[Photo News] Rain and more water hit Chuncheon Mime Festival

While heavy downpours hit Korea over the weekend, the 35th Chuncheon Mime Festival kicked off Sunday. The festival is held from Sunday to June 4 across the city of Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. It is the first time in four years for the festival to fully take place following the COVID-19 pandemic, along with water fights -- a major feature of the outdoor festival. The photos show participants enjoying water fights on the streets amid the heavy rain. The festival is accounted to be one of the thr

TravelMay 28, 2023

Eight contemporary Korean dance groups to perform in New York

Eight Korean dance groups have been invited by the American dance company the Bang Group to perform in New York next month. Titled “All of Seoul,” the event will be held at Arts on Site Studio 3R, in Manhattan, on June 15-16. The Bang Group, established in 1995, is a contemporary theatrical dance troupe. The company is hosting a performance series for the first time this year, and has invited Korean dancers for a program dedicated to Korean contemporary dance. On June 15, Unplugged B

PerformanceMay 28, 2023

[Herald Interview] Seo Bo-hyeon, "Debater": On the art of disagreeing

A boy moved to Australia at the age of 8 with his parents. For the first two years, he was a very agreeable boy, not knowing how to disagree with people. Then an “accident” happened -- a teacher asked him to join the debate team. And the boy then known as Bo, not knowing how to say no, had no choice but to join the team. Several years later, he not only can disagree with others, but the man whose full name is Seo Bo-hyeon has also become a master of disagreement by winning not one bu

BooksMay 28, 2023

Exhibition explores Korea's deep affection for seafood

The National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung in Seoul, is hosting an exhibition that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich fishing and seafood dining culture of Korea. Titled "Korea's Top 3 Dried Seafood," the special exhibition provides detailed insights into the process of catching, processing, distributing and consuming seafood in the country. It highlights how Koreans have cherished and enjoyed seafood in their meals over the year

CultureMay 28, 2023

‘Clean beauty’ pops onto global luxury brands’ radar

From cosmetics to shampoo, global luxury brands have been labeling products as “clean beauty,” a buzzword that has proved popular in recent years. While the term itself may not be new, its definition is largely subjective, and differs for each brand in the ever-evolving luxury industry. Clean beauty has become a major selling point in the market, with brands like Chanel entering the fray, and industry giant Sephora creating dedicated sections on their websites for brands that meet sp

Arts & DesignMay 28, 2023

[Herald Interview] Sci-fi author Bae Myung-hoon explores boundaries of language in 'Future Past Tense'

Bae Myung-hoon, author of the bestselling novel “Tower,” has been at the vanguard of the science fiction genre in Korea for the past decade amid its growing popularity. Bae’s latest collection of stories, “Future Past Tense,” published by Book House, recently hit bookstore shelves. The author expressed confidence that the collection would become his most representative work yet. “It was like compiling the best songs for an album. I’ve gathered the best o

BooksMay 27, 2023

[One with Nature] Find geological wonder, mystery in Jinan’s beloved temples

JINAN, North Jeolla Province -- Isolated from the bustling cities and loud car sounds, many Korean Buddhist temples allow visitors to immerse themselves in tranquil nature and find inner peace. While many Korean temples welcome both Buddhists and tourists with spacious yards covered with sand, charming ponds and the centuries old, iconic trees, Tapsa and Eunsusa in Jinan, North Jeolla Province, both have their own unique features. Tapsa Maisan, a mountain located some 25-kilometers east of J

TravelMay 27, 2023

[College Eats] ‘Sharosugil’ a hotspot for foodies

Seoul National University, located at the foot of Gwanaksan, has a signature food alley -- Sharosugil. The “Sha” comes from how the word resembles the shape of the main gate at the university, while the rest is a nod to Garosugil, an upmarket shopping street in Southern Seoul. From delightful, cheap eateries for students to fancy restaurants for couples, the neighborhood of Seoul National University has become one of the most visited places in Seoul for foodies. Because the area is i

FoodMay 27, 2023

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“The Little Mermaid” (US) Opened May 24 Fantasy/Musical Directed by Rob Marshall Ariel, a spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure, discovers a world beyond the sea. After falling for the dashing Prince Eric, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, an evil sea witch, to experience life on land. “The Last 10 Years” (Japan) Opened May 24 Romance/Drama Directed by Michihito Fujii Twenty-year-old Matsuri Takabayashi learns that she only has 10 years to live due to an in

FilmMay 27, 2023

[New in Korean] Bora Chung walks line between romance and horror in previously unreleased debut novel

“The Fox” By Bora Chung Potion Bora Chung, author of “Cursed Bunny,” a 2022 Booker Prize International finalist, has finally released her unpublished debut work, “The Fox.” Despite winning the prize in the mobile category of the 2008 Digital Literature Awards, which was discontinued in 2012, the book never made it to print. Now published by Potion, a genre literature imprint of Itta Publishing, the novel is a reinterpretation of the tale of a nine-tailed fox,

BooksMay 27, 2023

Posco Art Museum hosts installation artist Kwon Chi-gyu's solo exhibition

Installation artist Kwon Chi-gyu’s solo exhibition “Resilience” opened Friday at Posco Art Museum in Seoul as the museum's first solo show this year. Inspired by nature, Kwon delved into the concept of resilience with the belief that every life has the power to overcome. Running through June 28, the exhibition will show 20 of Kwon's works under the theme of “resilience,” including his newly created paintings and installations. A visitor to the exhibition w

Arts & DesignMay 26, 2023

Pianist Cho Seong-jin to embark on nationwide recital tour

Cho Seong-jin, one of the most sought-after South Korean pianists, is set to embark on a nationwide recital tour, two years after he performed Chopin’s complete Scherzos in 2021. This time, Cho will present a recital featuring Baroque music by Handel, Brahms, Schumann and more from July 4 to 5 at the Seoul Arts Center. After the performances in the capital city, he will visit Daejeon on July 8, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on July 9 and Ulsan on July 12. The upcoming performances will be

CultureMay 26, 2023

Kim Jee-woon’s ‘Cobweb’ receives 10-minute standing ovation at Cannes

“Cobweb,” director Kim Jee-woon's first feature film in 13 years and his third project, was screened at the 76th Cannes Film Festival Thursday night local time, where it received a 10-minute standing ovation. Starring veteran actor Song Kang-ho, “Cobweb” revolves around the struggles of a film director (Song) in the 1970s when the industry languished due to government censorship and unsupportive actors. The cast includes actors Lim Soo-jeong, Oh Jeong-se, Jeon Yeo-be

FilmMay 26, 2023

Sculpture fair PLAS 2023 returns to Coex with 'New Dream'

Plastic Art Seoul 2023, an art fair dedicated to sculptures and installation works, kicked off Thursday, strengthening PLAS' ties with other art fairs in Taiwan and Canada. Ninety-six galleries including 11 galleries from overseas are participating at the 8th edition of the fair being held under the theme of “New Dream.” More than 800 artists’ works are on display during the four-day art fair that runs through Sunday at Coex in southern Seoul. PLAS recently entered into

Arts & DesignMay 26, 2023

[New in Korean] If there are no sad memories, can we find happiness in the future?

“Marigold Mind Laundry” By Yun Jung-eun Book Romance Essayist Yun Jung-eun has returned with a full-length novel for the first time in 11 years. Since its release on March 6, the fantasy novel has consistently ranked among the top 5 on the nation's bestseller lists. The story unfolds in a peculiar laundromat that mysteriously appeared on a hill in the middle of the night. Ji-eun, an enigmatic woman with a pale complexion and long, curly, black hair, serves hot tea to visitors at

BooksMay 26, 2023

[New in Korean] Embark on epic adventure as nationwide audition for first robotic pilot begins

“Project V” By Park Seo-lyeon Safehouse Inc. Award-winning novelist Park Seo-lyeon of “Kang Ju-ryong, the Woman in the Air” presents a fresh take on a narrative set in a futuristic Korea of 2037, where a giant robot is the new hot trend. As countries are embroiled in a race to develop these colossal machines, Korea also develops a giant robot named V and a nationwide audition is held to select the inaugural pilot. An exhilarating story unfurls, revolving around Woo-ram, a

BooksMay 26, 2023

[Well-curated] 4D naval battle, video games as art and Byhomie bag exhibition

Explore history of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-shin Two statues stand at Gwanghwamun Square representing two iconic figures of Korean history: Adm. Yi Sun-shin, a national hero who triumphed over Japanese invaders during the Imjin War (1592-1598), and King Sejong, an ingenious ruler who invented Hangeul, the Korean writing system, in 1443. Two permanent exhibitions have been set up underneath these statues, housed in the basements of Gwanghwamun Square and the Sejong Center for the Performing

CultureMay 26, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Haevichi Hotel & Resort debuts Indian course meal Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju presents a dining deal at its restaurant Darangswi. Guests can indulge in an Indian course meal, which features five dishes and four drinks, offering a blend of exotic flavors. Starting with appetizers like papadums and Indian traditional sauces, the course provides samosas and a tandoori chicken platter. The meal concludes with a thali of curry dishes and nan, followed by rice pudding for dessert. Each course

FoodMay 26, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Pohang International Fire and Light Festival The Pohang International Fire and Light Festival is scheduled to be held at Hyeongsangang Sports Park from May 26-28 in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. The three-day event offers a spectacular fireworks competition, parade and a concert featuring vocalists Lee Mu-jin, HYNN and more. Teams from four countries -- South Korea, Sweden, Italy and the Philippines are taking part in the competition that takes place at 9 p.m. on May 27. More information

TravelMay 26, 2023

Gothenburg Opera Dance Company to bring creativity in its first Seoul performance

Sweden's Gothenburg Opera Dance Company will meet Korean audiences for the first time by performing “Kites“ and “SAABA“ at the LG Arts Center Seoul, on Friday and Saturday. The leading contemporary dance company in Europe is composed of 38 dancers from over 20 countries, and has been actively collaborating with international choreographers to stage challenging and innovative performances. Katrin Hall, artistic director of the company since 2016, said the participatio

PerformanceMay 25, 2023