PHOTOS: Dried persimmons from Sangju — taste of centuries

SEOUL, November 05 (AJP) - Late autumn transforms Sangju in North Gyeongsang Province into a spectacle of vivid orange. This is the season when the autumn sun-kissed persimmons are harvested and processed into the region’s renowned specialty: Gotgam, or dried persimmons. Sangju is traditionally famed for persimmons, rice and silk. While modern crops like grapes and cucumbers have joined its list of specialties, it is the gotgam that defines the region. Sangju's dried per

November 5, 2025

PHOTOS: 2025 Small Business Convention opens with craftsmanship and passion on display

SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - The 2025 Korea Small Business Convention opened on October 31 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Now in its 20th year, the convention is South Korea’s largest annual event dedicated to small business owners, aimed at elevating their social and economic standing while fostering communication and unity within the community. Held under the theme "Small Businesses Opening Today, Connecting Tomorrow’s Korea," this year’s event ce

November 3, 2025

PHOTOS: What to know about ancient gold crown among lavish gifts to Trump in Gyeongju

SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - A glittery gold-plated replica of an ancient crown was among the lavish gifts showered to U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju this week. The eye-catching replica, symbolizing the summit's venue, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that flourished for over 1,000 years, was specially crafted by veteran artisan Kim Jin-bae in

October 30, 2025

TRAVEL: Exploring wild scenery of Korea's West Sea archipelago

GUNSAN, October 30 (AJP) - The Gogunsan Archipelago, a stunning cluster of 63 islands in the Yellow Sea off Gunsan, South Korea, is no longer a world apart. Thanks to the massive Saemangeum Seawall — a 33.9 km engineering marvel connecting Gunsan and Buan — six of the largest islands are now accessible by car. These include Seonyudo, Jangjado, Daejangdo, Munyeodo, Sinsido, and Yamido. Work on the seawall began in 1991 and was finally completed on April 27, 2010, perman

October 30, 2025

VISUALS: Visitors enjoy taste of Korean culture on sidelines of APEC CEO Summit

GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 officially launched on Wednesday, inviting esteemed business leaders not only from Korea but from across the globe to discuss pressing global agendas together. Outside the main hall stands a cultural ground dubbed "K-Wave Playground" for foreign delegates to catch a glimpse of Korean culture during the summit event. Standing right in front of the entrance, a skilled musician played the gayag

October 29, 2025

PHOTOS: Silver grass Festival at Haneul Park – Autumn blooms from a mountain of waste

SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Each autumn, a mountain in western Seoul turns to gold. Haneul Park, perched 98 meters above sea level, is known for its sweeping skyline views — but few visitors realize it was once a landfill. By 8 a.m., the park entrance beside the World Cup Stadium was already dotted with early risers climbing 291 steps toward the summit. The ascent left many slightly winded, but the view was worth it. Silver grass swayed in the morning light, and beyond them, S

October 29, 2025

PHOTOS: Media art bathes Gyeongju's historic sites for APEC

SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju is providing a unique backdrop for global leaders, with the host city leveraging its ancient heritage to deliver a striking cultural experience. As delegates gather, the historic heart of Gyeongju is being transformed nightly into an outdoor art gallery, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. The ancient Daereungwon Tomb Complex and the iconic Cheomseongdae Observatory are the ce

October 29, 2025

PHOTOS: Divers capture underwater beauty of Jeju in photo contest

SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - The Jeju Underwater Photography Championship, a four-day contest held in the waters off Jeju Island, recently concluded its fifth annual event from October 16 to 19. The competition is widely regarded as South Korea's largest and most authoritative underwater photography event. Approximately 150 scuba divers and underwater photography enthusiasts participated, showcasing their skills beneath the surface. A panel of esteemed photography experts judged

October 28, 2025

PHOTOS: As APEC opens in Gyeongju, Seoul feels the buzz

SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit opened on Monday in Gyeongju, national attention has fixed on the gathering of world leaders. Though Gyeongju sits some 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the capital is equally swept up in the APEC fervor. Excitement over the high-profile event has spread across the country, with banners and displays promoting APEC visible throughout Seoul. At major landmarks such as Seoul Station and the Gwanghwamu

October 27, 2025

TRAVEL: Discover beauty of Mt. Hallasan and hidden gems on volcanic island of Jeju

JEJU, October 24 (AJP) - The beauty of South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju owes much to volcanic activity. The area, now the largest island on the Korean Peninsula, was originally a shallow sea. From deep beneath the earth, molten magma surged upward and collided with seawater in explosive volcanic eruptions, eventually forming land that rose above the sea. As volcanic activity continued, magma kept erupting, forming volcanic formations called "oreum" along

October 24, 2025