Journalist
Yoo Na-hyun · Han Jun-gu
shooting@ajupress.com
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How South Koreans celebrate Lunar New Year's first full moon SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Markets are bustling with shoppers as the first full moon of the lunar year, known as Daeboreum, approaches. As Daeboreum, a day when people traditionally pray for health and a good harvest falls next Tuesday, Gyeongdong Market, one of the largest farmers' markets in Seoul, was packed with shoppers on Friday. Stores and stalls there were selling a variety of nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, and ginkgo nuts, tempting shoppers. In an age-old tradition, South Koreans eat nuts on this festive day, as cracking and eating hard-shelled nuts is believed to strengthen teeth. People also enjoy "ogokbap," a bowl of five grains with an assortment of seasoned vegetables, to get the healthy nutrition their body needs in winter. They also believe that eating them helps the body endure the hot summer months. 2026-02-27 17:00:48 -
BTS Comeback D-22: The story behind Gwanghwamun SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Today’s Gyeongbokgung is often the first breath Seoul offers to the world. Tourists in flowing hanbok pass beneath Gwanghwamun, their silk sleeves catching early-spring light. Cameras rise in unison at the changing of the royal guards. On the stone terrace of Geunjeongjeon, the old wooden eaves frame a startling horizon — beyond them, the clean axis of modern Seoul. For many visitors who first encountered Korea through K-dramas and K-pop, this palace is both backdrop and origin story. Here, timber and tile meet glass and steel. Here, a dynasty’s memory and a nation’s cultural present stand face to face. And at the very center lies a path once reserved for a king. The King’s Road, 600 Years Opened to the World Beyond Gwanghwamun, through Heungnyemun Gate, three stone lanes unfold beneath one’s feet. The middle path rises ever so slightly — subtle, deliberate. This was Eodo, the king’s road. On either side walked civil officials and military officers, each to their rank, each to their place. Even today, the stones whisper hierarchy. Order survives in elevation. In 2026, this path returns to the public imagination. As it aligns with the performance route of BTS, the phrase “the King’s Road” circulates anew — no longer confined to royal ritual, but echoing across global pop culture. When the ceremonial axis of a Joseon court meets a contemporary stage, Gyeongbokgung ceases to be mere scenery. It becomes layered time — history sedimented beneath sound. Geunjeongjeon: Where Power Was Made Visible At the palace heart stands Geunjeongjeon, hall of state ceremonies. Coronations. Investitures of crown princes. Receptions for foreign envoys. Grand assemblies of court. Here, authority was not simply declared — it was staged. Raised upon a double-tiered stone platform, the hall commands height both physical and symbolic. Along its balustrades stand the Four Guardian Deities — Blue Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise — and the twelve zodiac animals. Power here required no speech. It was encoded in elevation, orientation, ornament. If a modern stage rests upon this axis today, the audience does not merely attend a concert. They enter a space dense with ritual memory. Sajeongjeon and Gangnyeongjeon: The Border of State and Self If Geunjeongjeon was the public theater, Sajeongjeon was governance in conversation — the king meeting ministers in daily counsel. Behind the throne stood the Irworobongdo, the folding screen of sun, moon and five peaks — symbol of sovereign authority extending across the Korean Peninsula. The same image appears behind King Sejong on Korea’s 10,000-won note. Its symbolism endures in pocket and palm. Further within lies Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s living quarters. This was private space — historians of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty were not permitted to reside here. Record paused. Power exhaled. Wooden floors opened to summer air; ondol-heated rooms held winter warmth. The king, too, lived within climate, within season, within the ordinary rhythms of this peninsula. The palace was a stage of sovereignty — and also a dwelling of a single human life. Gyeonghoeru: Banquet, Cosmology, and Reflection If Geunjeongjeon was ritual, Gyeonghoeru was celebration — the politics of hospitality. Foreign envoys were welcomed here; meritorious officials honored. Rebuilt in 1867, the pavilion stands upon forty-eight stone pillars. Twenty-four inner columns are round; twenty-four outer columns square — embodying the philosophy of cheonwon jibang: heaven is round, earth is square. Even the roofline carries guardians — small figurines to ward off evil spirits, ornaments permitted only to the highest-ranking structures. This is no mere pavilion. It is cosmology in timber and stone. Hyangwonji: Rest, and the Weight of Tragedy Deep within the palace grounds rests Hyangwonji, a pond once meant for royal repose. At its center stands Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, where king and queen walked, paused, breathed. Water, forest, reflection — a softer register than the tension of the throne hall. Yet beyond it lies Geoncheonggung Palace, site of the 1895 assassination of Queen Min by Japanese agents — the Eulmi Incident. Soon after, King Gojong sought refuge at the Russian Legation. Gyeongbokgung became, in effect, an emptied palace. Thus serenity and sorrow coexist. Time does not erase; it accumulates. With the Japanese annexation in 1910, Gyeongbokgung endured sweeping destruction. Many halls were dismantled or relocated. The Japanese Government-General Building once stood heavily upon this ground. Since 1990, restoration has advanced steadily. Yet only about 30 percent of the original structures stand today. The goal: 40 percent restoration by 2045. Eodo was once touched only by royal steps. It bore the weight of ritual and rule. Now citizens and visitors traverse it freely — silk skirts brushing stone, smartphones lifted to capture angles once forbidden. In twenty-one days, another moment will arrive. BTS is scheduled to perform. The palace that once anchored a dynasty prepares to connect, through music, to the world. The ceremonial axis becomes a cultural stage. 2026-02-27 16:14:08 -
Trendy living ideas from Seoul SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) -The 2026 Seoul Living Design Fair opened Wednesday at COEX in southern Seoul, transforming the cavernous exhibition halls into a playground of textures, light and ideas. Now in its 31st year, the country’s largest interior and lifestyle showcase returns under the theme “Sustainable Living and Design.” Organizers say around 450 domestic and international brands have joined this year’s edition — the biggest lineup yet. For five days through March 1, COEX becomes a walk-through mood board of modern living. From sculptural sofas and modular shelving to mood lighting, tactile textiles and next-generation home appliances, every aisle offers a snapshot of how Koreans are reimagining their homes. This year, sustainability is not just a buzzword — it’s the backbone. Recycled woods, bio-based fabrics, low-energy lighting and smart energy systems take center stage. Brands are leaning into warmer palettes, natural finishes and compact, multifunctional designs that reflect urban living realities. Visitors move from minimalist studio setups to cozy, plant-filled living rooms and tech-forward kitchens, exploring spaces that feel both practical and aspirational. The fair captures a shift: homes are no longer just places to live, but carefully curated reflections of values — wellness, efficiency and environmental awareness. Since its launch, the annual fair has evolved into a barometer of Korea’s design culture, where industry insiders scout emerging brands and everyday consumers gather inspiration for their next renovation — or simply their next idea. 2026-02-26 14:04:50 -
Drone exhibiition "DSK 2026" kicks off in Busan Busan, February 25 (AJP) - Asia’s leading drone exhibition and conference, DSK 2026 (Drone Show Korea), kicked off Wednesday at BEXCO in Busan, running through Feb. 27. Co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of National Defense and the Korea AeroSpace Administration, the event marks its largest edition to date. This year’s exhibition features 318 companies from 23 countries across 1,200 booths, covering 26,508 square meters. An international conference will bring together 48 speakers from 13 countries to discuss emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, defense, future mobility and the New Space industry. Organizers said the event aims to serve as a global platform for industry networking and business opportunities, alongside interactive programs for visitors. 2026-02-25 17:18:31 -
Welcome to the Coffee Republic of Korea SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) -South Korea’s passion for coffee was on full display this week as the 2026 Seoul Cafe & Bakery Fair Season 1 opened at SETEC in southern Seoul. The four-day exhibition runs from Feb. 25 to 28. The fair brings together the full spectrum of the cafe and bakery industry — from specialty coffee and artisanal bread to desserts, beverages and franchise services. Visitors can also attend consulting programs on startup planning and store operations. The venue is organized into themed halls, including “Roastery B” for specialty coffee and roasting brands, “Tea Village” for traditional and blended teas, “Zero Planet” for eco-friendly food and beverage products, and “Korea Spirit Festa” for alcoholic beverage brands. Korea’s deepening coffee culture is reflected in trade data. According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., citing figures from the Korea Customs Service, coffee imports reached about 2.65 trillion won in 2025 — a record high and more than 40 percent higher than a year earlier. Import volume totaled roughly 215,000 tons. Adding to the atmosphere, the Korea Latte Art Championship is being held alongside the fair, drawing skilled baristas and enthusiastic crowds. The exhibition continues through Feb. 28 at SETEC in Seoul’s Gangnam District — a fitting stage for a country that has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most devoted coffee cultures. 2026-02-25 16:54:10 -
KOSPI hits record high as Samsung and SK hynix fly SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Seoul's benchmark KOSPI closed Tuesday, just shy of 6,000 milestone, less than a month after the break above 5,000. Shares of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix also hit historic heights - 200,000 won, up 7,000 won from the previous close and 1,005,000 won, up 54,000 won respectively 2026-02-24 16:59:31 -
Lee-Lula summit: a warm embrace and strategic partnership SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) -Cordiality defined the meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during Lula’s three-day state visit to Seoul — his first in 21 years since 2005. Lula was the first state guest welcomed by Lee since the presidential office returned to Cheong Wa Dae in December last year, adding symbolic weight to the visit. The two leaders held formal talks at Cheong Wa Dae on Feb. 23, followed by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony and a joint press conference. But beyond the official program, it was their personal chemistry that stood out. Both leaders, who rose from working-class backgrounds to their nations’ highest offices, shared a warm embrace — a gesture that underscored both political alignment and personal affinity. Seoul and Brasília agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership,” signaling a deeper institutional framework for cooperation. Brazil — Latin America’s largest economy with a population exceeding 200 million — is a major agricultural and resource powerhouse and an influential voice of the Global South. The country maintains active engagement with China, India and Japan, positioning itself as a pivotal partner in emerging-market diplomacy. Lula departed on Tuesday after concluding his three-day state visit. 2026-02-24 15:49:22 -
South Korea ends 17-day campaign across ice and snow as Winter Olympics close SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - The 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics concluded Sunday (KST), bringing down the curtain on a 17-day celebration of winter sports across northern Italy. The Games officially ended with a closing ceremony held at the Verona Arena early Sunday morning Korea time. South Korea, which sent a 130-member delegation including 71 athletes, collected a total of 10 medals — three gold, four silver and three bronze — to finish 13th overall. The team achieved its target of winning at least three gold medals, one more than at the 2022 Beijing Games, but fell short of its other goal of breaking into the top 10 in the medal standings. Short track speed skating once again proved to be the backbone of Korea’s medal haul. Two-time gold medalist Kim Gil-li led the charge, helping the team secure two golds, three silvers and two bronzes in the sport. Snowboarding, long considered a weak point for Korea, delivered one of the Games' most notable breakthroughs. Choi Ga-on captured gold in the women’s halfpipe, marking a milestone for the country’s snow events. In men’s snowboard competitions, Yoo Seung-eun earned a medal in big air, while Kim Sang-gyeom added another in parallel giant slalom, underscoring Korea’s growing competitiveness on snow. Overall, snowboarders claimed one gold, one silver and one bronze, exceeding expectations. Built on the traditional strength of ice events and bolstered by emerging success on snow, the Milan-Cortina Games signaled an expanding horizon for Korean winter sports. The next Winter Olympics will be held in the French Alps in 2030. 2026-02-23 16:51:04 -
Caps, flowers, and farewells in February commencement SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) -Commencement season has returned. On Sunday, a degree conferment ceremony for February 2026 graduates was held at the open-air amphitheater on the Sinchon campus of Yonsei University. A total of 5,597 students received degrees, including 2,839 undergraduates, 2,252 master’s students and 506 doctoral candidates. Wearing academic gowns and caps, graduates gathered under clear winter skies, marking the formal end of their academic journey. Family members and friends filled the surrounding seats, offering applause, cheers and words of encouragement. Across the venue, crowds paused for photographs. Bouquets were exchanged, and small groups formed around graduates posing in front of campus landmarks. Some parents adjusted gowns and collars, while classmates compared schedules and future plans. The ceremony combined formality with personal moments. As names were called and degrees awarded, students stepped forward one by one, crossing from years of study into professional and personal independence. For many, the event marked both a conclusion and a transition — the end of campus life and the beginning of new careers, further studies or overseas opportunities. 2026-02-23 15:42:05 -
Robot royal guard patrol around Seoul palace through pilot operation SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - South Korea is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in heritage protection, as a patrol robot began a pilot operation at Changdeokgung Palace in central Seoul on Friday. The robot, named “Sunra-bot,” conducted a demonstration patrol near Yeonghwajeong Pavilion inside the UNESCO-listed palace complex. The name “Sunra” comes from the Joseon Dynasty-era sunragun, royal patrol guards who monitored the palace and surrounding areas of the capital. Equipped with sensors capable of detecting fire hazards and abnormal sounds in real time, the AI-powered robot moves autonomously around the palace grounds. In case of an emergency, it transmits alerts to the Changdeokgung management office and an integrated control center. Officials say the system is designed to supplement human patrols, particularly in low-traffic areas and during nighttime hours when continuous monitoring is more challenging. Sunra-bot operates two patrols during the day and seven at night, each lasting about 40 minutes. The Korea Heritage Service introduced one unit under a lottery-funded pilot program, marking a step toward integrating smart technologies into the management of national cultural assets. Authorities plan to assess the robot’s performance over a month before deciding whether to deploy additional units. As South Korea explores digital transformation across public sectors, cultural heritage sites are increasingly incorporating AI-based surveillance and safety systems aimed at preventing fire damage and improving rapid response capabilities. 2026-02-20 15:00:30