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  Seoul opens Korean War memorial garden honoring wartime support from allies SEOUL, May 12 (AJP) - A memorial garden dedicated to soldiers who died in the Korean War was unveiled at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul at a ceremony on Tuesday. The ceremony was attended by war veterans and ambassadors from 22 countries that sent troops and provided support during the 1950–53 Korean War. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the "Garden of Gratitude" consists of a ground-level space with rifle-shaped installations symbolizing the s May 12, 2026
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  Following the tracks, following the taste: Jeonju in cinematic experience *Editors’ Note: This is part of AJP’s photo essay series exploring railway journeys across South Korea in search of local food and regional culture. This installment travels to Jeonju during the Jeonju International Film Festival, where cinema, traditional streets and local cuisine came together beneath the spring sky. SEOUL, May 12 (AJP) - The 27th edition of the Jeonju International Film Festival transformed Jeonju into more than a destination for cinema. Under the May 12, 2026
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  Arnault family tours Seoul luxury landmarks as Korea cements status as key LVMH market SEOUL, May 12 (AJP) -Bernard Arnault, chairman of luxury conglomerate LVMH, toured South Korea’s leading department stores Monday in his first visit to the country in three years, underscoring Korea’s growing importance to the global luxury industry even as demand slows elsewhere. The billionaire chairman began his Seoul itinerary at Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch, where he briefly spoke with executives and Louis Vuitton officials before entering “The Res May 12, 2026
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  Rain brings relief to Seoul after weeks of early summer heat SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Rain began to fall in Seoul on Monday afternoon, bringing some relief from the early summer heat of recent weeks. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), rain that began earlier in the day in central regions has spread nationwide and is expected to continue through Tuesday. Up to 20 mm of rainfall is forecast for Seoul, while up to 40 mm is expected in Gyeonggi Province and other southern regions. The KMA warned of strong gusts, thunde May 11, 2026
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  Seoul prepares for Buddha's birthday celebrations SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Colorful lanterns light up along Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul on Monday as Buddha's birthday approaches, with preparations underway for the annual lotus lantern festival, known as Yeondeunghoe. Large traditional installations and rows of glowing lotus lanterns have been set up around the stream and nearby walking paths, drawing attention from both locals and foreign tourists. Large traditional decorations and glowing lotus installations have been se May 11, 2026
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  Festival brings taste of rural coastal life to Seoulites SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - A fishing village-themed festival kicked off on Monday at Gwanghwamun Square, offering city residents a taste of coastal life and a glimpse into rural relocation opportunities. Hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency, the three-day festival provides information for those interested in relocating to fishing villages, along with details on government policies, support programs, and fisheries-related job May 11, 2026
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  Nami Island turns into an island of fairytales SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) -Under canopies of fresh spring leaves and tree-lined paths washed in soft May sunlight, families wandered through Nami Island this weekend as the 2026 Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival transformed the popular riverside retreat into a sprawling storybook playground. Held under the theme “Romance,” NAMBOOK 2026 opened on May 1 and runs through May 17, blending literature, art and performance across the island’s open-air May 11, 2026
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  Memorial space for Korean War heroes set to open at Gwanghwamun SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - A memorial garden honoring soldiers who died in the Korean War and other war veterans is set to open this week at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. City officials and workers were busy making final preparations on Monday, just a day ahead of the opening of the space, dubbed the "Garden of Gratitude," which commemorates the sacrifices and contributions of around 22 countries that sent troops and provided sup May 11, 2026
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  Flower market bustles with shoppers on Parents' day SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) -In South Korea, spring does not fully arrive until the carnations appear. Every year on May 8, families across the country celebrate Parents' Day, a national observance dedicated to honoring both mothers and fathers. Streets fill with bouquets wrapped in pink paper, flower stalls spill over with red carnations, and schoolchildren clutch handmade pins and handwritten letters on their way home. The carnation has become the defining symbol of the holiday & May 8, 2026
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  Gyeonggi fire services demonstrates unmanned firefighting robot 'FIRO' YONGIN, May 07 (AJP) - The Gyeonggi Fire Service's headquarters has conducted a demonstration of an unmanned firefighting robot called 'FIRO' at the Gyeonggi Fire Service Academy's live fire training facility in Yongin, south of Seoul, on Wednesday. The demonstration event included remote driving, water spraying, and search & rescue operations. According to the emergency headquarters, the unmanned firefighting robot will be deployed in dangerous environments May 7, 2026