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  Children's choir lights candles for Christmas SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - As the year-end Christmas season arrives, choirs across the country are spreading holiday joy and cheer. Among them, a children's choir at Light and Salt Church in northern Seoul lit candles last week, about a week ahead of Christmas. Through their carols, they prayed that small lights might come together to overcome the darkness, and that their small voices could swell into a thunderous chorus, bringing warmth to the cold winter night. December 24, 2025
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  Restored incense burners at Gyeongbokgung Palace unveiled on Christmas Eve SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Two lids for incense burners at Gyeongbokgung Palace in central Seoul have recently been restored, the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said on Wednesday. The newly-created lids, perfectly restored to fit the burners in front of the palace's main hall, were unveiled to the public on Christmas Eve and will remain permanently on display. The two identical burners are believed to have been made by melting down a large bell in 1866, during the reign of Gojo December 24, 2025
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  Santa buses return to Busan streets SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Santa-themed buses, once a beloved winter tradition in Busan but suspended due to fire and safety concerns, are making a comeback. The Busan Bus Transport Business Association announced Sunday that 10 Santa buses will operate from December 22 through mid-January 2026, reviving the popular seasonal service that had captured citizens' hearts. December 23, 2025
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  President returns to Blue House SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The era of the Yongsan presidential office has come to an end after just 3 years and 7 months, with the president returning to the Blue House. President Lee Jae Myung is expected to begin official work at the presidential office around December 28. However, the presidential residence will not be ready until early next year due to ongoing construction work. December 23, 2025
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  Dedicated gallery for ancient gilt-bronze masterpiece opens in Buyeo SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - The Buyeo National Museum is set to open a dedicated exhibition hall on Tuesday, exclusively showcasing one of South Korea’s most celebrated artifacts: a gilt-bronze incense burner of the Baekje Kingdom. Unearthed on Dec. 12, 1993, at a temple site in Buyeo, the incense burner is regarded as a pinnacle of ancient craftsmanship. Its intricate design — featuring a dragon base, a phoenix finial, and a body adorned with immortals, exotic animals, December 22, 2025
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  K-Handmade Fair SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest handmade exhibition, K-Handmade Fair 2025, opened on Dec. 18 at COEX B Hall in southern Seoul. Held under the theme “Happy Pages,” the four-day event runs through Dec. 21. The fair features handmade works across a wide range of categories, including crafts, design, art, interior items, fashion, accessories and beauty products, with around 600 booths participating. Visitors can meet creators in person at booths sho December 19, 2025
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  South Korea's priciest land for 23rd year SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - A prime commercial plot in Seoul’s iconic Myeong-dong shopping district has been named South Korea’s most expensive piece of land for the 23rd consecutive year. The 169-square-meter site, currently occupied by a Nature Republic flagship store, saw its officially appraised value for 2026 set at 188.4 million won ($145,000) per square meter. This represents a 4.4 percent increase from the 2025 valuation. The plot has held the top spot in the December 19, 2025
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  Korea grand sale kicks off SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The Korea Grand Sale, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, opened on December 17 and will run for 67 days until February 22, 2026. An opening ceremony was held in Myeongdong on December 17, featuring various performances to celebrate the launch. The festival is Korea's flagship promotional event targeting foreign tourists, combining shopping, culture, and tourism. Nationwide discounts and special o December 19, 2025
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  Century-old Buddhist pavilions gain heritage status SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on Friday that it will designate three pavilions from the late Joseon Dynasty as "Treasures," while elevating two iconic medieval stone pagodas to the status of "National Treasures." The three newly recognized pavilions include the Chimgyeru Pavilion at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, the Mansaeru Pavilion at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, and the Cheonboru Pavilion at Yongjusa Temple in Hwase December 19, 2025
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  Salvation army red kettle campaign under way SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Salvation Army red kettle campaigns are under way across the country as the year draws to a close. Active in Korea since 1908, the Salvation Army continues its long-running tradition of collecting donations to support neighbors in need. December 17, 2025