PHOTOS: Ancient rock carvings in South Korea added to UNESCO heritage list SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has finalized the inscription of a series of ancient Korean rock carvings onto its World Heritage list, recognizing the sites as significant historical and artistic treasures. The petroglyphs, discovered in the 1970s, offer a vivid glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula. Located on the cliffs of the Bangudae Stream, a tributary of the Taehwa River in Ulsan, the carvings are situated on a rock face approximately 4.5 meters high and 8 meters wide. They feature dense depictions of marine and terrestrial animals, as well as hunting scenes. The site is notable for what is believed to be the world’s oldest depiction of whale hunting. A total of 312 carvings have been identified at this location. Two kilometers away, a second site features another set of carvings on a rock surface measuring roughly 2.7 meters high and 10 meters wide. This panel contains more than 620 etchings, including various shapes, symbols and drawings. Abstract patterns, such as diamonds and circles, are thought to date to the Bronze Age, while inscriptions believed to have been left during the Silla Dynasty are also present. The inclusion of these petroglyphs brings Korea’s total number of UNESCO World Heritage sites to 17, comprising 15 cultural heritage sites and two natural heritage sites. 2025-07-14 14:17:51

PHOTOS: Pictorial album of Mount Baekdu's landscapes SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - North Korea’s Foreign Languages Publishing House released a new pictorial album in June showcasing the natural landscapes of Mount Baekdu and Lake Chon. Mount Baekdu, which stands at 2,744 meters, is the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. Its summit features Lake Chon, a caldera lake. The lake has a circumference of 14 kilometers, an average depth of 213 meters, and a maximum depth of 384 meters. From mid-October to mid-May, Lake Chon is typically covered in ice and snow. 2025-07-11 14:43:33

PHOTOS: Record heat grips South Korea SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) - A relentless, record-breaking heat wave is scorching South Korea. Temperatures in Seoul climbed to an unprecedented 37.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the highest ever recorded for early July. The intense heat has sent a dramatic surge of patients to emergency rooms across the country. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 238 individuals sought emergency medical attention for heat-related illnesses on Monday alone. This brings the total number of heat-illness patients this summer to 1,212, a striking 2.5-fold increase compared to the 486 cases reported during the same period last year. 2025-07-10 13:58:36

TRAVEL: Korea's coastal 'fan trail,' where land meets sea GANGNEUNG, July 09 (AJP) - Along South Korea's rugged East Coast, a unique pedestrian path known as the Badabuchae-gil Trail offers a captivating journey where ancient geology meets stunning ocean vistas. Stretching from Jeongdongjin to Simgok Port in Gangneung, this coastal walk is distinguished as the nation's sole trail built along a marine terrace, a testament to millions of years of geological transformation. The coastal terrace at Jeongdongjin, a prominent feature of the path, began its formation some two million years ago. A monumental uplift of the Earth's crust caused the sea level to recede an astonishing 80 kilometers (about 50 miles), revealing a submerged landscape that gradually became the landform seen today. The trail’s evocative name, Badabuchae-gil, which translates to "Sea Fan Trail," is inspired by the distinct shape of the land here, fanning out toward the vast expanse of the ocean. The trail itself spans approximately three kilometers (about 1.8 miles) one way, connecting the small harbors of Jeongdong and Simgok. For those seeking a longer excursion, a round trip covers roughly six kilometers. Travelers from Seoul aiming to experience the Badabuchae-gil Trail can embark on a KTX high-speed train to Gangneung Station. From there, a convenient transfer to a Nuriro train provides a swift 15-minute ride directly to Jeongdongjin Station. During the summer weekends, the trail often opens early, allowing visitors to begin their exploration as early as 8 a.m. It is important to note that access to the Badabuchae-gil Trail is managed for safety. Before planning a visit, especially during periods of inclement weather, prospective hikers should confirm the trail's opening with a local tourist information center, as strong waves or winds can lead to closures. 2025-07-09 10:07:42

PHOTOS: Lee's first press conference as president SEOUL, July 03 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung, who took office a month ago, held his first news conference as president on Thursday at the Yeongbingwan, the state guest house of Cheong Wa Dae. The conference offered the public and media a glimpse into his policy priorities and governing style. This is a collection of photographs that captured moments from the conference. 2025-07-03 13:23:33

TRAVEL: The royal pines of Samcheok — A legacy etched in wood SAMCHEOK, July 02 (AJP) - In the mountainous reaches of Samcheok, Gangwon Province, lies Jungyongmyo, the tomb of General Yangmu, the father of King Mokjo and a fifth-generation ancestor of Yi Seong-gye, the visionary who founded the Joseon Dynasty. Surrounding this sacred ground is a remarkable forest of Geumgang pine trees, a distinctive species deeply woven into the fabric of Korean history and culture. This dense cluster boasts approximately 140,000 pine trees, many of them towering centenarians, aged between 100 and 120 years. What sets the Geumgang pine apart from its more common relatives is its unwavering upright growth. Unlike other pines that often exhibit bends or twists, these trees near Jungyongmyo ascend toward the heavens with remarkable straightness, their trunks reaching skyward in an almost disciplined formation. While pine trees broadly characterize Korea's diverse forests, distributed across its myriad mountains, the Geumgang pine is an anomaly. The bark, a thin and reddish sheath in its youth, matures to crack into a pattern reminiscent of a tortoise's shell. Younger, more vibrant specimens display a particularly striking crimson hue on their main trunks. Some of the most majestic Geumgang pines soar to approximately 35 meters, rivaling the height of a 10-story building. The inherent qualities of the Geumgang pine — its fine grain, exceptional hardness, and remarkable resistance to warping, cracking, and decay — made it the material of choice for royal construction during the Joseon Dynasty. Exclusively indigenous to Korea and found predominantly in the country's eastern areas, these trees were also integral to the creation of the Jaegung, the coffins reserved for kings and queens. Given the demand for aged trees for such sacred purposes, the Joseon court took the extraordinary step of designating specific mountains where Geumgang pines grew, placing them under stringent royal management. A historical stele in Sogwang-ri, Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, stands as a testament to this ancient policy. In a practice that underscored their reverence for these natural giants, ancient Koreans observed elaborate rituals before felling an old Geumgang pine. The act of logging would commence with a resonant cry of "Eomyeongiyo!," which means "This is by royal command," repeated thrice. This invocation was a plea to the mountain spirit, seeking understanding and permission for an act undertaken at the king's behest. The historical significance of the Geumgang pine continued into modern times. In 2008, twenty trees from the very cluster near Jungyongmyo were meticulously selected and used in the extensive restoration of Sungnyemun in Seoul, which had been tragically consumed by fire in February of that year. Along the serene path leading to Jungyongmyo, visitors encounter the "Miinsong," or "beautiful pine tree." This particular specimen gained renown for its symbolic wedding to the Jeongipumsong, another celebrated pine located in Boeun-gun, North Chungcheong Province. At the time of this ceremonial union in 2001, the Miinsong was 95 years old, stood 32 meters tall, and measured 2.1 meters in circumference at breast height. Its genetic superiority ensures its continued role in propagating high-quality successor trees. To walk through a forest teeming with Geumgang pines is to enter a realm that evokes both mystery and awe. Their singular appearance and profound historical connection distinguish them entirely, offering a unique and compelling experience of Korea's natural heritage. Jungyongmyo/ AJP Cho Bo-hee 2025-07-02 15:43:58

PHOTOS: Beauty of Mount Kumgang in North Korea SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - North Korea's Foreign Languages Publishing House recently issued a collection of postcards showcasing the natural landscapes of Mount Kumgang, one of the Korean Peninsula's most revered and picturesque mountains. Mount Kumgang, often translated as "Diamond Mountain," is a majestic range in North Korea's Kangwon Province, celebrated for its dramatic granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, and serene valleys. Revered in Korean culture for centuries, the mountain was once a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, hosting a popular tourist resort for South Koreans until political tensions halted visits in 2008. 2025-07-01 16:29:59

PHOTOS: Centuries-old stele earns National Treasure status SEOUL, June 26 (AJP) - A remarkable stele from the ancient Silla Dynasty, which chronicles the construction of an embankment and a pond designed to mitigate natural disasters, was designated a National Treasure on June 20. The ancient stone in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, stands beside a reservoir known as Cheongmot, a body of water that has been in continuous use since its creation during the Silla period, more than a millennium ago. Carved on both sides of a single, irregularly shaped stone, the stele details the initial establishment of the reservoir in 536. An adjacent stele, erected in 1688, records the re-erection of the original Silla artifact after it had been buried for centuries. These steles offer a rare glimpse into the civil engineering prowess and state governance of the Silla era, particularly in how the kingdom managed to overcome the challenges posed by natural calamities through sophisticated water management projects. 2025-06-26 16:32:23

PHOTOS: Korean War anniversary SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - June 25 marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, which erupted in 1950. The conflict inflicted profound damage and enduring trauma upon the Korean populace, and its legacies — including the division of the peninsula and the lingering aftereffects of the Cold War — continue to shape the region. Below, we present a collection of photographs from the commemorative events held around this solemn anniversary. 2025-06-25 15:50:29

TRAVEL: Cheonggyecheon — Seoul's green heart SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - In the heart of this bustling metropolis, a remarkable scene unfolds along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Citizens dip their bare feet into the cool water, some engrossed in books, others in animated conversations with friends, colleagues, and international visitors. The clear stream teems with life: stately carp glide beneath the surface, while herons, observed with curious delight by passersby, patiently stalk fish. Families of mallards, foraging for sustenance, are a common and charming sight. This verdant corridor, a testament to ambitious urban planning, stands as a prime example of transforming an imagined ideal into a tangible reality. Stretching 8.12 kilometers from Cheonggye Plaza to its confluence with the Jungnangcheon Stream, Cheonggyecheon’s journey from a natural waterway to a modern urban amenity is a saga of resilience and renewal. Before the Joseon Dynasty, Cheonggyecheon was a natural stream, albeit one with significant drawbacks. Prone to severe flooding that inundated homes, and serving as an open sewer for household waste during drier periods, it was a source of widespread unsanitation. Historical records indicate that the Joseon Dynasty undertook periodic maintenance and dredging, with a commemorative monument near Gwangtonggyo Bridge still marking these early efforts. The mid-20th century, particularly after the Korean War, saw Cheonggyecheon devolve into one of Seoul's most notorious slum areas. Addressing this pressing social and environmental challenge led to the audacious Cheonggyecheon covering project. In three distinct phases between 1958 and 1977, the stream was systematically encased, and atop this newly created land, an elevated highway rose. The Cheonggye Elevated Highway, in its time, was a powerful symbol of South Korea’s modernization. Yet, by the mid-1980s, an explosion in vehicle ownership transformed it into a notorious chokepoint, exacerbating traffic congestion across the city. By the early 2000s, the elevated structure itself showed signs of severe aging and structural fatigue. In 2002, Lee Myung-bak, then the newly inaugurated mayor of Seoul, championed a bold vision: the demolition of the elevated highway and the ambitious restoration of Cheonggyecheon. On June 30, 2003, the highway was closed, followed by its systematic dismantling. From July 1, 2003, to October 1, 2005, the covering over Cheonggyecheon was removed, and the stream was meticulously brought back to life. To ensure a continuous flow of water, the Seoul Metropolitan Government now pumps purified water from the Han River, supplemented by groundwater collected from subway stations. This commitment comes with a significant annual maintenance cost, approximately 10 billion won, but it underpins the stream’s vitality and cleanliness — a rarity in a major urban center. A Thriving Ecosystem and Global Landmark Two decades since its restoration, Cheonggyecheon has flourished, evolving into a vibrant ecological corridor. Lush trees and thriving aquatic plants now define its banks, attracting indigenous fish species like minnows and pale chub, as well as a variety of birds, including egrets and little egrets. What was once a blighted urban waterway is now a celebrated landmark. It has become an indispensable stop for international tourists and a frequent destination for visiting government officials keen to study Seoul's pioneering approach to urban renewal. For those wishing to delve deeper into this remarkable transformation, the Cheonggyecheon Museum offers a comprehensive chronicle of its history. 2025-06-24 15:43:55