Journalist
Yoo Na-hyun · Kim Yeon-jae
shooting@ajupress.com
-
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 -
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