Santa buses return to Busan streets

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Santa-themed buses, once a beloved winter tradition in Busan but suspended due to fire and safety concerns, are making a comeback. The Busan Bus Transport Business Association announced Sunday that 10 Santa buses will operate from December 22 through mid-January 2026, reviving the popular seasonal service that had captured citizens' hearts.

December 23, 2025

President returns to Blue House

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The era of the Yongsan presidential office has come to an end after just 3 years and 7 months, with the president returning to the Blue House. President Lee Jae Myung is expected to begin official work at the presidential office around December 28. However, the presidential residence will not be ready until early next year due to ongoing construction work.

December 23, 2025

TRAVEL: Mt. Maisan's twin horse-ear peaks offer geological wonders

JINAN, December 23 (AJP) - Famous for its unique geological and rocky formations, Mt. Maisan in southwestern South Korea has two distinctive twin peaks that resemble a horse's ears, from which the mountain got its name. The higher peak, called Ammaibong, reaches 687 meters, while the slightly lower Sutmaibong stands at 679.9 meters. Located in Jinan, North Jeolla Province, only Ammaibong is open to hikers. What makes the mountain especially striking is its cluster of stone f

December 23, 2025

PHOTOS: Seoul's iconic ice rink offers affordable winter fun

The Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, Dec. 19, 2025/ AJP Yoo Na-hyun SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) – The outdoor ice rink at Seoul Plaza officially opened its doors to the public last week, marking the return of one of the city’s most beloved winter traditions. The rink is scheduled to operate for a total of 52 days, welcoming skaters through February 8. According to city officials, the facility is open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday through Friday. On Saturdays and public holidays, op

December 23, 2025

Dedicated gallery for ancient gilt-bronze masterpiece opens in Buyeo

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - The Buyeo National Museum is set to open a dedicated exhibition hall on Tuesday, exclusively showcasing one of South Korea’s most celebrated artifacts: a gilt-bronze incense burner of the Baekje Kingdom. Unearthed on Dec. 12, 1993, at a temple site in Buyeo, the incense burner is regarded as a pinnacle of ancient craftsmanship. Its intricate design — featuring a dragon base, a phoenix finial, and a body adorned with immortals, exotic animals,

December 22, 2025

PHOTOS: Coal briquettes become symbol of solidarity

SANGJU, December 22 (AJP) - During South Korea’s rapid industrialization, the yeontan — a cylindrical coal briquette — was the lifeblood of the working class, fueling the stoves that saw families through the harsh winters. While the nation has since transformed into a high-tech powerhouse, these "black diamonds" remain a critical, albeit fading, lifeline for the vulnerable. Though most of the country transitioned to oil boilers in the 1980s and event

December 22, 2025

K-Handmade Fair

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest handmade exhibition, K-Handmade Fair 2025, opened on Dec. 18 at COEX B Hall in southern Seoul. Held under the theme “Happy Pages,” the four-day event runs through Dec. 21. The fair features handmade works across a wide range of categories, including crafts, design, art, interior items, fashion, accessories and beauty products, with around 600 booths participating. Visitors can meet creators in person at booths sho

December 19, 2025

South Korea's priciest land for 23rd year

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - A prime commercial plot in Seoul’s iconic Myeong-dong shopping district has been named South Korea’s most expensive piece of land for the 23rd consecutive year. The 169-square-meter site, currently occupied by a Nature Republic flagship store, saw its officially appraised value for 2026 set at 188.4 million won ($145,000) per square meter. This represents a 4.4 percent increase from the 2025 valuation. The plot has held the top spot in the

December 19, 2025

Korea grand sale kicks off

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The Korea Grand Sale, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, opened on December 17 and will run for 67 days until February 22, 2026. An opening ceremony was held in Myeongdong on December 17, featuring various performances to celebrate the launch. The festival is Korea's flagship promotional event targeting foreign tourists, combining shopping, culture, and tourism. Nationwide discounts and special o

December 19, 2025

PHOTOS: Narye, the grand royal year-end ritual

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The National Gugak Center will stage its year-end performance Narye from December 18 to 21 at the Yeakdang Theater in Seocho District, Seoul. Narye is a traditional ritual that dates back to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Held on the final night of the lunar year, it was performed in royal courts, government offices, and private homes to drive away lingering misfortune and malevolent spirits, while praying for peace and prosperity in the comi

December 19, 2025