TRAVEL: Historic private academy in Nonsan

NONSAN, December 04 (AJP) - Nine Confucian academies, known as seowon, from Korea's Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), were officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, cementing their status as crucial institutions in East Asian history and education. The seowon were private, residential academies established by respected Confucian scholars. They served two primary functions: as a place for scholarly worship of revered sages and as an educational institution t

December 4, 2025

PHOTOS: One year after martial law, citizens return to the streets

SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - On December 3, marking one year since the declaration of martial law, groups from both the progressive and conservative blocs held separate rallies in Yeouido, Seoul. Progressive groups, including the Emergency Action for Ending Insurrection and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, gathered around National Assembly Station, calling for the dismantling of martial law. Participants held light sticks and candles, recalling the night the de

December 4, 2025

PHOTOS: One year since martial law crisis

SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - South Korea on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of the martial law decree imposed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. President Lee Jae Myung used his address to the nation to reflect on the unprecedented crisis and highlight the role of citizens in defending the constitutional order. "The fact that our citizens peacefully defeated the illegal martial law and expelled the unjust power is a monumental event that will be eternally remembered in th

December 3, 2025

PHOTOS: Korea's year-end tradition of sharing warmth through kimchi

SEOUL, December 02 (AJP) - As the calendar year draws to a close, a heartwarming tradition is unfolding across South Korea: mass kimchi-making events, known locally as gimjang. The time-honored custom sees communities, volunteers, and local organizations gather to prepare large quantities of the fermented cabbage. While gimjang is traditionally a family affair, these widespread annual events focus on collecting and distributing the kimchi to those in need — particularly the

December 2, 2025

PHOTOS: Following the tracks, following the taste (Gwangju) – 1 –

SEOUL, December 2 (AJP) - For centuries, this region has been known for its food. With fertile fields and access to clean coastal waters, it offered ingredients from both land and sea, and its generous use of fermented seasonings created dishes with depth and warmth. This is Jeolla Province, the southern end of the Korean Peninsula. Yongsan Station in the morning still carried the last of the night’s energy. Passing through commuters and stepping onto the KTX

December 2, 2025

PHOTOS: South Korea enters winter season

SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) – South Korea is entering the full winter season, with cold northern air sweeping across the country. Seoul’s morning low stood at 3.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, a drop of 6 degrees from the previous day. Signs of winter have begun to appear across the capital as well. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said a stronger surge of cold air from the north will bring a pronounced cold wave from the middle of the week, with brisk winds furt

December 1, 2025

PHOTOS: Korean rice & Liquor festival

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The “2025 K-Rice Festa,” an event promoting Korean rice-based liquor and processed foods, opened on Friday at Exhibition Hall 1 of KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The festival runs for three days through to Nov. 30. Hosted by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NongHyup), the K-Rice Festa features more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, makgeolli, yakcheongju and other alcoholic beverages made from domestic rice, as w

November 28, 2025

PHOTOS: Salvation Army starts year-end charity campaign

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The iconic sound of charity bells has returned to the streets of South Korea, but this year, the tradition comes with a modern upgrade. The Salvation Army Korea signaled the start of its fundraising season on Nov. 28 at Gwanghwamun Square. The launch event featured a ceremonial bell-ringing attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Salvation Army Commander Kim Byung-yoon. Now in its 97th year, the year-end Red Kettle campaign will operate at approximatel

November 28, 2025

PHOTOS: History in miniature

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - At the entrance, a large Lego poster reading “Daehan Independence Manse” comes into view. Next to it sits a tiny corner shop marked “Jeongdong Stationery,” its shelves packed with marble games, ice cream buckets, paper cards, and cotton candy. The miniature space feels like a small time capsule, carrying the warmth of the years it represents. Inside the special exhibition hall, visitors walk through a

November 28, 2025

PHOTOS: Seoul Station marks 100 years of history

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Seoul Station is marking its 100th anniversary this year with a commemorative exhibition that revisits the landmark’s century-long transformation and its role in Korea’s modern history. First opened in 1925 as Gyeongseong Station, the building has borne witness to some of the most significant chapters of the nation’s past — from Japanese colonial rule and the push for modernization to liberation, national division, industrializati

November 28, 2025