[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Gangneung Danoje FestivalThe Gangneung Danoje Festival was designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005 and important Intangible Cultural Property No. 13 in Korea in 1967. It includes rituals such as the Daegwallyeong Guksa Seonghwangje -- a tribute to Monk Beomil, believed to protect Gangneung -- and Yeongsinje -- a deity greeting ritual). Folk performances, ssireum wrestling, swing rides and tug-of-war competitions follow these rituals. The festiva

TravelJune 15, 2018

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

The Accidental Detective 2: In Action(Korea)Opened June 13Comedy, MysteryDirected by Lee Eon-heeComic book store-owner Dae-man (Kwon Sang-hoo) and detective Tae-soo (Sung Dong-il) become full-time private investigators. As their first big case, the duo looks into the seemingly accidental death of a man, which turns out to be something more. With the help of cyber whiz Yeo-chi (Lee Kwang-soo), the two seek to uncover the truth.Ocean‘s 8(US)Action, Comedy, Crime Opened June 13Directed by Gary Ross

FilmJune 15, 2018

[Weekender] Retro is back, again

After years of interior design trends dominated by white walls and industrial features, a more homely retro style is emerging as a new interior style in Korea. Retro-themed cafes and restaurants are springing up in Seoul’s stylish neighborhoods, including Ikseon-dong, Mangwon-dong and Seongsu-dong. As the retro-themed shops become known as so-called “Instagram-worthy” spots, customers flock to the areas to take pictures and feel the trendy atmosphere.The interior of coffee shop Jahn (Park Ju-you

Arts & DesignJune 15, 2018

[Weekender] Lights, the quickest way to transform a room

Light is what surrounds us and fills the space we are in. Yet we seldom pay attention to its importance or the effect it casts on the things it touches. In interior design, lights are coordinated not only to brighten up the space, but also to direct people’s gaze and to illuminate or shadow objects. For Kwon Ho-jung, a 29-year-old office worker in Seoul, multiple lightings go beyond the role of illuminating her living space. Kwon’s is one of the increasing one-person households in urban Korea. A

Arts & DesignJune 15, 2018

[Weekender] Cafes, bars, theaters and color: How Korean homes are evolving

The first home bar run by Park Na-rae until last year was decorated with various knickknacks the comedian had collected over the years for a bargain. On the floor lay a Union Jack-patterned rug, while a rotating disco ball hung from the ceiling. The walls displayed a bright orange painted by Park herself. In the past, Koreans renting their homes were wary of decorating or making alterations because they did not regard the spaces as their own, Park says. She too has a lease on her current apartme

Arts & DesignJune 15, 2018

[Weekender] Young Koreans overcome DIY fears

Home is a place that invites a feeling of warmth and comfort.From the color of the walls to the living room furniture, each added element to a home tells a different story. Overstuffed furnishings, draperies and accessories displayed on a bookshelf are some examples that can offer a glimpse into the life of a home owner. In the past, older generations of Koreans preferred simplistic features for their home decor. Now, a growing number of 20- and 30-somethings are bringing together creativity and

Arts & DesignJune 15, 2018

[Eye Plus] Tigers find new home at Baekdudaegan National Arboretum

At the center of the mountain range Baekdudaegan, southeast of the North Gyeongsang province, lies the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum in an area of 5,179 hectares. (Photographed by Park Hyun-koo)The arboretum that has facilities for scientific research, such as Seed Vault and gardens for tourists, has long been dedicated to preserving and researching the forest ecology, home to about 33 percent of endemic and rare plants in South Korea in the largest and longest mountain range. (Photographed by

TravelJune 15, 2018

Black Pink members ‘Square Up’ with more power

Black Pink came back with more power than ever before. Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa and Rose of the K-pop act met with the press a few hours before the release of their first-ever EP, and highlighted that the new EP is all about “power.” “The lead track’s title resembles the sound of a gunshot. But it is also like a spell -- a spell to make us strong. It has elements of hip-hop, stronger and tougher than our previous songs,” Jennie said in a press conference, where she and her bandmates talked about thei

PerformanceJune 15, 2018

Seventeen, fromis_9, to perform at KCON 2018 LA

K-pop artists fromis_9 and Seventeen are confirmed as performers at KCON 2018, set to take place in August in Los Angeles.The two groups will perform at the Staples Center and LA Convention Center at the seventh annual KCON LA, scheduled to be held from Aug. 10-12.  (KCON USA)The nine members of fromis_9 were brought together through Mnet’s reality show “Idol School” in 2017. Before officially debuting in January 2018, the group made a major stage appearance with “Glass Shoes,” its pre-debut sin

PerformanceJune 15, 2018

Kyungri of Nine Muses gears up for solo debut

Kyungri is finally standing on her own as an artist, with the K-pop star slated for her first release as a solo artist in July.According to Star Empire Entertainment, the Nine Muses bandmate has just finished recording for her first solo album. She will shoot the music video next week.Despite her popularity with Nine Muses, Kyungri had never embarked upon a solo project. This will mark her first musical work since the band released “Love City” in August. Kyungri (Star Empire Entertainment)Kyungr

PerformanceJune 15, 2018

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

Summer afternoon tea at Sheraton SeoulSheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel’s Lobby Lounge Bar presents a new afternoon tea set for the summer season. The afternoon tea set, served in a uniquely tiered tray, offers eight desserts, two snacks and a refreshing punch cocktail. The tea set is priced at 22,000 won and can be ordered from Monday to Friday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sheraton Sweet Collection, consisting of nine signature mini desserts, is available for takeout, targeting guests who want to e

FoodJune 15, 2018

[Home Cooking] Slow cooker spicy braised pork ribs (maeun dweji galbijjim)

Korean braised dishes are so easy to cook in the slow cooker, and this spicy braised pork rib (maeun dweji galbijjim) is no exception! You throw the ingredients in the slow cooker and forget about it until the meat is fork tender and ready to be served. Maeun galbijjim (spicy braised ribs) is a popular braised dish in Korea. I like to use baby back ribs for this recipe. They are tender and meaty. This recipe is spicy, but you can certainly make it spicier by adding more gochugaru (Korean red chi

FoodJune 15, 2018

Taeyeon hints more on upcoming release

Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation released the track list for her upcoming solo EP, “Something New.” Along with the neo soul title track, the five additional tracks to be included are “All Night Long,” “Baram X 3,” “One Day,” “Circus” and an instrumental version of the “Something New.”  Taeyeon (S.M. Entertainment)NCT’s Lucas, a labelmate of Taeyeon under S.M. Entertainment, guest raps on “All Night Long.” The new EP will be Taeyeon’s first record since “This Christmas? Winter Is Coming” released in

PerformanceJune 14, 2018

Beauty influencers take over cosmetics market

While some may not understand what the word “beauty influencer” means exactly, not many doubt their actual influence these days. Beauty influencers are on the rise, leading the cosmetics market everywhere, including Korea.　The term beauty influencers usually refers to beauty creators and beauty YouTubers, who post beauty-related clips, photos or writings on the web.   Saebyeock's YouTubeOver the past few years, there have been numerous reports on how the influencers are taking over the cosmetics

Arts & DesignJune 14, 2018

[Herald Interview] KHAN’s silver lining

From “K-pop Star” to “Superstar K” to “Unpretty Rapstar” to “The Unit,” the audition programs the two members of KHAN have gone through pretty much sums up the competitive and variable nature of the K-pop industry. Like other K-pop aspirants, Yuna Kim and Jeon Min-joo competed in several audition programs, endured grueling practice and trained under agencies with the hope of debuting.  KHAN poses during a recent interview with The Korea Herald in Seoul (Park Hyun-koo / The Korea Herald)The pair

EntertainmentJune 14, 2018

[Epicurean Challenge] Raw anchovies softly tickle the throat

Anchovies come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from 1 to 15 centimeters. In Korea, they are cooked in different ways according to their size.Some end up as myeolchihoe, or sliced anchovy served raw after the scales, internal organs and heads are removed.  Myeolchihoe (By Im Eun-byel / The Korea Herald)It is a dish usually consumed in the southern part of Korea. Fish that die soon after coming out of the water, including anchovies, are described as “short tempered” in Korean. As a sashimi dish h

FoodJune 14, 2018

Tiffany signs pact with US-based Paradigm Talent Agency

Tiffany of Girls’ Generation has signed under a major entertainment agency based in the US, taking a step forward in her solo career. Paradigm Talent Agency has recently listed the singer on the list of musicians on its official website as “Tiffany Young.” Tiffany’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Spotify can be reached through her profile.  (Screenshot from Paradigm Talent Agency's official website)With a presence in major cities across the US and internationally

PerformanceJune 14, 2018

Elris reveals track list for ‘Summer Dream’ EP

Elris has revealed the track list for its upcoming “Summer Dream” EP.The girl group’s agency Hunus Entertainment on Thursday released the track list that showed a background of a blue ocean and a sandy beach. (Hunus Entertainment)The five-track EP will feature the lead track “Summer Dream,” “Will Be Mine,” “Prod. RAVI” and “Focus.” Accompanying the track list were lyrics of the songs written by the members themselves. It will mark the first release for the K-pop act since the EP “Color Crush” la

PerformanceJune 14, 2018

Choo Ja-hyun to receive postpartum care after health scare

South Korean actress Choo Ja-hyun is receiving postpartum care following a health scare that surprised her fans after giving birth to her first child.Choo was released from hospital early Monday afternoon after recovering from aspiration pneumonia, her agency BH Entertainment said in a statement on the same day. Choo temporarily experienced spasms following the birth of her first son and was rushed to the ER before she was admitted into an intensive care unit where she was given an oxygen mask t

TelevisionJune 13, 2018

Thai fan clubs run blood donation drive to celebrate BTS anniversary

Two Thai BTS fan clubs, also known as ARMY -- BTS Thailand and CandyClover -- initiated a blood donation project in May and attained 200,000 cc of blood, which can help save around 1,500 lives, to celebrate BTS on Wednesday.“We were inspired by BTS to deliver love to others through their ‘Love Myself’ campaign that BTS and United Nations Children’s Fund initiated,” the fan clubs said. The Thai fans also displayed a one-minute advertisement on a large electric billboard in Siam Square One at the

PerformanceJune 13, 2018