PHOTOS: Farmers rush harvest as monsoon looms SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - As summer's full intensity takes hold, farmers across the region are working feverishly to bring in their crops. They aim to complete the harvest before the anticipated arrival of the monsoon season. From sun-baked fields, images emerge of these determined cultivators, their brows beaded with sweat, locked in a daily struggle against the elements. 2025-06-19 15:17:31

PHOTOS: Foggy landscapes SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Clouds and fog often conspire to form distinctive landscapes. A photographic collection showcases the unique scenery forged by mist. 2025-06-18 14:36:42

TRAVEL: A taste of Busan's past and future at Jagalchi Market SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - Nestled along the vibrant Nampo-dong beachfront in Busan, Jagalchi Market stands as an enduring symbol of the city's rich maritime heritage. For well over a century, this bustling hub has drawn both local residents and a steady stream of international visitors, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Busan. The market’s origins trace back to 1922, when a consignment sales center for the Busan Fisheries Cooperative was established on this very spot. It officially opened as Jagalchi Market in 1970, swiftly growing into South Korea’s largest seafood market. Its distinctive name, “Jagalchi,” is believed to come from the small, black “jagal” (pebbles) that once dotted the nearby beach, with “chi” being a common suffix for fish. Though land reclamation during the Japanese colonial period has erased the original scenic beachfront, it was once celebrated for its stunning views. Stepping off the subway and into the market's entrance, visitors are immediately greeted by the distinctive sight of a knife-sharpening truck. On this small vehicle, an array of blades — from compact knives for filleting to larger ones for butchering — are meticulously displayed. Here, Hong Soon-chil, 79, a knife sharpener with 45 years of experience, tends to his craft in a small, vinyl-enclosed workspace behind the truck. His vital trade underscores the market's reliance on sharp tools for its daily operations. The market building itself is a hive of activity. The first floor houses a vibrant emporium of fresh seafood. Here, a dizzying array of live fish, various other marine species, and imported king crabs are on offer. Purchases made on the first floor can be taken upstairs to the second-floor restaurants, where skilled chefs prepare them to order. These dining establishments, offering both raw fish and an assortment of other seafood dishes, are consistently packed with tourists from across the globe. For a broader perspective, the seventh-floor observatory provides a sweeping vista of Namhang Port, showcasing the impressive Namhang Bridge directly ahead, with the Busan and Yeongdo bridges to the left. To the right, fishing boats are moored, preparing for their next voyage. The continuous ebb and flow of fishing boats and cruise ships, combined with the expansive view, offers a refreshing spectacle. Beyond the main market building, a labyrinth of street vendors beckons. This bustling alley features stalls laden with fresh and semi-dried fish, alongside restaurants specializing in charcoal-grilled delights. Some grilled fish eateries prominently display their appetizing wares, tempting passersby with their smoky aromas. While Jagalchi Market historically began with these very street stalls, the majority of its businesses are now housed within the market building. The remaining street vendors are slated to relocate to the newly completed "Jagalchi Ajimae" market building, suggesting that this traditional element of the market may soon fade from view. For photographers, the disappearance of such a vibrant slice of life is a regrettable loss. However, there is also a clear desire to support the resilient vendors, enabling them to conduct their daily business in a more comfortable and weather-protected environment. 2025-06-17 14:44:31

PHOTOS: From lavender hues to golden canola, country enjoys floral flourish SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - Across South Korea, flower fields are bursting into vibrant bloom, drawing visitors eager to soak in the seasonal beauty. In Donghae, a coastal gem in Gangwon Province, the annual lavender festival has just commenced, painting vast stretches of land in hues of purple. The festival will continue through July 22, offering a fragrant escape from urban life. Further south, in Suwon, a farm has become an unexpected early spectacle, with cosmos flowers — typically a late-summer bloom — already in full, delicate splendor. This early arrival has created a unique visual treat for those seeking out nature's early offerings. Meanwhile, on Jeju Island, vast fields of white buckwheat flowers are creating a breathtaking tableau, transforming the landscape into a canvas of pristine white. The sight is a testament to the island's diverse agricultural and natural beauty. And back in Gangwon Province, yellow canola flowers have reached their peak, blanketing fields in a brilliant, golden carpet, signaling the height of spring's vibrant display. 2025-06-16 15:14:30

PHOTOS: A season of harvest SEOUL, June 13 (AJP) - Even as June's warmth turns to oppressive heat, the fields are bustling with harvest activity. Below, a series of photographs documents the sweat and effort of early summer. 2025-06-13 15:13:19

PHOTOS: A season of new life in the wild SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - For the natural world, spring ushers in a period of profound renewal, marking the birth of countless fragile lives. From hidden dens to sun-dappled nests, this season witnesses the arrival of a new generation. We've gathered a collection of images showcasing these freshly arrived animal offspring. 2025-06-12 15:07:41

PHOTOS: BTS members discharged from military SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - The final members of the global sensation BTS have completed their mandatory military service, with Jimin and Jungkook concluding their duties on Tuesday, following RM and V who were discharged on Monday. Suga is expected to be the last to return, with his discharge slated for June 21. Their returns follow those of Jin, who was discharged last June, and J-Hope, who completed his service in October. In recognition of the members' return, HYBE, BTS's agency, has adorned the exterior of its headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with the official logos of BTS and their dedicated fanbase, ARMY, alongside the phrase "WE ARE BACK." 2025-06-11 14:45:48

PHOTOS: Global rhythms converge in Busan for dance festival BUSAN, June 10 (AJP) - The 21st Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF) recently concluded, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of global dance from June 4 to 8. Performances captivated audiences at the Busan Cinema Center Theatre, a specially erected stage on Haeundae Beach, and other venues. This year's festival drew a diverse array of talent, featuring 30 dance companies from nine countries, including South Korea, Hungary, France, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Argentina, Italy, and the Philippines. A particular highlight was the highly anticipated Asian premiere of "CARMINA BURANA" by the Szeged Contemporary Dance Company of Hungary. The powerful production was staged three times between June 5 and 7, earning resounding applause from festival-goers. During the opening ceremony, Istvan Szerdahelyi, the Hungarian ambassador to South Korea, expressed his country's gratitude for being invited as the BIDF's guest nation. He extended an invitation to attendees to discover new facets of Hungarian artistry and creativity through the dance company's performances. The special stage at Haeundae Beach provided a breathtaking setting for performances on June 6 and 7. Against the backdrop of the ocean and the setting sun, a rich tapestry of dance forms unfolded, including street dance, contemporary dance, folk dance, ballet, and tango, showcasing the universal appeal and diverse expressions of movement. 2025-06-10 17:51:30

PHOTOS: Korea's dance heritage SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - On May 23, the Hanyoungsuk Dance Preservation Society, an organization dedicated to upholding the rich legacy of traditional Korean dance, staged a special performance at the Korea House in Samseong-dong, Seoul. The society honors Han Young-suk, a revered master of Korean dance. Han inherited a repertoire of traditional forms, including Seungmu, Hakchum, Salpuri, and Taepyeongmu, from her grandfather, Han Seong-jun. A pivotal figure in the art form, she meticulously trained a new generation of dancers and was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for her profound mastery of Seungmu and Hakchum. The evening's program featured a series of evocative performances. Joo Yeon-hee presented Seungmu, a contemplative solo. Kim Han-saem performed Gainyeook, a graceful work incorporating fans. The regal Taepyeongmu was showcased by Yang Seo-yoon and Son Hye-young, while Yeom Hyun-joo offered the poignant Salpuri-chum. Kang So-jeong embodied the elegance of the Hakchum, and Kim Ji-young and Choi Ji-yeon captivated the audience with Sanjo-chum. Among the traditional forms, Seungmu stands out as a distinctive folk dance. Dancers, cloaked in a white jangsam (monk's robe) and a red gasa (Buddhist stole) draped over the shoulder, complete their austere attire with a white gokkal (pointed hat). Its intricate movements and unique techniques define its character. In contrast to the highly commercialized idol dances often seen on television, traditional Korean dance, with its understated elegance and disciplined beauty, offers a profound and immersive experience for audiences. "Gainyeook," meaning "a beautiful woman like jade," is a dance piece that has evolved to incorporate fan work. While originally emphasizing improvisation without a fixed structure, it has since developed a more defined style, elegantly portraying a woman who is both refined and restrained, yet imbued with a captivating vivacity. Taepyeongmu is a celebratory dance performed to invoke peace and prosperity for the nation. Dancers, adorned in the majestic attire of a queen, evoke the grandeur and opulence of traditional court dance. It is often regarded as one of the most technically demanding dances in the Korean repertoire. Salpuri-chum is a powerful expression aimed at dispelling negative energies, or "sal." It deftly navigates the duality of "han" (a profound sense of sorrow or unresolved longing) and "heung" (joy or excitement). Hakchum, or the crane dance, is an imitative form where performers wear masks and costumes resembling cranes, mimicking the bird's graceful movements. It traditionally symbolizes longevity. Sanjo-chum is a free-flowing, improvisational dance performed to Sanjo music, characterized by its melodic structure that emerges from the scattering and converging of various rhythmic patterns. Its inherent spontaneity allows for a broad spectrum of creative expression, translating human emotions into fluid physical movements. 2025-06-05 10:18:39

PHOTOS: President Lee Jae-myung's five-year term begins SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - The National Election Commission officially confirmed Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea as South Korea's new president early Wednesday in accordance with the results of the 21st presidential election. Lee's five-year term officially began at 6:21 a.m. Lee secured the presidency with a final vote share of 49.42 percent. 2025-06-04 09:51:51