PHOTOS: 'Parasite' film location embroiled in redevelopment dispute

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - Ahyeon 1-dong in Mapo-gu, Seoul, served as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" (2019). The district preserves glimpses of old Seoul while grappling with substandard living conditions. Characterized by extremely steep slopes, many dwellings lack adequate sunlight due to the cramped spaces between buildings. In 2022, the area was designated for secondary public redevelopment. However, two years

August 9, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul library offers cool retreat with award-winning design

SEOUL, August 8 (AJU PRESS) - In a city grappling with intense summer heat, the Odong Forest Library in Seoul offers a free, cool retreat where books meet innovative architecture. The library is the seventh installment in the "Park Book Rest Area," a collaborative project between the city and local districts. Located in Seongbuk District's Odong Neighborhood Park, the single-story, 430-square-meter building mirrors the park's winding paths in its design. It recently wo

August 8, 2024

PHOTOS: Korea hopes to end Olympics on high note

SEOUL, August 7 (AJU PRESS) - With the Summer Olympics in Paris winding down, Korean athletes continue to strive for more medals. Korea now sets its sights on adding medals in golf and high jump which begin this week. Earlier in the week, badminton player An Se-young won gold in the women's singles, dominating the final match against He Bingjiao of China to win her first Olympic medal. After her triumph, she claimed in a post-victory interview that her knee injury had been poorly handl

August 7, 2024

PHOTOS: Abandoned railway transforms into urban forest park

SEOUL, AUGUST 7 (AJU PRESS) - The Gyeongui Line Forest Park near Hongdae, Seoul's popular youth hotspot, offers a green sanctuary in one of Asia's most dynamic metropolises. The 6.3-km-long park was developed between 2011 and 2016 by transforming a section of railway after the line was moved underground. The project resulted in a landmark park where residents and visitors can enjoy a brief respite from the city.

August 7, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul's pop-up store street faces growing trash problem

SEOUL, August 7 (AJU PRESS) - Seongsu-dong has emerged as Seoul's new hotspot for pop-up stores. These temporary shops, which operate briefly before closing, have become a major attraction for visitors. However, they also face significant environmental challenges. The transient nature of pop-up stores often means that recyclable construction materials are not used. The packaging waste generated by these stores also contributes to the growing trash problem. The influx of tourists exacer

August 7, 2024

PHOTOS: Farmers protest falling rice prices

SEOUL, August 6 (AJU PRESS) — Farmers gathered in front of Seoul Station on August 6 to protest falling rice prices. The rally, organized by the National Farmers' Federation, called for the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of failing to guarantee rice prices. Rice prices dropped to 179,516 won per 80 kilogram in July, falling short of the government target of 200,000 won. The government had promised to maintain the price when Yoon vetoed a law amendment in

August 6, 2024

PHOTOS: Gold pop-up store celebrates Paris Olympics

SEOUL, August 06 (AJU PRESS) - Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO) has opened a gold pop-up store at the CU convenience store in Olympic Plaza to support the national team for the Paris Olympics. The store offers over 150 gold products, including Team Korea support gold cards, card-type gold, pendant medals and gold bars. The pop-up runs from July 25 to August 8, coinciding with the Paris Olympics. To celebrate and wish for gold medals, all products are discou

August 6, 2024

VISUALS: Krafton opens PUBG-themed pop-up store in Seoul

SEOUL, August 5 (AJU PRESS) - Krafton, the company behind the popular battle royale game "PUBG: Battlegrounds," launched a pop-up store, called PUBG Seongsu, in Seoul's trendy Seongsu-dong last Thursday. The store, open from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays until August 18, features a jungle-themed space inspired by the game's Sanhok map. Visitors can experience various activities, including a surfing simulation, arcade games based on in-game items, an

August 5, 2024

PHOTOS: COEX Starfield Library crowded amid sweltering heatwave

SEOUL, August 5 (AJU PRESS) - The COEX Starfield Library was crowded with people seeking refuge from the heat last Friday as the nation was hit by sweltering weather, which prompted the weather agency to issue heat wave advisories for many parts of the country.

August 5, 2024

VISUALS: Chrome balloon spectacles at Mega Boopoo exhibition

SEOUL, August 05 (AJU PRESS) - The Mega Boopoo exhibition at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) showroom in Seoul runs from July 10 to August 25. Featuring a giant inflatable character made of thousands of chrome balloons and a 5-meter centerpiece, the event offers hourly dynamic displays with special effects, including powerful fans and lighting.

August 5, 2024