TRAVEL: Gyeongju's historic sites draw visitors amid autumn foliage GYEONGJU, November 14 (AJP) - South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju used to be the most popular field trip destination for students. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that thrived for over 1,000 years, the city, home to numerous national treasures, still attracts hordes of visitors and tourists. Among its many landmarks, the most iconic are Bulguksa temple and Cheomseongdae observatory. The temple, one of the country's most famous tourist attractions, is especially crowded at this time of year, as vibrant late-autumn foliage creates a stunning backdrop to its centuries-old structures, stone pagodas, and pavilions. Following the city's successful hosting of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, several photo spots have seen a surge in tourists. This includes the temple's iconic two-part stone stairway, with Cheongungyo forming the lower section and Baekungyo the upper, featuring a gracefully curved, rainbow-shaped arch at its base. Bulguksa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the country's most famous Buddhist temples, dating back to the ancient period of Silla, and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. Other must-see masterpieces are stone pagodas Dabotap and Seokgatap, standing in front of the main hall. Dabotap exudes intricate, ornate elegance with sophisticated craftsmanship, while Seokgatap, simpler in form, is admired for its clean symmetry and refined minimalism. They are considered among the finest examples of stone pagodas. Another must-see is Cheomseongdae in the nearly area, a stone tower that served as an astronomical observatory for the ancient kingdom. Recognized as the world's oldest surviving structure of its kind, it is also one of the few that has been preserved in its original form in South Korea. 2025-11-14 10:44:43

PHOTOS: Korean rivers, coasts teem with seasonal life SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - As the Korean Peninsula transitions into the late days of autumn, a familiar drama has begun to unfold along its coasts and waterways, offering a stark tableau of seasonal migration and feeding rituals. In the south, the rare spoonbill has once again been sighted along the shores of Jeju Island. Concurrently, farther north in Gangneung, photographers have gathered at Namdaecheon Stream, staking out positions to capture images of the magnificent osprey as it hunts for its winter sustenance. Off the adjacent coast of Gangneung, a dramatic natural phenomenon has captivated observers: vast schools of mullet have amassed near the shoreline, creating a vivid spectacle as the fish cluster together in the shifting coastal waters. 2025-11-11 14:23:51

PHOTOS: Fall festivals for international students SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - South Korean universities are rolling out diverse cultural events this fall to integrate a growing international student body, which surpassed 200,000 in 2024. As the number of foreign students continues to rise, universities across the country are hosting festivals aimed at fostering cultural exchange and community. In Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Ajou University hosted its annual "Ajou International Day," showcasing the diverse cultures of its students. The festival featured booths where international students presented traditional clothing and food from their home countries, offering a hands-on experience of global culture to the entire campus community. In Busan, Pukyong National University focused on inter-student mingling by holding a "Global Sports Day." The athletic event provided a lively setting for foreign students to engage and socialize with their South Korean peers through various activities. 2025-11-07 16:08:51

TRAVEL: Finding solace at temple high on mountain BONGHWA, November 06 (AJP) - I recently undertook a stay at Cheongnyangsa Temple in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province. The experience was an immersion in a landscape and a tradition that demands both effort and reward. While Cheongnyangsan Mountain may not be among Korea’s highest peaks, its rugged, sheer cliffs and dramatic stone pinnacles deliver an astonishingly grand and theatrical scene. Cheongnyangsa is strategically built halfway up the mountain, meaning your journey begins with a test of endurance. From the parking lot, it's a strenuous 30-minute climb up a steep path. Be warned: for those unaccustomed to mountain walking, simply reaching the temple can feel like a major feat. But the reward is instant. Looking down from the temple grounds, the view is nothing short of breathtaking: the temple buildings are perfectly framed by peaks alight with the deep reds and golds of late autumn foliage. It’s a vista that elicits an involuntary gasp of wonder. The Temple Stay itself is a structured cultural program designed to allow visitors to briefly experience the life of a monastic practitioner. My itinerary included a temple pilgrimage, Buddhist ritual, circling the pagoda, a peaceful free walk, and, most powerfully, the striking of the temple bell. The resonant tolling of the massive bell just after sunset, echoing through the now-silent mountain sanctuary, was an unforgettable, first-time experience. It carried a solemn weight — a sacred rhythm that compelled deep introspection. A single night at Cheongnyangsa offered a precious opportunity for self-reflection amidst the cool, crisp air of the autumn woods. The dramatic scenery extends far beyond the main temple. A further 30-minute hike up the trail leads to Eungjinjeon retreat. This sacred annex is a marvel, appearing to hang precariously from the cliff face, backed by colossal rock formations. Encircled by flaming red maple trees and capped by the clear blue autumn sky, Eungjinjeon is arguably the most poignant spot to soak in Cheongnyangsan’s seasonal beauty. For the ultimate panorama, a viewpoint about halfway up the trail offers a magnificent glimpse of the entire mountain range and the Cheongnyangsa Temple nestled peacefully in the valley below. Keep pushing onward, and you’ll find a remarkable piece of engineering. After about an hour of climbing a steep trail, you reach the Sky Bridge. This 90-meter-long, 70-meter-high suspension bridge connects the Jaranbong and Seonhakbong Peaks at an altitude of 800 meters. Standing on the bridge, connecting these two formidable peaks, I felt fully immersed in the brilliant, fiery climax of the late autumn mountainside. The Temple Stay is a cherished traditional cultural experience that offers a glimpse into the history and spiritual culture of Korean Buddhism. Operating in 158 temples across South Korea, the program has become a highly popular method for weary modern citizens to heal the mind and body. Last year, the program hit an all-time high, hosting over 332,000 participants. The Temple Stay's appeal is also soaring internationally, with 31 temples now specializing in foreign visitors and employing dedicated language staff. Temples are currently offering a 50 percent discount on Temple Stay participation fees throughout the month of November — a perfect chance to experience this unique blend of spirituality and rugged natural beauty. 2025-11-06 17:00:07

PHOTOS: What to know about ancient gold crown among lavish gifts to Trump in Gyeongju SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - A glittery gold-plated replica of an ancient crown was among the lavish gifts showered to U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju this week. The eye-catching replica, symbolizing the summit's venue, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that flourished for over 1,000 years, was specially crafted by veteran artisan Kim Jin-bae in the historic city, North Gyeongsang Province. The original crown, along with many artifacts and relics, was unearthed long ago from Cheonmachong, a tomb in the province believed to be the burial site of kings, queens and other high-ranking nobles. The crown, weighing roughly 1.3 kilograms and standing 32.5 cm tall, features three leaf-shaped vertical ornaments and two deer antler-shaped decorations on its headband. For those who want to learn about the royal crown along with its symbolic power and prestige, a special exhibition on the occasion of the summit is being held until Dec. 14 at the Gyeongju National Museum. Located in Daereungwon, a complex of Silla-era tombs in the province, Cheonmachong measures 47 meters in diameter and 12.7 meters in height, though its occupant remains unknown. Around 11,297 artifacts were unearthed from the tomb in 1973 including Cheonmado, a painting on birch bark depicting a pure-white heavenly horse ascending into the sky, which has been designated as a national treasure. Visitors to the tomb are allowed to look around its restored interior. 2025-10-30 15:25:21

TRAVEL: Exploring wild scenery of Korea's West Sea archipelago GUNSAN, October 30 (AJP) - The Gogunsan Archipelago, a stunning cluster of 63 islands in the Yellow Sea off Gunsan, South Korea, is no longer a world apart. Thanks to the massive Saemangeum Seawall — a 33.9 km engineering marvel connecting Gunsan and Buan — six of the largest islands are now accessible by car. These include Seonyudo, Jangjado, Daejangdo, Munyeodo, Sinsido, and Yamido. Work on the seawall began in 1991 and was finally completed on April 27, 2010, permanently linking these islands to the mainland. Often described as the most spectacular island scenery on Korea’s west coast, the Gogunsan Archipelago offers an unforgettable escape. We came to walk the Gogunsan-gil trail, a 10-kilometer route connecting the three most beautiful islands: Seonyudo, Jangjado, and Daejangdo. The walk takes a typical person about four hours. On a weekend, Jangjado was bustling with visitors. Shops were doing a brisk trade, with the scent of freshly fried ssiat-hotteok (sweet seed-filled pancakes) filling the air, alongside stalls selling traditional Korean sweets. Our journey began in Jangjado as we set off toward Daejangdo. The view is breathtaking: small islands dot the horizon, the sea lies calm like a lake, vast mudflats stretch in the distance, and high rocky mountains rise dramatically. With so many islands packed into such a short distance, it creates a visual trick — it seems as if the islands are encircling the sea, rather than the sea surrounding the islands. We headed for Daejangbong Peak on Daejangdo. From the bottom, the peak — only about 100 meters high — exudes an unexpected, profound dignity. The spectacular, almost fairyland quality of Seonyudo and Daejangdo is due to this unique terrain of bare rocky mountains crowned with scattered patches of resilient green trees. The climb was steep in sections but manageable. Closer to the top of Daejangbong, we were surprised to find a dense forest dominated by evergreens like camellia, pine, and spindle trees. The reward at the summit was the panoramic view of Gogunsan's hidden treasures. Looking out from the peak, the expanse of the island cluster is a photographer's dream. Fishing boats move between the islands, their white wakes carving streaks across the calm water, bringing a lively contrast to the tranquil sea. Back on Jangjado, we stopped at a hotteok shop with a back patio overlooking the ocean. Enjoying the sweet pancake and coffee while watching the ocean was the perfect healing moment. Two bridges link Seonyudo and Jangjado. The newer, robust Jangja Bridge is built for modern traffic, while the older structure, the Jangja Bridge Skywalk, is now a dedicated, cherished pedestrian walkway. Finally, on Seonyudo — the legendary “Island where immortals play” — the twin highlights are Seonyudo Beach and Mangjubong Peak. The beach itself is mystifying, a sweep of sand that connects two landmasses, making the island look like two separate entities. The smooth, clean sand is so fine that the beach has gained fame for centuries. The imposing Mangjubong Peak consists of two rocky mountains rising to about 150 meters. It has a unique seasonal spectacle: after heavy summer rains, a waterfall plunges directly down the sheer rock face from the summit. The Gogunsan-gil trail is an enriching experience, offering a mix of flat paths, mountain climbs, and seaside walks. With numerous eateries along the way, it’s an ideal destination for light-backpacking and genuine relaxation. 2025-10-30 10:12:56

PHOTOS: Media art bathes Gyeongju's historic sites for APEC SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju is providing a unique backdrop for global leaders, with the host city leveraging its ancient heritage to deliver a striking cultural experience. As delegates gather, the historic heart of Gyeongju is being transformed nightly into an outdoor art gallery, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. The ancient Daereungwon Tomb Complex and the iconic Cheomseongdae Observatory are the centerpieces of spectacular evening showcases. Various media art and grand media facade performances are lighting up the historic sites nightly. The stunning visual displays are free to the public and run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Nov. 16. The Gyeongju National Museum is also hosting a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. To mark the museum's 80th anniversary, a special exhibit has brought together six Silla-era ancient gold crowns in a single location for the first time. The crowns represent a dazzling look into the power and artistry of the ancient Silla Kingdom. 2025-10-29 10:36:32

PHOTOS: Divers capture underwater beauty of Jeju in photo contest SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - The Jeju Underwater Photography Championship, a four-day contest held in the waters off Jeju Island, recently concluded its fifth annual event from October 16 to 19. The competition is widely regarded as South Korea's largest and most authoritative underwater photography event. Approximately 150 scuba divers and underwater photography enthusiasts participated, showcasing their skills beneath the surface. A panel of esteemed photography experts judged the submissions, selecting a grand prize winner and the TOP 10 entries. The grand prize was awarded to Yang Chung-hong for his photography capturing a striking moment of a group of lionfish lying in wait for their prey. 2025-10-28 10:40:53

TRAVEL: Discover beauty of Mt. Hallasan and hidden gems on volcanic island of Jeju JEJU, October 24 (AJP) - The beauty of South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju owes much to volcanic activity. The area, now the largest island on the Korean Peninsula, was originally a shallow sea. From deep beneath the earth, molten magma surged upward and collided with seawater in explosive volcanic eruptions, eventually forming land that rose above the sea. As volcanic activity continued, magma kept erupting, forming volcanic formations called "oreum" along with countless lava caves and plains. Massive volcanic eruptions tens of thousands of years ago, concentrated in one spot, gave birth to Mt. Hallasan, which stands at 1,947 meters today. Around 25,000 years ago, another eruption formed Baengnokdam, the crater lake at its summit. For many locals, there is a deeply-rooted belief that Mt. Hallasan is Jeju and vice versa, because the mountain has sustained generations of families who built their lives and livelihoods along its slopes and hills. There are several routes that lead all the way up Mt. Hallasan: Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa, Yeongsil, Donnaeko, and Eorimok, with the latter three offering views of the mountain's crater wall without requiring a climb to the peak. The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa routes, which require hikers to book in advance, stretch 9.6 kilometers and 8.7 kilometers, respectively, and take about five hours to reach the top. A round-trip hike on these routes takes roughly 10 hours, so hikers should allow sufficient time. In particular, during the winter season when the sun sets early, it is best to begin climbing before 8 a.m. The trails are strewn with rugged basalt rocks, making them uneven and bumpy, so sturdy boots are essential for hikers. Visitors including foreigners are often seen struggling due to insufficient preparation. Around 1,500 meters up, the trails open to a field known for azaleas in full bloom during the spring season, where shrubs and small trees offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean below. Jeju also has a slew of unique forests called "gotjawal," a name coined from the words for "forest" and "thicket." These dense and crooked areas, where wild trees and plants are tangled atop hardened lava rocks, are scattered across the island, covering about 6.1 percent of its land. The one in Gyorae in the eastern part of the island is situated at the highest point, with walking paths spanning 230 hectares that allow visitors to observe the forest's natural formations up close. The moment visitors step into the forest, they are instantly greeted by a rush of fresh air and a landscape of nothing but lush green. The rocky ground is carpeted with moss and ferns, while trees have forced their roots through cracks in the rocks, growing twisted and gnarled as they stretch their branches toward the sky. Vines from some trees have entwined themselves around moss-covered trunks, their long tendrils dangling, while others grow atop rocky mounds with roots exposed above the soil. These exposed roots, called "pankun," grow upward because the hard lava rocks prevent them from penetrating the earth below. The unique terrain of these forests, formed from viscous lava that slowly solidified, has created dips and hollows that collect water, nourishing ferns and naturally filtering through layers of rock to become clean mineral water. Tunnel-shaped small holes, called "sumgol," help maintain the forest's humidity and temperature. They release cool air in summer and warm air in winter. Visitors will also see countless stones on Jeju. In fact, stones are everywhere, as the island is traditionally said to have three things in abundance - stones, wind, and women - represented by the island's famous female divers who search the sea for shellfish and other marine life. They can learn how stones have shaped the lives of locals and explore the island's volcanic origins, with its curious rock formations and caves, through artifacts, statues, folklore, and other exhibitions at Dolhareubang, a stone-themed outdoor museum and ecological park. 2025-10-24 11:15:31

PHOTOS: Endangered cranes return SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - A flock of the white-naped crane, an internationally recognized endangered species, was observed in a rice paddy in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, on October 12. The white-naped crane is one of the world's rarest crane species, with a global population estimated to be only around 7,000 to 8,000 individuals. The cranes observed in Cheorwon are part of the eastern flyway population, which breeds in Russia and Mongolia before migrating south. South Korea's border region, particularly the area around the Demilitarized Zone in Cheorwon, is a vital wintering and staging ground for these majestic birds. While many continue their journey further south to Japan, hundreds, and sometimes thousands, spend the winter months in the wetlands and farmlands of Cheorwon and Paju of Gyeonggi Province. Estimates suggest that up to 300 white-naped cranes typically winter in the Paju and Cheorwon areas before flying north in the spring. 2025-10-17 11:05:50