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  PHOTOS: As Christmas arrives, trees light up a fractured world SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - As Christmas Day arrives, trees are lit across the world. It is a season that calls, however quietly, for peace and harmony — regardless of heartbreak, loss, grievance or conflict — as people mark the birth of Christ in their own idiosyncratic ways. In Rockefeller Center, the annual tree lighting took place on Dec. 3, as it does every year. Thousands of LED lights pierced the Manhattan night, drawing cheers from December 24, 2025
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  TRAVEL: Mt. Maisan's twin horse-ear peaks offer geological wonders JINAN, December 23 (AJP) - Famous for its unique geological and rocky formations, Mt. Maisan in southwestern South Korea has two distinctive twin peaks that resemble a horse's ears, from which the mountain got its name. The higher peak, called Ammaibong, reaches 687 meters, while the slightly lower Sutmaibong stands at 679.9 meters. Located in Jinan, North Jeolla Province, only Ammaibong is open to hikers. What makes the mountain especially striking is its cluster of stone f December 23, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Seoul's iconic ice rink offers affordable winter fun The Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, Dec. 19, 2025/ AJP Yoo Na-hyun SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) – The outdoor ice rink at Seoul Plaza officially opened its doors to the public last week, marking the return of one of the city’s most beloved winter traditions. The rink is scheduled to operate for a total of 52 days, welcoming skaters through February 8. According to city officials, the facility is open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday through Friday. On Saturdays and public holidays, op December 23, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Coal briquettes become symbol of solidarity SANGJU, December 22 (AJP) - During South Korea’s rapid industrialization, the yeontan — a cylindrical coal briquette — was the lifeblood of the working class, fueling the stoves that saw families through the harsh winters. While the nation has since transformed into a high-tech powerhouse, these "black diamonds" remain a critical, albeit fading, lifeline for the vulnerable. Though most of the country transitioned to oil boilers in the 1980s and event December 22, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Narye, the grand royal year-end ritual SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The National Gugak Center will stage its year-end performance Narye from December 18 to 21 at the Yeakdang Theater in Seocho District, Seoul. Narye is a traditional ritual that dates back to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Held on the final night of the lunar year, it was performed in royal courts, government offices, and private homes to drive away lingering misfortune and malevolent spirits, while praying for peace and prosperity in the comi December 19, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Japan's imperial court at the heart of Seoul SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) -Inside the exhibition hall, order and formality define the presentation of Japanese court culture. Through the Long Ages of Time: Japanese Court Culture, currently on view at the National Palace Museum of Korea, traces the formation and development of Japan’s court traditions across historical periods. The exhibition was organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Palace Museum of Korea and the 60th anniversary December 19, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Annual lantern festival lights up Seoul SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Seoul's annual lantern festival has arrived at the perfect time, illuminating the city for the holy, jolly holiday season. Now in its 17th year, the festival runs until the first week of the coming year, featuring around 500 lanterns, along with illuminating displays and other festive decorations. Visitors can explore various installations along the Cheonggye Stream, stretching from Gwanghwamun in central Seoul to Dongdaemun Desi December 19, 2025
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  Panmunjeom: The Cold War relic awaiting inter-Korean thaw SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Located within the Joint Security Area (JSA), Panmunjeom is the historic site where the Korean War armistice agreement was signed in 1953. Today, it remains a unique zone jointly managed by North and South Korea, partitioned by the Military Demarcation Line. While the area currently sits in silence due to strained inter-Korean relations and a total freeze in diplomacy, it remains the primary stage for global attention whenever dialogue resumes on the pen December 18, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Annual winter festa lights up night of Seoul SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - The 2025 Seoul Winter Festa officially commenced on Dec. 12, marking the start of a city-wide celebration of light and culture. Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and organized by the Seoul Tourism Organization, the festival aims to bridge the gap between local residents and international visitors. The event features a diverse lineup of programming that blends live performances and interactive experiences with the global appeal of K-culture. December 17, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Incheon's Inspire entertainment resort filled with Christmas SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Stepping into the rotunda, the view inside the resort’s grand circular hall drew an instinctive pause. The space, transformed into a “Winter Storybook Gift Factory,” felt like a page lifted from a Christmas tale — as if one had wandered into Santa’s workshop itself. Animatronic bears, brought to life through advanced technology, busied themselves with making and wrapping gifts, their small December 17, 2025