Semiwon lotus festival blooms in Yangpyeong A visitor takes photos in front of lotus flowers at the Semiwon Lotus Flower Cultural Festival in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, August 4, 2026. August 4, 2026

Semiwon lotus festival blooms in Yangpyeong ​​​​​​Visitors take photos in front of lotus flowers at the Semiwon Lotus Flower Cultural Festival in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, August 4, 2026. August 4, 2026

Seoul Sizzles as Heat Wave Hits 37°C Heat haze shimmers above a road near a bus transfer center in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, as heat wave warnings were issued across most parts of South Korea on Aug. 3, 2026. The daytime high in Seoul soared to 37 degrees Celsius. August 3, 2026

Seoul Station Crowds Peak in Holiday Season Passengers wait for trains in the concourse of Seoul Station in central Seoul during the peak summer holiday season on the afternoon of Aug. 3, 2026. August 3, 2026

Namdaemun Market Announces Summer Break A notice informing visitors of summer vacation dates is posted at Namdaemun Market in central Seoul as the peak summer holiday season gets underway on Aug. 3, 2026. Vacation schedules for individual stores are available on the official website of Namdaemun Market, part of the Namdaemun Special Tourist Zone. August 3, 2026

Yeongdeungpo District Faces Scorching Heat Heat haze shimmers above a road near a bus transfer center in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, as heat wave warnings were issued across most parts of South Korea on Aug. 3, 2026. The daytime high in Seoul soared to 37 degrees Celsius. August 3, 2026

Seoul finds relief from summer heat between bookshelves SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - As record-breaking heat and sudden downpours alternate throughout the summer, people across Seoul are increasingly retreating indoors. Instead of traveling to the mountains or the sea, some are choosing a “bookcation” — a blend of “book” and “vacation” — spending time reading and resting inside the city’s air-conditioned libraries. Upon entering Seoul Metropolitan Library in central Seou July 29, 2026

More South Korean tidal flats listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - More getbol, or tidal flats in South Korea have been added to or expanded as UNESCO World Heritage sites at the global body's annual gathering in Busan over the weekend, the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said on Monday. The decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which kicked off last week and runs through Wednesday at BEXCO in the southeastern port city of Busan, marking the first time South Korea has hosted the ga July 27, 2026

Sanhwabi brings Korea's living heritage to Busan stage BUSAN, July 25 (AJP) - A special performance titled "Sanhwabi" filled BEXCO Auditorium in Busan, presented as part of the Intangible Heritage Festival in Busan celebrating the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. South Korea is hosting the committee for the first time since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988. The 11-day session opened on July 19 and runs through July 29 at BEXCO, bringing together delegates from ar July 25, 2026

Korea Pavilion shows nation's heritage to world SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - The Republic of Korea Pavilion, the official host country exhibition for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, is introducing Korea's cultural heritage to visitors from around the world at BEXCO in Busan. South Korea is hosting the committee for the first time since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988. The 11-day session opened on July 19 and runs through July 29, bringing together delegates and her July 25, 2026