Months-long exhibition in Seoul showcases over 170 works by abstract art pioneer SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - A retrospective exhibition honoring Yoo Youngkuk, a pioneer of South Korea's experimental abstract art, opened in Seoul on Tuesday, offering a rare opportunity to appreciate his works over his six-decade career. Marking the 110th anniversary of Yoo's birth, the exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Art in central Seoul runs until late October as part of the museum's first series featuring major South Korean modern artists. The May 19, 2026

Glowing lanterns greet Buddha's Birthday SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - On an early summer night, thousands of colorful lanterns lit up the streets of Seoul as small lights gathered into a massive procession. The glowing lanterns reflected not only a long-standing tradition, but also a sense of community and shared hope. Ahead of Buddha's Birthday, the annual Yeondeunghoe took place on May 16 across central Seoul. Citizens and foreign visitors gathered along the route stretching from Heunginjimun May 19, 2026

Young adults mark Coming-of-Age Day with campus festivities SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - Coming-of-Age Day celebrations were held across the country on Monday, with universities marking the occasion for students turning 19 this year. Observed every third Monday of May, the day encourages young adults to embrace their new responsibilities as members of society. It has long been a tradition to give roses and perfume to those reaching adulthood, while universities and local communities have increasingly hosted events celebrating young people enteri May 18, 2026

First 'India Day' transforms Seoul riverfront into 'Mini India' SEOUL, May 17 (AJP) - On Saturday, May 16, the weekend breeze off the Han River carried the heavy scents of cumin, masala, and roasting curries. Under a cloudless early-summer sky, Mulbit Square at Yeouido Hangang Park was temporarily remade into a "Mini India." More than 1,500 people navigated the sprawling outdoor festival, where visitors in bright saris mingled alongside families setting up pop-up tents and picnic mats under the trees. Hosted by the Embas May 17, 2026

K-Art: Contemporary art in display at SETEC SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) -The '5th Seoul Art Fair (SAF),' diagnosing the present and envisioning the future of Korean contemporary art, opened at SETEC in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event features 160 gallery and individual exhibition booths with approximately 1,200 artists participating. Beyond a simple exhibition, it presents a new type of art market based on a clear direction of being 'artist-centered.' This year, artists from May 16, 2026

Seoul sizzles as early summer heat pushes temperatures above 30C SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) -An unusually early summer heat spell swept across South Korea on Friday as temperatures in Seoul climbed above 30 degrees Celsius, driving citizens and foreign tourists toward fountains and shaded public spaces to escape the scorching weather. At Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, visitors crowded around fountain facilities and water features as children splashed through streams of water under clear blue skies. The scene reflected the growing popularity of o May 15, 2026

S. Korea celebrates birthday of Hangeul inventor King Sejong the Great SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - South Korea has celebrated the 629th birthday of King Sejong the Great, the creator of the Korean alphabet Hangeul, with cultural programs and hands-on experiences at Gyeongbokgung Palace in central Seoul on May 15. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said commemorative events took place at Heungnyemun Square inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, offering visitors a chance to experience the Korean language and traditional culture th May 15, 2026

Firefighters flex for burn victims in Seoul charity bodybuilding contest SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Muscles, rescue gear and stage lights filled a Seoul fire academy on Thursday as firefighters stepped briefly away from emergency calls to compete for a place in one of the city’s most unusual charity campaigns. The Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters held its 15th annual “Bodybuilder Firefighter Contest” at the Seoul Fire Academy in northwestern Seoul, where 29 firefighters — including 25 men and four women — compete May 14, 2026

Annual rose festival set to open in Seoul this week SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - A flower festival featuring roses in full bloom is set to open in Seoul's northeastern district of Jungnang this week. According to district officials, the annual rose festival, famous for its 5.45-kilometer flower tunnel, will begin with a walking event on Friday taking a strool along riverside trails and run through May 23. This year's event, now in its 18th year, features some 320,000 roses across 232 varieties, lining walking trails along the J May 14, 2026

Largest media expo underway in southern Seoul SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - The Korea International Broadcasting, Media, Audio & Lighting Show (KOBA), which kicked off on Wednesday, runs until Friday. Under the theme of "The AI-Awakened Media Era: Content Connects, Creation Evolves, Convergence Opens," the four-day expo reflects the rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies in the broadcasting and media industry, such as OpenAI's "Sora," Google's "Veo" and Meta's &quo May 14, 2026