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  Rain brings relief to Seoul after weeks of early summer heat SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Rain began to fall in Seoul on Monday afternoon, bringing some relief from the early summer heat of recent weeks. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), rain that began earlier in the day in central regions has spread nationwide and is expected to continue through Tuesday. Up to 20 mm of rainfall is forecast for Seoul, while up to 40 mm is expected in Gyeonggi Province and other southern regions. The KMA warned of strong gusts, thunde May 11, 2026
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  Seoul prepares for Buddha's birthday celebrations SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Colorful lanterns light up along Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul on Monday as Buddha's birthday approaches, with preparations underway for the annual lotus lantern festival, known as Yeondeunghoe. Large traditional installations and rows of glowing lotus lanterns have been set up around the stream and nearby walking paths, drawing attention from both locals and foreign tourists. Large traditional decorations and glowing lotus installations have been se May 11, 2026
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  Festival brings taste of rural coastal life to Seoulites SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - A fishing village-themed festival kicked off on Monday at Gwanghwamun Square, offering city residents a taste of coastal life and a glimpse into rural relocation opportunities. Hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency, the three-day festival provides information for those interested in relocating to fishing villages, along with details on government policies, support programs, and fisheries-related job May 11, 2026
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  Nami Island turns into an island of fairytales SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) -Under canopies of fresh spring leaves and tree-lined paths washed in soft May sunlight, families wandered through Nami Island this weekend as the 2026 Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival transformed the popular riverside retreat into a sprawling storybook playground. Held under the theme “Romance,” NAMBOOK 2026 opened on May 1 and runs through May 17, blending literature, art and performance across the island’s open-air May 11, 2026
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  Memorial space for Korean War heroes set to open at Gwanghwamun SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - A memorial garden honoring soldiers who died in the Korean War and other war veterans is set to open this week at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. City officials and workers were busy making final preparations on Monday, just a day ahead of the opening of the space, dubbed the "Garden of Gratitude," which commemorates the sacrifices and contributions of around 22 countries that sent troops and provided sup May 11, 2026
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  Flower market bustles with shoppers on Parents' day SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) -In South Korea, spring does not fully arrive until the carnations appear. Every year on May 8, families across the country celebrate Parents' Day, a national observance dedicated to honoring both mothers and fathers. Streets fill with bouquets wrapped in pink paper, flower stalls spill over with red carnations, and schoolchildren clutch handmade pins and handwritten letters on their way home. The carnation has become the defining symbol of the holiday & May 8, 2026
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  Gyeonggi fire services demonstrates unmanned firefighting robot 'FIRO' YONGIN, May 07 (AJP) - The Gyeonggi Fire Service's headquarters has conducted a demonstration of an unmanned firefighting robot called 'FIRO' at the Gyeonggi Fire Service Academy's live fire training facility in Yongin, south of Seoul, on Wednesday. The demonstration event included remote driving, water spraying, and search & rescue operations. According to the emergency headquarters, the unmanned firefighting robot will be deployed in dangerous environments May 7, 2026
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  Prelude to U.S.-China summit, scholars discuss fault lines in Korea SEOUL, May 06 (AJP) -Scholars from South Korea and China gathered in Seongnam on Tuesday to dissect the shifting balance between Washington and Beijing ahead of a closely watched meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping due next week. At Gravity Pangyo in Gyeonggi Province, academics and policy experts filled the conference hall for a special seminar examining how intensifying U.S.-China rivalry is reshaping diplomacy, technology and security a May 6, 2026
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  Circus casts a little magic over Children's Day on Nodeul Island SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - A little magic settled over Nodeul Island this Children’s Day as the Seoul Circus Festival turned the riverside island into a world of acrobats, laughter and wide-eyed wonder. From Monday through Tuesday, circus performers tumbled across grassy fields, balanced high above cheering crowds and invited children to step into the spotlight themselves. What began as a performance quickly became a playground where children were no longer spectators, but part of May 5, 2026
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  Seoul converts downtown into massive garden for international exhibition SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - Seoul transformed into a massive public garden as the 2026 Seoul International Garden Show opened Friday in the Seoul Forest and Seongsu, the western district of hipsters and foreign tourists. The exhibition is scheduled to run through October 27. The event spans approximately 90,000 square meters and features 167 distinct gardens, making it the largest horticultural show in the history of the capital. According to the Seoul Metrop May 4, 2026