PHOTOS: Lotte World Adventure, Korea's premier theme park

SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - Nestled in the heart of Songpa-gu, Lotte World Adventure stands as one of South Korea’s premier theme parks, seamlessly blending nostalgia and modern attractions. First opened in July 1989, the sprawling complex was completed in March 1990 with the addition of Magic Island, an outdoor extension that offers visitors an immersive, fairy tale-inspired retreat. Conveniently connected to Jamsil Station via an underground entrance, Lotte World Adventure welcomes gue

March 20, 2025

PHOTOS: Spring flowers laden with late snow

SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - The country witnessed a spring snow on March 18, transforming newly emerged flowers into a striking tableau of winter and spring.

March 19, 2025

PHOTOS: Late-season snow blankets Korea

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - A sudden, unseasonable snowfall gripped South Korea on Tuesday, with Seoul experiencing its latest-ever heavy snow advisory. The unexpected blizzard, arriving on the cusp of spring, caused widespread disruption. Here, images from across the country depicted scenes of snow-laden landscapes, a stark contrast to the budding signs of spring.

March 18, 2025

PHOTOS: Nighttime strolls at Changgyeonggung Palace

SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - Changgyeonggung Palace, a verdant oasis in the heart of Seoul, presents a captivating spectacle across the seasons. Its diverse arboreal landscape, rich in species, renders it a premier destination for leisurely strolls and photographic pursuits. The palace structures, while more intimate than their counterparts, exude a refined elegance. Evenings bring a heightened allure, as the intricate dancheong and latticework are accentuated by illumination.

March 18, 2025

PHOTOS: Traditional welcome ceremony for Sungkyunkwan freshmen

SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - Sungkyunkwan University, tracing its lineage to the Joseon Dynasty's national academy, revived a traditional welcome ceremony for its incoming class, Feb. 16. Freshmen gathered at Myeongnyundang, the university’s historic hall in Seoul’s Jongno district, to participate in "Shinbangrye," a ritual echoing the formal induction of Confucian scholars of centuries past.

March 17, 2025

TRAVEL: Seoul Public Bicycle Ttareungi

SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - I have been commuting to work using 'Ttareungi,' Seoul's unmanned public bicycle system operated by the Seoul Facilities Corporation, for over two years. I have been riding bicycles since my middle and high school years, commuting for six years. A few years ago, after a late-night gathering, I found myself without public transportation and unable to get a taxi. I spotted a Ttareungi bike nearby, rented it, and rode home. What would have taken o

March 14, 2025

PHOTOS: Authorities ramp up wildfire prevention efforts

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Springtime often sees a surge in wildfires, as dry conditions and parched vegetation create ideal circumstances. Authorities are responding with heightened preparedness, including public education campaigns, increased monitoring, and rigorous firefighting exercises.

March 14, 2025

PHOTOS: Plum blossoms at Tongdosa Temple

SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - Amid warm temperatures reaching 18 degrees Celsius in South Gyeongsang Province on Feb. 12, vibrant red plum blossoms have emerged at Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan. The early bloom drew crowds of visitors and photographers seeking a glimpse of spring’s nascent arrival. The early bloom offered a seasonal respite for those seeking to document the transition from winter, with many capturing images of the blossoms against the temple’s tranquil landscape.

March 13, 2025

PHOTOS: Arrival of spring

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - The warmth of spring has arrived, bringing life to rural fields and urban parks. Here's a glimpse of how people are celebrating the season.

March 12, 2025

PHOTOS: 19th-century Korean folding screen, ceremonial robe restored

SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - A centuries-old Korean folding screen, along with a ceremonial robe of the Joseon Dynasty, have been meticulously restored after a lengthy conservation effort, officials announced Tuesday. The Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Samsung Foundation of Culture, completed the restoration of the eight-panel screen, "Welcoming Ceremony for the Newly Appointed Governor of Pyeongan Province," held at the Peabody Essex Museum in Sale

March 11, 2025