Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
PHOTOS Taste of Thailand in heart of Seoul
Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat, ninth from right, stands next to Theerakun Niyom, eighth from right, special representative of Thailand's foreign ministry, during the opening ceremony of this year's Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul, Saturday. The opening ceremony of Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2026: Creative Life & Creative Heartbeat was attended by government officials and diplomats from both countries, as well as numerous distinguished guests from Korea and abroad. The Thai ambassador said the festival provides an opportunity for Korea and Thailand to further strengthen bilateral friendship through cultural, diplomatic and people-to-people exchanges and expressed hope that the event will become a meaningful urban festival for both residents and international visitors. Courtesy of Embassy of Thailand in Korea
By Anna J. Park
Thai dancers perform a traditional Thai dance during the opening ceremony of Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2026: Creative Life & Creative Heartbeat at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Embassy of Thailand in Korea
Thai dancers and musicians showcase traditional Thai dance, music and instrumental performances during the opening ceremony of Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2026: Creative Life & Creative Heartbeat at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Embassy of Thailand in Korea
A performer interacts with spectators, holding their hands during a performance at the opening ceremony of Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2026: Creative Life & Creative Heartbeat at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Embassy of Thailand in Korea