The following is the excerpt of an interview with Busan’s acting Mayor Byun Seong-wan on the 2030 Busan World Expo.　 Why is Korea hosting the 2030 World Expo? Hosting the World Expo will be a chance to enhance the country’s status. Korea’s true worth as a powerhouse of smart innovation is to be presented to people all across the world, and it will serve as momentum for Korea, through K-quarantine, to take a big step as a worldwide leader amid the establishment of a new worl

Located in the southeastern region of the Korean Peninsula, Busan is the starting and ending point of the Eurasian railroad system and serves as the southern gateway to Korea. It is geographically close to China, Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, connecting the sea with the continent, and its tourist attractions and infrastructure surpass global standards. Its best-known hot spot is Haeundae, where a beautiful beach lies just a few steps from skyscrapers. In the daytime you can can go swimming

A luminous Christmas tree with various decorations stands in solitude in the streets of Myeong-dong, central Seoul.  Under the tightened Level 2.5 social distancing rules in Seoul, indoor activities have a curfew of 9 p.m., which traces the views of empty streets.  In an effort to curb further spread of the new coronavirus, the year-end season is expected to present unprecedented sights of Christmas. (Photos: Yonhap) By Lee Jae-Eun (leeje16@heraldcorp.com)

The grandeur of Baengnokdam Crater Lake of Hallasan dazzles with snow as winter sets in. The winterscape of the mountain stands out vividly, as snow on the branches shines in the clear sky.  The snowfield of the scenery may be appreciated throughout the snowy season of winter. (Photos: Ko Won-sang - Yonhap) By Lee Jae-Eun (leeje16@heraldcorp.com)

The “street of youth” full of people crowded together is no longer to be expected in western Seoul’s Hongdae.  As the nation‘s new daily COVID-19 infection cases faced a sudden rise that exceeded 500 on Thursday, the concern of a third wave of the pandemic has deepened. Meanwhile, the social distancing level has been raised to Level 2 in order to prevent the further spread of the virus. (Photos: Yonhap) By Lee Jae-Eun (leeje16@heraldcorp.com)

Camellia flowers stand out splendidly in Hueree Natural Park in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.  The bright and stunning colors of camellia captivate the visitors as they walk around the park.  Camellia flowers are also referred to as the “friends of winter” in the winter days.  (Photos: Yonhap) By Lee Jae-Eun (leeje16@heraldcorp.com)

Late autumn has permeated Seonjeongneung, the royal burial grounds of the Joseon period, located in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul.  The burial grounds’ stunning autumn colors stand out in the midst of the surrounding urban area.  The mood of autumn conveys the beginning of winter, greeting the onset of winter according to the lunar calendar. (Photos: Yonhap) By Lee Jae Eun (leeje16@heraldcorp.com)

The National Palace Museum of Korea is offering a do-it-yourself kit for making glass lamps in the style of the Joseon era. The DIY kit, which was previously distributed free of charge, has returned for sale due to the enthusiastic response from the public. During the Joseon period, the square glass lamps were used to brighten banquets held at night. The photo above displays the finished products hanging under the eaves of a royal palace. (Photos: National Palace Museum of Korea) By Lee Jae

The Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center said it will open five more forest trails at Joseon royal tomb sites from Friday. Paths have been opened up at Uireung in Seoul and at four royal tomb sites in Gyeonggi Province: Yungneung and Geolleung in Hwaseong, Jangneung in Gimpo, and Sareung as well as Hongneung and Yureung in Namyangju.  The photo shows a pathway in the traditional tree nursery at Hongneung and Yureung in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. (Photos

The Cultural Heritage Administration on Monday reopened 14 indoor public facilities, such as museums and memorial halls, under its control nationwide as the government eased tough virus curbs that had been in place since late August. Among the 14 facilities are the National Palace Museum of Korea, Jungmyeongjeon and Seokjojeon of Deoksu Palace, and the Grand Greenhouse of Changgyeong Palace, all in Seoul, according to the CHA. Also included are the museum of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty

Kpop sensation BTS held its second online concert titled “BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E” on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic.  The 120-minute show, packed with cutting-edge technology, featured the septet’s powerful group dances as well as performances highlighting individual members.  The virtual concert was broadcast through six different camera angles with one side of the screen showing BTS fans known as ARMY from around the world.  (Photos: Big Hit Ente

South Koreans are getting more chances to enjoy a crystal-clear sky, a respite from the gloomy indoor-centered lifestyle sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.  In particular, the autumn sky viewed from Namsan, Jung-gu, Seoul is stunningly bright and blue. As the country ushers in fall, the dazzling blue sky tends to stand out with its vivid colors.  (Photos: Yonhap) By Lee Jae-eun (leeje16@heraldcorp.com)

Hueree Natural Park in Seogwipo, Jeju is covered in rosy waves as pink muhly flowers burst into bloom.  Hueree signifies a village of rest and love, and aims to convey a sense of comfort and healing to visitors through pink muhly flowers. People who visit relish the experience of taking a walk in the park while enjoying the autumn breeze. (Photos: Yonhap) By Lee Jae Eun (leeje16@heraldcorp.com)