PHOTOS: Korean workers released from US custody depart for home SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - A charter flight carrying 316 South Koreans who were recently released from U.S. immigration custody departed from a Georgia airport on Thursday, bound for their home country. The plane, which left Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at approximately 11:38 a.m. local time, is expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport on Friday at around 3:00 p.m. Korean time. The individuals had been detained for a week following a crackdown on September 12, 2025

PHOTOS: Welcome mat for Chinese tourists SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - South Korea is rolling out the welcome mat for Chinese tourists, announcing visa-free entry for tour groups of three or more people starting September 29. The move, announced on Sept. 7, aims to capitalize on the upcoming influx of visitors, particularly during China's "Golden Week" holiday in October. The announcement has sent a clear signal to the domestic retail industry, which is now in a race to prepare for the expected surge. Busi September 10, 2025

PHOTOS: Learning traditional etiquette SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - A group of students from Myungnyun Elementary School in Busan gathered at Dongnae Hyanggyo, a historic Confucian school, to participate in a traditional etiquette class, Tuesday. Dressed in hanbok, they spent the session learning about traditional Korean etiquette. The hyanggyo, which served as local public educational institutions during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, are often described as the historical equivalent of today's public middle an September 9, 2025

TRAVEL: Cruising the inland sea of Chungju Lake JECHEON, September 04 (AJP) - The Han River, which flows through the heart of Seoul, is formed where the Namhan River from North Chungcheong and the Bukhan River from Gangwon meet at Yangsu-ri in Gyeonggi before winding through the capital and emptying into the Yellow Sea. On the Namhan River sits Chungju Dam, South Korea’s largest concrete gravity dam, begun in 1978 and completed in October 1986. The dam’s completion created Chungju Lake, a vast inland body September 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Journey back to Joseon in heart of Seoul, Buam-dong's Mok-in Museum SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - Tucked away in the quiet residential neighborhood of Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, the Mok-in Museum Mokseokwon feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The first sight upon entering is the outdoor exhibition garden, where more than 800 stone carvings are spread across the grounds. Large and small statues stand at every corner, evoking the atmosphere of a Joseon-era stone mason’s workshop. Scholar statues and childlike figures appear to meet th September 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Severe drought in Gangneung SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - Amid a severe drought, the city of Gangneung and its surrounding region in Gangwon Province have been forced to implement drastic water conservation measures. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Obong Reservoir, the primary water source for the area, has seen its water levels drop to critical lows. In response, the city has closed 47 public restrooms and suspended operations at three swimming pools. To combat the crisis, the gov September 4, 2025

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