[PHOTOS] Korea celebrates 'Ipchun,' the beginning of spring

SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - Today marks Ipchun (입춘), the first of the 24 solar divisions of the year. Ipchun symbolizes the start of spring. On this day, it is a tradition to post phrases such as "Ipchun Daegil" (great fortune as spring begins) and "Geonyang Dagyeong" (many blessings with the rise of positive energy) on front doors or pillars of homes. In Korea's agrarian past, Ipchun was a vital period, signaling the beginning of preparations for the farming seaso

February 3, 2025

PHOTOS: Beautiful Korean national parks selected for photography contest

SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - The Korea National Park Service, under the Ministry of Environment, recently unveiled the winning photos from the 23rd National Park Photography Contest. The 60-day contest, held starting in June 2024, received 3,676 submissions on national park landscapes, ecology, and cultural heritage, with 80 pieces selected after five rounds of judging.

January 31, 2025

PHOTOS: Kyungdong Market, a haven for fresh fruits, vegetables, traditional commerce

SEOUL, January 29 (AJP) - Since the 1960s, Kyungdong Market has been a cornerstone of Seoul’s traditional market culture, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of commerce. Located away from the city’s bustling downtown, the market remains a hub for locals rather than a hotspot for international tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Korean marketplace experience. The sprawling market is divided into sections dedicated to vegetables and fruits, s

January 29, 2025

PHOTOS: Migration for Lunar New Year holiday begins

SEOUL, January 24 (AJP) - As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, Koreans are on the move. Around 1.3 million people are expected to travel abroad through domestic airports over the ten days from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2. On average, 134,000 passengers are expected to depart each day, marking a 13.8 percent increase compared to last year's average of 117,000 passengers per day during the holiday season.

January 24, 2025

PHOTOS : 100 must-see Korean tourist destinations

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - A selection of "2025–2026 Korea Tourism 100", which highlights Korea's representative tourist attractions, was announced Monday by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization. The "Korea Tourism 100" project is now in its 7th year. It selects and promotes the must-visit destinations in Korea for both domestic citizens and international tourists every two years.

January 23, 2025

Hwaseong Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Suwon

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Nestled in the city of Suwon, just south of Seoul, Hwaseong Fortress is a stunning reminder of Korea’s rich history. Built during the reign of King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty between 1794 and 1796, this impressive fortress was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The fortress spans 5.7 kilometers and features four grand gates, intricate defensive structures, and architectural marvels that combine strength with beauty. A leisurely

January 23, 2025

PHOTOS: Children learn traditions of Lunar New Year festival

SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - As Korea's major holiday, the Lunar New Year known as "Seollal," nears next week, kindergarten children in various regions in South Korea are learning the customs of performing a New Year's bow and traditional folk games.

January 22, 2025

PHOTOS: Kazakhstan envoy, AJP chairman explore cooperation opportunities

SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to South Korea, Nurgali A. Arystanov, visited Aju News Corporation in Seoul on Tuesday to explore avenues for future collaboration with Aju Chairman Kwak Young-kil. Aju News Corporation, a leading South Korean media group, operates the AJP news agency, Aju Business Daily, Aju TV, and other media outlets. During the meeting, Ambassador Arystanov and Chairman Kwak discussed joint initiatives to strengthen media partnerships, promote cul

January 21, 2025

PHOTO: Yoon appears for hearing in impeachment trial

SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol, detained in a solitary cell on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, appeared for a hearing in his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court of Korea in central Seoul on Tuesday

January 21, 2025

PHOTOS: Kyungdong Market in eastern Seoul offers authentic slice of local life

Editor's Note: This is the first of a special photo series exploring Kyungdong Market, one of Seoul's biggest traditional marketplaces. SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - While Hongdae is known for its trendy appeal to young people and tourists, Kyungdong Market in eastern Seoul has earned the affectionate nickname "Hongdae for seniors," serving as a lively social and shopping hub for the city's elderly residents since the 1960s. As Seoul's largest traditional market, Kyun

January 20, 2025