PHOTOS: Exhibition explores enigmatic world of cats in human history

SEOUL, July 18 (AJU PRESS) - The exhibition "Cat-ch Me If You Can" is being held at the National Folk Museum from May 3 to August 18, exploring the connection and coexistence between humans and cats through over 60 historical and contemporary artifacts, including literature, paintings, photographs, and interviews related to cats. "The exhibition aims to showcase how cats, which have interacted with humans since ancient times, have become even more integrated into our lives in m

July 18, 2024

VISUALS: Defectors discuss arts, education in North Korea

SEOUL, July 17 (AJU PRESS) - "Talk Concert with North Korean Defector Artists - North Korean Culture and Arts" was held at the National Folk Museum of Korea in central Seoul on Wednesday. Professor Jeon Young-sun of Konkuk University gave a lecture on the changes in North Korean culture and arts, followed by a talk concert with famous North Korean defector artists Jung Yu-na, a broadcaster, and Park Yu-sung, a filmmaker. They shared interesting stories about cultural education in

July 17, 2024

PHOTOS: Veterans denounce opposition party for disparaging remarks about military

SEOUL, July 17 (AJU PRESS) - Retired military personnel took to the streets in Yeouido, Seoul, on Wednesday to protest what they called insults from opposition politicians towards the armed forces. Despite heavy rain, veterans, including retired generals, gathered for a rally in front of the headquarters of the opposition Democratic Party, condemning its members for allegedly making disparaging remarks about the military, especially regarding the 2010 sinking of the South Korean warship Cheon

July 17, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul apartment prices rise fastest in nearly six years

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - Apartment prices in Seoul have risen for the 16th consecutive week, marking the sharpest increase in nearly six years, according to the state-run Kore Real Estate Board. As of the second week of July, prices climbed 0.24 percent from the previous week, the highest weekly gain since 2018. The average price per square meter for new apartments in Seoul has surpassed 40 million won, a 31 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

July 16, 2024

PHOTOS: Koreans mark chobok, the first of three dog days of summer

SEOUL, July 15 (AJU PRESS) - Koreans marked chobok, the first of the three dog days of summer, on Monday. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that temperatures across most regions nationwide soared above 30 degrees Celsius. On this occasion, health food restaurants across the country are experiencing a surge in business as samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), grilled eel, and raw croaker are particularly in high demand. At some renowned eateries, reservation wait times have stretch

July 15, 2024

PHOTOS: Government employees rally to demand higher pay

SEOUL, July 15 (AJU PRESS) - Government employees in Korea rallied on Monday to demand higher salaries and allowances. The Confederation of Korean Government Employees' Union staged a demonstration in front of the Government Complex in central Seoul, claiming that low wages had caused an unprecedented wave of resignations among new civil servants.

July 15, 2024

PHOTOS: Animal rights group protests traditional summer chicken dish

SEOUL, July 15 (AJU PRESS) - A Korean animal rights organization staged a protest Monday against a traditional summer chicken dish, claiming it promotes animal cruelty. The group Animal Liberation Wave held a rally in central Seoul, condemning the consumption of samgyetang, a soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, and other ingredients. It has traditionally been eaten during the hottest days of summer in Korea. The protest coincided with boknal, a day marking the pe

July 15, 2024

VISUALS: South Korea celebrates first North Korean Defectors' Day

SEOUL, July 14 (AJU PRESS) - South Korea is observing the first North Korean Defectors' Day on Sunday. The national day was designated this year to support North Korean refugees as they build new lives in the South. Various events were held throughout last week to commemorate the occasion, which coincides with the effective date of the Act on the Protection and Settlement Support of North Korean Defectors, enacted on July 14, 1997. The law has served as the foundation for the legal status a

July 14, 2024

PHOTOS: Various events mark North Korean Defectors' Day

SEOUL, July 11 (AJU PRESS) - Various events are underway this week to celebrate the first North Korean Defectors' Day, which falls on July 14. This national day was designated this year to support North Korean refugees as they build new lives in the South. An exhibition is taking place at Seoul City Hall's Citizens' Hall from Monday to Saturday, showcasing photos and videos depicting the lives of North Koreans and their human rights conditions. The Seoul Forum on North Korean

July 13, 2024

PHOTOS: Exam-takers' mecca in Seoul faces decline amid shifting career prospects

SEOUL, July 12 (AJU PRESS) - Seoul's Noryangjin Goshichon area, long known as a mecca for test-takers, is facing an unprecedented downturn as interest in civil service careers wanes. The neighborhood, once bustling with aspiring civil servants from across the country, now struggles with declining enrollment in its numerous academies. This year, competition for government positions hit an all-time low, reflecting a shift in job seekers' preferences away from public sector careers.

July 12, 2024