PHOTOS: Cherry blossoms at Seoul's Seokchon Lake

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - A frothy canopy of pale pink and white has enveloped the walking paths encircling Seokchon Lake, transforming the popular Jamsil district into a springtime idyll. The full bloom of cherry blossoms has arrived, casting a delicate beauty over the waters and drawing throngs of visitors to the renowned scenic spot.

April 15, 2025

PHOTOS: Tug-of-war ritual in Dangjin seeks unity, blessings

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - From April 10 to 13, Dangjin in South Chungcheong Province reverberated with the rhythmic chants and straining muscles of thousands gathered for the annual Gijisi tug-of-war festival, a vibrant tradition that transcends mere sport. Designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015, the Gijisi tug-of-war is deeply rooted in agricultural ritual, a communal prayer for a bountiful harvest and protection against calamities. The scale of the Gijisi eve

April 15, 2025

PHOTOS: Exhibition of traditional Korean fans

SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - An exhibition of traditional Korean fans has opened at the Kansong Art Museum in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul. The exhibition, which began on April 9, revisits a custom cherished by Koreans who exchanged calendars in winter and fans during the summer months. Beyond their practical function of offering respite from the heat, fans, particularly during the late Joseon Dynasty, evolved into a popular artistic medium. Calligraphy and intricate paintings adorned these objects, tr

April 14, 2025

TRAVEL: 'Gyeomjae Jeong Seon' exhibition at Ho-Am Art Museum

SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) - Gyeomjae Jeong Seon (1676–1759) is considered one of the greatest painters of the Joseon Dynasty. A trailblazer of true-view landscape painting (Jingyeong Sansuhwa), he helped usher in the golden age of 18th-century Korean art by portraying Korea’s natural scenery with a uniquely Korean perspective. Jeong was a master across multiple genres, including landscapes, portraits, and bird-and-flower paintings. From April 2 to June 29, the Ho-Am Art M

April 11, 2025

PHOTOS: Yoon Suk Yeol ouster leads to spike in Cheong Wa Dae visitors

SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) - Cheong Wa Dae, once the presidential office which opened to the public in May 2022 after the inauguration of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is experiencing a sharp increase in visitors following the Constitutional Court's verdict to oust Yoon from office. The surge is attributed to two main factors. The impeachment protests that had gripped nearby areas like Gwanghwamun have ceased. Additionally, there is growing speculation that public access to the compound w

April 10, 2025

PHOTOS: Crime thriller 'Yadang: The Snitch' to hit theaters next week

SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - The press screening and media conference for the upcoming crime action film Yadang: The Snitch took place on April 7 at Megabox COEX. Yadang: The Snitch delves into South Korea’s underground drug trade, weaving a tense narrative around three central figures: Yadang, a cunning broker who architects the nation’s illicit drug market; a driven prosecutor eager to climb the professional ladder; and a relentless detective who has devoted his career to

April 9, 2025

PHOTOS: Planting season

SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - The arrival of spring has ushered in a period of intense activity in the countryside as farmers ready the land for planting. This collection of images offers a glimpse into their springtime labors.

April 8, 2025

TRAVEL: At royal tomb, symbolic reeds-cutting ceremony connects past and present

SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - On April 5, a tradition linking South Korea’s imperial past to its present unfolded at the serene Donggureung Royal Tombs. Under a steady spring drizzle, the “Cheongwan Yecho” ceremony took place, a ritual centered on the trimming of reeds that blanket the burial mound of Geonwolleung, the final resting place of Yi Seong-gye, who established the Joseon Dynasty. The term “Cheongwan” refers to reeds, while “Yecho&rdqu

April 8, 2025

PHOTOS: Korean instant noodles going global

SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) - The "2025 Korea Ramyeon Fair" took place at the COEX convention center in Magok, Seoul, from April 4-6, showcasing the enduring popularity and growing international reach of South Korean instant noodles. This year's exhibition featured 150 companies, presenting a wide array of products, from the noodles themselves to raw ingredients, cooking equipment, and manufacturing supplies. According to recent figures, exports of South Korean instant noodles reac

April 7, 2025

PHOTOS: Moments of historic ruling

SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - In a unanimous decision, the Constitutional Court, Friday, removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, effective immediately.

April 4, 2025