Chonkangseu, rural getaways, are popular among younger Koreans seeking ways to rest and relax. (Photo courtesy of ImageToday) Would you like to swap bustling cityscapes for rolling rice paddies, replace traffic noise with the gentle rustle of wind through fields? In Korea, young city dwellers used to journey out into the countryside as part of nonghwal, short for nongchon bongsa hwaldong (volunteer activities in rural areas). Now, they visit there on their own or in small groups

President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers the keynote speech for the NATO Public Forum’s session “Priorities in the Indo-Pacific.” (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea) President Yoon Suk Yeol recently embarked on a five-day visit to the United States that culminated in his participation at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Washington, D.C. This significant diplomatic mission marked a pivotal moment in the Republi

Group running has become a fitness trend in Korea. Members meet regularly – usually after work – and run around downtown areas. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images Korea) In recent years, Korean cities have been steadily transforming into vibrant fitness hubs, with health-conscious citizens engaging in various physical activities. Urban areas have led this trend as their wide range of accessible, affordable fitness options offer something for everyone. Koreans of all age

A panoramic view of Suncheon Bay National Garden (Photo courtesy of the Suncheon Bay National Garden)  In today’s world, places transform rapidly. Neighborhoods evolve beyond recognition and beloved haunts vanish with changing trends. This often leaves us yearning for the past. Enter Suncheon: a city with old villages, thousand-year-old temples and pristine nature. People, nature and culture coexist harmoniously within its limits and time passes slowly. 

Korean convenience stores, which differentiate themselves with one-stop services and various unique offerings, are popular with locals and international visitors alike. (Photo courtesy of BGF Retail) In recent years, Korea’s convenience stores have emerged as a powerful retail industry in their own right, challenging Japan’s long-standing dominance. Offering unparalleled convenience and innovative offerings, these stores have not only become ubiquitous in Korea bu

A promotional video for Korea’s National Mental Health Investment Support Program (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Health and Welfare) Suicide is a critical public health crisis in Korea as it’s now a leading cause of death, especially among the young. This alarming trend must be tackled through urgent and effective interventions. According to National Police Agency statistics from 2022, mental and psychiatric problems accounted for 39.4 percent of suicides, fol

Taste Your Korea’s logo (Image courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization) In a bold move to raise Korean cuisine onto the global stage, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization recently unveiled the “Taste Your Korea” brand, promising to bring the cornucopia of Korean flavors to international palates. This ambitious initiative aims to celebrate Korea’s culinary heritage, boost tourism and make Korean food more popular wo