TRAVEL: The royal pines of Samcheok — A legacy etched in wood

SAMCHEOK, July 02 (AJP) - In the mountainous reaches of Samcheok, Gangwon Province, lies Jungyongmyo, the tomb of General Yangmu, the father of King Mokjo and a fifth-generation ancestor of Yi Seong-gye, the visionary who founded the Joseon Dynasty. Surrounding this sacred ground is a remarkable forest of Geumgang pine trees, a distinctive species deeply woven into the fabric of Korean history and culture. This dense cluster boasts approximately 140,000 pine trees, many of them

July 2, 2025

PHOTOS: Beauty of Mount Kumgang in North Korea

SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - North Korea's Foreign Languages Publishing House recently issued a collection of postcards showcasing the natural landscapes of Mount Kumgang, one of the Korean Peninsula's most revered and picturesque mountains. Mount Kumgang, often translated as "Diamond Mountain," is a majestic range in North Korea's Kangwon Province, celebrated for its dramatic granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, and serene valleys. Revered in Korean culture for centuries,

July 1, 2025

PHOTOS: Centuries-old stele earns National Treasure status

SEOUL, June 26 (AJP) - A remarkable stele from the ancient Silla Dynasty, which chronicles the construction of an embankment and a pond designed to mitigate natural disasters, was designated a National Treasure on June 20. The ancient stone in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, stands beside a reservoir known as Cheongmot, a body of water that has been in continuous use since its creation during the Silla period, more than a millennium ago. Carved on both sides of a single,

June 26, 2025

PHOTOS: Korean War anniversary

SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - June 25 marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, which erupted in 1950. The conflict inflicted profound damage and enduring trauma upon the Korean populace, and its legacies — including the division of the peninsula and the lingering aftereffects of the Cold War — continue to shape the region. Below, we present a collection of photographs from the commemorative events held around this solemn anniversary.

June 25, 2025

TRAVEL: Cheonggyecheon — Seoul's green heart

SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - In the heart of this bustling metropolis, a remarkable scene unfolds along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Citizens dip their bare feet into the cool water, some engrossed in books, others in animated conversations with friends, colleagues, and international visitors. The clear stream teems with life: stately carp glide beneath the surface, while herons, observed with curious delight by passersby, patiently stalk fish. Families of mallards, foraging for susten

June 24, 2025

PHOTOS: Annual Seoul garden show adds Pokemon charm

SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - The 10th Seoul International Garden Show is now open at Boramae Park, offering a vibrant display of horticulture and design through Oct. 20. As in previous years, admission to the exhibition remains free. While Boramae Park itself is accessible into the evening, illuminated by special lighting, dedicated installations and experience booths operate from noon to 7 p.m. This year's show has seen a notable surge in young visitors, a trend largely attribut

June 19, 2025

PHOTOS: Farmers rush harvest as monsoon looms

SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - As summer's full intensity takes hold, farmers across the region are working feverishly to bring in their crops. They aim to complete the harvest before the anticipated arrival of the monsoon season. From sun-baked fields, images emerge of these determined cultivators, their brows beaded with sweat, locked in a daily struggle against the elements.

June 19, 2025

PHOTOS: Foggy landscapes

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Clouds and fog often conspire to form distinctive landscapes. A photographic collection showcases the unique scenery forged by mist.

June 18, 2025

K-ART: Reimagining the Buddha's path: 'Eight Views, Eight Senses'

SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - In Eight Views, Eight Senses (팔관팔감, 八觀八感), artist Jeong Ha-yul takes on one of Buddhist art's most revered visual forms, the Palsangdo, or "Eight Scenes from the Life of the Buddha." Traditionally painted in temples, these works trace eight defining moments in Siddhartha Gautama's journey, from birth to enlightenment, and to final nirvana. But for Jeong, the Palsangdo is more than a historical or religious artifact. It'

June 17, 2025

TRAVEL: A taste of Busan's past and future at Jagalchi Market

SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - Nestled along the vibrant Nampo-dong beachfront in Busan, Jagalchi Market stands as an enduring symbol of the city's rich maritime heritage. For well over a century, this bustling hub has drawn both local residents and a steady stream of international visitors, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Busan. The market’s origins trace back to 1922, when a consignment sales center for the Busan Fisheries Cooperative was established on thi

June 17, 2025