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

PHOTOS: Japan's imperial court at the heart of Seoul SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) -Inside the exhibition hall, order and formality define the presentation of Japanese court culture. Through the Long Ages of Time: Japanese Court Culture, currently on view at the National Palace Museum of Korea, traces the formation and development of Japan’s court traditions across historical periods. The exhibition was organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Palace Museum of Korea and the 60th anniversary December 19, 2025

Century-old Buddhist pavilions gain heritage status SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on Friday that it will designate three pavilions from the late Joseon Dynasty as "Treasures," while elevating two iconic medieval stone pagodas to the status of "National Treasures." The three newly recognized pavilions include the Chimgyeru Pavilion at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, the Mansaeru Pavilion at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, and the Cheonboru Pavilion at Yongjusa Temple in Hwase December 19, 2025

PHOTOS: Annual lantern festival lights up Seoul SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Seoul's annual lantern festival has arrived at the perfect time, illuminating the city for the holy, jolly holiday season. Now in its 17th year, the festival runs until the first week of the coming year, featuring around 500 lanterns, along with illuminating displays and other festive decorations. Visitors can explore various installations along the Cheonggye Stream, stretching from Gwanghwamun in central Seoul to Dongdaemun Desi December 19, 2025

Panmunjeom: The Cold War relic awaiting inter-Korean thaw SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Located within the Joint Security Area (JSA), Panmunjeom is the historic site where the Korean War armistice agreement was signed in 1953. Today, it remains a unique zone jointly managed by North and South Korea, partitioned by the Military Demarcation Line. While the area currently sits in silence due to strained inter-Korean relations and a total freeze in diplomacy, it remains the primary stage for global attention whenever dialogue resumes on the pen December 18, 2025

Salvation army red kettle campaign under way SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Salvation Army red kettle campaigns are under way across the country as the year draws to a close. Active in Korea since 1908, the Salvation Army continues its long-running tradition of collecting donations to support neighbors in need. December 17, 2025

PHOTOS: Annual winter festa lights up night of Seoul SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - The 2025 Seoul Winter Festa officially commenced on Dec. 12, marking the start of a city-wide celebration of light and culture. Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and organized by the Seoul Tourism Organization, the festival aims to bridge the gap between local residents and international visitors. The event features a diverse lineup of programming that blends live performances and interactive experiences with the global appeal of K-culture. December 17, 2025

PHOTOS: Incheon's Inspire entertainment resort filled with Christmas SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Stepping into the rotunda, the view inside the resort’s grand circular hall drew an instinctive pause. The space, transformed into a “Winter Storybook Gift Factory,” felt like a page lifted from a Christmas tale — as if one had wandered into Santa’s workshop itself. Animatronic bears, brought to life through advanced technology, busied themselves with making and wrapping gifts, their small December 17, 2025

Canola flowers in full bloom in Jeju SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - While the mainland is a world of snow and ice with freezing temperatures, a park in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, is blanketed in yellow with canola flowers in full bloom. December 17, 2025