[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival The Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival is set to take place at Donam Tourist Complex in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, Aug. 5-14. The festival commemorates the Great Battle of Hansan of 1592, the best-known naval battle in Korean history. Visitors can observe a reenactment of the battle and experience hands-on programs at Yi Sun-sin Waterpark, organized by the city and Great Battle of Hansan Memorial Foundation. Admission is free. People of all ages are

July 1, 2022

2022 Punggi expo to bring new insights on ginseng

The upcoming 2022 World Punggi Ginseng Expo in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, aims to showcase a fresh aspect of the traditional Korean ginseng, the expo organizing committee said Wednesday. Under the theme, “Ginseng, embracing the world and opening the future,” the expo will take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 23., at the Punggi Ginseng Culture Pop-up Park in Yeongju. Records of ginseng in Punggi date back to 1541 when Joo Se-boong, then governor of Punggi, after studying soil

June 30, 2022

[Eye interview] Hair stylist-turned-artist realizes his vision on a mountain side resort

ICHEON, Gyeonggi Province -- When Lee Sang-il, 66, a hairdresser to celebrities, the artsy and ladies-who-lunch, retired some 10 years ago, he hinted that he was about to embark on a very big project. “Keep me posted,” I said. Over the years, he did indeed keep me posted with occasional text messages. And about five years ago, I received photos of a snow-covered hanok and an update: His resort was 90 percent complete. Then came an invitation to the opening party in early May. An h

June 24, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Garden of Morning Calm Hydrangea Festival and Exhibition The Garden of Morning Calm, situated in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, is one of Korea’s major botanical gardens. In an attempt to promote the beautiful hydrangea blooming in July, the festival presents five types of hydrangea with photo zones. Visitors can enjoy the differently shaped flowers and leaves of hydrangea, the most attractive flower of summer. The festival is slated for June 4 to July 3. The garden is open from 8:30 a.m

June 24, 2022

Nation's longest walking trail opens along west coast

South Korea's longest walking trail, stretching 1,800 kilometers along the west coast, opened to the public Wednesday, the culture ministry said. The Seohaerang Trail links an area near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) bisecting the two Koreas in Ganghwa of Incheon to Haenam on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and its affiliated Korea Tourism Organization said in a release. The trail consists of 109 courses featuring beautiful scenery, such a

June 22, 2022

Walk historical paths by day, sail under starlight

BUSAN -- “Oiso, boiso, saiso!” merchants call out at the alleys of Jagalchi Market, the port city’s largest fish market, as they have for decades. The boisterous shouts that mean “Come, look around, and buy,” attract visitors with a friendliness that is increasingly difficult to find in large metropolises. The city’s dynamic and diverse culture dates back to when Korean War refugees flocked to the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula. The distinctive charact

June 18, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Jeju Folk Village’s Hydrangea Festival　 The Hydrangea Festival, which started in June 1, is scheduled to run through June 30 at Jeju Folk Village in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. With the traditional Korean straw-thatched houses, the festival welcomes the visitors to enjoy the colorful hydrangea while strolling around the tourist site. Visitors can enjoy both the traditional games and have a chance to make your own hydrangea flowerpot. Jeju Folk Village’s admission fees cost 11,000 won

June 17, 2022

[Subway Stories] Melting pot of culture, shopping and tourism in Dongdaemun

The following is part of Seoul Subway Stories -- a Korea Herald series exploring subway stations and their surrounding areas across the city. – Ed Step out of Exit No. 12 at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station on the Seoul subway and turn left at the second corner, and you will yourself surrounded by the Cyrillic alphabet. The area is commonly known as the Gwanghui-dong Central Asia Street, with scores of shops run by Russians, Uzbeks and Mongolians. The street is one of the

June 12, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival The Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival will be held from Friday to Sunday at Hansan Mosi Museum and Hansan Traditional Market in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province. The event seeks to continue the tradition of weaving Hansan ramie fabric, known as “mosi” in Korean, which is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival offers an opportunity to experience weaving traditional Korean natural fibers and trying on m

June 10, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival is set to run from July 14 to 17 at Buyeo Seodong Park and Gungnamji Pond in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province. The annual festival takes place every July at the summer’s peak, when lotus flowers bloom. The event features the historic love story of Seodong and Princess Sun-hwa of the Baekje Kingdom with various programs, including multimedia displays and a lotus canoe experience. Admission is free. Updated information can b

June 3, 2022

Festival of pleasant chaos: Gangneung Danoje

GANGNEUNG, Gangwon Province -- After a two-year hiatus, the Gangeung Danoje Festival -- a traditional festival offering harvest rites to the deities of heavens -- made a comeback along the Namdaecheon stream in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Monday. Gangneung Danoje was designated as a UNESCO World Intangible Heritage in 2005, in recognition of its cultural ingenuity and outstanding artistry. On Wednesday, the third day of the eight-day festival, the festive spirit reached its peak at an open-a

June 2, 2022

[Weekender] Busan, beloved filming location of content creators

BUSAN -- Though there are many coastal towns in South Korea, the southern port city of Busan is one of the most treasured sites for renowned television and film directors and content creators. The city mesmerizes them with upscale luxury high-rise apartments, hotel buildings, vast natural landscapes, panoramic seascapes and, of course, the unique Gyeongsang dialect. Visiting the city’s famous tourist sites will surely make for an exciting getaway. Especially if you are a passionate Netfl

May 28, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Gokseong International Rose Festival The Gokseong International Rose Festival is set to run from May 21 to June 6 at Seomjingang Train Village in Gokseong, South Jeolla Province. The annual event presents 1,004 types of roses from around the world to delight flower-loving visitors and offer splendid photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant beauty of roses from a railbike or take part in a hands-on activity. Various programs have been prepared, including concerts ranging from folk,

May 27, 2022

From farm to market: Where trip to ‘real Jeju’ begins

JEJU ISLAND -- The island of Jeju in recent years has become a popular destination among young people who go museum-hopping, try out new water sports and party the night away at guest houses. However, getting to know the people of Jeju and their lifestyles can be an eye-opening experience that will make you appreciate the volcanic island that is more than just a getaway destination. As a way to enjoy Jeju, online travel platform Jeju Pass connects users with Jeju residents with their own stor

May 26, 2022

83% of ‘Gen MZ’ foreigners wish to go hiking in Seoul

Hiking ranks as one of the top attractions on foreigners’ to-do lists when visiting Seoul, a recent survey showed, but some raised concerns over the lack of information available. A survey conducted in April showed 83 percent of foreigners in the “Generation MZ” group -- categorized as those in their 20s to 30s in the survey -- would be willing to go on a hike while in Seoul. In order to gauge the interests of potential incoming tourists, the joint survey was conducted by th

May 25, 2022

[Subway Stories] Royal tombs along subway lines

The following is part of Seoul Subway Stories, a Korea Herald series exploring the city’s subway stations and surrounding areas. -- Ed. On a subway map of Seoul, some stations have names that end in the same Korean letter, romanized as “reung,” or “neung.”  Signifying the burial mounds of kings and queens, the stations are where the royal mausoleums from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) lie, a reminder of Seoul’s long history as the capital city. 

May 23, 2022

Train package trips to star gazing, cultural heritage spots in Gangwon Province

For travelers seeking weekend getaways, Korail and Gangwon Tourism Organization are jointly offering a set of tour packages. The Gangwon Province Byeolcheonji package consists of four main themes -- visits to areas hit by forest fires, stargazing spots, cultural heritage locations and nighttime walks. The nighttime walk package ends Oct. 31 while the others run through November. All packages depart Fridays and Saturdays, but schedule details are subject to change, according to Korail. The pa

May 21, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Welcome to Joseon Festival The Welcome to Joseon Festival is set to run through June 26 at Korean Folk Village in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Visitors can enjoy concerts, theatrical performances and hands-on experiences, including making natural scented candles, key rings and more, at the spring event. In addition to the traditional programs, the serene hanok offers an amazing backdrop for Instagram photos. Tickets cost 32,000 won for adults, teenagers and 26,000 won those under 13. More inf

May 20, 2022

Nine forest paths at royal tombs open to public

Nine major forest trails near Joseon royal tombs opened to the public Tuesday, and will stay open through June 30. In northern Seoul, there is a 1.8-kilometer path from Gangneung, the royal tombs of Joseon King Myeongjong and his Queen Consort Insun, that leads to Taereung. A 970-meter forest path from Uireung, the royal tomb of Joseon King Gyeongjong, starts at the foot of Cheonjangsan. In the eastern part of Gyeonggi Province, trails of Donggureung in Guri, Gwangneung and Sareung in Namya

May 17, 2022

Hanok reborn as space for digital nomads

A newly renovated hanok, Binkwan, in central Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village is the latest traditional Korean house to be turned into an accommodation by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The space is designed by Rakkojae, a major hanok stay brand. Upon entering, guests will appreciate the calm background music playing in the serene atmosphere of Binkwan which affords a panoramic view of Seoul, including Namsan Tower. Only a few minutes from the bustling tourist area of Bukchon, Binkwan

May 14, 2022