Nobel laureates greet visitors at downtown Seoul bookstore SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - Portraits of Nobel Prize laureates line the Sejong-ro entrance corridor at Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun, offering passersby a glimpse of history's greatest minds. Among the portraits displayed are novelist Han Kang, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, and Kim Dae-jung, South Korea's 15th president and recipient of the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize. The exhibition brings the achievements of Nobel laureates into the heart of the city, making t April 14, 2026

Soaring fuel costs squeeze fishermen amid prolong Middle East crisis INCHEON, April 13 (AJP) - South Korea's average diesel price soared to 1,986 won (about US$1.34) on Monday amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Diesel for fishing trawlers now costs around 280,000 won per drum (or 200 liters), up about 60 percent from a month earlier, adding to the financial burden on fishermen. April 13, 2026

South Korea gears up for local elections SUWON, April 13 (AJP) - With just two months left until local elections, large banners have begun appearing across the country, urging voters to cast their ballots. This year's local elections to elect about 4,000 metropolitan mayors, provincial governors and other heads of local governments nationwide are slated for June 3. April 13, 2026

Following the tracks, following the taste (Gangneung) -1 SEOUL, April 13 (AJP) - The journey begins before the sea comes into view.Steel rails draw a quiet line from Seoul to the East Coast, and along that line, time seems to fold. Since the opening of the KTX Gangneung Line in 2017 ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the city has moved closer (two hours) —not just in distance, but in rhythm. What once required a night’s stay now fits within a single day. The train does not merely carry passengers April 13, 2026

Seoul's two landmark statues get spring wash SEOUL, April 13 (AJP) - Seoul's two landmark statues in Gwanghwamun are being bathed this week as part of regular maintenance and preservation efforts. As spring arrives, dust and other stains that have accumulated on the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-shin over the long winter months will be washed off on Monday and Tuesday. Any damaged areas will also be touched up and recoated to prevent rust and preserve the statues' original condition. April 13, 2026

Hundreds of booths showcase latest tech convergence at expo in southern Seoul SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) - An expo featuring the latest technologies and trends in electronics and automotive manufacturing is being held at COEX in southern Seoul, with about 250 domestic and foreign companies participating. The three-day expo with more than 400 booths which kicked off Wednesday are showcasing a wide range of equipment and solutions in the fields of automotive electronics and smart factory systems, allowing visitors to explore automated production lines and advanced m April 10, 2026

Flower-themed festival underway as spring in full bloom GANGNEUNG, April 10 (AJP) - A cherry-blossom-themed festival is underway along Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, welcoming visitors hoping to enjoy a spring outing at the peak of seasonal flowers. The weeklong festival, which kicked off last weekend and runs until Saturday, offers various programs including a singing contest, music performances, sporting events, and other activities in the surrounding areas. A roughly 4-kilometer-long trail lined with cherry blossom April 10, 2026

Statue honoring wartime sex slavery victims accessible without barricade on Wednesdays SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) - A barricade that prevented people from approaching a statue honoring the victims of sexual enslavement during World War II in central Seoul was removed last Wednesday. The statue of an unsmiling girl symbolizing former sex slaves forced to serve Japanese soldiers during the war stands in front of the Japanese Embassy, where victims and their supporters have held protests every Wednesday for decades. It was the first time in about six years that the barrica April 10, 2026

BTS franchise in incessant motion: on screen and stage, and off stage SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) -BTS franchise is in incessant motion since its March 21 comeback. As the world tour opens in Goyang on Thursday, the group has been releasing weekly viral music videos, amplifying global fan excitement. Off-stage activations have been just as intense, turning Seoul into a citywide extension of the BTS universe. The “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” project has kicked off across the capital, drawing strong response to its fan-participation programs. Th April 9, 2026

Stars of 'The Devil Wears Prada' arrive in Seoul to promote sequel SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) - Hollywood stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway attended a red carpet event to meet South Korean fans in central Seoul on Wednesday, just weeks ahead of the release of their upcoming film. Their visit to Seoul comes as the sequel to their 2006 hit "The Devil Wears Prada" is scheduled for release on April 29. The sequel reunites the original cast in new roles, as they face new challenges and evolving careers in the fashion industry. It remains to be April 8, 2026