PHOTOS:Evergreen in Seoul, even in icy winter SEOUL, January 8 (AJP) - While Arctic-level cold grips Seoul, the greenhouse at Seoul Botanic Park in Magok remains lush, green and humidly warm. Beneath the glass dome, temperatures stay steady, and dense foliage retains its vivid color, offering a striking contrast to the wintry landscape outside. Located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul Botanic Park stands next to Magoknaru Station, where Subway Line 9 and the Airport Railroad intersect. The surrounding Magok district, once known as one of Seoul’s last agricultural areas, has been redeveloped into a large-scale botanic park combining gardens and open green space. During winter, visitor movement concentrates around the themed greenhouse, as activity in outdoor areas naturally declines. The exhibition greenhouse introduces plants and plant cultures from 12 cities worldwide, arranged by climate zone. Designed in a concave, dish-like form, the structure allows open sightlines and filtered light, creating a space that feels both enclosed and expansive. The facility also serves as a base for plant conservation, species preservation and research, while supporting public programs related to urban gardening and education. Seasonal displays shift with the colder months. Orchids and poinsettias form the core of the winter exhibition, presented under the theme Winter Garden. Around 40 orchid species and nine poinsettia varieties developed in Korea are on view through Jan. 25. Tropical orchids rarely seen domestically are shown alongside locally bred cultivars, highlighting both diversity and ongoing research. Seoul Botanic Park in Gangseo District, Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyun Even in midwinter, the greenhouse continues to draw a steady stream of visitors. Residents pause to observe and record, families move unhurriedly through the space, and professionals in garden culture study the displays. Within the city, the greenhouse serves not only as a refuge from the cold, but as a place where nature is observed, documented and sustained throughout the winter season. 2026-01-08 14:44:04

KOSPI continues to test new heights SEOUL, January 08 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI touched fresh milestone of 4,600 won to gallop toward much-anticipated 5,000 on Wednesday. The KOSPI opened 19.60 points, or 0.43 percent, lower at 4,531.46. The buying spree sent the Korean won higher at 1,449.40 versus the U.S dollar. Retailers joined in full force to pick up foreign selling. 2026-01-08 12:48:27

PHOTOS: South Korea greets 2026 with the first sunrise SEOUL, January 1 (AJP) — The Year of Byeongo (the Year of the Red Horse) has begun, marking the start of 2026. On the first day of the new year, most regions across the country are expecting clear skies and weather, which makes watching the sunrise more enjoyable. However, the morning temperature in Seoul is forecast to plunge to minus 11 degrees Celsius, bringing frigid weather. 2026-01-08 11:58:36

Countdown begins ahead of BTS' full-group comeback SEOUL, January 8 (AJP) - Since earlier this week, promotional displays for BTS' full-group comeback in late March have adorned the staircases of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul. As one of the country's major cultural venues, hosting a wide range of performances and exhibitions, the center was an ideal place to promote the septet's return with a new album set for release on March 20, according to their management agency. The agency also plans to set up similar outdoor promotional installations and activities in major cities around the world including London, New York, and Tokyo. After completing their mandatory military service, the seven members of BTS will return after nearly four years of hiatus and embark on a large-scale world tour to promote their new album, which contains 14 tracks. 2026-01-08 11:07:33

Around 500 elementary schools in Seoul welcome new students SEOUL, January 7 (AJP) - Some 566 public elementary schools in Seoul are holding two-day prep sessions this week to welcome new students. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, there are 51,265 first-graders this year, down about five percent from last year, as the young population continues to shrink due to the country's ultra-low birthrates. These sessions are an annual event aimed at preparing students for their upcoming school life. This year, they are being held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday to accommodate working parents who might not be able to take time off. 2026-01-07 16:25:24

PHOTOS:Seoul exhibition explores centuries of human-equine history SEOUL, January 07 (AJP) - The National Folk Museum of Korea has launched a comprehensive exhibition to commemorate the Year of the Red Horse, exploring the deep-seated historical and cultural bonds between humans and horses. The exhibition, which opened on Dec. 16 and is scheduled to run through March 2, examines how horses transitioned from essential tools of survival to significant figures in global mythology and belief systems. For centuries, horses served as a primary means of transportation and labor. However, the museum’s curation goes beyond utility, tracing the animal’s evolution into a cultural icon. The displays feature artifacts and historical records that highlight the horse's prominent place in the human imagination, illustrating its role as both a companion in daily life and a symbol of power and spiritual significance. Curators say the collection offers visitors a chance to revisit the changing dynamics of the human-equine relationship across different eras, showcasing the horse's enduring legacy in the modern age. 2026-01-07 16:00:02

Lee shares selfie with Xi SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung shared a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping on social media on Mondy night, suggesting their talks were held in a friendly atmosphere. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, shortly after their 90-minute summit, Lee said he took the selfie using a Xiaomi smartphone that Xi had given him, when the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju in November last year. Lee said the summit would serve as an important momentum in efforts to improve relations between the two countries while expanding economic cooperation and collaboration in various sectors. In response, Xi stressed the importance of maintaining firm friendly bilateral cooperation. 2026-01-06 16:12:27

[[CES 2026]] Global tech giants, startups converge in Las Vegas SEOUL, January 05 (AJP) - CES 2026, the world’s premier consumer electronics and information technology exhibition, is set to open its doors in Las Vegas from Jan. 6 to 9. An annual fixture of the global tech calendar, CES serves as the primary stage for the technology industry to debut latest trends and signal future strategic directions. This year’s event is expected to host approximately 4,500 companies from across the globe. South Korea will maintain a significant presence with roughly 700 participating entities. Major industry leaders — including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, LG Electronics, and Doosan — alongside a robust cohort of small-to-medium enterprises and startups, are prepared to unveil a new wave of innovation and flagship products. Industry analysts expect CES 2026 to be dominated by advancements in artificial intelligence, future mobility, smart home ecosystems, and sustainable technologies. 2026-01-05 17:05:38

The Korean won wobbles after Venezuela turmoil SEOUL, January 05 (AJP) -Strenuous efforts to shore up the Korean won were undermined Monday on escalating tensions between between Venezuela and the United States after a surprise armed intervention. The dollar shot near to 1,450 won Monday on deepened bias towards safe-haven assets at times of geopolitical risks. The volatility may continue depending on developments related to energy and oil markets. 2026-01-05 16:29:23

PHOTOS:How Seoul turns cold days into playgrounds SEOUL, January 02 (AJP) -In Korea, where the four seasons are distinctly felt, outdoor leisure activities change with the weather — swimming pools in summer often transform into skating rinks or sledding grounds in winter. As colder days settle in, seasonal attractions such as sledding hills and snow playgrounds are once again drawing crowds across Seoul. District governments have opened a range of winter-themed facilities, including snow playgrounds and hands-on activity zones, offering residents of all ages a chance to enjoy the season without leaving the city. Seocho District has converted the Yangjaecheon swimming pool site into a family-friendly “Winter Snow Playground,” which has been operating since Dec. 20. Now in its third year, the venue repurposes a 6,400-square-meter former outdoor pool into an urban sledding park, providing children and parents with a safe and accessible winter recreation space. The playground features snow sledding slopes along with children’s play areas such as trampolines, inflatable bounce houses for young children, and a snow play zone. Visitors can also take part in experiential programs including ice fishing, mock fishing activities, and curling. Greenhouses, tents, and snack shops are available to provide rest and convenience for families. This year, an additional sledding slope for young children has been newly installed alongside the existing adult slope, improving accessibility for different age groups. Decorative installations themed around a “Yangjaecheon Arctic Village” have also been set up near the entrance and around the snow play area to add visual appeal. The Winter Snow Playground will operate through Feb. 22 next year. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, with closures on Mondays and on Lunar New Year’s Day. Admission fees are 6,000 won for Seocho District residents and 8,000 won for non-residents. Fees for certain programs, such as ice fishing, are announced on the Seocho District Office website. Winter skating rinks and snow play facilities set up across the city are offering citizens sparkling seasonal memories despite the cold weather. 2026-01-02 16:51:24