NTCK to celebrate 100th Seoul performance of ‘The Orphan of Zhao’

The National Theater Company of Korea is set to captivate audiences once more with its signature production, "The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge," returning with its sixth run at the Myeongdong Theater in central Seoul from Nov. 30 to Dec. 25. Premiered in 2015, “The Orphan of Zhao” is a reinterpretation of the Chinese "Zaju" drama script of the same title, written by the Yuan Dynasty playwright Ji Junxiang. Among the six Zaju plays he wrote, “The Orphan o

PerformanceNov. 20, 2023

[From the scene] Nakwon-dong's storied rice cake store

Nakwon Tteok House, a rice cake store in Nakwon-dong in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, traces its roots back to the waning years of the Joseon era (1392-1910). The story of Nakwon Tteok House begins with Go I-ppo, who sold rice cakes as a street vendor after learning to make tteok from the court ladies of nearby palace Changdeokgung. Go's rice cake business continued with her daughter Kim In-dong, who was born in 1919. After the 1950-1953 Korean War, Kim moved the business to its current locatio

CultureNov. 20, 2023

Baekyangsa's Buddhist cuisine templestay teaches what it means to eat beyond taste

JANGSEONG, South Jeolla Province -- The trees surrounding Baekyangsa, a temple in Jangseong County in South Jeolla Province, boasted their crimson and yellow leaves on a quiet Friday in November. Everyone at the temple, however, including the monks, remarked that the weather has been strange this year, lamenting how unfortunate it is that visitors won't be able to see the best of the fall colors. Nonetheless, for a first-time visitor, the temple, whose origin goes back around 1,400 years ag

CultureNov. 20, 2023

[Contribution] Korean food captivates global palates

By Chung Hwang-keun Minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs The world has fallen deeply for Korean food. Ram-don, an instant noodle dish featured in the movie Parasite, was sensationally popular in 2019, and more recently, a brand of frozen kimbap has been selling out within just one month of release at a major grocery store in the United States. The craze for Korean food does not end there. A Korean restaurant in New York was ranked first among all the restaurants in the US listed

FoodNov. 19, 2023

[New in Korean] Historical mystery adventure by writer of 'School Nurse Ahn Eun-young'

"Seol Ja-eun Returns to Geumseong" By Chung Serang Munhakdongne Publishing Chung Serang, the author behind "School Nurse Ahn Eun-young," which was the base for the Netflix series "The School Nurse Files," ventures into the realm of historical mystery adventure with her latest novel, "Seol Ja-eun Returns to Geumseong." The novel marks a shift toward the historical and detective genres for the star writer who previously explored speculative fiction and scien

BooksNov. 19, 2023

Hong Kong-based Villepin shows Kang Myong-hi's works in Seongsu-dong

Hong Kong-based gallery Villepin dusted off paintings by Korean artist Kang Myong-hi spanning from her early works from the 1970s to more recent ones for an exhibition in Seoul. Founded by former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and his son Arthur, the gallery opened in 2019 in Hong Kong. During his time as a diplomat, Dominique regularly met with artists from across the globe and Arthur grew up surrounded by them. The father and son's relationship with Kang dates back three deca

Arts & DesignNov. 19, 2023

Culture Ministry offers Suneung takers free exhibitions, discounted performances

Candidates who completed this year's college entrance exam in South Korea, known as Suneung, on Thursday, will be given free entry and discounts for special exhibitions and cultural performances, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced Friday. The Seoul Arts Center is offering a half-price discount for the "SAC Saturday Concert" and "SAC Heart Classic Concert with KT," scheduled for Saturday and Nov. 24, respectively. Discounted tickets can be purchased o

CultureNov. 18, 2023

Unique indoor dating spots to warm your winter days

The recent arrival of a bitter cold snap has many people looking for indoor activities, away from the chill in the air. The alleys near Konkuk University Station on Subway Line No. 2 attracts visitors with some unique indoor dating spots, offering a refuge from the start of this year's winter season. Ddowaddo With temperatures dropping significantly in the first week of November, many people have already taken out their puffer coats, an iconic essential to get through Korea's harsh win

TravelNov. 18, 2023

Navigate flavors of the Mediterranean in Seoul

In the vibrant streets of Seoul where culinary diversity flourishes, authentic Mediterranean establishments remain a rarity. Located in the residential neighborhood of Ichon-dong, just a ten-minute walk from the National Museum of Korea, Kantina is an inviting restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Marked by its distinctive blue sign and interior, the establishment reflects the city's gradually increasing fondness for Mediterranean flavors, since its opening in 2021. Kantina has

FoodNov. 18, 2023

[New in Korean] Kim Hye-jin of 'Concerning My Daughter' brings housing issue to the fore

"A Heart Wishing for Blessings" (a literal translation of the Korean title) By Kim Hye-jin Moonji Publishing In Kim Hye-jin's short story, "Mokhwa Mansion," protagonists Man-ok and Sun-mi share a complex relationship of landlord and tenant, finding themselves in equally precarious situations. They look out for each other, extending neighborly assistance in the beginning. But when things get rough, Man-ok demands that Sun-mi vacate the house as soon as possible. Sun-mi re

BooksNov. 18, 2023

'Fuerza Bruta Wayra' returns to Seoul

Fuerza Bruta Wayra, the renowned Argentinian theater production known for its captivating dance performances and circus-like acrobatics, has made its return to Seoul. The show is set for its first run on Friday and will continue until Feb. 15. This marks the fourth appearance of the Argentinian spectacle in Korea, following its previous presentations in 2005, 2018 and 2019. The show means "brutal force" in Spanish, and its signature "360-degree performance" uses not only the

PerformanceNov. 17, 2023

Resale tickets for League of Legends World Championship go up to 3 million won

The 2023 League of Legends World Championship tickets for the final round are being sold on online resale platforms for more than 10 times their face value. The annual championship, held annually since 2011, brings together the top teams from leagues worldwide to determine the best team of the year, making it the largest global esports event. The final round of the 2023 League of Legends World Championship will take place on Nov. 19 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, featuring Korea's T1, led by

Social AffairsNov. 17, 2023

[New in Korean] Seven minds share single body in '7-day rotation system'

"A Day of Your Existence" By Park So-young Changbi Publishers In the latest novel by emerging sci-fi writer Park So-young, titled "A Day of Your Existence," readers are transported to a captivating future society. The story unfolds in a world with a "human 7-day rotation system," where seven individuals share a single body -- due to environmental destruction and food scarcity. Within this system, known as “Bodymates,” each person utilizes the shared bo

BooksNov. 17, 2023

Experts to discuss globalized risks at World Health City Forum

The World Health City Forum, set to take place in Incheon's Songdo Convensia from Monday, is poised to illuminate the intricate challenges posed by globalized risks in an era shaped by the intricate interplay of pandemics, climate change and economic downturns. Under the theme "Globalization of risks, how to make the world safer?" the three-day gathering will bring together some 150 distinguished thought leaders, including scholars, government officials and business experts across

CultureNov. 17, 2023

Netflix’s ‘Single’s Inferno’ to return with season 3 in December

Netflix Korea officially announced the return of its flagship dating reality show, “Single’s Inferno,” for a third season set to air in December. “Single’s Inferno,” which premiered its first season in December 2021, caught more-than-expected attention from both domestic and global viewers. After such success, the streaming service made a 10-part second season last year. The project became the first-ever Korean non-scripted show to reach the No. 5 slot on Netf

CultureNov. 17, 2023

EBS' new nature doc to explore symbiotic relationship between nature and humanity

Public educational TV channel EBS delves into the circle of life and greatness of nature with its upcoming nature documentary “Connection,” featuring plants, animals, marine life and more. “Connection” is a two-part documentary series portraying how all living creatures are interconnected to one another in our natural world, and how they maintain a delicate balance with each other. The production team spent two years filming across nine countries, including South Korea, J

CultureNov. 17, 2023

S. Korea secures 5th consecutive term on UNESCO executive board

South Korea has been elected to the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for a four-year term from 2023 to 2027, the Foreign Ministry announced Thursday. The country's election to the 58-member body for the 2023-2027 term took place during the 42nd session of the general conference held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Wednesday. South Korea joined UNESCO in 1950 and has served as an executive board member nine times since its firs

CultureNov. 17, 2023

[Well-curated] English tea, sticky rice treats and yes, you can strike the bell at Bosingak

Cozy, warm tearoom in Huam-dong For imbibers of among the oldest aromatic beverages, a cozy and quiet place to enjoy afternoon tea time can be found in Huam-dong in Yongsan, central Seoul. TeaRoom Rossetti is a small, friendly place where the owner offers freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Try the afternoon tea set that includes hand-made sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and madeleines served for at least two people. If you plan to visit alone, the tearoom has an

CultureNov. 17, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel to showcase special cocktails Four Seasons Hotel’s bar OUL will offer special cocktails from Nov. 22 to Jan 6. The bar will present ‘Bang 98’ featuring French 75, Korean spirits, Yakult, a sweetened probiotic milk beverage, and yuzu punch. “1872 Dalgona” and “Berry Danish” will also be available. “1872 Dalgona” is an eggnog infused with Korean rum, oak-aged soju and rice wine. “Berry Danish” is a milk punch cock

FoodNov. 17, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Board Game Festa in Seoul Seoul’s Board Game Festa is an event that promotes board games, showcasing some of the latest party games. The two-day convention is being held at Seoul Trade Exhibition and Convention in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can experience more than 400 Korean board games as well as board games from around the world for free, and take part in a tournament as well. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sund

TravelNov. 17, 2023