[TRAVEL] How cabbages in Gangwon's mountainous areas beat summer heat TAEBACK, GANGNEUNG, August 14 (AJP) - Kimchi, the traditional fermented vegetable dish, is a staple in everyday meals in South Korea. Whether served with a steaming bowl of rice or paired with noodle soups, few consider a meal complete without it. Many people customarily prepare large quantities of kimchi to last through the cold winter months when fresh vegetables become relatively scarce. The traditional practice of making the spicy dish, known as "kimjang," is recognize August 14, 2025

PHOTOS: Event showcases beauty of hanbok SEOUL, August 12 (AJP) - The beauty of hanbok, or traditional Korean dress, continues to capture global attention, fueled by the huge popularity of South Korean dramas and films overseas. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, a four-day event was held last week in southern Seoul to ride the wave of hanbok's rising popularity, showcasing a diverse range of hanbok from over 150 brands. The collection include August 12, 2025

PHOTOS: Zoos help animals beat heat SEOUL, August 08 (AJP) - As sweltering summer temperatures bear down, the challenges for zoo animals are significant. The intense heat often leads to considerable stress, making it difficult for many species to cope. In response, zookeepers are providing cool, nourishing meals and other relief efforts to help the animals regain their energy and find comfort. This collection of photographs offers a glimpse into the creative ways zoos are helping their residents endure the season August 8, 2025

PHOTOS: Signs of autumn approaching SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) - August 7 marks Ipchu, the traditional start of autumn according to the East Asian calendar. This summer has been among the hottest in recent memory, with relentless heatwaves. As Ipchu passes, temperatures are expected to ease. The following images capture early signs of the season changing. August 7, 2025

[K-Food] PHOTOS: Korea's summer stamina food SEOUL, August 06 (AJP) - As the summer heat grips the Korean Peninsula, many find themselves turning to food not just for nourishment but for revival. And while the instinct may be to cool down with icy treats or chilled dishes, Korean tradition takes a different path: when it gets hot, the food gets hotter. Contrary to expectations, Korea’s summer stamina foods — or boyangshik — are served steaming. Rooted in centuries of traditional medicine and culinary wis August 6, 2025

TRAVEL: Seeking solace in cold valleys of Mount Geumsu JECHEON, August 05 (AJP) - In the thick of a Korean summer, when the humidity clings to your skin and the sun bakes the city streets, the idea of hiking a mountain may seem more ordeal than escape. But in the highlands of the Korean Peninsula, nature offers a surprising reprieve. At Mount Geumsu, which straddles the regions of Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, chilled streams and shaded trails provide relief even in the hottest months. Rising to 1,016 meters August 5, 2025

[PHOTOS] S. Koreans enjoy scorching summer SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - As the peak of summer sets in, vacation spots across South Korea are bustling with people making the most of the season. Beaches and festival grounds are filled with crowds enjoying their summer break. Here is a glimpse of how people are spending their summer days. August 4, 2025

PHOTOS: Test-drive of amphibious bus in Busan SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - An amphibious bus capable of running across Busan's Suyeong River and the Gwangan Bridge underwent a trial run on July 30 near the Suyeong Bay Yacht Center in Haeundae District, Busan, as part of final preparations before its official launch. Powered by diesel, the amphibious vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) on land and around 10 knots (approximately 18.5 kilometers or 11.5 miles per hour) on water. It can car July 31, 2025

[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

[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