Nobel Prize elevates worldwide interest in K-literature

Nov 19, 2024

A man browsing works by Han Kang, who became the first Korean and first female Asian Nobel Literature Prize laureate. (Photo courtesy of Yonhap News) The announcement of Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature on October 10 was a huge milestone for Korean literature, boosting its international standing considerably. The main factors behind this remarkable achievement were Han’s creative genius, K-literature’s strong foundation, exceptional translation work and sus

Text hip: How Korean digital natives made reading cool again

Nov 19, 2024

People reading books at “Reading by the Clear Stream,” an event put on by the Seoul Metropolitan Government at Cheonggyecheon (Photo courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government) The awarding of the Nobel Prize in Literature to Han Kang –making her Asia’s first female recipient – has sparked an unexpected cultural phenomenon known as “text hip.” Reading has gone from being a solitary pursuit to being a trendy social activity, with a ris

Translation’s role in K-literature’s global recognition

Nov 19, 2024

A scene from "Korean Literature Meets the World," a publishing industry exchange program organized by the Literature Translation Institute of Korea. (Photo courtesy of LTI Korea) Korean author Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature marks a historic achievement for Korean literature globally. The win not only shines a light on her unique talent but also shows the vital role translation plays in bringing Korean literature to international readers. At its core, the art

Bukchon’s new art space: The future of media art

Nov 11, 2024

Nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung (1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty palaces) and the royal shrine Jongmyo lies Bukchon, a Seoul neighborhood where the spirit of old traditions still thrive. Known for its dense collection of hanok (traditional Korean houses), this area stands as one of the city’s most distinctive historic districts. Bukchon – with its wealth of historical sites, cultural landmarks and folk heritage – has been described as a “living museum” in

Kimjang goes global: The universal appeal of kimchi

Nov 11, 2024

Kimjang is the Korean tradition of making a big batch of kimchi to last through the long, cold winter. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) With kimjang season upon us, households across Korea are preparing to make kimchi together. This beloved custom was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013 for exemplifying the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge, fostering social bonds and demonstrating sustainable food culture practices. The tradition tra

Your complete guide to Sokcho, Korea’s coastal gem

Nov 11, 2024

Sokcho boasts exceptional scenery in November, when autumn is at its peak. The city extends from the deep-blue waters of the East Sea to the steep slopes of Seoraksan National Park, which are ablaze with fall colors. Of course, Sokcho offers more than just majestic peaks and vast beaches. From seaside walking paths, bustling markets and the historic Abai Village to the towering Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel, Sokcho has enough charms to fill many days and nights.  Seoraksan Nation

Seoul’s former presidential compound Cheong Wa Dae emerges as international cultural hub

Nov 11, 2024

Visitors take photos in front of the Grand Garden at Cheong Wa Dae. (Photo courtesy of the Public Communications Office of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) Since Korea’s former presidential residence and executive office Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House) was fully opened to the public in May 2022, it has welcomed 6.38 million visitors, and foreign nationals have comprised around 600,000, or 9 percent, of that total. International interest has grown steadily, with