Pictures from Nara SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) -Drumbeats, temple corridors and carefully choreographed cultural gestures took center stage during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s brief two-day visit to Nara Prefecture, a trip that emphasized symbolism and atmosphere over contentious diplomatic files. Lee visited Nara at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, wrapping up his fifth overseas trip since taking office and his second summit with the Japanese leader before departing for Seoul on Tuesday. Formal talks reaffirmed familiar ground. The two leaders agreed to maintain shuttle diplomacy and pursue future-oriented cooperation, including launching working-level discussions on advanced industries such as artificial intelligence and strengthening joint responses to cross-border crimes. Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan and China were also addressed — but without headline-making breakthroughs. Instead, the visit’s defining images came from its cultural itinerary. On Tuesday morning, Lee and Takaichi toured Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga, one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist sites. In a rare diplomatic courtesy, Japanese officials opened restricted storage areas and granted access to the original murals of the temple’s main hall, typically closed to the public. Founded in the early 7th century under the influence of Buddhism introduced by Prince Shotoku, Horyu-ji is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Japanese civilization. Home to some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures, it became Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1993. The carefully curated visit underscored a shared message: that bilateral ties should be framed not by unresolved historical sensitivities, but by a common cultural inheritance and a forward-looking narrative. In Nara, history was not debated — it was displayed, quietly and deliberately, as diplomacy moved to the rhythm of ceremony rather than confrontation. 2026-01-15 17:37:19

Buses back running in Seoul after strike ends SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) -After two days of disruption, Seoul commuters were relieved to find buses back in service Thursday morning following an overnight wage deal. The Seoul City Bus Labor Union and the Seoul City Bus Transport Operators Association accepted a mediation proposal at around 11:50 p.m. during a second post-adjustment meeting hosted by the Seoul Labor Relations Commission. Under the agreement, wages for 2025 will rise by 2.9 percent, while the retirement age will be extended from 63 to 64 starting in July, and further raised to 65 in July 2027. Reform of the wage system to reflect ordinary wages was excluded from the deal. Following the agreement, the union called off the strike, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government lifted emergency transportation measures, restoring bus operations across the capital. 2026-01-15 11:04:21

Boot camp becomes winter break SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) -What was once synonymous with hardship is increasingly being reimagined as a winter challenge experience. The 1st Marine Division on Jan. 12 opened the “2026 Winter Marine Corps Camp” at its training center in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, drawing participants eager to sample life inside Korea’s elite fighting force. About 230 people — including middle and high school students, university students and adults from across the country — signed up for the multi-day program. The division structured the camp around three themes: “Beginning,” “Challenge” and “Leap.” Day one: induction Participants began with an induction ceremony, followed by introductions to Marine Corps history, basic drill movements and traditional military songs — a first taste of discipline and esprit de corps. Training, winter edition From days two through four, the schedule shifted from classrooms to the field. Activities included mountain training, basic airborne exercises, inflatable boat (IBS) drills, hill training at Cheonja Peak and rides aboard the Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV). This year’s camp also introduced a new program on military drones, offering participants a demonstration of how unmanned systems are increasingly integrated into modern operations. Safety first The division said the training is being operated flexibly in response to severe winter weather, with enhanced safety protocols in place. Measures include advance risk assessments and the constant deployment of medical personnel throughout the program. For many participants, the camp offers not just a break from routine, but a hands-on glimpse into military life — turning winter vacation into a test of endurance, teamwork and resolve. 2026-01-14 15:44:58

PHOTOS:Tracking horse history in the Year of Horse SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) - An exhibition titled “Year of the Horse, 2026: Galloping into Eternity,” planned by the Cultural Heritage Administration, opened on Jan. 9 at The Heritage of Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch in central Seoul, marking the Year of the Horse in 2026. The exhibition explores the cultural and historical significance of horses from ancient times to the present, examining how they have coexisted with humans and shaped life and society. The exhibition is co-hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. It brings together a wide range of artifacts and works, including ancient clay figurines, horse armor, decorative crafts, photographs, sculptures and artificial intelligence (AI) videos, illustrating how horses have symbolized mobility, survival, authority, belief and hope throughout history. The exhibition runs from Jan. 9 to Jan. 25. The exhibition consists of a prologue, four thematic sections and an epilogue. The prologue presents an AI-generated video of galloping horses, visually conveying the enduring presence of horses across time and space. Section 1, “The Horse, Holding Hope,” explores the symbolic meanings of horses through Silla-era clay figurines and pottery. The clay figurines, crafted with expressive faces and dynamic postures, reflect the lives and aspirations of people of the time. Also on display is a long-necked jar engraved with a procession of mounted figures, illustrating how horses were perceived as symbols of movement, protection and authority. Section 2, “The Horse, Forged in Strength,” focuses on the role of horses on the battlefield, centered on a reproduction of Gaya-era horse armor. The armor was constructed by linking iron plates into a flexible structure, divided into sections protecting the horse’s forelegs, saddle area, hind legs and head. The design highlights how mobility and protection were balanced, underscoring the strategic importance of horses in warfare. Section 3, “The Horse, Attired with Dignity,” presents decorative crafts including an ornate horse ornament excavated from Tomb No. 44 in the Cheonmachong cluster in Gyeongju. Horse ornaments were used to adorn horses and symbolized both the animal’s stature and the status of its owner. Intricate decorations and luxurious materials, such as jewel beetle wings, reveal the elevated status and aesthetic value of horses in ancient society. Section 4, “The Horse, Companion for the Future,” features works by contemporary sculptor Jake Lee, depicting the evolving relationship between humans and horses in modern and future contexts. Sculptures of a mare and her foal convey themes of care, connection and coexistence, symbolizing the continuity of the human-horse bond. The epilogue showcases photographs of Jeju horses taken by National Geographic photographers, portraying the enduring coexistence of horses, humans and nature. The exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural significance of horses from the past to the present, framed within the symbolism of the Year of the Horse. 2026-01-13 17:58:13

Frozen commute in Seoul amid bus strike SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) -Buses across Seoul ground to a halt at 4 a.m. on Jan. 13 after labor and management failed to reach an agreement on wages and collective bargaining, triggering an indefinite strike and plunging the morning commute into chaos. With bus services fully suspended from the first scheduled departures, commuters crowded subway platforms, huddled at deserted bus stops and waited for hours for taxis that never came. Many learned of the strike only after stepping into the cold. A heavy snowfall the day before, followed by biting temperatures, worsened conditions. Some commuters abandoned long waits and walked part of the way to work, their breath hanging in the air as traffic slowed and sidewalks iced over. Negotiations between the Seoul City Bus Labor Union, under the Korean Automobile Workers Federation, and the Seoul Bus Transport Association broke down around 1:30 a.m. Seoul operates 7,382 city buses across 394 routes run by 64 companies — all of them idled. The Seoul Metropolitan Government activated emergency transport measures, increasing subway frequency, expanding community bus services and urging taxi drivers to stay on the road. But with talks still deadlocked, uncertainty lingers — and for many commuters, the day began not with a ride, but with a long, cold wait. 2026-01-13 15:05:05

As ramyeon turns into a global comfort food, exports boil to record high SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) -Steam rose higher than ever from Korea’s export kitchens last year. Food shipments hit a record, powered by an unstoppable wave of instant noodles that now travel farther than most K-pop tours. Provisional data from the Ministry of Agriculture shows K-Food Plus exports climbing 5.1 percent to $13.62 billion, with instant noodle sales jumping nearly 22 percent to $1.52 billion — the first time they’ve crossed the $1.5 billion line. From supermarket aisles in the U.S. and China to late-night cravings in the Middle East and Europe, ramyeon is having a global moment. Fans cite the addictive pull of “K-spicy” flavors and the soft power of Korean pop culture. The ultimate sign of arrival? Ramyeon has earned a place in the Oxford English Dictionary — proof that what started as a quick meal has become a worldwide language of comfort, heat and slurp. 2026-01-12 17:33:21

Snowy Seoul SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) -Snow fell quietly across Seoul on Monday afternoon, drawing tourists and residents alike to pause and capture the softened cityscape. Light snowfall blanketed streets, rooftops and palace grounds, muting the usual rush of the capital and turning familiar landmarks into scenes of winter stillness. Visitors lingered with cameras and phones as flakes drifted down, framing Seoul in a rare moment of calm. The snowfall came amid sharp temperature swings, with morning lows hovering near minus 10 degrees Celsius before daytime highs climbed to around 2 degrees. About 1 centimeter of snow accumulated across the capital, while heavier snow advisories were issued for Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces, where up to 8 centimeters is forecast in inland and mountainous areas. Meteorologists said colder air is expected to return from Tuesday afternoon, pushing Seoul’s morning temperatures back toward minus 10 degrees by midweek. 2026-01-12 16:15:05

The seasonal magic of birch forest in Inje SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - The celebrated birch forest of Inje, nestled in the mountains of Gangwon Province, has been transformed into a pristine white landscape following a recent heavy snowfall. The Wondae-ri Birch Forest is a testament to decades of careful reforestation. Between 1974 and 1995, approximately 690,000 birch trees were planted across 138 hectares, evolving from a dedicated man-made plantation into one of the region's most iconic natural retreats. Today, the site offers seven distinct trekking trails alongside a variety of forest education and immersion facilities. The heart of the birch groves is located roughly 3.5 kilometers from the forest's main information center. While the trails are designed with gentle gradients that follow the mountain’s contours — making them accessible to hikers of all ages — winter conditions require extra caution. Authorities recommend that visitors wear safety gear, including crampons and hiking poles, to navigate sections of the path that may be slick with ice or packed snow. For families, the forest features a dedicated experience program for children. During the winter season, the forest is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hikers are advised that the final entry for the day is strictly at 2 p.m. to ensure a safe return before sunset. 2026-01-12 16:04:44

'Charity thermometer' in Gwanghwamun nears fundraising goal SEOUL, January 9 (AJP) - An installation dubbed the "charity thermometer" in downtown Gwanghwamun reached 98.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, about a month after its launch as part of the annual campaign by the Community Chest of Korea to help those in need. With a goal to collect 450 billion Korean won (around US$306 million), its temperature rises by one degree for every 1 percent of the fundraising target. The fundraising campaign will run until the end of the month, with organizers urging continued public participation to help push the thermometer past the 100-degree milestone. 2026-01-09 17:42:35

Farewell to CES 2026 LAS VEGAS, January 09 (AJP) - The world’s largest consumer electronics and information technology trade show, CES 2026, wrapped up four-day run in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday. The annual event brought together global companies and visitors, showcasing next-generation technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous driving and healthcare solutions. Across exhibition halls, demonstrations highlighted practical applications and commercialization potential of emerging technologies. As it heads toward its close, CES 2026 has served as a platform to gauge global technology trends and the direction of the industry, with exhibitions held across major venues throughout Las Vegas. 2026-01-09 17:41:14