PHOTOS: Endangered cranes return

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - A flock of the white-naped crane, an internationally recognized endangered species, was observed in a rice paddy in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, on October 12. The white-naped crane is one of the world's rarest crane species, with a global population estimated to be only around 7,000 to 8,000 individuals. The cranes observed in Cheorwon are part of the eastern flyway population, which breeds in Russia and Mongolia before migrating south. Sout

October 17, 2025

PHOTOS: Ancient historic city of Gyeongju lights up ahead of APEC summit

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit just around the corner, rehearsals and other preparations are underway in South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju. One project involved a 15 billion Korean won investment to enhance nighttime scenery around an artificial lake in Bomun, a popular tourist destination in the historic city. At a pre-event called the "Festival of Light" held on Wednesday ahead of the summit to be held

October 16, 2025

PHOTOS: Why Seoul is hiker's paradise

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Seoul, a dazzling metropolis, holds a secret weapon for escaping the urban bustle: its surrounding peaks. Unlike most megacities, Seoul’s mountains are easily accessible via its subway system, offering hikers a quick dose of nature, sweeping city views, and a deep dive into Korean history. Even on a busy weekday, a nature escape is just a short trip away. Mountains like Naksan, Inwangsan, Namsan, and Baegaksan — often integral par

October 16, 2025

PHOTOS: Sajikdan, tracing the roots of Joseon

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - On Oct. 11, 2025, calm autumn air filled Sajikdan in Seoul’s Jongno District. Seoul, the capital of the 500-year Joseon Dynasty and the heart of modern Korea, is known for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Yet few people realize that equally important sites stand on both sides of it — Jongmyo and Sajik. The phrase often heard in historical dramas, “Your Majesty, protect Jongmyo and Sajik,” refers to these two sacred places.

October 15, 2025

PHOTOS: A fruit paradise born from Bangkok's dawn market

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The Thai Market was already alive with energy. The first impression upon entering was the sheer scale. The space stretched across what felt like several football fields, with a ceiling as high as a five-story building. Yet even that vastness was filled with the scent of fruit. The air was thick with the sweet, heavy fragrance of mangoes, durians, bananas, dragon fruit, and pineapples. Located about an hour’s drive from Su

October 14, 2025

PHOTOS: Parade marks National Foundation Day

SEOUL, October 03 (AJP) - On Oct. 3, Kukhakwon members held a commemorative parade from Anguk-dong Rotary to Jonggak in Seoul’s Jongno District, followed by a ceremony to mark National Foundation Day. The holiday, known as “the day the sky opened,” commemorates the founding of Gojoseon, the first Korean state established by Dangun Wanggeom, and celebrates the beginning of Korean history.

October 3, 2025

PHOTOS: Kindergarteners show off skills at jump rope competition

SUWON, October 02 (AJP) - Over 1,500 young students from private kindergartens across Suwon participated in a jump rope competition, Thursday. The event, hosted by the Suwon Kindergarten Association, took place at the Suwon Sports Complex Gymnasium. The competition served as a platform for the children to showcase the jump rope skills they had been practicing. Enthusiastic parents and family members filled the stands, providing loud cheers for the young athletes. Jump rope i

October 2, 2025

TRAVEL: Walking through the independence history of Malaysia, diverse ethnicities working as one

KUALA LUMPUR, October 02 (AJP) - On Aug. 31, 1957, Malaysia peacefully liberated itself from British colonization. Its first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, raised his fists and declared the full independence of the nation. Today, the once British site for colonial officers stands as Independence Square, also known as Merdeka Square. While not particularly large, the square has the highest flagpole in all of Malaysia, with the country's flag standing upright sur

October 2, 2025

PHOTOS: October brings burst of color to Korea's landscapes

SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - The Korean Peninsula is undergoing a dramatic seasonal transition, as October ushers in the full splendor of autumn. Across South Korea, the landscapes are beginning to transform, with mountains and fields now donning the brilliant, kaleidoscopic hues of fall foliage and late-season flowers. This annual display of natural beauty coincides with a palpable sense of anticipation among the public. Excitement is building nationwide as people prepare for the

October 1, 2025

TRAVEL: A trip to Banguris Homestay, an authentic Malaysian experience to the core

KUALA LUMPUR, October 1 (AJP) - Located in Selangor, one of Malaysia's largest states, the Sepang District is known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. Deeper within the district lies Banguris Homestay, a village dedicated to showing guests how real Malay people live. With around 20 government-certified houses available for homestays, visitors can enjoy naturally ventilated rooms and authentic Malaysian food. The town boasts near-zero crime rates, and most households

October 1, 2025