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  [K-Travel] Damyang, a town built on trees DAMYANG, Jul. 30 (AJP) – As a relentless heat wave continues to grip the Korean Peninsula, tree shade has become more precious than ever. In the face of soaring temperatures higher than those in many Southeast Asian cities, the cool calm of a forest is more than a luxury — it is a refuge. And few places offer it as gracefully as Damyang. With its soaring bamboo groves, 300-year-old elm-lined levees, and the iconic Metasequoia-lined road, Damyang in South Jeolla Provinc July 30, 2025
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  [K-Travel] A muddy summer like no other in Boryeong BORYEONG, July 30 (AJP) - As an unforgiving heat wave grips the country, one of Korea’s most iconic summer events kicked off in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province. The Boryeong Mud Festival is famous for turning the seaside city into a playground of seawater-rich mud. Visitors throw, smear, and soak themselves in the mineral-packed silt near Daecheon Beach. People of all ages and backgrounds dive into the mud together, forgetting the heat as their sweat and sunburn disappear be July 30, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Nationwide heat wave persists as vacation season begins SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Heatwave warnings have been issued across South Korea, with the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting a prolonged period of intense heat as the nation officially enters its summer vacation season. With this week and next marking the peak of holiday travel, citizens are finding various ways to cope with the scorching temperatures. From splashing in urban water parks to seeking respite in the cooler climes of coastal areas and mountain retreats, many are embr July 28, 2025
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  TRAVEL: General's Tomb and the Gwanggaeto Stele Ji'an, July 24 (AJP) - Located in Ji'an, Jilin Province, China, the General's Tomb is a Goguryeo-era stepped stone pyramid made of large, reddish-beige rectangular blocks stacked to the height of a five-story apartment building. With the exception of some blackened patches on the stone surface, it looked almost like a newly built structure. Only the topmost stones showed signs of slight damage or disalignment, a remarkable testament to the tomb’s endurance over the July 24, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Post-flood fight against floating waste SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Cleanup operations are in full swing at Paldang Lake, where a massive influx of trash and debris has accumulated following recent torrential rains. Officials from the Gyeonggi Province Water Resources Headquarters estimate that more than 1,000 tons of floating waste were swept into the lake by the heavy downpours Workers began collection efforts on July 23 to address the extensive contamination of the critical water source. July 23, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Enduring ancient masterpiece in Gyeongju SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - Nestled on the slopes of Mount Tohams, the Seokguram Grotto stands as a testament to the apex of Buddhist art during the unified Silla Dynasty. Regarded as a paramount masterpiece, its creation began in 751 under the patronage of Kim Dae-seong, then the prime minister to King Gyeongdeok. The grotto was completed 23 years later, in 774 during the reign of King Hyegong. King Gyeongdeok's era (742-765) is celebrated as a golden age for Silla's Buddhi July 22, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Torrential rains, landslides devastate southern villages SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Heavy rainfall that battered South Korea from July 16 to 20 has resulted in at least 18 deaths and left 9 people missing, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety. The southern province of South Gyeongsang bore the brunt of the casualties, with 10 fatalities reported in Sancheong, a county severely affected by landslides. Across 15 cities and provinces, the torrential downpours forced 14,166 residents from 9,887 households to evacuate their homes, July 21, 2025
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  TRAVEL: Exploring traditional markets in Pattaya Pattaya, July 17 (AJP) – Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of marine leisure activities, Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist and resort cities. It ranks second only to Bangkok in tourist visits. While sightseeing and enjoying local attractions are a major part of travel, experiencing how local people live can offer a refreshing and memorable perspective. Traditional markets in Southeast Asia’s densely populated cit July 18, 2025
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  TRAVEL: Haeinsa Temple's Tripitaka Koreana and Janggyeong Panjeon, treasures of UNESCO heritage SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - Haeinsa Temple, located on Mount Gaya in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province, welcomes about 3,000 international visitors each year through its templestay program. Although it sits in a relatively remote area, Haeinsa continues to attract foreign travelers drawn by two extraordinary treasures: the Tripitaka Koreana, often called a global miracle, and the remarkable wooden hall that preserves it, the Janggyeong Panjeon. The canon was produc July 16, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Pyongyang touts Mt. Kumgang's UNESCO World Heritage listing SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced Wednesday that Mount Kumgang has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The designation came three days after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee formally approved North Korea's long-standing application on July 13. Pyongyang initially submitted its bid for Mount Kumgang's recognition in 2021. However, the evaluation process was protracted, largely due to the Covid-19 July 16, 2025