PHOTOS: Rare Eurasian Oystercatcher spotted in South Korea SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - A Eurasian Oystercatcher, a Class II endangered species and a designated natural monument, was spotted on the waters off Yeongjong Island in South Korea's Incheon on Monday. The bird is exceptionally rare, with small breeding populations believed to inhabit islands along Korea’s west coast, as well as the Kamchatka Peninsula’s eastern shores and the northern reaches of the Sea of Okhotsk. A Eurasian Oystercatcher foraging for shellfish. Yonhap A Eurasian Oystercatcher foraging. Yonhap A Eurasian oystercatcher flying over the sea. Yonhap 2025-02-25 16:57:25

PHOTOS: ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2025 SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - The International Skating Union’s Four Continents Figure Skating Championships unfolded at Seoul’s Mokdong Ice Rink from Feb. 18 to 23. Here, a look at some of the competition’s most compelling moments. 2025-02-24 15:19:08

PHOTOS: Exceptional flavor of Korean strawberries SEOUL, February 21 (AJP) - Korean strawberries, renowned for their exceptional flavor, proved a popular draw at the Nonsan Strawberry Festival held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Feb. 13 to 16. Cultivated in environmentally conscious greenhouses, these berries are not only delicious but also meet high standards of hygiene. 2025-02-21 15:56:55

PHOTOS: Celadon festival to take place in southwestern Korea SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - The Gangjin Celadon Festival will take place for ten days starting on Saturday at the Goryeo Celadon Museum in Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province. Staff members are currently preparing for the event. 2025-02-20 16:23:01

PHOTOS: Wildlife at Gangneung's Namdaecheon Stream SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) - Namdaecheon Stream in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, a haven for wildlife, becomes a battleground in winter. As food grows scarce, a fierce struggle for survival unfolds among the animals that gather there. 2025-02-19 15:59:40

PHOTOS: 'A Room of Quiet Contemplation' at National Museum of Korea SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - The Room of Quiet Contemplation on the second floor of the National Museum of Korea is always filled with visitors. This space houses two Gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva statues, designated as National Treasures, from the late 6th to early 7th century, displayed side by side. As you walk through the dimly lit and silent corridor, you come face to face with the serene figure of a Pensive Bodhisattva, seated with one leg crossed over the other, gently resting one hand on its cheek, immersed in deep thought. These statues, masterpieces of metal casting, combine simplicity with a sense of liveliness, and grandeur with restraint. Their dignified presence draws even the busiest modern visitor into a quiet moment of reflection.　　 　　　　　　 Since relocating to Yongsan in 2005, the National Museum of Korea has become the country’s largest and most prominent museum, welcoming over four million visitors annually. Its permanent exhibition halls house a vast collection of Korean antiquities and artifacts, featuring approximately 10,000 items. The museum’s exhibits are regularly rotated to ensure preservation and accommodate external exhibitions. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free. The museum spans three floors, each dedicated to different themes. The first floor showcases the Prehistoric & Ancient History Hall and the Medieval & Early Modern History Hall. The second floor is home to the Calligraphy & Painting Hall, the Donated Works Hall, and the Room of Quiet Contemplation, while the third floor features the Sculpture & Craft Hall and the World Art Hall. Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by the 10-story stone pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa, a National Treasure, standing tall in the first-floor lobby. Exploring the entire museum thoroughly requires at least half a day, but for those with limited time, it is recommended to start from the third floor and work your way down. Beyond the museum building, the Outdoor Exhibition Area houses some of Korea’s most treasured historical artifacts. The Pagoda of Buddhist Monk Yeomgeo, designated as a National Treasure, stands among them, alongside the Stupa of Jingong from Heungbeopsa Temple, a relic commissioned by Goryeo’s founding king, Wang Geon. Another remarkable piece is the Seven-story Stone Pagoda from Namgyewonji, a prime example of Goryeo-era stone pagodas, originally located in Kaesong. Also on display is the Bosingak Bell, one of the most famous bells from the Joseon Dynasty, known for its deep and resonant chime. This image shows Buncheong pottery from the Joseon Dynasty. AJP Cho bo-hee 2025-02-19 15:08:41

PHOTOS: Harbingers of spring on Jeju Island SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - Spring's arrival is palpable on Jeju Island, off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. Canola blossoms paint the landscape in vibrant hues, while salamanders, driven by the urge to breed, emerge from their winter slumber. 2025-02-18 11:15:54

PHOTOS: UNESCO-recognized tug-of-war competition in Samcheok SEOUL, February 17 (AJP) - Celebrations of Jeongwol Daeboreum, the first full moon of the lunar New Year, were held in Samcheok, Gangwon Province, from Feb. 14 to 16. The festival featured a performance of Samcheok Gigijuldarigi, a distinctive form of tug-of-war recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 2025-02-17 15:16:52

PHOTOS: Graduation season SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - As graduation season unfolds across South Korea, universities are hosting commencement ceremonies to honor their graduates. Graduates take a commemorative photo during the commencement ceremony at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, Feb. 14, 2025. Yonhap 2025-02-14 16:04:26

PHOTOS: Koreans celebrate first full moon of lunar New Year SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) - The first full moon of the lunar New Year, Jeongwol Daeboreum, was celebrated across the country on Feb. 12. Traditionally, on Jeongwol Daeboreum, people eat ogokbap (five-grain rice) and participate in various events, praying for health and well-being. 2025-02-13 10:43:15