TRAVEL: Seeking solace in cold valleys of Mount Geumsu JECHEON, August 05 (AJP) - In the thick of a Korean summer, when the humidity clings to your skin and the sun bakes the city streets, the idea of hiking a mountain may seem more ordeal than escape. But in the highlands of the Korean Peninsula, nature offers a surprising reprieve. At Mount Geumsu, which straddles the regions of Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, chilled streams and shaded trails provide relief even in the hottest months. Rising to 1,016 meters and nestled within Woraksan National Park, Mount Geumsu is one of the few places where a midsummer trek ends not in exhaustion, but exhilaration. What makes this mountain especially unique is the phenomenon known as "eoreumgol" — literally “Ice Valley.” Here, even during August’s peak heat, icy air seeps from deep rock crevices, cooling the surrounding area and forming frost under the right conditions. The crevices are wide enough for two or three people to sit inside, and the cold draft is so strong it seems to breathe new life into tired limbs. Only a handful of such valleys exist across the country, found in places like Mount Palgong in Gunwi and Mount Juwang in Cheongsong. But Mount Geumsu's eoreumgol, combined with the mountain’s dense pine forests and mineral springs, makes it a rare refuge — a natural air-conditioner built into the landscape. For weary hikers, the moment of dipping sun-warmed hands into the icy waters of a mountain stream is a kind of instant therapy. The stream winds through mossy rocks beneath the forest canopy, its glass-clear water offering moments of quiet reflection and pure sensory pleasure. The reward for reaching the summit is a sweeping view of the Namhangang River and the sprawling lakes formed by the Chungju Dam — known as Chungju Lake in Chungju and Cheongpung Lake in Jecheon. On clear days, the glinting expanse of water, framed by green peaks, feels worlds away from the thick summer air below. In a season when many seek comfort in air-conditioned rooms and beach crowds, Mount Geumsu offers something quieter, cooler, and altogether more rejuvenating — proof that, sometimes, the best way to beat the heat is to climb toward it. 2025-08-05 16:06:46

[[PHOTOS]] S. Koreans enjoy scorching summer SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - As the peak of summer sets in, vacation spots across South Korea are bustling with people making the most of the season. Beaches and festival grounds are filled with crowds enjoying their summer break. Here is a glimpse of how people are spending their summer days. 2025-08-04 16:02:00

PHOTOS: Test-drive of amphibious bus in Busan SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - An amphibious bus capable of running across Busan's Suyeong River and the Gwangan Bridge underwent a trial run on July 30 near the Suyeong Bay Yacht Center in Haeundae District, Busan, as part of final preparations before its official launch. Powered by diesel, the amphibious vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) on land and around 10 knots (approximately 18.5 kilometers or 11.5 miles per hour) on water. It can carry up to 27 passengers. A pilot program for local residents and tourists is scheduled to begin in December this year, with full operations expected in the first half of next year. 2025-07-31 14:04:47

[[K-Travel]] Damyang, a town built on trees DAMYANG, Jul. 30 (AJP) – As a relentless heat wave continues to grip the Korean Peninsula, tree shade has become more precious than ever. In the face of soaring temperatures higher than those in many Southeast Asian cities, the cool calm of a forest is more than a luxury — it is a refuge. And few places offer it as gracefully as Damyang. With its soaring bamboo groves, 300-year-old elm-lined levees, and the iconic Metasequoia-lined road, Damyang in South Jeolla Province is home to some of Korea's most exquisite green spaces. Here, you will find Juknokwon, Korea’s largest bamboo forest trail, Gwanbangjerim, a riverside forest planted centuries ago, and the Metasequoia Road — all within walking distance of each other in the town center. ◇Juknokwon Entering Juknokwon at midday, the difference is instant. Towering bamboo trees block the sun and guide the breeze, creating a microclimate noticeably cooler than the surrounding city. Damyang has long been known for its bamboo. Nearly 28 percent of the country’s bamboo grows here. In the early 2000s, the local government purchased a natural grove from private landowners and developed Juknokwon. Covering 310,000 square meters, it is the largest bamboo forest in Korea, formed with a single species. Bamboo forests are known to release large amounts of anions and oxygen, more than typical broadleaf forests. These qualities are believed to purify the blood and strengthen the immune system. In summer, temperatures inside the grove are 4 to 7 degrees Celsius lower than outside. To the north of the grove is the Juknokwon Poetry and Culture Village, where visitors can see reconstructions of famous local pavilions like Songgangjeong and Myeonangjeong. Nearby, restaurants serve bamboo tube rice, or daetongbap, which absorbs the aroma of the bamboo as it cooks. Combined with side dishes like stir-fried bamboo shoots and grilled short rib patties, it is a hearty meal rooted in the region’s traditions. ◇ Gwanbangjerim Gwanbangjerim is a centuries-old forest planted along a levee. In 1648, during the reign of King Injo, the governor of Damyang ordered the construction of an embankment to prevent flooding from the Damyangcheon Stream. Trees were planted along the levee, and the forest was expanded again in 1854. The name “Gwanbangjerim” comes from its origins — a forest planted by the government. Today, 176 trees here are officially protected, each marked with a numbered tag from 1 to 176. The main species include zelkovas, hackberries, maples, and Korean elms. With trunk circumferences exceeding 5 meters and crowns spreading over 10 meters wide, the old-growth trees create a powerful presence. The 1.2-kilometer forest walk has been designated a Natural Monument. The most common species is the Pouzolzia tree, native to Korea’s southern regions and often planted to shield land from wind or sea storms. During levee renovations in the 1980s, Damyang added about 200 younger trees as successors. Gwanbangjerim is not just a tourist spot — it is part of daily life for locals. Morning walkers and joggers are a common sight. At the forest entrance lies a well-known noodle alley, where visitors can sit on the levee and enjoy a bowl of cold noodles in the breeze, a tradition dating back to when the nearby bamboo goods market thrived. ◇Metasequoia Road The rain had just stopped when we arrived at Metasequoia Road. Lining both sides of the path, 20 to 30-meter-tall trees glistened with moisture, their green hues intensified. Some visitors walked barefoot along the red earth trail next to the main path. The long stretch of straight road, flanked by these towering trees, offers a feeling of both awe and stillness. Damyang’s streets are lined with metasequoia trees because, in 1972, about 4,700 were planted along key local roads. In 2000, however, a national highway expansion project threatened to destroy many of them. Locals rallied to preserve the trees, arguing they were not just decorative but part of Damyang’s natural heritage. Thanks to those efforts, a 2-kilometer stretch between Hakdonggyo and Geumwolgyo bridges was preserved as a pedestrian-only road. Today, 487 metasequoias, each about 27 meters tall and over 50 years old, form a green tunnel that has become one of Korea’s most iconic tree-lined paths. 2025-07-30 15:38:30

PHOTOS: Nationwide heat wave persists as vacation season begins SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Heatwave warnings have been issued across South Korea, with the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting a prolonged period of intense heat as the nation officially enters its summer vacation season. With this week and next marking the peak of holiday travel, citizens are finding various ways to cope with the scorching temperatures. From splashing in urban water parks to seeking respite in the cooler climes of coastal areas and mountain retreats, many are embracing outdoor activities despite the persistent heat. Photographs captured across the country show Koreans enjoying relief in the water, whether in city centers or at popular beaches and scenic mountainous locales. 2025-07-28 11:15:31

PHOTOS: Post-flood fight against floating waste SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Cleanup operations are in full swing at Paldang Lake, where a massive influx of trash and debris has accumulated following recent torrential rains. Officials from the Gyeonggi Province Water Resources Headquarters estimate that more than 1,000 tons of floating waste were swept into the lake by the heavy downpours Workers began collection efforts on July 23 to address the extensive contamination of the critical water source. 2025-07-23 15:09:37

PHOTOS: Enduring ancient masterpiece in Gyeongju SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - Nestled on the slopes of Mount Tohams, the Seokguram Grotto stands as a testament to the apex of Buddhist art during the unified Silla Dynasty. Regarded as a paramount masterpiece, its creation began in 751 under the patronage of Kim Dae-seong, then the prime minister to King Gyeongdeok. The grotto was completed 23 years later, in 774 during the reign of King Hyegong. King Gyeongdeok's era (742-765) is celebrated as a golden age for Silla's Buddhist artistic endeavors. Beyond Seokguram, this period saw the emergence of other iconic cultural treasures, including the Bulguksa Temple, Dabotap Pagoda, Seokgatap Pagoda, and the magnificent Hwangnyongsa Bell. Crafted from white granite, the grotto's interior once housed 40 carved Buddhist figures surrounding a central Buddha. Today, 38 of these intricately sculpted figures remain. What truly sets Seokguram apart is its remarkable synthesis of disciplines: architecture, mathematics, geometry, religious philosophy and artistic expression converge harmoniously within its design. The Seokguram Grotto is officially recognized as a National Treasure of South Korea. In a significant historical designation, it was jointly inscribed with Bulguksa Temple on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in December 1995. Within the grotto, the antechamber, serving as the entrance, and the walls of the narrow passageway are adorned with symbolic Buddhist carvings. The main Buddha, rendered with masterly technique and lifelike detail, exudes a profound tranquility. Other sculptures contribute to a collective body of work that is considered unparalleled in East Asian Buddhist sculpture. The profound serenity of the main Buddha, nestled within the grotto's hushed confines, imparts a deep sense of mystery, its natural form seeming to emanate compassion to all who behold it. Seokguram Grotto during restoration work in the 1910s/ Courtesy of Sungkyunkwan University Museum 2025-07-22 17:28:11

PHOTOS: Torrential rains, landslides devastate southern villages SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Heavy rainfall that battered South Korea from July 16 to 20 has resulted in at least 18 deaths and left 9 people missing, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety. The southern province of South Gyeongsang bore the brunt of the casualties, with 10 fatalities reported in Sancheong, a county severely affected by landslides. Across 15 cities and provinces, the torrential downpours forced 14,166 residents from 9,887 households to evacuate their homes, seeking refuge from the widespread damage. 2025-07-21 13:57:18

TRAVEL: Haeinsa Temple's Tripitaka Koreana and Janggyeong Panjeon, treasures of UNESCO heritage SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - Haeinsa Temple, located on Mount Gaya in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province, welcomes about 3,000 international visitors each year through its templestay program. Although it sits in a relatively remote area, Haeinsa continues to attract foreign travelers drawn by two extraordinary treasures: the Tripitaka Koreana, often called a global miracle, and the remarkable wooden hall that preserves it, the Janggyeong Panjeon. The canon was produced during a time of national turmoil. Faced with repeated Mongol invasions, the people of Goryeo turned to Buddhism, hoping divine merit would protect the country. The project began in 1236 and took sixteen years to complete. A total of 81,258 woodblocks were carved, which is why it is commonly referred to as the “Eighty-Thousand Tripitaka.” This vast compilation is more than a religious text. It includes the recorded teachings of the Buddha, monastic rules, and interpretive commentaries by later scholars, making it a true encyclopedia of Buddhism. The preservation of the Tripitaka Koreana over the centuries is nothing short of extraordinary. Its survival is credited to the scientific precision, care, and discipline involved in its production. The wood used for the blocks was soaked in seawater to prevent decay, then carved, lacquered, treated, and reinforced at the corners to prevent warping. Every block was made with the utmost attention to detail. The Janggyeong Panjeon, which has protected the woodblocks for centuries, is itself a wonder. Believed to have been built around 1488 during the Joseon Dynasty, the structure consists of two parallel buildings. The southern building is called the Sudarajang, and the northern one is the Beopbojeon. The architecture of the hall is designed to naturally regulate temperature and humidity. The front windows are built with larger lower openings and smaller upper ones, while the rear windows are the opposite. The soil beneath drains well, and layers of salt, charcoal, lime, and sandy clay were added to the foundation. These materials help repel pests, absorb moisture during the rainy season, and release it when the air is dry. The Tripitaka Koreana is considered unmatched in both scale and significance. It holds special value for its size, historical importance, academic influence, consistency in calligraphy, advanced printing technology, carving technique, unique catalog system, and state of preservation. These qualities led to both the canon and the storage halls being recognized by UNESCO. The Janggyeong Panjeon was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995 for its scientific architectural design. The Tripitaka Koreana was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2007. 2025-07-16 14:11:31

PHOTOS: Pyongyang touts Mt. Kumgang's UNESCO World Heritage listing SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced Wednesday that Mount Kumgang has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The designation came three days after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee formally approved North Korea's long-standing application on July 13. Pyongyang initially submitted its bid for Mount Kumgang's recognition in 2021. However, the evaluation process was protracted, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After approximately four years, the scenic mountain, revered for its natural beauty and historical significance, has finally secured its place on the UNESCO list. 2025-07-16 12:52:20