Thousands brave winter swim at Haeundae beach SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - About 2,000 people braved chilly winter weather to plunge into the icy waters of Haeundae Beach in Busan on Sunday for the southern port city's annual swimming festival. Under this year's "colorful" theme for the Haeundae Polar Bear Festival (HPBF), the beach was filled with swimmers in vibrant colors. Before plunging into the water, participants painted themselves with colorful powder symbolizing hope, love, and happiness. They splashe January 19, 2026

Giant rice cake prepared by locals ahead of Lunar New Year SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - Merchants and other participants gathered to make giant rice cakes at an event held at an open-air market in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province on Friday, about a month ahead of the Lunar New Year's Day. The charity event was arranged to distribute the chewy rice cakes to those in need. South Koreans traditionally start the New Year by eating a soup made with these rice cakes, known as "tteokguk," to wish for health and longevity. January 16, 2026

Few babies, big business: Baby Fair at COEX SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) -South Korea has one of the world’s lowest birth rates, but when it comes to babies, the country remains serious. The 2026 Momsholic Baby Fair, one of Korea’s largest exhibitions dedicated to pregnancy, childbirth and childcare, opened Thursday at COEX Hall A in southern Seoul. The fair runs through Jan. 18, bringing together about 500 booths operated by some 200 companies from Korea and overseas. Despite shrinking family sizes, the exhibitio January 16, 2026

Advance train tickets for Lunar New Year now on sale SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - Sales of advance train tickets for the Lunar New Year break began this week. According to railway operator KORAIL, tickets are available online for about a week starting Thursday, about a month in advance, for trains running during the weeklong holiday from Feb. 13 to 18. The first two days of pre-booking will be reserved for senior citizens aged 65 and older, people with disabilities, and recipients of national merit honors. Ordinary citizens can book January 16, 2026

Pictures from Nara SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) -Drumbeats, temple corridors and carefully choreographed cultural gestures took center stage during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s brief two-day visit to Nara Prefecture, a trip that emphasized symbolism and atmosphere over contentious diplomatic files. Lee visited Nara at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, wrapping up his fifth overseas trip since taking office and his second summit with the Japanese leader before depa January 15, 2026

Thousands of sculptures on display at annual art fair in Seoul SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) - The annual Seoul International Sculpture Festa kicked off its monthlong run at COEX in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul on Thursday. Now in its 15th year, the event is solely dedicated to exhibiting sculptures, drawing numerous art enthusiasts every year. This year's exhibition features around 2,000 works from approximately 480 artists. January 15, 2026

Buses back running in Seoul after strike ends SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) -After two days of disruption, Seoul commuters were relieved to find buses back in service Thursday morning following an overnight wage deal. The Seoul City Bus Labor Union and the Seoul City Bus Transport Operators Association accepted a mediation proposal at around 11:50 p.m. during a second post-adjustment meeting hosted by the Seoul Labor Relations Commission. Under the agreement, wages for 2025 will rise by 2.9 percent, while the retirement age wil January 15, 2026

PHOTOS:Crowds flock to ice festival in Hwacheon Hwacheon, January 14 (AJP) - On a white canvas of snow-covered ice, hundreds of people hunched over holes drilled into the frozen river, their fishing lines disappearing into the dark waters below. Despite temperatures plunging to -14 degrees Celsius and heavy snowfall, crowds gathered from early morning last Monday, just days after the annual mountain trout-themed Sancheoneo Ice Festival kicked off last weekend. Around 10 a.m., parking lots near the entrance to th January 14, 2026

Boot camp becomes winter break SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) -What was once synonymous with hardship is increasingly being reimagined as a winter challenge experience. The 1st Marine Division on Jan. 12 opened the “2026 Winter Marine Corps Camp” at its training center in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, drawing participants eager to sample life inside Korea’s elite fighting force. About 230 people — including middle and high school students, university students and adults from across the January 14, 2026

PHOTOS:Tracking horse history in the Year of Horse SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) - An exhibition titled “Year of the Horse, 2026: Galloping into Eternity,” planned by the Cultural Heritage Administration, opened on Jan. 9 at The Heritage of Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch in central Seoul, marking the Year of the Horse in 2026. The exhibition explores the cultural and historical significance of horses from ancient times to the present, examining how they have coexisted with humans and shaped life and society. January 13, 2026