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

Modern love: Korea’s initiatives to boost marriages

Nov 11, 2024

Korean women in their 30s seem to be gaining a rosier view of marriage and childbirth. (Photo courtesy of ImageToday) Recent data shows that young Koreans are thinking more positively about marriage. A survey by the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy found that 65.4 percent of unmarried respondents look forward to marriage – a promising 4.4 percent increase over March of this year. The trend is particularly encouraging among women in their 30

Seoul’s restaurants, bars and cafés ride culinary Korean wave

Nov 11, 2024

With Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars” quickly driving up interest in Korean dining experiences, Seoul has seized the moment to celebrate its vibrant food scene. The city recently announced the “100 Taste of Seoul,” a curated list of top eateries, including several restaurants owned by chefs from the show. This initiative precedes the “Taste of Seoul 2024,” an annual weeklong food festival running November 8-14, and aims to showcase the city’s culi

Cinematic triumphs: Forbes celebrates K-cinema’s greatest achievements

Nov 11, 2024

Posters of critically acclaimed films directed by Park Chan-wook and/or starring actor Song Kang-ho, both recognized at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. Among these, Forbes included “Oldboy,” “Parasite,” “Decision to Leave” and “Thirst” on its list of the top 30 Korean films. (Images courtesy of CJ CGV) Forbes magazine recently released a list of the top 30 must-watch Korean films, showcasing the distinctive storytelling and cultural