Digital yet to turn page on paper books

Thirty-four-year-old office worker Chung Hye-sun has started reading e-books, readable on computers and other electronic devices. She enjoys reading business management books on her iPad while commuting and whenever possible.“E-books are convenient. Instead of having to carry books in a large bag, all you need is a light and thin tablet PC or other gadgets in my purse,” she said. “You can underline important passages, press the ‘search’ tab to find the exact sentences or parts you need. Bookmark

March 6, 2013

Discover the globe without ever leaving Seoul

The following is part of a series exploring unique museums, collections and the passionate collectors behind them. ― Ed.For those who love to travel, explore and learn about new cultures, the question of “Where to go?” can present a daunting series of tough decisions to make. With so many places on this spinning rock to choose from, a simple Google search to research and absorb a quick study of a city or country doesn’t quite have the same effect as, say, a visual or hands-on cultural experience

March 5, 2013

China caught spray-painting grass green

Parts of China are artificially spray-painted green in an attempt to beautify the county’s landscapes, sources reported.  Workers in China’s southwestern city of Chengdu’s landscaping department were spotted spray-painting Top Green Turf Greening Agent’s green spray on yellow grass, according to Chinese sources. The landscaping department declined to comment on its use of spray paint, but said the chemical included nutrients to keep grass alive during the winter. According to Top Green employees

March 5, 2013

Korean violinist’s stolen Stradivarius found in Bulgaria: U.K. media

A Stradivarius that was stolen from South Korean violinist Kim Min-jin may have been recovered in Bulgaria, British media reported Sunday.According to the Daily Mail, authorities in Bulgaria recovered what is believed to be the stolen violin. Roma crime boss Hristo Varbanov reportedly offered undercover detectives in Bulgaria the violin for 250,000 pounds ($375,000).British police are investigating to see if the Stradivarius is Kim’s.The rare violin -- one of around 400 in existence -- was stole

March 4, 2013

Korea, Japan to discuss return of ancient Korean Bodhisattvas

Is a stolen cultural asset, which had been previously looted from the country, subject to repatriation?The answer seems to be not so clear-cut with the Foreign Ministry in Korea reviewing the issue of repatriation of an ancient Korean Buddhist statue stolen from a Japanese temple.The police in late January announced the arrest of five Koreans in a theft ring who tried to sell two ancient Korean Buddhist statues that had been stolen from Japan months earlier.“The government is holding an internal

March 3, 2013

Calendar

Classical music“Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens Du Louvre Grenoble”: Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens Du Louvre Grenoble (The musicians of the Louvre) will perform Rameau’s “Une Symphonie Imaginaire” and Gluck’s “Le Festin de Pierre-Don Juan” on March 5 at the Seongnam Arts Center in Gyeonggi Province at 8 p.m. The French bassoon player-and-conductor known for his interpretation of French Baroque music excerpted some arias ― which are, surprisingly, dance music ― from 11 of Rameau’s operas and

Feb. 28, 2013

YEOL announces this year’s scholarly lecture series

Since 2003, YÉOL, the Society for Korean Cultural Heritage has presented a monthly English seminar series that features prominent scholars, experts and intellectuals in the field of Korean art, culture and history to discuss new insights into Korean society. This year’s series will touch upon a wide range of subject areas including Korean architecture, music, art and more. The first lecture to kick off the series will be conducted by architect Hwang Doo-jin, who will discuss “Modernism in Asia”

Feb. 28, 2013

Scholar claims discovery of King Sejong’s official cap

A local scholar claimed Wednesday an official cap that belonged to King Sejong (1418-1450), inventor of Korea’s writing system Hangeul, has been found in South Korea more than 500 years after it was stolen by Japanese invaders.The discovery of the cap called “Ikseongwan,” if confirmed, is expected to provide a new milestone in the study of Korean history as a rare relic from the early years of the Joseon (1392-1910).As important as the hat itself are a few pages of old documents related to the w

Feb. 28, 2013

Goethe Institut a nexus for German, Korean culture

After two years of renovation, the Seoul office of Goethe Institut, or the German Cultural Institute, is reopening at the cozy building on the hillside of Namsan Mountain in Seoul on March 6. The institute, a central place for German-enthusiasts in Korea, is holding a four-day event to mark the opening. Cultural highlights include a video-mapping projection by local artist group, Urbantainers, on March 6; exhibition by artist Ahn Kyu-chul; jam concert of samulnori master Kim Duk-soo and German j

Feb. 28, 2013

Group: Unmarried are invisible, forgotten

Marriage is mentioned in more than 1,100 federal laws, same-sex marriage gets most headlines, but the unmarried are invisible, a U.S. non-profit group says.“The highly organized and vocal movement for same-sex marriage, has begun the process of garnering equal rights for a small constituency in this country,” Cindy Butler, executive director of Unmarried Equality, said in a statement.“While we support the right of anyone who wants to to get married, this movement reinforces the idea that marriag

Feb. 28, 2013

Oeam Village: A walk into history

The Korea Herald is publishing “Korea’s Cultural Pride,” a 10-part series on the country’s cultural and natural heritage. A total of nine tangible and 14 intangible examples of heritage have been designated UNESCO World Heritage items for international preservation. This year 15 cultural properties are on the tentative list, awaiting designation. This installation will explore Oeam Village, created 500 years ago, which still keeps the Joseon atmosphere. ― Ed.About 500 years ago Lee Sa-jong, a lo

Feb. 27, 2013

Dior by Raf Simons on view in Seoul

The spring/summer collection by Christian Dior’s new artistic director Raf Simons is on view in Seoul. The French fashion house set up an in-store pop-up unit at multi-brand shop My Boon in Cheongdam-dong. The display presents Simons’ first ready-to-wear spring/summer collection for Christian Dior. The collection focuses on the structured silhouette of Dior’s iconic “bar” jacket and hyper-feminine take on tailoring. Dior’s “bar” suit, introduced in 1947, dubbed the “New Look” at the time, featur

Feb. 27, 2013

Matinee concerts for everyone

With spring around the corner, concert halls are inviting music lovers to matinee performances. Held around noon, these concerts are a perfect opportunity to enjoy music and share a good lunch with friends during the week. The shows are not only music. For novices or those who find it difficult to stay focused during classical music performances, there are hosts who explain each piece and comment on the performances.“This year we are planning to adopt an interview session on stage, allowing the

Feb. 27, 2013

Reptiles, amphibians can make kids sick

The right animal can be fun and educational in a childcare center but the wrong animal can make kids sick, a U.S. health official warned. Dr. Neil Vora, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said examples of risky pets include reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes, as well as amphibians such as frogs and salamanders -- all commonly carry salmonella.“Children younger than age 5 are at particularly high risk for serious illness with salmonella,” Vor

Feb. 27, 2013

Spring-themed events to stimulate five senses

Various spring-themed events are being held to lure consumers who wish to enjoy outdoor activities as a warm breeze welcomes the new season.Several hotels in Seoul have opened strawberry dessert buffets where visitors can savor the many tastes of strawberries. More than 30 dishes are available, including tarts, meringues, macaroons and mille-feuille. The prices range from 35,000 won to 50,000 won. Also, spring-themed cooking classes are popping up. The food blogger who owns “Atelier Bom,” a baki

Feb. 27, 2013

A museum dedicated to trickery and deception

The following is part of a series exploring unique museums, collections and the passionate collectors behind them. ― Ed.For those who have ever had the desire to possess a photo album filled with a collection of the most cherished and memorable moments of one’s life, such as walking down the red carpet; driving a Vespa down the streets of Santorini; having tea with King Sejong; or for those who like to take a walk on the wild side, having a cocktail on the beach with a shirtless, ripped Psy; the

Feb. 26, 2013

People happier if they give than receive

No matter how much money -- or how little money -- people have, they feel happier after they give to others than buy for themselves, Canadian researchers say.Lead author Lara Aknin of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver said feeling good about spending money on someone else rather than for personal benefit may be a universal response among people in both impoverished countries and rich nations. Aknin and colleagues found a positive relationship between personal well-being and spending on others

Feb. 26, 2013