Journalist
Han Jun-gu and Yoo Na-hyun
jungu141298@ajupress.com
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Yoga enthusiasts in Seoul gather to celebrate international day SEOUL, June 21 (AJP) - An event celebrating the International Day of Yoga was held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday, bringing together hundreds of participants from both the Korean and Indian communities. Co-hosted by the Korean Yoga Association and the Embassy of India in Seoul, the event featured a series of yoga sessions, performances, and speeches aimed at deepening public understanding of yoga. Attendees included yoga practitioners, instructors, embassy officials, and citizens from many different fields, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in South Korea. The International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated annually on June 21, was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and adopted by the United Nations the same year. The day aims to promote the advantages of practicing yoga as a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. “This year, as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the International Day of Yoga, we are reminded of how Yoga has truly become a global phenomenon. What began as a spiritual discipline in ancient India more than 3000 years ago has today evolved into a holistic way of life practiced all around the world,” said Indian Ambassador to Seoul Amit Kumar in his remarks at the event. “Yoga has transcended borders, cultures and generations establishing itself as a universally accepted practice to nurture physical, mental and spiritual well-being.” Kumar noted that nearly 8 million people in South Korea also practice yoga, expressing hope that today’s event would encourage even more people in Korea to explore yoga. “Here in Korea, the sight of numerous yoga enthusiasts taking part in our annual IDoY events is heartwarming...As we reflect on this decade-long journey of the IDoY, we are reminded that Yoga is not just a practice, but a worldwide movement - a powerful symbol of global harmony, shared humanity, and the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom in a modern world." The event included a mass yoga session led by instructors, along with yoga-themed dance and cultural performances, offering participants a chance to engage with various aspects of yoga. 2025-06-21 21:03:45 -
PHOTOS: Annual Seoul garden show adds Pokemon charm SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - The 10th Seoul International Garden Show is now open at Boramae Park, offering a vibrant display of horticulture and design through Oct. 20. As in previous years, admission to the exhibition remains free. While Boramae Park itself is accessible into the evening, illuminated by special lighting, dedicated installations and experience booths operate from noon to 7 p.m. This year's show has seen a notable surge in young visitors, a trend largely attributed to the popularity of the "Metamong Garden." This pop-up exhibition features a walking path themed around Ditto, the popular Pokemon character. The path is adorned with various Ditto figures, complemented by purple hydrangeas and wisteria, creating what organizers and visitors alike describe as an ideal setting for photographs. The blend of recognizable characters and purple-hued flora appears to be a significant draw for a younger demographic. Boramae Park is readily accessible via several subway stations, including Boramae, Boramae Park, Boramae Hospital and Sindaebang stations, as well as numerous bus connections. 2025-06-19 17:28:50 -
Upcoming thriller about noise pollution set to chill moviegoers next week SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - A press preview for director Kim Soo-jin's upcoming thriller was held at a multiplex in southern Seoul on Monday, about a week ahead of its release. The stars of "Noise" including Lee Sun-bin, Kim Min-seok and Han Su-a, gathered for the event to promote the film. The film, which marks the up-and-coming director's feature-film debut, revolves around a woman who becomes the target of relentless noise complaints in her apartment complex, as she gets drawn into a mysterious and troubling case involving a neighbor who endures the same disturbances and mistakenly believes she is to blame. The film is set to hit local theaters on June 25. 2025-06-18 11:15:45 -
PHOTOS: 2025 Seoul royal palaces international walk SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - Roughly 1,600 people gathered in Seoul on Saturday for the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces International Walk, hosted by Aju News Corporation and AJP. The 6.3-kilometer route guided participants through some of the capital’s most iconic royal sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace. Among the walkers were about 700 foreign nationals from countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan, France, Russia, Canada, and the United States, alongside around 900 Korean participants. The event offered a chance to experience the architectural elegance and rich history of the Joseon-era palaces, while enjoying a scenic and healthy walk through central Seoul. 2025-06-16 16:31:23 -
PHOTOS: Fire at historic Seoul temple extinguished SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - A fire that broke out Tuesday within the revered Jogyesa Temple compound in central Seoul was extinguished without any reported casualties, authorities said. The blaze originated in the international conference hall on the second floor of the Korean Buddhism History and Culture Memorial Hall, a building adjacent to the main temple. Firefighters brought the flames under control approximately 90 minutes after they began. Around 142 personnel and 35 fire vehicles were deployed to the scene to combat the fire. Crucially, the swift response prevented the fire from spreading to the temple itself and the nearby Central Buddhist Museum, which houses a significant collection of cultural artifacts. Fire authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blaze. Initial reports suggest the fire may have started from sparks emanating from a ceiling air conditioner. 2025-06-10 15:15:47