K-Wave AI news

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea.

Here's our top story.

The ancestral tablets of Joseon kings and queens have returned to Jongmyo after five years.

Established by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo, Jongmyo is an ancestral shrine dedicated to memorial rites of Joseon located in central Seoul.

The tablets were temporarily moved to Changdeokgung Palace in 2020 after damage to parts of Jongmyo prompted major repairs.

To mark their return, a traditional reenactment procession was held on Sunday along the 3.5 km route from Changdeokgung to Jongmyo, with over 1,000 participants.

The procession was followed by "Goyuje," a ritual declaring the tablets' return.

A special media façade illuminated Jongmyo at night, along with various celebratory performances.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Jongmyo shrine's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seoul will launch the spring edition of the 'Hangang River Night Tour' this week, offering a guided evening stroll along the river that winds through the heart of the capital.

Led by expert storytellers, participants can immerse themselves in scenic views of starlight, moonlight, and city lights by the river at Banpo and Yeouido Hangang Parks.

The program also includes hands-on crafting workshops.

It runs every Friday and Saturday evening through June 14.

Participation is lottery-based, and sign-ups are available at visit-hangang.seoul.kr.

Incheon International Airport ranked third globally in international passenger traffic last year, handling over 70.6 million travelers.

That's according to Airports Council International's latest report.

Dubai took the top spot, followed by London's Heathrow.

Incheon Airport attributed the surge to expanded infrastructure and increased travel during Korea's major holidays.

Passenger numbers are projected to exceed 76 million this year.

The airport also ranked third worldwide in international cargo volume, processing 2.9 million tons, up more than 7% from 2023.

That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.