TRAVEL: Tracing a thousand years of history at Jikjisa Temple

GIMCHEON, August 29 (AJP) - Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, is a thousand-year-old monastery that embodies both spiritual and historical significance. Founded in 418 by the monk Ado, who came from Goguryeo before Buddhism was even recognized as a state religion in Silla, the temple has long stood as a symbol of resilience. During the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century, it was here that Buddhist monk soldiers rallied under the leadership of Venerable S

August 29, 2025

PHOTOS: From darkness to light, Gwangmyeong Cave

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Standing at the entrance of Gwangmyeong Cave, the sweltering 35-degree summer heat gives way to a sudden chill of 12 degrees. The cool air feels like a natural air conditioner, yet it carries the weight of history. An information board reminds visitors that this was once the Siheung Mine, opened in 1912 during Japan’s colonial rule, when tunnels were dug to extract gold, silver, copper, and zinc. The very path now walked by tourists was once carved for

August 27, 2025

PHOTOS: President Lee's first summit with Trump

SEOUL, August 26 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first summit on Aug. 25 (local time) at the White House, discussing a range of issues including North Korea and bilateral economic cooperation. During the meeting, President Lee requested that Trump visit South Korea during the APEC summit in Gyeongju and meet with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. In response, Trump indicated he would be willing to meet with Kim this year, if a meeting

August 26, 2025

PHOTOS: Korean baseball continues surge, breaks attendance record yet again

SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) - The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on Aug. 23 that it has surpassed 10 million spectators for the second consecutive year, a milestone achieved even faster than last year’s record-breaking season. The league hit the 10-million mark in just 587 games, shattering the previous record of 671 games set in 2024. This achievement comes 23 days and 84 games earlier than last season. The KBO League is composed of 10 teams, with each p

August 25, 2025

PHOTOS: One Dance, a modern reinterpretation of Joseon royal ritual dance (5)

SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A media showcase for One Dance, a contemporary Korean dance performance, was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. The performance reimagines Ilmu, the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to the music, song, and dance performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo, a royal shrine honoring the spirit tablets of kings and qu

August 22, 2025

PHOTOS: One Dance, a modern reinterpretation of Joseon royal ritual dance (4)

SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A media showcase for One Dance, a contemporary Korean dance performance, was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. The performance reimagines Ilmu, the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to the music, song, and dance performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo, a royal shrine honoring the spirit tablets of kings and qu

August 22, 2025

PHOTOS: One Dance, a modern reinterpretation of Joseon royal ritual dance (3)

SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A media showcase for One Dance, a contemporary Korean dance performance, was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. The performance reimagines Ilmu, the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to the music, song, and dance performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo, a royal shrine honoring the spirit tablets of kings and qu

August 22, 2025

PHOTOS: One Dance, a modern reinterpretation of Joseon royal ritual dance (2)

SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A media showcase for One Dance, a contemporary Korean dance performance, was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul.The performance reimagines Ilmu, the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to the music, song, and dance performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo, a royal shrine honoring the spirit tablets of kings and que

August 22, 2025

PHOTOS: One Dance, a modern reinterpretation of Joseon royal ritual dance (1)

SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A media showcase for "One Dance", a contemporary Korean dance performance, was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. The performance reimagines Ilmu, the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to the music, song, and dance performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo, a royal shrine honoring the spirit tablets of

August 22, 2025

PHOTOS: Kim Jong-un honors troops sent to fight in Ukraine with lavish event

SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hosted a lavish ceremony in Pyongyang for commanders of units deployed to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine, state media reported on Friday. The event, held in his office compound, included an elaborate banquet and performances, as well as what was described as one of Kim’s highest personal gestures of respect: sharing cigarettes with the visiting commanders. During the ceremony, Kim delivered a speech praising

August 22, 2025