept. 13, when Myeongjae Historic House became the stage for a unique Hanbok fashion show. Local residents modeled traditional hanbok, reenacting significant life milestones — from a student's first day at a seodang (traditional school) to the joyous celebration of a 60th wedding anniversary. The designs were crafted by Jo Gyeong-sook, a Seoul City Intangible Cultural Heritage, whose work brought the vibrant history of the garments to life. Myeongjae Historic House is a perfect base for exploring Nonsan's other cultural treasures. Just a short distance away lies Gwanchoksa Temple, home to a magnificent Goryeo-era stone standing Buddha, and Donam Seowon, one of nine Korean Confucian academies listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A stay at Myeongjae Historic House is more than just a hotel booking. It's an immersive cultural experience, a quiet escape that proves some of the most memorable journeys are found not in the pursuit of what's new, but in the embrace of what's old. 2025-09-16 16:35:00

PHOTOS: End of tense ordeal SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - A group of Korean workers who were recently detained and released by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia arrived back in South Korea on a chartered flight, Friday, putting an end to a tense eight-day ordeal. The flight, which landed at Incheon International Airport, carried a total of 330 workers who had been held at detention facilities, including one in Folkston, southern Georgia. Of the total passengers, 316 were South Korean nationals. The remaining 14 were foreign workers, including 10 from China, three from Japan, and one from Indonesia. 2025-09-12 17:04:13

TRAVEL: A barefoot journey on clay trail in Daejeon DAEJEON, September 12 (AJP) - In a world filled with constant noise and stress, we search for ways to reconnect. Many are discovering that the simplest path to peace is a return to nature. Barefoot walking, or "earthing," has emerged as a powerful way to soothe the mind and body. And in the heart of South Korea, there's a place that embodies this philosophy perfectly: the magnificent Red Clay Trail on Mount Gyejok in Daejeon. What makes this trail so special? This 14.5-kilometer path isn't a natural wonder but a testament to human vision. It was created in 2006 by Jo Ung-rae, the chairman of local soju brand Sunyang Soju, who took it upon himself to pave the mountain's paths with high-quality red clay. It’s a labor of love that continues today, with 2,000 tons of clay used annually to keep the path pristine — a massive undertaking that costs some 1 billion won each year. Stepping onto the trail feels like entering a different world. At just 424 meters, Mount Gyejok is a gentle giant, but its red clay paths offer a unique kind of adventure. As you shed your shoes and socks, the ground comes alive. The cool, soft clay feels like a natural massage for your feet, releasing tension with every step. Some sections are dry and crumbly, while others are moist and packed, a gentle reminder that every part of the journey is an experience. As you walk, the trail reveals delightful surprises, from convenient foot-washing stations to muddy puddles that awaken a playful, childlike spirit. But the Red Clay Trail is more than just a walk; it’s a cultural experience. From April to October, the trail's forest concert hall comes alive with classical music performances every Saturday and Sunday. The music drifts through the trees, providing a perfect soundtrack to your serene walk. And for those interested in history, the path leads directly to a 1,200-meter-long ancient fortress. A barefoot walk on Mount Gyejok is a journey for the soul. It's a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself, all while surrounded by the simple, beautiful embrace of nature. It's an experience that feels both ancient and deeply modern, a reminder that true healing is often found by simply putting your feet on the ground. 2025-09-12 16:46:21

PHOTOS: Korean workers released from US custody depart for home SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - A charter flight carrying 316 South Koreans who were recently released from U.S. immigration custody departed from a Georgia airport on Thursday, bound for their home country. The plane, which left Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at approximately 11:38 a.m. local time, is expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport on Friday at around 3:00 p.m. Korean time. The individuals had been detained for a week following a crackdown on illegal employment and immigration at a construction site for a new battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. 2025-09-12 11:16:25

PHOTOS: Welcome mat for Chinese tourists SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - South Korea is rolling out the welcome mat for Chinese tourists, announcing visa-free entry for tour groups of three or more people starting September 29. The move, announced on Sept. 7, aims to capitalize on the upcoming influx of visitors, particularly during China's "Golden Week" holiday in October. The announcement has sent a clear signal to the domestic retail industry, which is now in a race to prepare for the expected surge. Businesses are anticipating a much-needed boost, with analysts projecting the visa exemption will revitalize the tourism sector and inject new life into the local economy. 2025-09-10 11:00:04

PHOTOS: Learning traditional etiquette SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - A group of students from Myungnyun Elementary School in Busan gathered at Dongnae Hyanggyo, a historic Confucian school, to participate in a traditional etiquette class, Tuesday. Dressed in hanbok, they spent the session learning about traditional Korean etiquette. The hyanggyo, which served as local public educational institutions during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, are often described as the historical equivalent of today's public middle and high schools. 2025-09-09 16:28:49

TRAVEL: Cruising the inland sea of Chungju Lake JECHEON, September 04 (AJP) - The Han River, which flows through the heart of Seoul, is formed where the Namhan River from North Chungcheong and the Bukhan River from Gangwon meet at Yangsu-ri in Gyeonggi before winding through the capital and emptying into the Yellow Sea. On the Namhan River sits Chungju Dam, South Korea’s largest concrete gravity dam, begun in 1978 and completed in October 1986. The dam’s completion created Chungju Lake, a vast inland body of water spanning the counties of Danyang and Jecheon and the city of Chungju. With a surface area of 97 square kilometers, an average depth of 97.5 meters, and a storage capacity of 2.75 billion tons, it has earned the nickname “the inland sea.” Locals know it by different names: Chungju Lake in Chungju, Cheongpung Lake in Jecheon, and Danyang Lake in Danyang. Surrounded by dense forests and deep valleys, the lakeside scenery draws more than a million visitors annually. Cruises operate from five docks—Chungju, Worak, Cheongpung, Janghoe, and Sindanyang—making it one of the region’s top attractions. Autumn, when the mountains blaze with red and gold leaves, is considered the best season for a lake cruise. This past weekend, I boarded a cruise departing from Cheongpung Wharf in Jecheon, taking a 90-minute round trip to Janghoe Wharf near the famed Danyang Palgyeong scenic area. Because of recent drought, the lake’s water level had dropped significantly, leaving the boarding stairs at a steep incline. Visitors gripped handrails carefully as they descended to the pier. The boat itself had an indoor cabin on the first floor and an open deck on the second. With the midday sun still intense, many passengers carried parasols or applied sunscreen, but the open deck was the best place to appreciate the views. Watermarks on the rocks showed how far the level had fallen, at least 10 meters below its usual line. Unlike the sea, the lake had no waves, and the ship glided smoothly and silently, allowing undisturbed enjoyment of the landscape. Among the highlights are Gudambong and Oksunbong, cliffs of sheer rock that tower above the water. Pine trees cling stubbornly to cracks in the stone, surviving wind and rain for decades. Looking up at them, one feels a sense of awe and reflection. Like life itself, where hardship and joy intertwine, the steadfast pines seem to offer comfort and resilience. At Janghoe Wharf, the vessel briefly docked to pick up passengers before retracing its course back to Cheongpung. Nearing the wharf, Bibongsan Observatory came into view, perched atop a mountain ridge. Visitors can reach it by cable car or monorail, where sweeping views of Cheongpung Lake unfold beneath. From above, the panorama is strikingly different from the one seen aboard the cruise, with the lake framed like a jewel between the mountains. 2025-09-05 18:02:52

PHOTOS: Severe drought in Gangneung SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - Amid a severe drought, the city of Gangneung and its surrounding region in Gangwon Province have been forced to implement drastic water conservation measures. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Obong Reservoir, the primary water source for the area, has seen its water levels drop to critical lows. In response, the city has closed 47 public restrooms and suspended operations at three swimming pools. To combat the crisis, the government has mobilized a total of 112 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including 71 fire trucks and four military water tankers, to shuttle water to the reservoir. Additionally, officials have stockpiled 1.41 million bottles of water for residents, with supplies being delivered to schools and senior care facilities. 2025-09-04 10:00:36