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

PHOTOS: Elementary school in Seoul welcomes fresh students as spring semester begins SEOUL, March 6 (AJP) - Many elementary schools in South Korea welcomed first-graders as this year's spring semester began across the country this week. The one in Seoul's western district of Mapo was among them, holding an entrance ceremony for about 105 new students amid heavy snow last Tuesday. The school's gate was adorned with colorful balloons as teachers greeted excited yet nervous children arriving with their parents, who sent them off as they began a new chapter in their lives. At 11 a.m., the indoor ceremony began with students receiving name tags and meeting their classmates and teachers for the first time. Some were excited to mingle with new friends, while others appeared shy in the unfamiliar environment. Despite some worries, parents couldn't help but smile with pride and joy as they watched their little ones take this big step into school life. After the ceremony, they took commemorative photos to celebrate this special occasion. Meanwhile, in a country with the lowest birth rate, about 184 schools nationwide had no new students at all, with several schools holding entrance ceremonies for just a single first-grader – 22 schools in Gangwon Province, 28 in South Chungcheong Province and five in Incheon. Nearly 50 schools have either closed or are doomed to close this year. 2025-03-06 17:41:43

PHOTOS: A journey through Korea's past at National Folk Museum SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Nestled on the eastern grounds of Gyeongbok Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of Korea's ancestors, from architecture to social customs. Upon entering the museum’s outdoor exhibition, visitors encounter a tableau of traditional Korean symbols: stone towers, cone-shaped structures believed to ward off misfortune; jangseung, totem poles carved with human faces, serving as village guardians; and sotdae, poles topped with bird sculptures, meant to protect against evil spirits. A path flanked by jangseung leads to the hyojagak, a pavilion dedicated to individuals exemplifying filial piety. The building, adorned with intricate carvings of lotus buds, dragons, and phoenixes, and painted with the vibrant dancheong style, underscores the importance of filial duty in Korean tradition. Nearby, muninseok, stone scholars with clasped hands, stand as guardians, placed before tombs to protect the deceased and their offerings, another manifestation of Confucian ideals from the Joseon era. At the heart of the outdoor exhibition stands ochondaek, a relocated middle-class home from the late Joseon period. Built in 1848 in what is now North Gyeongsang Province, the tile-roofed residence offers a window into ancestral lifestyles, with displays of traditional spring festival practices. The house’s wooden floor provides a moment of respite, evoking a sense of stability. Other outdoor exhibits include traditional millstones and sculptures of the 12 zodiac animals. Inside, the museum features “Streets of Memories,” a recreation of Seoul’s neighborhood alleys in the 1970s and 80s. The area, with its nostalgic shops – stationery stores, comic book shops, and small grocery stores – resonates particularly with Korean adults, evoking childhood memories. The conversations overheard in the traditional tea house seem to convey a shared sense of nostalgia. The museum’s proximity to Gyeongbok Palace and the abundance of nearby hanbok rental shops contribute to a picturesque scene, with visitors touring the grounds in traditional Korean attire, blending seamlessly with the museum’s focus on folk traditions. For those visiting Seoul, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers a memorable journey into the nation’s past. 2025-02-27 16:24:01

PHOTOS: Seoul store turns instant noodles into tourist attraction SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - Near Hongik University in Seoul, there's a unique convenience store. You can find a special convenience store that resembles a library bookshelf filled with countless books, but filled with instant noodles instead. This store, called the “Ramyun Library,” offers visitors a new experience that can be enjoyed not only with their eyes but also with their tongue and nose. The “Ramyun Library,” which opened its first store in December 2023, has received so much love that it now operates eight additional library-themed instant noodle shops in various locations including Jamsil, Incheon Airport, and Jeju. About 70-80 percent of visitors are foreign tourists who learn about the “Ramyun Library” through social media and visit during their travels. The popularity of K-content has contributed to the rising popularity of instant noodles within K-food culture. Upon entering the “Ramyun Library”, cup noodle-shaped tables and a wall full of instant noodles catch your eye. After approaching the instant noodle-filled wall and selecting your desired instant noodles, you head to the counter where you receive the appropriate container for cooking along with your instant noodles. You then proceed to the self-cooking station. After putting the instant noodle contents in the container and scanning the barcode on it, the cooking time is automatically set. Once cooked, you can enjoy your instant noodles at the table. This experience and meal costs around $2 (3,000 won) including the container, though prices vary by type. Among the visiting tourists, one couple had dietary restrictions due to religious reasons but was able to enjoy vegetable instant noodles that didn't contain meat, milk, or eggs. Most guidance information is written in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. While Hongik University street is already famous as a youth district that attracts many foreign visitors, visiting the Instant Noodle Library could be a great experience if you have the chance. Last July, “Neoguri-ui RamyeonGage” (K Ramyun restaurant) opened in Myeongdong. This shop is an instant noodle restaurant where you can find all of Nongshim's instant noodles in one place. Themed after raccoon dog(Neoguri), the mascot of Neoguri instant noodles, the shop welcomes visitors with a raccoon holding instant noodles at the entrance. On the raccoon's belly, while it says '너구리' (Neoguri) in Korean, when flipped upside down, it appears as 'RtA' from a foreigner's perspective, incorporating this story into the design. At “Neoguri-ui Ramyeon Gage,” for approximately $3.5 (5,000 won), you can choose your desired toppings such as green onions, eggs, fried tofu, rice cakes, and onions, which the staff will cook together with your instant noodles. While similar, the two instant noodle shops have their own distinct concepts. The Hongik University “Ramyun Library” offers the experience of cooking instant noodles yourself and, being a convenience store, allows you to purchase various side items like kimbap and fish cakes. Meanwhile, Myeongdong's “Neoguri-ui RamyeonGage” (K Ramyun restaurant) cooks the instant noodles for you and lets you customize it with your choice of toppings. 2025-02-19 15:54:19