Animals left in substandard conditions at some local zoos

A jaguar paced back and forth within its cage, measuring about 30 square meters in total area. Each time the great cat reached the edge of its enclosure, it reared on its hind legs, as if to attempt a futile climb onto the wall. Daejeon Aquarium’s “mini zoo,” located on the third floor of the aquarium, recently came under fire on social media for placing its animals in substandard living conditions. In light of the revision to the Enforcement Degree of the Act on the Management

CultureSept. 16, 2023

Sejong National Arboretum shines bright at day and night

SEJONG -- After being prominently featured in hit Korean drama series like “The Glory” and “Big Mouth” last year, Sejong National Arboretum in Sejong shot to fame. Fascinating displays of plants and flowers here are not easily found elsewhere. Yet, one does not need to be a plant lover to travel to the country's first urban arboretum. About 120 kilometers south of Seoul, the 65-hectare arboretum in Sejong -- South Korea’s third national arboretum after those in

TravelSept. 16, 2023

[Herald Interview] Andrew Porter on renewed attention in Korea for ‘Theory of Light and Matter’

American writer Andrew Porter said he is truly surprised and delighted that his debut work, "The Theory of Light and Matter," has resonated with Korean readers after all these years. Porter’s debut work, a collection of stories published in 2008, won several awards, including the Flannery O'Connor Award for short fiction. While it was published in Korea in 2011, it wasn't until 2019 that the book received renewed attention after acclaimed Korean author Kim Young-ha intr

BooksSept. 16, 2023

[Coffee Klatch] Time travel to 1920s cafe scene at Coffee Hanyakbang

There are many places in Seoul where history stays alive. With a focus on retaining the original structure and exterior, the former gas stations, public baths or shuttered banks and schools grab attention for their unique mood and satisfy a thirst for new temporal and spatial experiences. Walk down an old narrow alley between the skyscrapers of Euljiro in central Seoul and one may encounter a hospital from the Joseon era, known as Hyeminseo. Heo Jun, a Korean physician who was also the chief phy

FoodSept. 16, 2023

Chang Han-na and Mischa Maisky to take stage together in Korea after 11 years

Renowned cellist Mischa Maisky's one and only student Chang Han-na are set to showcase their ever-evolving joint musicianship before South Korean audiences later this month. Outside Korea, the duo -- who first met when the 41-year-old cellist-turned-conductor Chang was 9 years old -- occasionally took the stage together, but the upcoming reunion will mark their first performance together in 11 years. Chang and Maisky, together with the Ditto Orchestra, are set to take the stage for five p

CultureSept. 15, 2023

Family of late director Kim Ki-young files suit against 'Cobweb' film screening

The family of late filmmaker Kim Ki-young has filed a lawsuit against "Cobweb" production company Anthology Studios to stop the screening of the film, arguing that the film negatively portrays the director. Anthology Studios claims director Kim was not the motif for director Kim Yeol (Song Kang-ho) in the film, reiterating that they would work to prevent any misunderstanding that might arise during the promotion of the film. "We're sorry to have worried the family members of

FilmSept. 15, 2023

28th BIFF's Actor's House to spotlight Song Joong-ki, Han Hyo-joo, Youn Yuh-jung, John Cho

This year's Busan International Film Festival will have actors Song Joong-ki, Han Hyo-joo, Youn Yuh-jung and John Cho at its flagship special talk session called Actor's House. Launched in 2021 as an intimate, in-depth talk show, Actor's House has become a place where actors go over their filmography and reveal their new plans and projects. Veteran actor Youn Yuh-jung will meet with the audience on Oct. 6. She is expected to share her insights, wisdom and wit, and speak about her

FilmSept. 15, 2023

'The Girl in the Picture,' a special storytelling concert about 'comfort women,' returns after 6 years

A special storytelling music concert that sheds light on "comfort women" -- South Korean victims and survivors of Japanese military sexual slavery -- is returning with its seventh concert. “The Girl in the Picture” was started in 2012 by the Yoon Joo Hee Microcosmic Ensemble, combining cinematic elements, music, dance and graphic art to create a unique and visually striking show. It is a story about girls who came to be later called comfort women against their will and is a

CultureSept. 15, 2023

Eun Hee-kyung, Andrew Porter explore words of short stories, novels

On the afternoon of Sept. 10, the third day of the festival, Eun Hee-kyung from South Korea and Andrew Porter from the US met. Although they had never crossed paths before, these literary talents shared a profound appreciation for the written word. Both authors, despite being from different corners of the globe, shared a common thread in their literary portfolios: a dedication to crafting both full-length novels and collections of short stories. For these two writers, the length of a narrative d

BooksSept. 15, 2023

Nibble on royal sweet treats at Gyeongbokgung

Savor delicacies enjoyed by Korean kings and queens at Gyeongbokgung in central Seoul. Organized by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, the "Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang" program brings to life palace desserts and tea as documented in the "Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty" from the Joseon era (1392-1910). "Saenggwabang," located in the royal kitchen known as "sojubang," was a dedicated space for making desserts and snacks for royals. Stepping ins

FoodSept. 15, 2023

[Well-curated] Exorcist lab, outdoor reading and artsy street festival make for rich fall weekend

“Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman” pop-up store in Seongsu A pop-up store for the upcoming comedy flick,“Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman,” in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, is set to entertain visitors ahead of the film’s opening on Sept. 27. Directed by Kim Seong-sik, “Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman” tells the story of Dr. Cheon (Gang Dong-won), a fake exorcist, and his encounter with a strong demonic possession. Heo Jun-ho, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee Som and Kim Jong-su star in the

CultureSept. 15, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Iksan World Heritage Media Art Festa The 2023 Iksan World Heritage Media Art Festa, which started on Sept. 9, runs through Oct. 9 at the stone pagoda Mireuksaji, in Iksan, North Jeolla Province. The cultural event features stories of Buddhism in the forms of media facade and drone shows. Various programs, including lighting exhibitions, a flea market and busking by local artists, are set to entertain visitors as well. Admission is free, and visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the show. M

TravelSept. 15, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel offers gift packages for Chuseok Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel has prepared gift packages for the Korean Thanksgiving holiday known as Chuseok. The premium set consists of six apple mangos, a melon and a bunch of shine muscat for 280,000 won. The hotel’s premium wine selections are also available at prices starting from 70,000 won. The “special hamper” includes international ingredients and snacks for 230,000 won. For more information, call (032) 8

FoodSept. 15, 2023

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“Sleep” (South Korea) Opened Sept. 6 Mystery/Thriller Directed by Jason Yu A pregnant Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi) discovers that her husband, Hyun-soo (Lee Sun-kyun), has started exhibiting strange behaviors while asleep. Overcome with anxiety that he may be a danger to the family, Soo-jin goes to great lengths to protect them and their baby. “A Haunting in Venice” (US) Opened Sept. 13 Mystery/Crime Directed by Kenneth Branagh Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot returns to his peace

FilmSept. 15, 2023

Bora Chung’s ‘Cursed Bunny’ longlisted for US National Book Award

The English edition of Bora Chung’s short story collection “Cursed Bunny” has been longlisted in the translated literature category for the 2023 National Book Award in the US. Among the 10 nominations announced on this year's long list, "Cursed Bunny" stands as the sole work originating from Asia. Finalists are to be announced on Oct. 3, with the final winner selection coming on Nov. 15. The English edition of “Cursed Bunny” was translated by Anton Hu

BooksSept. 14, 2023

[Herald Design Forum 2023] Architect Lina Ghotmeh's roots in Beirut live on in her work

Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh's architecture philosophy is rooted in her hometown of Beirut. The port city is situated at the midpoint of the country’s Mediterranean coast, with a history of more than 5,000 years. “At my practice, our projects are born from my methodology of design and research called ‘archaeology of the future.’ It is about finding the uniqueness of each situation, so every project talks about where it is. Archaeology of the future is influenced

Arts & DesignSept. 14, 2023

From words to 'pansori' and music : Artistic performances inspired by literature performed at SIWF

Literary works served as an inspiration for various forms of three-dimensional readings, folk songs and "pansori" during the festival. The beauty of literature is that literary worlds can be expanded and reinterpreted into different forms, inspiring artists working in various genres. Two days of evening performances on Sept. 9 and 10 included a pansori performance, a music concert and a reading performance inspired by the works of writers who participated in this year’s SIWF. On

PerformanceSept. 14, 2023

Former Hongik University professor Kim Sung-hee to head MMCA

Former Hongik University professor Kim Sung-hee will lead the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, the Culture Ministry said Thursday. Kim would take office on Monday, the ministry told The Korea Herald. Kim, 65, was one of three final candidates for the position, according to a source. Kim, former associate professor at the Department of Curatorial Studies and Art Management at Hongik University, co-founded CAN Foundation in 2008, a nonprofit art center in Seoul that supports

Arts & DesignSept. 14, 2023

Writers bring their literary worlds, imaginations to life on Nodeulseom

The annual Seoul International Writers’ Festival, organized by the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea) kicked off Sept. 8, bringing together 24 Korean and international writers on Nodeulseom, an artificial islet on the Han River in Seoul, for a six-day festival. Under the theme of “Crossing the Bridge of Language,” the 2023 SIWF responded to the heightened sense of isolation and discord brought about by the pandemic. Two captivating storytellers -- Jeong Ji-a

BooksSept. 14, 2023

Film festivals oppose budget cut, raise concerns over inclusiveness

Fifty local film festivals, including the big three of the Busan International Film Festival, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and Jeonju International Film Festival, have joined forces to protest a cut in the budget for programs that support the local film industry. In a statement Wednesday, a group tentatively called the Film Festival Network strongly criticized the government's decision to remove funding earmarked for local film production and distribution, along with a sign

CultureSept. 14, 2023