PHOTOS: Gundam, Pokemon, One Piece featured at Bandai Namco's Fun Expo

SEOUL, August 09 (AJU PRESS) - Bandai Namco Korea hosts Fun Expo 2024 at COEX in Seoul from Aug. 8 to 11. The free-entry event showcases and sells popular IPs including Gundam, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, Digimon, Tamagotchi, One Piece, Sanrio, Pokemon and Dragon Ball. Visitors can explore and purchase various character merchandise, including limited-edition Gundam plastic models and figures. The expo features interactive experiences such as plastic model assembly workshops, Nanoblock buildin

August 9, 2024

PHOTOS: Haebangchon, a trendy multicultural hub in Seoul

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - Haebangchon, a hilly neighborhood in Seoul's Yongsan district, is a trendy multicultural hub, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The area's name means "Liberation Village." During the Japanese occupation from 1910-45, it served as a Shinto shrine and military shooting range. After Korea's liberation on Aug. 15, 1945, Haebangchon initially housed North Korean refugees, returnees and those displaced by the war. Its proximi

August 9, 2024

PHOTOS: World Franchise Expo kicks off at COEX

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - The 74th World Franchise Expo is underway at COEX in Seoul from Thursday to Saturday. The event showcases over 180 domestic companies, offering aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals a chance to explore key start-up trends. Attendees can attend seminars led by experienced entrepreneurs and engage in one-on-one consultations with industry experts.

August 9, 2024

PHOTOS: Global Baby Fair showcases latest childcare trends in Seoul

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - The 2024 Global Baby Fair, an exhibition focused on products and services for infants and young children, opened Thursday at COEX in Seoul. The four-day event, running through Sunday, showcases popular brands related to pregnancy, childbirth, childcare products and early childhood education. Visitors can also explore various events and programs designed for both youngsters and parents. The fair aims to provide attendees with the latest information and trend

August 9, 2024

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