Journalist
Yoo Na-hyun · Kim Yeon-jae
shooting@ajupress.com
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PHOTOS: Kimchi — symbol of communal love, sharing SEOUL, November 17 (AJP) - As the cold grip of winter descends, kimchi transcends its role as a staple food in South Korea to become a powerful symbol of communal love and sharing. This spirit was vividly on display in Seoul on Nov. 17, where a massive kimchi-making event took place at Garak Market in Songpa-gu. It was to prepare thousands of heads of kimchi destined for low-income families and elderly residents living alone. Enduring the biting wind, volunteers worked tirelessly, stuffing salted cabbage leaves with a vibrant, pungent red seasoning. The spicy fragrance of the seasoning filled the chilly air as mountains of freshly prepared kimchi were meticulously stacked. Known as the Garak Kimjang Festival, this event is celebrating its 18th anniversary, having been a continuous tradition of giving since 2008. The event is a true community effort. Funding is secured through a collaboration between market merchants and the city government, while the labor relies on a diverse group of volunteers, including local citizens, foreign residents, and children. This year, the participants collectively made an estimated 80,000 heads of kimchi. The entirety of the finished product is slated for delivery to 10,000 vulnerable households across Seoul. Historically, Kimjang — the annual process of making large quantities of kimchi to last through the winter — was a major, multi-day undertaking. The meticulous work, which involves salting the cabbage, blending the seasoning, and stuffing the filling, was a crucial time when families and neighbors gathered to prepare for the long winter. However, this grand scale has begun to shrink. Factors such as changing family structures, reduced domestic kimchi consumption, and a general labor shortage have led to a decrease in the overall volume of homemade kimchi. The sight of entire neighborhoods coordinating this effort is now rare. Despite these modern changes, kimjang endures. It remains a deeply established custom that actively connects and preserves the memory of the Korean community's collective spirit. 2025-11-18 10:01:22 -
PHOTOS: Korean traditional dance's modern resurgence SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Korean traditional dance is finding fresh resonance with the public, as a new generation of young choreographers reimagines age-old movements for the era of social media and digital platforms. Their works, which recast the breath, rhythm and restraint of classical Korean dance in contemporary form, have been circulating widely online, drawing viewers who might never have encountered the tradition onstage. That momentum has also spilled onto television. On the cable network Mnet’s competition series “Stage Fighter,” dancers have won over audiences with performances that fuse the emotional power of Korean dance with a sleek, modern visual language. What once risked being preserved only as restoration is now emerging as a creative vocabulary of its own — one that suggests a different kind of future for Korean performing arts. The idea that “tradition does not stay in the past” has become something of a guiding principle. Recent productions have captivated audiences by translating centuries-old gestures into the idiom of today. So did the 2025 Korea Traditional Dance Festival, held Oct. 30–31 at the National Theater of Korea, which drew notable attention amid the broader revival. Classic forms such as Taepyeongmu, long associated with the poise and dignity of royal court culture; Ganggangsullae, a communal circle dance that celebrates collective joy; and Bokkaechum, a refined fan dance that highlights beauty through the subtlest movements of the fingertips, were all reimagined onstage. Having moved beyond an era in which traditional dance was confined to court ritual or folk heritage, the form is now widening its reach. By merging choreography with music technologies, cinematic lighting and video art, Korean traditional dance is stepping decisively into the realm of contemporary performance. 2025-11-14 09:40:56 -
PHOTOS: Record number of students sit for annual university entrance exam SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - More than 550,000 students take the annual university entrance exam at around 1,300 test venues nationwide on Thursday. The number of test-takers increased by about 6 percent or 31,504 students, compared to last year, the highest in seven years since 2019, when 594,924 students took the exam. This is attributed to those born in 2007, known as the auspicious "Year of the Golden Pig," taking the exam, which is anticipated to make university admissions even more competitive. Moreover, the smaller medical school quotas this year are likely to heighten competition among the highest-scoring applicants. Reflecting the country's obsessive zeal for higher education, South Korea maintains a university enrollment rate of nearly 70 percent, ranking first among OECD countries for the 17th consecutive year. Given the significant impact that admission to prestigious universities can have on students' future careers and social status, the exam has become more than just a test, it is an annual "big day" for many South Koreans. Students perform at a high school in southern Seoul on Nov. 12, 2025, just a day ahead of the annual university entrance exam. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2025-11-13 11:30:35 -
PHOTOS: Celebrating India – weaving tradition and modernity through fabric and culture SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - The vibrant colors of India’s northeast came to life on the evening of November 7 at the Textile Center in Seoul’s Gangnam District, where Celebrating India showcased the region’s cultural and fashion heritage. Organized by the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) in Guwahati, Assam, the event was held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Seoul, the Korea Federation of Textile Industries (KOFOTI), and the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK). The opening ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Indian Ambassador Gourangalal Das, who said, “We have gathered today to celebrate the stories woven into India’s textile heritage. The intricate patterns of our fabrics carry the touch of artisans and embody not just fashion, but the essence of our communities and way of life.” He was followed by Nyato Dukam, Minister of Industries, Commerce and Textile of Arunachal Pradesh, and Kento Jini, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. inister Dukam said, “It is an honor to see India’s traditional textiles introduced to the global audience through this event,” adding his gratitude to the Embassy of India, ICCK, and KOFOTI. Minister Jini noted that “this celebration in Seoul will further strengthen the ties between the people of India and Korea, and help promote the culture of India’s northeastern states.” KOFOTI Vice Chairman Joo So-ryeong remarked, “This year marks both the 52nd anniversary of Korea–India diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of KOFOTI. The two nations have long collaborated in various fields, and we look forward to expanding sustainable exchange, especially in textiles and fashion.” The fashion showcase featured a diverse collection that harmonized the traditional textiles of India’s northeast with modern design sensibilities. The first segment highlighted established designers reinterpreting regional fabrics and embroidery through a contemporary lens, while the second segment presented emerging designers offering experimental and elegant creations that energized the audience. The event drew a wide range of guests, including officials from the Indian Embassy, representatives from Indian state governments, members of Korea’s textile and fashion industries, and media professionals, reflecting a growing bond between the two nations. More than a fashion show, Celebrating India served as a cultural platform introducing India’s craft traditions to the world and deepening the cultural and industrial exchange between South Korea and India. 2025-11-10 17:16:41 -
PHOTOS: Architectural biennale in Seoul draws visitors with eye-catching installations SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - The biannual architectural biennale in central Seoul has attracted over 500,000 visitors since its opening in late September. Marking its fifth year, this year's event, directed by renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick and hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is taking place near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul and runs until Nov. 18. Under the theme "Radically More Human," which reflects Heatherwick's signature style of innovative and unconventional architecture infused with humanism, vividly colored installations and structures are on display at multiple venues including a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno. Beautifully blended with seasonal foliage, autumnal trees and flowers, they immediately capture the attention of passersby and tourists. Among the impressive works is a 90-meter-long installation dubbed "Humanise Wall," standing at the center of the park that is slated to be turned into an art gallery by 2028. The twisted steel structure is a tapestry of about 1,428 metal panels featuring images and stories from Seoulites and people around the world, illustrating how their lives and ideas can be manifested in public space. Along the path, the structure, resembling a Möbius strip, that divides the park's space, guides visitors to a chair shaped like a spinning top, made of spun steel and copper, offering them a place to rest. About two dozen giant walls also greet visitors. While identical in size, they each have their own distinct and diverse styles. Now, with just two weeks remaining until its finale, visitors can explore and appreciate art installations alongside various projects from about 21 cities across 15 countries at Gwanghwamun Plaza and nearby areas. One of the exhibits highlights Seoul's past, present, and future, showing how the city's landscape has evolved through its key landmarks and buildings. Another project features an artificial intelligence–assisted interactive exhibition that explores how urban space and architecture connect with people. 2025-11-06 15:19:07 -
PHOTOS: Dried persimmons from Sangju — taste of centuries SEOUL, November 05 (AJP) - Late autumn transforms Sangju in North Gyeongsang Province into a spectacle of vivid orange. This is the season when the autumn sun-kissed persimmons are harvested and processed into the region’s renowned specialty: Gotgam, or dried persimmons. Sangju is traditionally famed for persimmons, rice and silk. While modern crops like grapes and cucumbers have joined its list of specialties, it is the gotgam that defines the region. Sangju's dried persimmons are particularly prized for their exceptionally high sugar content and soft, tender flesh. This superior quality is no accident; the region boasts the perfect climate, characterized by warm, sunny autumn days and crisp, cool evenings — ideal conditions for the slow, meticulous drying process. The prestige of Sangju Gotgam stretches back centuries. Historical records from the Joseon Dynasty attest to its excellence, noting its designation as an official tribute item presented to the king. Today, the tradition continues on a massive scale. Sangju is proudly the world's largest producer of dried persimmons, with an annual output of approximately 7,500 tons. The region accounts for more than 60 percent of South Korea's total national production. Stepping into a processing facility is an unforgettable travel experience. The air is thick with the sweet, earthy scent of fresh fruit. Persimmons, glowing a vibrant orange, cascade from machines into sorting areas. Workers swiftly peel the fruit and then string the pale spheres onto skewers. From there, the magic begins: the strung persimmons are carefully hung, filling vast, three-story warehouses from floor to ceiling in what appears to be a gigantic, edible curtain. The transformation takes patience. For about 50 to 60 days, the persimmons undergo a natural drying process in the cool, circulating air. This slow method is key to preventing spoilage and maximizing longevity, yielding the chewy, sugar-dusted treat that has delighted Koreans for generations. As global interest in hansik (Korean cuisine) and its traditional foods surges — demonstrated by the global recognition of Korean food practices and the inclusion of persimmons in high-profile events like the APEC summit — Sangju Gotgam stands ready for its moment in the international spotlight. It's a testament to the community's commitment to preserving a time-honored tradition while embracing a global future. For travelers seeking a taste of Korean history, culture, and nature, a visit to Sangju in late fall offers a truly golden experience. 2025-11-05 10:49:58 -
PHOTOS: 2025 Small Business Convention opens with craftsmanship and passion on display SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - The 2025 Korea Small Business Convention opened on October 31 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Now in its 20th year, the convention is South Korea’s largest annual event dedicated to small business owners, aimed at elevating their social and economic standing while fostering communication and unity within the community. Held under the theme "Small Businesses Opening Today, Connecting Tomorrow’s Korea," this year’s event celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs across the country and explores new drivers for growth. Over two days, the convention features an opening ceremony, skills competitions, exhibitions, and seminars. From October 31 to November 1, more than 1,540 small business owners from across the country are showcasing their skills and creativity in the 2025 Small Business Skills Championship. Organized by associations including the Korea Outdoor Advertising Association, the Korea Bakers Association, the Korea Makeup Artists Association, the Korea Florists Association, and the Korea Culinary Masters Association, the competition spans categories such as advertising design, baking, makeup, floral arrangements, and culinary arts. Contestants approached their craft with remarkable focus and sincerity. In an age when artificial intelligence is transforming industries, the passion expressed through their hands filled the venue with energy. Machines may evolve, but human touch and sincerity remain irreplaceable. The skill and dedication on display illuminated this year’s championship, reminding visitors that the beauty of human craftsmanship endures beyond time. 2025-11-03 17:30:07 -
PHOTOS: As APEC opens in Gyeongju, Seoul feels the buzz SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit opened on Monday in Gyeongju, national attention has fixed on the gathering of world leaders. Though Gyeongju sits some 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the capital is equally swept up in the APEC fervor. Excitement over the high-profile event has spread across the country, with banners and displays promoting APEC visible throughout Seoul. At major landmarks such as Seoul Station and the Gwanghwamun area — frequented by foreign visitors — the atmosphere is charged with anticipation for the summit and its potential to elevate South Korea’s role on the global stage. 2025-10-27 17:48:25 -
TRAVEL: Seoul's literary escape SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - On a crisp autumn day, the city air scrubbed clean by recent rain, I embarked on a literary journey high above the Korean capital. The destination: Inwangsan Mountain, a granite peak that has long served as both a defensive wall and a muse to artists. From its summit, the sprawling metropolis of Seoul was laid bare, a tapestry of modern ambition woven against an ancient landscape. Inwangsan has deep roots in Seoul's history, a vital section of the Hanyangdoseong, the city wall that has encircled the capital for centuries. Its picturesque slopes were famously captured in Gyeomjae Jeong Seon's 18th-century masterpiece, Inwangjesaekdo (Clearing after Rain on Mt. Inwang). Today, nestled among the trails are places like literary libraries and renovated outposts, spaces where history and narrative converge. The climb began near the bustling neighborhood of Seochon, following a roughly one-hour ascent from the tranquil Suseong-dong Valley in Jongno-gu. At the peak, against a backdrop of piercing blue sky, the entire panorama of Seoul unfolded. The view, stretching over the dense thicket of buildings, across the Han River, and culminating at Gwanaksan Mountain on the horizon, was breathtaking — a moment of serene detachment from the city's ceaseless rhythm below. A few days after reaching the summit, I returned to explore the literary sites along the mountain's periphery. The journey began at the Cheongun Literary Library, a quiet sanctuary reached by bus from the Gyeongbokgung Palace area. It is Jongno-gu's first public hanok library, a striking blend of tradition and modernity with its single-story wooden hanok structure above a Western-style basement. Inside, the open hanok doors framed the surrounding natural landscape like a masterful painting. Below, the basement shelves were lined with books, and citizens found quiet repose, some reading, others stepping out into the bamboo-filled inner courtyard. The pilgrimage continued to the nearby Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum, a tribute to one of Korea's most beloved poets. A figure of resistance during the Japanese colonial era, Yun Dong-ju is revered for his blend of resolute spirit and tender lyricism. The museum itself is a fascinating architectural conversion: a former water pressure station and water tanks repurposed to house exhibits detailing his life and work. From the traditional setting of the hanok library to this industrial-to-artistic metamorphosis, the journey vividly illustrated the evolving narrative of Korean literature. After the museum, a short climb led to the Poet's Hill, a spot the poet himself frequented. Here stands a stele inscribed with his representative work, "Seosi" (Prologue), offering a commanding view of the city — a view that must have both inspired and challenged the young poet. Further along the trail lies a library cafe. This cafe is a product of adaptive reuse, a former police sentry post transformed after the mountain’s full public opening in 2018. Easily accessible, it has become a popular gathering spot, with patrons drinking tea and enjoying the stunning, unobstructed cityscape. A mere 10-minute ascent from the bookstore revealed the Inwangsan Forest Shelter, another tranquil space born from the preservation of a former military outpost. Here, amidst the quiet sounds of wind, rustling leaves, and bird calls, citizens sat in the wooden structure, engaged in reading or quiet contemplation. The atmosphere, steeped in silence and surrounded by books, offered a palpable sense of peace. The Poet's Hill/ AJP Yoo Na-hyun In a hyper-modern society defined by speed, there is a clear yearning for moments of repose — a rise in what might be called "text hip" culture. While major public initiatives like the city's outdoor library event will conclude as the weather cools, the literary trail of Inwangsan offers a more intimate, year-round alternative. This pilgrimage along the mountain's culturally and historically rich perimeter provides a timeless view of Seoul, showcasing the capital’s ability to nurture quiet introspection within its dynamic core. It is a potent reminder that, even in a city of concrete and glass, the natural landscape and the human story remain intertwined. 2025-10-24 10:37:43 -
PHOTOS: A full-on field day under clear Autumn skies SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - "Sweeping victory, Blue Team! Cheer on, White Team!" On a clear, blue Autumn Friday, children's laughter filled an elementary school playground in Jungnang District Seoul. In Korea, schools traditionally hold a field day once a year, usually in spring or autumn. The event features a variety of games and, at times, class performances. Families join in the festivities, making it one of the biggest events of the school year — an experience familiar to nearly every Korean elementary student. Yet in recent years, fewer children have had the chance to experience it. Once considered a major community celebration, field days have gradually faded as the nation’s falling birth rate sharply reduced student numbers. Some schools, especially in rural areas facing population decline, have even stopped holding the event altogether. The field day with full-on participation from lower grade students in the morning and higher grade students in the afternoon bustled with anticipation with parents joining in. Around 300 students played games in the first half, and the same number in the second. Participants gave it their best, with determined attitudes. Even outside of matches they cheered on the contestants, cheering nearly as competitively as the contestants themselves. Roaring victory howls and deep sighs were heard as each game concluded, yet all gave hearty congratulations and encouragement to both sides afterwards. A relay race celebrated the grand finale of the morning half of the field day, lower grade students returning to classes with bright grins under warm Fall sunshine. May the children keep their joyful smile and cherish their moments for long. Students cheer on contestants at a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2025-10-19 09:46:20