S. Korea's benchmark KOSPI drops due to war in Middle East SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - The benchmark KOSPI plunged on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions escalated following the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran. The KOSPI closed at 5,791.91, down 452.22 points, or 7.24 percent, from the previous session. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ also fell 55.08 points, or 4.62 percent, to finish at 1,137.70. An electronic board at the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul displayed the sharp decline in the benchmark index. March 3, 2026

How South Koreans celebrate Lunar New Year's first full moon SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Markets are bustling with shoppers as the first full moon of the lunar year, known as Daeboreum, approaches. As Daeboreum, a day when people traditionally pray for health and a good harvest falls next Tuesday, Gyeongdong Market, one of the largest farmers' markets in Seoul, was packed with shoppers on Friday. Stores and stalls there were selling a variety of nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, and ginkgo nuts, tempting shoppers. In an age-o February 27, 2026

BTS Comeback D-22: The story behind Gwanghwamun SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Today’s Gyeongbokgung is often the first breath Seoul offers to the world. Tourists in flowing hanbok pass beneath Gwanghwamun, their silk sleeves catching early-spring light. Cameras rise in unison at the changing of the royal guards. On the stone terrace of Geunjeongjeon, the old wooden eaves frame a startling horizon — beyond them, the clean axis of modern Seoul. For many visitors who first encountered Korea through K-dra February 27, 2026

Suwon's UNESCO world heritage Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion and Hwahongmun Gate stand as iconic symbols of Suwon's UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress. Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, meaning "a pavilion where one can enjoy flowers and willows while water flows," sits elegantly at the northeastern corner of Hwaseong Fortress. Built in 1794 during King Jeongjo's reign, this hexagonal pavilion offers stunning views where the fortress walls meet Suwonch February 26, 2026

Trendy living ideas from Seoul SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) -The 2026 Seoul Living Design Fair opened Wednesday at COEX in southern Seoul, transforming the cavernous exhibition halls into a playground of textures, light and ideas. Now in its 31st year, the country’s largest interior and lifestyle showcase returns under the theme “Sustainable Living and Design.” Organizers say around 450 domestic and international brands have joined this year’s edition — the biggest lineup yet. For f February 26, 2026

Towers of books: Heaven or hell? SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) -Inside Starfield Suwon, a soaring cathedral of books rises through four floors, blurring the boundary between retail space and reading room. Opened as the second Starfield Library after the flagship at COEX Mall, the Suwon branch features bookshelves stretching nearly 22 meters high, spanning from the fourth to the seventh floors. From almost any angle, visitors can look up into towering rows of spines — or gaze down into a layered landscape of ligh February 25, 2026

Flowers greet early spring in Suwon SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Suwon City, south of Seoul, is holding a special exhibition themed around geraniums titled "We, Spring Starts Now" at Ilwol Arboretum from Feb. 3 to March 15. The exhibition takes place at the Ilwol Arboretum greenhouse and visitor center. It features geraniums, a representative companion plant that allows visitors to enjoy flowers and leaves year-round. The exhibition greenhouse showcases approximately 300 varieties of geraniums, including February 25, 2026

Drone exhibiition "DSK 2026" kicks off in Busan Busan, February 25 (AJP) - Asia’s leading drone exhibition and conference, DSK 2026 (Drone Show Korea), kicked off Wednesday at BEXCO in Busan, running through Feb. 27. Co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of National Defense and the Korea AeroSpace Administration, the event marks its largest edition to date. This year’s exhibition features 318 companies fro February 25, 2026

Welcome to the Coffee Republic of Korea SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) -South Korea’s passion for coffee was on full display this week as the 2026 Seoul Cafe & Bakery Fair Season 1 opened at SETEC in southern Seoul. The four-day exhibition runs from Feb. 25 to 28. The fair brings together the full spectrum of the cafe and bakery industry — from specialty coffee and artisanal bread to desserts, beverages and franchise services. Visitors can also attend consulting programs on startup planning and store operation February 25, 2026

The Great Map of the East unfolds SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - On the first floor of the National Museum of Korea, there is a "History Path." On one wall hangs a massive map—the Daedong Yeojido (Great Map of the East) by Gosan Kim Jeong-ho. The exhibition "Unfolding Daedong Yeojido" has been on display since Feb. 12. Originally, the Daedong Yeojido was a folding map divided into 22 volumes for portability. However, to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Gosan's death, the February 24, 2026