SANGJU, December 22 (AJP) - During South Korea’s rapid industrialization, the yeontan — a cylindrical coal briquette — was the lifeblood of the working class, fueling the stoves that saw families through the harsh winters. While the nation has since transformed into a high-tech powerhouse, these "black diamonds" remain a critical, albeit fading, lifeline for the vulnerable. Though most of the country transitioned to oil boilers in the 1980s and event

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest handmade exhibition, K-Handmade Fair 2025, opened on Dec. 18 at COEX B Hall in southern Seoul. Held under the theme “Happy Pages,” the four-day event runs through Dec. 21. The fair features handmade works across a wide range of categories, including crafts, design, art, interior items, fashion, accessories and beauty products, with around 600 booths participating. Visitors can meet creators in person at booths sho

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - A prime commercial plot in Seoul’s iconic Myeong-dong shopping district has been named South Korea’s most expensive piece of land for the 23rd consecutive year. The 169-square-meter site, currently occupied by a Nature Republic flagship store, saw its officially appraised value for 2026 set at 188.4 million won ($145,000) per square meter. This represents a 4.4 percent increase from the 2025 valuation. The plot has held the top spot in the

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The Korea Grand Sale, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, opened on December 17 and will run for 67 days until February 22, 2026. An opening ceremony was held in Myeongdong on December 17, featuring various performances to celebrate the launch. The festival is Korea's flagship promotional event targeting foreign tourists, combining shopping, culture, and tourism. Nationwide discounts and special o

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The National Gugak Center will stage its year-end performance Narye from December 18 to 21 at the Yeakdang Theater in Seocho District, Seoul. Narye is a traditional ritual that dates back to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Held on the final night of the lunar year, it was performed in royal courts, government offices, and private homes to drive away lingering misfortune and malevolent spirits, while praying for peace and prosperity in the comi

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) -Inside the exhibition hall, order and formality define the presentation of Japanese court culture. Through the Long Ages of Time: Japanese Court Culture, currently on view at the National Palace Museum of Korea, traces the formation and development of Japan’s court traditions across historical periods. The exhibition was organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Palace Museum of Korea and the 60th anniversary

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on Friday that it will designate three pavilions from the late Joseon Dynasty as "Treasures," while elevating two iconic medieval stone pagodas to the status of "National Treasures." The three newly recognized pavilions include the Chimgyeru Pavilion at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, the Mansaeru Pavilion at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, and the Cheonboru Pavilion at Yongjusa Temple in Hwase

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Seoul's annual lantern festival has arrived at the perfect time, illuminating the city for the holy, jolly holiday season. Now in its 17th year, the festival runs until the first week of the coming year, featuring around 500 lanterns, along with illuminating displays and other festive decorations. Visitors can explore various installations along the Cheonggye Stream, stretching from Gwanghwamun in central Seoul to Dongdaemun Desi

SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Located within the Joint Security Area (JSA), Panmunjeom is the historic site where the Korean War armistice agreement was signed in 1953. Today, it remains a unique zone jointly managed by North and South Korea, partitioned by the Military Demarcation Line. While the area currently sits in silence due to strained inter-Korean relations and a total freeze in diplomacy, it remains the primary stage for global attention whenever dialogue resumes on the pen