Southern wetland emerges as top tourist destination

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - A tranquil and serene marsh along the southern coast of Korea attracted hordes of visitors last year, becoming the top destination among some 2,750 tourist spots in the country. The number of visitors to Suncheon Bay and its adjunct garden in South Jeolla Province reached 7.78 million in 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said last week. The sudden allure was attributed to a garden expo held from April to October. The expo itself drew a wh

June 11, 2024

Early heatwave brings this summer's first tropical night to Korea

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - Korea saw this summer's first tropical night on Monday, about a week earlier than last year. A tropical night is when the lowest temperature does not drop below 25 degrees Celsius after dark. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the lowest temperature in Gangneung was 25 degrees, causing a sleepless night for some locals. Last year, the eastern coastal city had its first tropical night on June 28, while the neighboring city of

June 11, 2024

Rio's landmark statue 'dons traditional Korean dress'

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - The statue of Christ the Redeemer, Brazil's iconic landmark in Rio de Janeiro, was adorned with hanbok or traditional Korean costume last week. The blue-colored image of hanbok, created by fashion designer Lee Jin-hee, was projected onto the majestic statue on June 7. The event was part of events to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1959. "The vivid color of blue is one of five directional colors

June 11, 2024

LG Uplus, DeePX to jointly develop on-device AI solutions

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - LG Uplus Corp., a telecom carrier, and DeePX, a tech startup, have signed a deal to jointly develop on-device artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Under the agreement, LG Uplus will design customized on-device AI solutions incorporating its ixi-GEN generative AI technology, and DeePX will develop and optimize neural processing units (NPUs) to run the solutions on various devices such as robots, home appliances, and smart mobility systems. NPUs are

June 11, 2024

Paju increases financial aid for sex workers to help them find new career path

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - Paju, a northern border town near the demilitarized zone (DMZ), is set to increase cash handouts for those leaving prostitution and sex trade businesses. The town, notorious for its red-light district called "Yongjugol," has been cracking down on such businesses since 2021. As part of these efforts, it provided one million won ($726) per month for the first year and half that amount for the second year. But now it has decided to give the same a

June 11, 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

Opinion: Snap elections in France: political scientist lays out what's at stake

SEOUL, June 11 (AJU PRESS) - Speaking at a surprise address to the nation on Sunday evening, French president Emmanuel Macron told French citizens he had "decided to give back the choice of our parliamentary future through the vote." These words, pronounced in reaction to the historic surge of the far-right National Rally at the European elections, triggered the dissolution of France's parliament and snap elections on June 30 and July 7. Clea Chakraverty of Th

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

Korea, U.S. hold third Nuclear Consultative Group meeting in Seoul

SEOUL, June 10 (AJU PRESS) - South Korea and the U.S. held their third Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) meeting in Seoul on Monday. Defense and security officials from both sides gathered to bolster the bilateral alliance and discuss various security issues including the latest developments regarding nuclear deterrence. In a joint statement after the meeting, the two sides said they finalized reviewing the scope of mutual guidelines for the alliance's principles and operationa

June 10, 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