Journalist
Han Jun-gu·Yoo Na-hyun
jungu141298@ajupress.com
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PHOTOS: Cherry blossoms at Seoul's Seokchon Lake SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - A frothy canopy of pale pink and white has enveloped the walking paths encircling Seokchon Lake, transforming the popular Jamsil district into a springtime idyll. The full bloom of cherry blossoms has arrived, casting a delicate beauty over the waters and drawing throngs of visitors to the renowned scenic spot. 2025-04-15 14:44:19 -
PHOTOS: Tug-of-war ritual in Dangjin seeks unity, blessings SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - From April 10 to 13, Dangjin in South Chungcheong Province reverberated with the rhythmic chants and straining muscles of thousands gathered for the annual Gijisi tug-of-war festival, a vibrant tradition that transcends mere sport. Designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015, the Gijisi tug-of-war is deeply rooted in agricultural ritual, a communal prayer for a bountiful harvest and protection against calamities. The scale of the Gijisi event is its most striking feature. Two immense ropes, each stretching 100 meters, are conjoined to create a 200-meter behemoth with a diameter exceeding one meter. So vast are these central cords that an adult seated atop would find their feet dangling above the ground. Numerous smaller ropes, like thick vines, sprout from the main cables, providing handholds for the throngs of participants representing different villages. Before the spirited contest commences on a broad expanse of open ground, a solemn rope ritual known as "Julgosa" unfolds. Ceremonial tables laden with offerings are arranged at the head of the massive rope. Here, prayers are offered for a safe and successful event. In a distinctive element of the ceremony, alcohol is reverently presented to the tug-of-war rope itself. Following the ritual, the coiled thinner ropes are unfurled and meticulously reattached to the main cable. Then, in a lively procession called "Gilnori," locals and visitors unite to transport the weighty rope from its place of creation to the competition grounds. Leaders, perched atop the colossal cords, wave flags and sound signaling devices, their calls of "euiyeocha" echoing through the crowd. The tug-of-war itself is more than a test of strength; it fosters a profound sense of unity and camaraderie, nurturing hometown pride and embodying both recreational joy and deep spiritual aspirations. An enduring belief associated with the Gijisi tug-of-war holds that the victor’s side foretells national peace, while the opposing triumph promises a prosperous harvest and abundance for all. The festival stands as a testament to the cooperative spirit and solidarity of traditional rural Korean society, seamlessly blending elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, and shamanism into a unique folk religious event. The Gijisi tug-of-war, with the enthusiastic participation of entire villages, is a living cultural heritage that vividly illustrates the enduring community spirit of Korea’s agricultural past. 2025-04-15 14:36:46 -
PHOTOS: Crime thriller 'Yadang: The Snitch' to hit theaters next week SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - The press screening and media conference for the upcoming crime action film Yadang: The Snitch took place on April 7 at Megabox COEX. Yadang: The Snitch delves into South Korea’s underground drug trade, weaving a tense narrative around three central figures: Yadang, a cunning broker who architects the nation’s illicit drug market; a driven prosecutor eager to climb the professional ladder; and a relentless detective who has devoted his career to dismantling the narcotics underworld. The film, which promises a gritty portrayal of ambition, betrayal, and justice, is slated to hit theaters nationwide on April 16. 2025-04-09 14:05:18 -
PHOTOS: Seoul locks down key areas ahead of Yoon Suk Yeol verdict SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - One day before the Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, authorities in the capital have significantly expanded security measures, sealing off key areas and restricting public access. Police have widened the so-called “vacuum zone” around the court to a 150-meter radius, erecting large barriers and using buses to block roads and sidewalks leading to the court. The heightened restrictions are aimed at managing potential mass gatherings and ensuring public order. In anticipation of large crowds, city officials are also removing public bicycle stands near the court to prevent accidents. Bicycle rental services will be temporarily suspended in key government districts, including areas surrounding the Constitutional Court, the National Assembly, and the presidential residence. Businesses near the court have been advised to take precautionary measures, including removing outdoor signage on the day of the decision. Meanwhile, municipal authorities have fenced off flower beds around City Hall for safety and removed trash bins from major gathering sites to prevent potential misuse. Public transportation services will also be affected. Seoul Metro has announced the closure of Anguk Station, which is near the court, on the day of the ruling. Authorities are also considering shutting down Hangangjin Station near the presidential residence. Train services may bypass several major stations, including City Hall (Lines 1 and 2), Anguk and Gyeongbokgung (Line 3), as well as Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, and Yeouinaru (Line 5), depending on crowd conditions. Educational institutions in the vicinity are taking precautions as well, with some schools opting for shortened schedules or temporary closures to minimize disruptions. Bicycles removed from stands near the Constitutional Court are securely parked in Seoul, April 3, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu Flower beds in front of the City Hall are fenced off as part of security measures, April 3, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu 2025-04-03 13:52:14 -
PHOTOS: After the flames, nation rallies to aid wildfire victims SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - The devastating wildfires that tore through South Korea’s southeastern region have finally been extinguished, authorities confirmed. Firefighters and military personnel worked around the clock to contain the flames, while civilian volunteers stepped in to provide critical support, offering medical care and meals to those impacted by the disaster. As the nation rallies to aid affected communities, fundraising efforts are gaining momentum. Donations are pouring in to supply essential goods such as dust masks, food, and other daily necessities to displaced residents. 2025-03-31 16:58:43 -
PHOTOS: Krafton celebrates battle royale game's anniversary with fun-filled event in Seoul SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - Game lovers gathered for a fun-filled event in Seoul's trendy district of Seongsu-dong last week. Under the banner of "PUBG Fan Festa Seoul," the event was hosted by game developer Krafton to celebrate the eighth anniversary of its multiplayer battle royale game "Battlegrounds," where dozens of players parachute onto a large map, acquire equipment, engage in combat, and win by being the last one standing. The three-day event, which kicked off last Friday, saw hordes of visitors and long waiting lines, attracting professional gamers and influencers. They not only enjoyed the game but also mingled with each other, purchasing various game-related merchandise and other goods. Upon entering, visitors were first greeted by mini-game zones shaped like containers frequently seen in the game, as well as a massive set resembling a supply crate where rare in-game items could be obtained. They were also given a ticket that read: "Mission: Experience at least 3 tasks and get a chance to draw special supplies." At each booth, visitors were able to collect stamps by completing tasks that exceeded a certain score. They could then go to an indoor event zone and use their ticket to randomly draw goods such as supply crate-shaped dolls and beverage-shaped dolls. These tasks included games like shooting toy guns to knock down targets, wearing a bag and catching randomly falling sticks, and a large-scale game at the supply crate-shaped set where participants became human claw machines, using their entire bodies to retrieve unmarked capsules and snacks from a rail. The capsules contained limited-edition special items, with participants mostly receiving coupons for G-Coin, the game's in-game currency. Fun came not just from playing, but also from watching other participants hugging capsules, wedging them between their legs, and occasionally dropping them. The indoor space offered a different atmosphere, featuring photo zones with actual props of in-game items and guns, areas with multiple computers to experience PUBG's new games, and spots where professional gamers were invited to play event matches that visitors could watch live. Among the highlights on the first day of the event was an exciting match between eight professional gamers and around 88 amateurs, with a commentator adding excitement and thrills to the match. Many visitors expressed that the event offered enjoyable and memorable experiences, even for those unfamiliar with the game, providing an opportunity to learn about it through hands-on activities along with free merchandise and fun gimmicks. 2025-03-27 17:19:56 -
PHOTOS: Man found dead after being swallowed by massive sinkhole in Seoul SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - A motorcyclist was found dead on Tuesday after being swallowed by a large sinkhole that abruptly opened in a busy intersection in eastern Seoul, Monday night. The incident occurred at 6:29 p.m. on Monday near an elementary school in the Gangdong-gu. Another driver narrowly avoided injury as the road collapsed beneath him. The sudden collapse prompted the closure of four schools in the vicinity. The cause of the sinkhole is under investigation, raising questions about the maintenance and stability of Seoul’s aging infrastructure. The incident has renewed anxieties about the potential for similar collapses in a city crisscrossed by underground subway lines and utility tunnels. 2025-03-25 13:52:24 -
PHOTOS: Lotte World Adventure, Korea's premier theme park SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - Nestled in the heart of Songpa-gu, Lotte World Adventure stands as one of South Korea’s premier theme parks, seamlessly blending nostalgia and modern attractions. First opened in July 1989, the sprawling complex was completed in March 1990 with the addition of Magic Island, an outdoor extension that offers visitors an immersive, fairy tale-inspired retreat. Conveniently connected to Jamsil Station via an underground entrance, Lotte World Adventure welcomes guests with a spectacle of European-style facades, jungle-themed decor, and balloons adorned with beloved Pokemon characters. Lotte World Adventure boasts a diverse array of rides catering to thrill-seekers and families alike. For those seeking a fantastical escape within the bustling metropolis of Seoul, Lotte World Adventure delivers a seamless blend of nostalgia, excitement, and immersive storytelling—making it a must-visit destination for travelers and locals alike. 2025-03-20 13:52:57