"Red Peach Blossoms" (2021) by Hwang Su-ro on display at Deoksugung. Courtesy of MMCA Deoksugung, one of the five royal palaces in central Seoul, is characterized by its dynamic history despite being the smallest of the palaces. It was originally built as a private residence of the royal family during the early Joseon period and later served as a palace for King Gojong in 1897 after he returned from the Russian legation where he sought refuge after Japanese assassins murdered his

gettyimagesbank Q.  Is kimchi still a staple dish in Korea? Do Koreans eat it as much as they once did?   A.  It’s fair to say kimchi is still the quintessential Korean side dish, although kimchi consumption has decreased over the past decades.   Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs released a meaningful report about kimchi consumption among Koreans. It found that the average Korean eats 37 kilograms of kimchi every year.

A virtual memorial service table, available at "e-sky burial information system." Courtesy of Korea Funeral Culture and Policy Institute ● COVID-19 has transformed the culture of Chuseok as people are advised to stay apart. ● The Ministry of Health and Welfare is providing online memorial services as an alternative.   Massive traffic jams are a typical scene around Chuseok – the lunar calendar-based harvest celebration that is one of Korea’s two biggest tradit

Kim Eun-nim, who fled from North Korea in 2017. Photo by Choi Won-suk ● North Korea’s Millennials are responsible family members, whereas their South Korean counterparts are more defiant and individualistic, according to one defector. ● While calling many back home cynical about their leaders, she believes collective action against the North Korean regime is unlikely.   Like Millennials in other countries, North Koreans in their 20s and early 30s have certain

Danish freelance journalist Morten Soendergaard. Photo by Choi Won-suk ● Korea is a paradise for campers, says Morten Soendergaard. ● Thought-provoking technology makes Korea an ideal location to cover digital stories.     Korea is one of the best countries for camping out in nature. Mountains draped in color-changing deciduous forests cover 70 percent of its territory, and there are several great spots for viewing sunrises and sunsets.   Dani

gettyimagesbank The government’s policy to expand national health insurance coverage, better known as “Moon Jae-in Care,” has marked its fourth anniversary, with nearly 40 million people benefitting from the healthcare plan.   The initiative made its debut in August 2017, serving as a safety net for the people, especially for the underprivileged, children and the elderly facing astronomical healthcare costs.   “The policy to expand national health insurance c

President Moon Jae-in speaks during a ceremony commemorating the National Liberation Day at Culture Station Seoul 284 in central Seoul, Aug. 15. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae President Moon Jae-in pledged Korea will enhance its contributions to global efforts as a developed nation by joining forces with other nations to fight COVID-19, pursue open trade and respond to climate change.   President Moon made the pledge during his speech on the August 15 National Liberation Day