Essay: Watching the Stars

Ansan City Corporation is organizing a series of events in May for Family Month. The program includes educational and recreational activities at four venues: the Traffic Safety Experience Center, the Wa-Sang-Na-Ra children's center, the Hwarang Auto Camping site, and the Ansan Fishing Village Folk Museum. At the safety center, children visiting by May 8 will receive souvenirs; the children's center will run a waste sorting experience zone until May 30; on May 5, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the camping site will host traditional games and a treasure hunt; and the museum will offer a keychain-making workshop based on a museum artifact throughout the month.

Incheon authorities have proposed amendments to the camping ordinance at the metropolitan landfill site. The full refund period is extended from 2 to 7 days before check-in to combat fake bookings, which reached 68%. Large families are exempted from surcharges for exceeding the base guest limit and will receive off-season discounts.

Mitan-myeon in Pyeongchang is gaining popularity as an outdoor destination, combining car camping, stargazing, and backpacking. Cheongoksan Yukbaekmaji Wildflower Ecological Park has opened, with Shasta daisies expected to peak in mid-May. On weekends, 50–60 vehicles visit the park. The 'Mitan Outdoor Village' backpacking event on May 16–17 sold out 150 spots early. Authorities are investing 15 billion won in a 'Milky Way Mountain Tourism Hub' project, set for completion in 2025.

On April 26, a collision between an RV and an SUV occurred on the Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway near the Mungyeong rest area around 12:10 PM. The RV carried 4 occupants and the SUV 3, totaling 7 people with minor injuries, all transported to hospitals. The SUV driver was confirmed not under the influence of alcohol.

GMC has started sales of the limited edition Sierra Denali Scarlet Night Edition in South Korea at 96.4 million won (approx. $72,000). The truck features a 6.2L V8 engine producing 426 hp and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3,945 kg, enabling it to tow large caravans and boats. Payload is limited to 300 kg under Korean regulations. The package includes a red LED GMC emblem, 13.4-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 15-inch head-up display.

Starbucks Korea has unveiled its first mobile coffee trailer, Su:Bokcha, to serve remote areas and emergency zones. The launch took place on April 22 at Hangang Park on Yeouido Island in Seoul.