PHOTOS: Once a Seoul landmark, Sewoon Plaza faces urban redevelopment controversy

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - Sewoon Plaza, located in Seoul's Jongno, is South Korea's first mixed-use residential and commercial complex. Completed in 1968, Sewoon Plaza was once a landmark of the capital city, serving as the only place in the country where people could find various electronic products and specialized books. Although it has experienced decline and deterioration over the years, numerous workshops that supply electronic components and offer custom orders still thrive i

June 17, 2024

PHOTOS: World Blood Donor Day 2024

SEOUL, June 14 (AJU PRESS) - Seoul City held a ceremony to commemorate World Blood Donor Day at Gwanghwamun Square on Friday. Mayor Oh Se-hoon presented awards to outstanding blood donors and participants donated blood at a nearby center. World Blood Donor Day is observed every year on June 14 to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and to express gratitude and respect to donors.

June 14, 2024

PHOTOS: Street vendors brave heat to rally against crackdown

SEOUL, June 13 (AJU PRESS) - Thousands of street vendors from across the country braved the sweltering weather to stage a rally near the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on Thursday. During their 37th annual national protest, participants condemned the government's ongoing crackdown on street merchants at Gyeongdong Market in Seoul's Dongdaemun district. The event was organized by the Korean Democratic Street Vendors Confederation. Leaders of three progressive political parties

June 13, 2024

PHOTOS: Literary awards Illuminate spirit of patriotism

SEOUL, June 13 (AJU PRESS) - The awards ceremony for the 2nd Patriots and Veterans Literary Contest was held on Wednesday. Sixteen people received prizes in the categories of poetry, short story, essay, scenario and book report. The top award went to Bang Mi-kyung, who competed in the poetry category. The awards are organized by the Aju Business Daily and the Korean People's Association to honor patriots and veterans and highlight the spirit of patriotism through literary works. The ev

June 13, 2024

PHOTOS: Major food industry show underway in Goyang

SEOUL, June 13 (AJU PRESS) - Seoul Food 2024, the largest food industry trade show in Korea, is underway at KINTEX in Goyang, west of Seoul. Hosted by the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the 42nd annual fair opened on June 11 for a four-day run. The event features 1,605 companies from 52 countries operating 2,969 booths. Reflecting the popularity of K-food, about 300 overseas buyers are attending the show. National pavilions from 52 countries offer visitors to experience a

June 13, 2024

PHOTOS: June, month of remembering patriots, veterans

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - In June, the state-designated Month of Patriots and Veterans, many Koreans visit the National Cemetery in Seoul to honor national heroes who fought against Japan’s colonial rule, defended the nation during the Korean War and dedicated themselves to the nation’s foundation and development. The cemetery, located in the district of Dongjak, was first established as a military cemetery in July 1955. In July 2005, it was elevated to a national cemetery wher

June 11, 2024

PHOTOS: Gwanghwamun Square turns into outdoor library

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul is transformed into a huge outdoor library on weekends. It is part of the Seoul Outdoor Library event organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Library at three locations near City Hall. Bookshelves, beanbags and tents are installed in the square for the event, which takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April 18 to Nov. 10.

June 11, 2024

PHOTOS: Korea marks 1987 democratic uprising

SEOUL, June 10 (AJU PRESS) - Korea on Monday marked the 37th anniversary of the landmark 1987 pro-democracy movement known as the June Democratic Uprising with a commemoration ceremony attended by top officials and prominent figures. Around 300 people, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and prominent former democracy activists, gathered at Seoul City Hall to commemorate the historic demonstrations that paved the

June 10, 2024

PHOTOS: Last remaining shantytown in Seoul set for major redevelopment

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - In the shadows of Seoul's affluent Gangnam district sits Guryong Village, the last remaining shantytown in the Korean capital and a stark reminder of the economic inequalities that persist despite the city's wealth. The makeshift slum settlement at the foot of Mt. Daemo was formed by displaced residents forced from their homes during redevelopment projects for the 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Olympics. While luxury apartments tower just across the street, Gury

June 7, 2024

PHOTOS: Cheonggyecheon turns into outdoor library

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - The beloved Cheonggyecheon stream that winds through downtown Seoul is transformed into a huge outdoor library every Friday and Saturday from April 18 to Nov. 10 as part of the city's efforts to promote reading and foster a literary culture. During the Seoul Outdoor Library event organized by Seoul Metropolitan Library, visitors can enjoy reading while listening to the sound of water and music. It features around 2,000 diverse books, including picture books

June 7, 2024