Seoul turns pink earlier than usual SEOUL, April 01 (AJP) -Full bloom suddenly arrived after heavy rain earlier this week. Cherry blossoms burst into full bloom around Seokchon Lake, soaking the lakeside in soft waves of pink and marking an early arrival of spring in the city. Petals clung to rain-darkened paths and shimmered on the lake’s surface, while the skyline — anchored by Lotte World Tower — stood framed by a fleeting canopy of blossoms. The city will formally welcome the season wit April 1, 2026

Tree-planting events begin nationwide ahead of Arbor Day Gyeonggi, March 31 (AJP) - A tree-planting event took place at a park in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province on Tuesday, about a week ahead of Arbor Day. The spring day, which falls on April 5 and marks the 81st anniversary this year, has been observed since 1946 to raise awareness of the importance of trees and forest resources, encouraging tree planting to restore devastated forests and create a more pleasant living environment. Although Arbor Day is no longer observed as a public holid March 31, 2026

Tracing humanity in the age of AI; MMCA's Deep Time SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - In an age where artificial intelligence processes information at lightning speed, what makes humans uniquely human? At the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the answer unfolds not through data, but through the patient gaze of a detective — observing, tracking and interpreting over time. The museum on March 31 unveiled its 2026 performing arts program, Deep Time, a yearlong exploration of how humans perceive, question and endure in an e March 31, 2026

Why yacht tour is best way to enjoy Busan's iconic Gwangan Bridge BUSAN, March 31 (AJP) -A yacht tour would be the best way to soak in the beauty of Gwangan Bridge, one of the must-see landmarks in the southern port city of Busan. Several tour programs are available at Haeundae Beach, the city's most famous beach, known for its long sandy shoreline and seaside attractions. Depending on the type of yacht, routes may vary, but some tours take you right under Gwangan Bridge, offering breathtaking views of Busan's co March 31, 2026

S. Korea braces for rain as spring temperature swings disrupt peninsula SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - Morning air across the Korean Peninsula remained crisp Monday even as the state weather administration warned that a significant frontal system will bring heavy rain and volatile conditions through Tuesday. While Seoul and inland regions recorded morning lows as low as 4 degrees Celsius, daytime highs are expected to surge to 22 degrees, creating a 15-degree thermal gap that officials say poses a legitimate risk to public health and agricultural stability. March 30, 2026

Drone spectacle lights up Busan's Gwangalli Beach SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - A spectacular drone show lit up the sky above Gwangalli Beach in the southern port city of Busan last Saturday. The 12-minute show featured mythical creatures and legendary guardians including dragons, white tigers, xuanwu (black tortoise), and vermillion birds, painting the night sky with a thousand lights, creating a stunning spectacle. The year-round show, which first began in 2022, takes place every Saturday evening twice per night — at 7 p.m. an March 30, 2026

Fine dust advisory issued as smog blankets Seoul SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - An ultrafine dust advisory was issued for Seoul and surrounding areas on Friday, as heavy smog carried by northwesterly winds blanketed the capital, with fine dust levels exceeding 81 ㎍/㎥, according to the Korea Environment Corporation. Such an advisory is issued when PM2.5 concentrations exceed 75 ㎍/㎥ for more than two consecutive hours. The elderly, children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are advised to refrain from outdoor March 27, 2026

South Korea marks 11th anniversary for fallen naval heroes SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - A ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of a joint commemoration honoring victims of naval incidents in the West Sea was held in Daejeon on Friday. South Korea has observed the fourth Friday of March as a day of remembrance, holding annual ceremonies since 2016 to honor victims of naval incidents and skirmishes with North Korea including a naval battle near the border island of Yeonpyeong in June 2002, the sinking of the corvette Cheonan in March 2010, and th March 27, 2026

Nearly 800 cadets commissioned in Iksan Iksan, March 26 (AJP) - About 788 cadets were commissioned as non-commissioned officers (NCOs) at a ceremony at a military academy in Iksan, North Jeolla Province on Thursday, after completing about 12 weeks of training. According to the army, it was the largest class in the past five years. Of the 788 newly commissioned NCOs, 579 were selected through a civilian recruitment program including 232 women, while 209 were former enlisted soldiers. The Army attributed the increase to March 26, 2026

Annual sports-themed show awes visitors with cutting-edge technologies SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - The annual sports-themed trade show is taking place at COEX in southern Seoul this week. The Seoul International Sports & Leisure Industry Show (SPOEX), South Korea's largest and one of Asia's biggest exhibitions where sports, technology, and industry converge, kicked off on Thursday and runs until this weekend. This year's event brought together around 300 domestic and international companies, offering a comprehensive platform that goes be March 26, 2026