PHOTOS: Following the tracks, following the taste (Gwangju) – 1 – SEOUL, December 2 (AJP) - For centuries, this region has been known for its food. With fertile fields and access to clean coastal waters, it offered ingredients from both land and sea, and its generous use of fermented seasonings created dishes with depth and warmth. This is Jeolla Province, the southern end of the Korean Peninsula. Yongsan Station in the morning still carried the last of the night’s energy. Passing through commuters and stepping onto the KTX platform, the city felt as fast as ever, but the moment the train pulled away and the first fields replaced the gray skyline, the pace shifted. It felt as if the train was lowering itself into a slower time — not rushing forward, but easing into a different rhythm. The plan for the day was simple: get off at a station and, within walking distance, eat what locals have eaten for decades. No complicated routes, no long transfers — just a slow walk into someone else’s everyday life. Stepping out of Gwangju Songjeong Station, the first impression was quietness. Even right outside the station, the street was calm, and the alley leading to 1913 Songjeong Market was emptier than expected. It felt like a place where time had slowed as the years changed and the city around it shrank and shifted. Coming straight from the noise of Seoul, the contrast felt almost unreal — as if one train ride had moved time, not distance. – Bibim-guksu, vegetable pajeon, and the old taste of “sugar noodles” – Inside the market, old signs and small shops lined the narrow path, and soft music drifted out from somewhere deeper inside. The first meal was bibim-guksu. Handmade noodles had a firm, springy texture, and the tangy dressing pulled the flavors together cleanly. Freshly made vegetable pajeon was soft in the middle, and with the noodles it felt balanced rather than heavy. The walls filled with TV still-cuts and visitors’ notes made the simple dishes feel like part of the market’s long memory. Then came sugar noodles — something rarely seen now but once a common snack for market vendors and field hands in the 1960s and 1970s. Cold broth, plain noodles, and a sprinkle of sugar. Just sweetness and chill — nothing more. In years when even sugar was scarce, saccharin was used instead. The simplicity carried a kind of quiet nostalgia that felt tied to the place more than to the bowl. – A full Jeolla-style table with tteokgalbi – A short walk from the market led to an alley filled with the smell of charcoal. Here, tteokgalbi is served with a tableful of side dishes that feel closer to a home meal than a restaurant setting. A large bowl of pork backbone soup arrived first, alongside greens, aged kimchi, and pickled vegetables. It was a kind of generosity hard to replicate in the city. The tteokgalbi itself was thick, with a smoky bite that filled the mouth. Despite being minced, it still had the feel of chewing into whole meat, and the sauce struck a familiar sweet-savory balance. Wrapped in lettuce it felt clean, and over rice it turned into a different kind of richness. A small yukhoe bibimbap on the side was also satisfying — sweet pear, seasoned meat, and gochujang blending easily. The light broth in between made the meal steady and unhurried. – A Jeolla trip completed in one bite of sangchu twigim – For the final taste, the camera and the steps returned to the market: sangchu-twigim. A local favorite, and a bit unusual to outsiders. Various vegetables — sweet potato, squid, perilla shoots, seasonal roots — are fried and wrapped in fresh lettuce with soy or a peppered dipping sauce. One bite holds multiple textures at once, and the lettuce keeps the flavors bright. Sitting at the small table and taking a bite, the day already felt full — even though only a few hours had passed since stepping off the train. Walking back toward the station, the quietness returned. The market breathed slowly, in its own time. There was no rush, no noise, and in that space, the meaning of old food and local pace felt clearer than before. The day showed that a trip does not need distance to feel deep. A station, a market, and the flavors held inside their history — that was enough for a slow walk across an older time. 2025-12-02 07:16:35

PHOTOS: History in miniature SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - At the entrance, a large Lego poster reading “Daehan Independence Manse” comes into view. Next to it sits a tiny corner shop marked “Jeongdong Stationery,” its shelves packed with marble games, ice cream buckets, paper cards, and cotton candy. The miniature space feels like a small time capsule, carrying the warmth of the years it represents. Inside the special exhibition hall, visitors walk through a large Lego Independence Gate and enter another world. Marking the 79th anniversary of liberation, the hall brings together Lego-made scenes of historic moments and the figures who shaped them. Scenes such as Yun Bong-gil’s Hongkou bombing, the March 1 Independence Movement with Yu Gwan-sun, group photos of returning Provisional Government officials, Ahn Jung-geun’s shooting of Ito Hirobumi, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War are recreated in colorful Lego blocks. Tiny figures gather in front of the Lego Independence Gate waving “manse,” and the white hanbok worn by Yu Gwan-sun is instantly recognizable even in miniature. Children stand in front of the Lego displays with bright eyes, listening to stories of history. Meeting independence activists through Lego instead of textbooks makes the figures feel far more familiar. One child lingers at the Ahn Jung-geun exhibit, pointing at the bricks one by one and asking questions. Rows of 1960s and 1970s school uniforms, textbooks, backpacks, and lunchboxes fill the permanent exhibition. The recreated classroom scene is especially striking — the anti-fire and anti-communism posters on the back wall, metal lunchboxes warming on a central stove, the national flag and class mottos, and a timetable posted next to a map of Korea. The details make the space feel like a doorway into another decade. A diorama of a school sports day fills one section — obstacle races, horseback fights, relays. The tiny figures look almost alive. Under a tree, a family shares lunch with kimbap and soda. Though only a few centimeters tall, the little scene carries the energy and joy of a whole era. A permanent exhibition tracing Korea’s education history from the Three Kingdoms period to today shows how learning has shaped national identity — from Goguryeo’s Taehak and Goryeo’s Gukjagam to Joseon’s Sungkyunkwan, through the colonial era and into the modern day. The visit lasts little more than an hour, but the impression lingers — a stationery shop, a schoolyard festival, scenes of independence carved from Lego, and a classroom restored with care. Together they turn the past into something close enough to touch. 2025-11-28 14:00:01

PHOTOS: Nuri stands upright for its journey into space SEOUL, November 25 (AJP) - South Korea completed the vertical installation of its homegrown launch vehicle Nuri on November 25, ahead of its fourth mission scheduled for 1:10 a.m. on November 27. The rocket now stands secured on the launch pad, waiting for its final countdown. Nuri will carry 13 satellites into space, including the next-generation medium-sized satellite No. 3 and twelve CubeSats. The payloads will test technologies across a wide range of fields — from space medicine and satellite disposal to navigation, Earth observation, and 6G communication. The final launch decision will be made eight hours before liftoff, based on weather and overall space environment conditions. 2025-11-25 17:48:17

PHOTOS: Annual expo showcases thousands of coffee and beverage brands SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) -The Seoul International Café Show kicked off its four-day run at COEX in southern Seoul on Wednesday. Held every November, the annual event provides a key business platform for coffee and beverage makers, as well as related companies in the booming industry. The show features a wide range of products beyond coffee including tea, bakeries, desserts, alcoholic beverages, and café equipment. Some 631 companies from 35 countries participated in this year's event, showcasing nearly 4,000 brands. The first two days of the event are reserved for buyers, industry professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, with the final two days open to the general public. Visitors can sample coffee, take part in aroma tests, and try a variety of baked goods and desserts at booths. The show also offers opportunities for business consultations and information exchange. 2025-11-21 16:15:10

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