PHOTOS: Royal guard appointment ceremony

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - A reenactment of a historic royal guard appointment ceremony took place at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on March 30. The "National Royal Guard Appointment Ceremony," an annual spring event, is based on records dating back to 1469, during the reign of King Yejong of the Joseon Dynasty. Historically, the king would select the most trusted official to serve as head of the royal guards through a process known as "nakjeom," marking the name of the chose

March 31, 2025

PHOTOS: Historic temple destroyed in wildfire

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - A devastating wildfire has engulfed and largely destroyed the ancient Gounsa Temple in Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province. The temple, dating back to 681, was a significant cultural landmark. Most of the temple complex was consumed by the flames. Fortunately, cultural artifacts, including the Stone Seated Buddha, had been moved off-site prior to the fire, averting their destruction. Images from February, before the blaze, highlight the extent of

March 28, 2025

TRAVEL: Leeum Museum of Art - Private museum preserving S. Korea's artistic soul

SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - TRAVEL: Leeum Museum of Art - Private museum preserving S. Korea’s artistic soul Located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, the Leeum Museum of Art is a private institution founded by the Samsung Foundation of Culture. A reflection of the collective artistic passion of the extended Samsung family—including the late founder Lee Byung-chul, the late Lee Kun-hee, and Hong Ra-hee—the museum blends their appreciation for Korea’s ancien

March 27, 2025

PHOTOS: Krafton celebrates battle royale game's anniversary with fun-filled event in Seoul

SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - Game lovers gathered for a fun-filled event in Seoul's trendy district of Seongsu-dong last week. Under the banner of "PUBG Fan Festa Seoul," the event was hosted by game developer Krafton to celebrate the eighth anniversary of its multiplayer battle royale game "Battlegrounds," where dozens of players parachute onto a large map, acquire equipment, engage in combat, and win by being the last one standing. The three-day event, which

March 27, 2025

PHOTOS: Wildfire devastates coastal village in North Gyeongsang

SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - A wildfire that ignited in Uiseong, a landlocked area of North Gyeongsang Province, has swept eastward, fueled by strong winds, and devastated a coastal village in Yeongdeok. Authorities in Yeongdeok County issued a mandatory evacuation order for all nine townships and districts at 7:30 p.m., March 26.

March 27, 2025

PHOTOS: Wildfire threatens UNESCO heritage sites in Andong

SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - Authorities are scrambling to protect two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, as a massive wildfire sends smoke billowing into the historic villages. Andong Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon were engulfed in thick smoke on Wednesday morning, prompting a swift response from fire and forestry officials. Crews are deploying water cannons and other equipment to douse the villages and surrounding homes in an effort to prevent the fire from

March 26, 2025

PHOTOS: Fifth day of wildfire hell in North Gyeongsang

SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - The death toll from persistent wildfires in the southeastern part of South Korea has risen to 18, with another 19 people injured, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Wednesday. The blaze, which ignited in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, continues to rage for a fifth day. Fueled by strong winds, the fire has forced the evacuation of over 23,300 residents across seven cities and counties in the province. Officials are continu

March 26, 2025

PHOTOS: Man found dead after being swallowed by massive sinkhole in Seoul

SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - A motorcyclist was found dead on Tuesday after being swallowed by a large sinkhole that abruptly opened in a busy intersection in eastern Seoul, Monday night. The incident occurred at 6:29 p.m. on Monday near an elementary school in the Gangdong-gu. Another driver narrowly avoided injury as the road collapsed beneath him. The sudden collapse prompted the closure of four schools in the vicinity. The cause of the sinkhole is under investigation, raising qu

March 25, 2025

PHOTOS: Korea battles multiple wildfires amidst high winds

SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - Wildfires are raging across South Korea, with authorities struggling to contain the blazes due to strong winds and dry conditions. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported that as of 7 a.m., March 25, fires are active in Sancheong and Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province, Uiseong in North Gyeongsang Province, Ulju in Ulsan, and Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province.

March 25, 2025

PHOTOS: KBO season opens with sellout crowds at all parks

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - The Korean Baseball Organization began season on March 22, with sellout crowds at all five stadiums hosting the initial two-game series. The league, which topped 10 million attendees last year, anticipates another robust season.

March 24, 2025