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PHOTOS: Ancient ginkgo trees enduring centuries SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - In Jangsu-dong, Incheon, and Banggye-ri, Gangwon Province, two ancient ginkgo trees stand as witnesses to time. Their vast canopies cast golden shadows across the ground, glowing under the thin autumn light. The ginkgo in Jangsu-dong grows in the middle of the city. An overpass runs beside it, yet the tree holds its ground as if untouched by concrete and steel. The bark is coarse and timeworn, its surface cracked and uneven. Wooden pillars now support its enormous trunk, but its branches remain perfectly balanced, spreading outward in quiet symmetry. From its base, multiple limbs diverge like rivers from a single source, shaping a dome of branches that seem deliberately composed. Designated as Natural Monument No. 562, the tree stands 28 meters tall, with a circumference of nearly 9 meters and an estimated age of about 800 years. Beyond the low fence surrounding it, fallen leaves lie thick on the ground. Each gust of wind scatters them like yellow rain, and visitors lift their phones to capture the fleeting sight. Many have come deliberately for this — to see the tree at its brightest before winter dulls its color. The parking lot under the overpass fills easily, yet the crowd moves slowly, reverently, around the stillness of the tree. At a distance, standing apart from the flow of people, the tree’s size and composure feel almost solemn. While everything moves and changes, it alone remains unmoved. The ginkgo in Banggye-ri tells a different story. Standing before it, one feels age more than scale. Its massive trunk splits into thick limbs that stretch in every direction, some propped by supports. The surface is deeply creased, like folded fabric, and parts of its roots rise above the soil, tangled and exposed. From a distance, the tree resembles a cluster of trees rather than one. When the wind blows, yellow leaves lift into the air all at once, and for a moment, the entire landscape falls still. Designated as Natural Monument No. 167, the Banggye-ri ginkgo is said to be around 1,300 years old, tracing its roots back to the Unified Silla period. Standing 26 meters high and more than 14 meters in girth, it towers above the surrounding rice fields, a solitary figure in open land. For centuries, villagers have regarded it as sacred. Old tales speak of a white serpent that once lived beneath its roots — a spirit said to guard the tree. No one dared to cut or harm it, and through storms, droughts, and the slow touch of time, it has survived. To stand before it is to feel not sentiment, but awe — the weight of endurance itself. The small parking area often overflows, a quiet proof of how many come to see it. Leaving both trees behind, one remembers Jangsu-dong for its balance and stillness, and Banggye-ri for its scale and history. The first shows how nature can endure within a city; the second, how humankind grows smaller before the passing of time. At the edge of November, as yellow leaves drift through the cold air, both trees meet the same season again — as they have for centuries. 2025-11-12 14:03:18
PHOTOS: Enjoy autumnal foliage before winter sets in SEOUL, November 7 (AJP) - Mild, warm weather is expected with daytime highs hovering above 20 degrees across the country on Friday, a day known as Ipdong or the beginning of winter in the lunar calendar. As unseasonably warm temperatures persisted through September and October, with fickle weather bringing occasional cold chills, this year's autumn arrived late and is likely to recede soon before people can fully enjoy the season. With many trees and leaves yet to turn into their flaming colors, winter seems to be arriving suddenly. Even before the autumnal foliage reaches its peak, winter descends without warning, a pattern that has repeated in recent years, meaning that the autumn season is getting shorter and shorter. In fact, unpredictable seasonal changes and abnormal weather are now becoming the norm in a country once known for its four distinct seasons, bringing prolonged summers largely due to global warming. While trees once turned red and other brilliant autumn colors from late October to early November, many now remain green through mid-November, creating an unusual seasonal mix. On the cusp of winter, many people gather in parks, strolling trails, hiking paths, and other scenic spots to enjoy the brief moments of seasonal change. They may be aware that this beautiful season could fade even faster or appear in entirely different shades and colors just a few decades from now. 2025-11-07 10:45:28
PHOTOS: Silver grass Festival at Haneul Park – Autumn blooms from a mountain of waste SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Each autumn, a mountain in western Seoul turns to gold. Haneul Park, perched 98 meters above sea level, is known for its sweeping skyline views — but few visitors realize it was once a landfill. By 8 a.m., the park entrance beside the World Cup Stadium was already dotted with early risers climbing 291 steps toward the summit. The ascent left many slightly winded, but the view was worth it. Silver grass swayed in the morning light, and beyond them, Seoul unfolded — the ridges of Bukhansan, the Han River, and rows of high-rise buildings all visible in one glance. Beneath the beauty lies an unlikely story. The silver grass fields were planted as part of an ecological restoration project ahead of the 2002 World Cup. For 15 years, this hill had been Nanji-do, a landfill holding more than 92 million tons of Seoul’s waste. Silver grass, a resilient plant that thrives in harsh soil, became the first step in transforming the barren mound into a symbol of renewal. Today, the 58,000-pyeong park has become one of Seoul’s most beloved autumn destinations. Walking through the fields, the color of the reeds shifted between silver and gold with each turn of sunlight. Art installations scattered among the grass added rhythm to the landscape, drawing visitors to pause for photos or simply stand still and watch the wind ripple across the hill. From the observatory deck, the city stretched endlessly below. What was once a mountain of refuse now breathes as a green sanctuary — a quiet testament to Seoul’s capacity for restoration. The silver grass reach their peak from mid-October to early November. During the festival period, evening lights and performances add a festive glow, but the early morning hours offer the calmest and most evocative experience. Those who find the climb difficult can take the “Maengkkongi” electric shuttle from the park entrance for a small fare. 2025-10-29 16:22:03
PHOTOS: A fruit paradise born from Bangkok's dawn market SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The Thai Market was already alive with energy. The first impression upon entering was the sheer scale. The space stretched across what felt like several football fields, with a ceiling as high as a five-story building. Yet even that vastness was filled with the scent of fruit. The air was thick with the sweet, heavy fragrance of mangoes, durians, bananas, dragon fruit, and pineapples. Located about an hour’s drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport, this market—whose name, “Talaad Thai” literally means “Thai Market”—is the largest wholesale market in the country. Fruits were piled high like mountains. Pomelos and pineapples formed pyramids, and vendors stood atop trucks unloading crates with astonishing speed. Each section dedicated to a single fruit seemed to hold several tons. Trucks from across Thailand began arriving around 3 a.m., joined by motorbikes fitted with cargo platforms. Headlights flickered on one by one, engines rumbled, and the market woke to life. Once the fruit arrived, the real work began—unloading, trimming, sorting, and boxing. Teams of workers handled knives and boxes with the precision of professionals. Every piece was inspected for quality, graded by size, and packed for delivery. The entire process took place before dawn so the fruit could reach markets and restaurants across Bangkok by morning. The workers moved with the rhythm of a well-trained dance troupe. No one gave orders, yet everyone knew their role—one person tossing boxes from the truck, another catching and stacking them, others sorting and repacking. Their coordinated movements were seamless. The biggest attraction of Talaad Thai is its price. Even in Thailand, where food is known to be affordable, this market stands apart. Fruits here cost about 30 percent less than at regular stores or supermarkets. The reason is simple: there is no middleman. Farmers sell directly to restaurant owners and retailers. By morning, the fruit that arrived in the dark spreads across the city—from luxury hotel buffets to street stalls. Although it is a wholesale market, individuals can also buy here. Locals often come with friends or neighbors to share their purchases. The variety of fruit is astonishing. The durian section, unique to Southeast Asia, is especially memorable. Known as the “king of fruits,” durians are stacked by size, their rich aroma noticeable even meters away. At first the smell can be overwhelming, but it soon becomes familiar—earthy, nutty, and sweet. The banana section is equally striking, with green bunches stretching like a sea. Hundreds, even thousands of clusters are arranged neatly in rows. Mangoes, in contrast, display a palette of colors—yellow, green, and red-tinted varieties. Each type serves a different purpose: some are eaten fresh, others are used in cooking or juicing. Talaad Thai is not a tourist attraction. There are no flashy signs or English explanations, and the wet floors glisten with fruit juice. But that rawness is its charm. It offers a glimpse of everyday Bangkok—unfiltered and alive. The heat of the market before sunrise, the heaps of fruit tumbling from trucks, the scent rising to the high ceilings, and the swift hands of the vendors all reveal another face of the city. This is a side of Bangkok that guidebooks rarely show. Instead of golden temples or shopping malls, it shows how the city truly functions. Here, you can watch where the fruit eaten by millions of Bangkok residents each morning begins its journey. 2025-10-14 15:17:50
PHOTOS: The present and future of the Korean Army at Gyeryongdae airstrip SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - From the moment visitors passed through the main gate of Gyeryongdae and walked toward the venue, there was a palpable sense of tension and anticipation. The chance to see up close the military equipment usually only seen on television quickened their steps. Upon entering the airstrip with the guidance of soldiers, the scale was overwhelming. Massive tanks stood proudly with their barrels pointed skyward, helicopters spread their rotor blades wide, and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system exuded power by its sheer size. Set against the quiet hills of Gyeryong city in South Chungcheong Province, Gyeryongdae is normally closed to civilians. But on Sep. 18, the 21st Ground Forces Festival opened the heart of the Korean Army to the public. Rows of equipment stretched endlessly along one side of the airstrip, each accompanied by panels detailing their names, capabilities, and specifications. Many offered opportunities for children to climb aboard and take photos with soldiers. Young visitors raised their arms in salute beside troops, creating memories that parents and children shared together. Beyond the exhibition stood the experience zone, where civilians tried out simulators and saw daily life in uniform. Long lines formed at the shooting simulator, and children filled the uniform experience booth with laughter. Soldiers at each stand patiently explained to the crowd, turning curiosity into understanding. Even small tank and helicopter models, as well as army-themed souvenirs, drew attention from visitors who wished they could take them home. In the early afternoon, the highlight of the day began: a combined-arms combat demonstration. The K2 tank, the K1A1 armored vehicle for mine-clearing and obstacle removal, the AVLB bridge-laying tank, and Apache helicopters all took part. Over 40 minutes, they recreated a battlefield scenario—reconnaissance, obstacle removal, bridge deployment, enemy clearance, and drone-based resupply. With the ground still muddy from the previous day’s rain, tanks and vehicles churned through the dirt, their dramatic movement amplified by the conditions. The finale featured 21 soldiers parachuting from aircraft, landing with flags, colored smoke, and banners. The quiet grace of parachutes drifting through the blue sky contrasted with the intensity of the combat display, yet underscored the concentration and responsibility of those in uniform. Close-combat demonstrations showcased the Army’s precision and discipline. Quick, sharp movements, seamless teamwork, and performance under smoke and mud displayed the professionalism of trained soldiers. The audience responded with resounding applause, a sign of respect and trust. Later in the afternoon, a road parade stretched about 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) down the runway. Military police on motorcycles, K-pop dance routines by soldiers, and rifle-spinning by the honor guard entertained the crowd. A mock "turtle ship" accompanied by martial arts, traditional drums, and plate-spinning added a mix of modern and historical flair. One section of the festival highlighted a joint Korea–U.S. equipment display. Korean and American vehicles stood side by side, symbolizing 70 years of alliance. Though designed with different philosophies and technologies, they shared a single purpose—defending freedom and democracy. As visitors left Gyeryongdae, it became clear that the day was more than a spectacle. The displayed weapons, the soldiers’ demonstrations, and the advanced technology represented the will to defend freedom and peace. Through its array of equipment, performances, and explanations, the festival presented the past, present, and future of the Korean Army in one place. The commitment, effort, and continuous pursuit of advanced defense technologies reminded visitors that Korea’s safe daily life is supported by this dedication. What unfolded at Gyeryongdae was not merely a display of strength but the Army’s deliberate effort to earn the trust of the people while preparing to safeguard peace. 2025-09-23 14:51:03
PHOTOS: Global game festival unfolds in the heart of Seoul SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Walking along Cheonggyecheon, visitors stepping into Hiker Ground were immediately greeted by giant screens playing game videos. Familiar soundtracks filled the air, emphasizing that this was not just an exhibition but a cultural space. The sky-blue entrance structure signaled the festival period, and for ten days, the venue in central Seoul became a "sanctuary of games," drawing in countless enthusiasts. On the second floor, which marked the starting point of the exhibition, families with children were a common sight. The space was designed as a cultural playground for all generations, showing that gaming is no longer exclusive to a specific age group but something everyone can share. Each floor showcased unique exhibition zones from major Korean developers, including Neowiz, Nexon, Netmarble, and Krafton. Concept art and illustrations lined the white walls, while installations matched each game’s theme. Rather than serving only as promotional displays, the exhibits were curated as cultural works in their own right. The fifth-floor experience zone became the highlight of the festival. Visitors could try out popular titles such as "INZOI" and "Overwatch," while a board game area offered an analog break from the digital. Rest spaces with views of the cityscape gave guests a chance to relax and chat, proving especially popular. Hidden among the large-scale company booths, an indie game zone offered a different kind of charm, allowing visitors to discover small yet distinctive projects that often remain under the radar. The event went beyond the framework of a conventional game show, blending music, visual arts, and esports into a comprehensive cultural festival. It highlighted the role of games as a medium connecting art, daily life, and communication. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Jonggak Station, the venue was easily accessible by public transport, widening opportunities for people to experience gaming culture. Set in the bustling city center, where international visitors are common, the festival saw an unusually high foreign presence. Organizers estimated that on weekdays, about 70 percent of the visitors were from overseas, while even on weekends—when around 3,000 people attended—about 30 percent were foreigners. Running from September 5 to 14, the 2025 Game Culture Festival showed that games are more than entertainment. They are a form of culture and art that has taken root in everyday life, serving as a tool of connection across generations. Staged for free in the middle of Seoul, the festival stood as a model of what cultural spaces can achieve, offering a fresh perspective on the role of games in society. 2025-09-16 16:22:10
PHOTOS: Journey back to Joseon in heart of Seoul, Buam-dong's Mok-in Museum SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - Tucked away in the quiet residential neighborhood of Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, the Mok-in Museum Mokseokwon feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The first sight upon entering is the outdoor exhibition garden, where more than 800 stone carvings are spread across the grounds. Large and small statues stand at every corner, evoking the atmosphere of a Joseon-era stone mason’s workshop. Scholar statues and childlike figures appear to meet the visitor’s gaze no matter which direction one turns. Paths and stairways guide guests to different vantage points, allowing the entire garden to be viewed from multiple angles. Below the outdoor space, the underground exhibition hall holds the museum’s most striking collection: more than 12,000 wooden figurines. Descending the stairs feels like stepping into another world, mysterious and slightly eerie. Under soft lighting, row upon row of carved wooden figures stand in dense formation, each with a unique face and posture. Some carry objects on their heads, others brandish swords mid-swing, while some appear dressed for a wedding with colorful hanbok and painted cheeks. Many carry playful or satirical expressions, grinning broadly or pulling mischievous smiles. Among the most memorable displays are the funeral bier decorations. The bier, once used to carry the deceased, is flanked by wooden guardians standing tall and upright, believed to guide souls safely to the afterlife. These were not merely decorative objects but reflections of ancestral beliefs and spirituality. Looking closely, one sees the fine workmanship of past artisans—the carved folds of clothing, the contours of faces, and the details etched into wood. Comparing figurines from different regions highlights distinct local characteristics, adding another layer of interest. In one corner of the outdoor garden, roof tiles once used in traditional architecture are displayed. Known as maksae giwa, these decorative end tiles were believed to ward off misfortune and invite blessings. Each tile carries its own expressive design, as if ancient guardians once perched on rooftops have gathered here. Another gallery showcases Haiju white porcelain from the late Joseon era, produced in Hwanghae Province. Their simple yet elegant forms glow under subtle lighting, distinct from Chinese porcelain. Especially striking are the pieces adorned with Hangul inscriptions rather than the more common Chinese characters. From painted animals to written phrases, the collection reveals the essence of Joseon-era ceramics. The rooftop garden offers sweeping views of Seoul’s skyline and the ridges of Bukhansan Mountain. Arranged across the terrace are large traditional jars, some painted, some dented or overturned, glowing softly in the sunlight against the green backdrop. It is a harmonious blend of folk art and natural scenery, offering visitors the feeling of a time slip into Korea’s past at the edge of a modern city. Leaving Mokseokwon, it is clear this museum holds meaning far beyond its collections. The 12,000 wooden figures, 800 stone sculptures, roof tiles, jars, and porcelains are all time capsules carved and shaped by ancestors. They preserve everyday life, faith, and creativity, carried forward through art into the present. 2025-09-05 15:10:32
PHOTOS: From darkness to light, Gwangmyeong Cave SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Standing at the entrance of Gwangmyeong Cave, the sweltering 35-degree summer heat gives way to a sudden chill of 12 degrees. The cool air feels like a natural air conditioner, yet it carries the weight of history. An information board reminds visitors that this was once the Siheung Mine, opened in 1912 during Japan’s colonial rule, when tunnels were dug to extract gold, silver, copper, and zinc. The very path now walked by tourists was once carved for forced labor. The deeper one goes, the clearer the traces of the past become. Vertical shafts open in all directions, massive chambers blasted out with dynamite, and ceilings so low one can almost touch them. From 1912 to 1945, Korean laborers were forced to mine here under harsh and dangerous conditions, their work fueling the war machine of imperial Japan. With no proper equipment and the constant risk of collapse, the suffering of those years is palpable in the darkness. At its peak, the mine produced more than 250 tons of ore a day, making it the largest metal mine in the Seoul metropolitan area. The site is built on eight levels, from ground level to seven stories below. Today, underground water has flooded levels two through seven, turning them into submerged caverns. Even the first level, now open to the public, was once filled with water until it was drained. When the mine closed in 1972, it was abandoned for over 40 years. The tools of the miners lay forgotten in the dark, while environmental damage from floods in the 1970s scarred nearby fields. The space remained sealed until 2011, when the city of Gwangmyeong began restoring it, determined to turn a place of pain into a place of remembrance and hope. Deeper inside, a dazzling scene unfolds. Beams of light cascade from the ceiling in the “Wormhole Plaza,” while the Golden Waterfall glitters under golden lighting, its flow transformed into art. What was once water to quench miners’ thirst has become a centerpiece for visitors. Other displays include massive statues of Yoda and dragons, alongside pop culture figures. One of the most unique sections is the Wine Cave, where bottles of Korean wine are stored and aged under the cave’s steady temperature and humidity. What was once a chamber for storing minerals has been transformed into a space for cultivating homegrown wines, which visitors can also purchase. The cave also preserves its mining past through exhibitions of tools, uniforms, and photographs that recreate the miners’ daily lives. The site now attracts more than one million visitors each year, becoming a landmark of Gwangmyeong. That such a place exists less than an hour from Seoul is a surprise to many. The power of the site lies in its ability to preserve painful history while giving it new value. Rather than erasing the scars, Gwangmyeong Cave transforms them into a place of reflection and renewal. It is, in every sense, where darkness has turned into light. 2025-08-27 17:29:11
PHOTOS: One Dance, a modern reinterpretation of Joseon royal ritual dance (5) SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A media showcase for One Dance, a contemporary Korean dance performance, was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. The performance reimagines Ilmu, the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to the music, song, and dance performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo, a royal shrine honoring the spirit tablets of kings and queens from the Joseon Dynasty. Among them, the dance segment is called Ilmu, meaning “line dance,” as dancers move in coordinated rows. On stage, up to 49 performers present a powerful group choreography, allowing audiences to experience Korea’s cultural richness through synchronized visuals and sound. The performance runs for 70 minutes. 2025-08-22 15:54:26
PHOTOS: One Dance, a modern reinterpretation of Joseon royal ritual dance (4) SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A media showcase for One Dance, a contemporary Korean dance performance, was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. The performance reimagines Ilmu, the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to the music, song, and dance performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo, a royal shrine honoring the spirit tablets of kings and queens from the Joseon Dynasty. Among them, the dance segment is called Ilmu, meaning “line dance,” as dancers move in coordinated rows. On stage, up to 49 performers present a powerful group choreography, allowing audiences to experience Korea’s cultural richness through synchronized visuals and sound. The performance runs for 70 minutes. 2025-08-22 15:46:38