[Weekender] On-screen scares for summer

As the sweltering Korean summer sets in, theaters are gearing up to open a series of horror movies for audiences wishing to cool off with goosebumps and chills.　Coming soon to the screens are a diverse horror films, from spectral and psychological to survival thrillers. 　American supernatural horror flick “Sinister 2,” set to open in local theaters on July 7, features ghostly children and demonic sacrifices taking place inside an isolated farmhouse. Directed by Ciaran Foy, it is the sequel to th

FilmJuly 1, 2016

[Weekender] Ghost hunting in the dark alleys of Seoul

Amid modern skyscrapers in Seoul, it’s hard to imagine that some horrifying murders or traumatic suicides occurred. But the northern center of the capital city is in fact where many major historical events with dark stories behind took place. 　Korean history and its appalling stories fascinate Joe McPherson, president of ZenKimchi food blog and the guide of the Dark Side of Seoul tour that runs every Friday and Saturday in the bustling areas of Jongno, Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon Stream. 　“Th

TravelJuly 1, 2016

[Weekender] Urban legends stoke kids' fears

Children growing up in Korea are exposed to numerous urban legends that often fan fear and anxiety -- unfounded fears, in the eyes of adults. 　Set against the backdrop of modernized cities, the urban legends typically involve nighttime happenings at rather ordinary, everyday places -- schools, elevators, bus stops, bathrooms, and so forth -- creating irrational fears of everyday activities. 　In those stories, a ghost happens to arise from right next to the bed or under the desk and tries to suff

CultureJuly 1, 2016

[Weekender] What fine dust does to human body

The South Korean public is more sensitive to air quality these days, in light of increasing news reports on the negative impacts of fine dust and with a slew of released apps that send almost real-time updates on the concentration of harmful particles. So how bad is fine dust to one’s health?Fine dust particles do not just cause respiratory problems such as bronchial and asthmatic diseases, they also increase the chance of cerebrovascular diseases, according to the Korean Medical Association.Fin

Social AffairsJune 24, 2016

[Weekender] Criticism mounts over government’s fine dust countermeasure plan

Earlier this month, the South Korean government released a set of fine dust countermeasures amid growing public anxiety over the peninsula’s grey skies.Considering neighboring countries’ climate conditions and the upcoming monsoon season, the government admitted that the current fine dust problem in Korea is “difficult to be resolved within a short period of time.”Regardless, the government said it would improve the air quality through several action plans. It set a goal to reach the air quality

Social AffairsJune 24, 2016

[Weekender] Korea more vulnerable to air pollution

A latest report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has sent a solemn message to the world: If we do not effectively tackle air pollution, it could cause 6 to 9 million premature deaths and economic consequences of $2.6 trillion annually by 2060.South Korea was among countries singled out as those in greater danger. The report said that South Korea could see at least 1,109 early deaths per 1 million people in 2060 -- the only OECD member to exceed the 1,000 mark -- unl

Social AffairsJune 24, 2016

[Weekender] Threat of fine dust creeps up on Korea

Up until recently, China was considered the main enemy when South Koreans were warned to stay indoors away from the polluted air that was mainly considered to be due to yellow sand from the deserts of the neighboring state.With the increasing number of studies on fine dust and their health impact, public awareness has grown over the sources of air pollutants and how the situation was left untended to for many years. “The last thing I want is to be one of those fussy moms but as for the fine dust

PoliticsJune 24, 2016

[Weekender] Busting fine-dust myths: its origins and prevention

　Breathing in South Korea has become more risky. There have been a slew of reports from overseas that warned of worsening air pollution in Korea, with the latest being Yale University’s study released last Friday. It found that Korea ranked 173rd out of 180 countries in terms of air quality. 　One of the main culprits for the worsening air quality is particulate matter, otherwise known as fine dust. The small particles -- 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter -- can penetrate deep into the respirat

NationalJune 24, 2016

[Weekender] Bank deposits offer poor returns

Following the Bank of Korea’s surprise cut in base interest rate last week, local banks have each been slashing their own rates on deposit and saving accounts. Citibank Korea’s easy-access deposit account for corporate clients has fallen to the negative return territory after the bank slashed its annual interest rate to 0.001 percent from 0.1 percent on Tuesday. This means that a deposit of 10 million won ($8527) earns 1,000 won a year in interest or 846 won after tax. Given that inflation has r

June 17, 2016

[Weekender] Record low interest rates fuel property market

When visiting a real estate agency last Saturday, Choi Ho-rim, 40, was surprised to find that there were no apartments at the size of 25 pyeong on sale in Seocho Hills, a complex of 1,082 homes in Umyeon-dong, Southern Seoul. One pyeong is equivalent to about 3.3 square meters and it is a unit used to measure the size of rooms and buildings in Korea.“Things were quite different a few month ago. There were dozens of this size of apartments on sale,” she said. Visitors listen to the explanation of

IndustryJune 17, 2016

[Weekender] Postretirement plans rise in importance

A 29-year-old high school teacher surnamed Ko in Seoul started a variety of savings when she begun her career in 2011. From personal annuity savings to a housing deposit account, Ko regularly saves about 1 million won ($850) in total every month. Her personal annuity savings will allow her to receive 300,000 won per month from the age of 55 if she successfully accumulates 300,000 won every month for the first 10 years. As she works as a private school teacher, she was also eligible to join the T

June 17, 2016

[Weekender] Money doesn’t come easy

There is a saying, “Money does not grow on trees.” One has to work really hard to earn it.But making an honest buck in this age of low interest rates and low growth has become harder than ever.It is not as if Koreans do not work hard. In fact, Koreans work the longest hours after Mexicans in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Koreans worked 2,124 hours in 2014, according to the latest data.Working long hours does not necessarily mean that they work hard. But still, averag

June 17, 2016

[Weekender] No better way to spend summer in Seoul

Festival culture in Korea is quickly evolving, with creative ideas taking shape in the hands of the young and wild. With the Korean summer bringing sweltering heat, many are opting for water-based outdoor events, among many others.One of the prime locations for such festivals is Sinchon, the area next to Yonsei University, Sogang University, Ewha Womans University and Hongik University. Sinchon stands out among popular cultural venues because of the high number of young people and because vehicl

CultureJune 10, 2016

[Weekender] Korean music lovers take concert experience to new heights

Explosive sing-alongs by Korean fans at concert arenas are nothing new to global pop musicians, as they have begun evolving into more articulately planned events.A slew of world-famous musicians have been elevated by the sight of Korean fans singing along to their hooks, songs and, at times, their signature guitar riffs. “They were singing all of it (‘Live Forever’), word for word, for their own amusement,” British singer-songwriter Noel Gallagher said in an interview with CBC Radio’s talk show

CultureJune 10, 2016

[Weekender] Fun in the sun: Events to brighten up your vacation

Looking for places to go during summer vacation? The Korea Herald has compiled a list of interesting festivals across the peninsula for visitors to see, taste and enjoy the summer fun. Boryeong Mud FestivalBoryeong Mud FestivalSince it began in 1998, the annual Boryeong Mud Festival has been perhaps the premiere event for those from abroad, attracting around 300,000 foreign visitors each year to the country’s western coast for a week filled with muddy fun. The upcoming 19th festival kicks off on

TravelJune 10, 2016

[Weekender] Korean festivals appeal to more foreigners, but kinks remain

Korea’s festivals have evolved in both variety and scale over the years, attracting tourists and expats to join in the fun. According to data released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the number of tourists revisiting Korea jumped to 46.1 percent in 2015, compared to 34.9 percent in 2014. The government and local festival committees are doing everything in their capacity to maintain the increase. The Seoul Tourism Association even recently launched mobile education centers for tou

CultureJune 10, 2016

[Weekender] Festival fever

The summer has already begun, and the festival season is just around the corner.A host of summer-getaway activities await to help you soak in the sun and cool off from the heat. The festivities range from shooting water guns and throwing mud to enjoying a diverse selection of food or taking part in explosive sing-along music parties.Water festivals Water fights have recently become popular summer festivities in Korea, but those looking for more diverse activities can muddy the waters in Boryeong

PerformanceJune 10, 2016

[Weekender] Festivals fill summer 2016 with music

The season of festivities has come around once again, with a host of festivals lined up for music lovers. The summer lineup brims with choices, ranging from electronic dance music to rock.Heating up the summer with EDMThe night sky lights up with fireworks as the highlight of Ultra Korea. (Ultra Music Festival Korea)The Ultra Music Festival -- one of the leading EDM festivals worldwide -- has landed in Korea once again, celebrating its fifth anniversary with an exclusive three-day concert instea

PerformanceJune 10, 2016

[Weekender] Green rooftops brighten Seoul skyline

Seo Jin-kyung, 33, frequently visits Seoul Library’s Sky Yard, a rooftop garden located by the cafe on the fifth floor, where the panoramic view of the country’s capital city refreshes her.　Upon opening the glass door at one side of the cafe, a green space filled with various types of hibiscus syriacus – the national flower of South Korea –- and wooden benches under a blue sky welcome visitors. 　“I tend to relax with a cup of tea or talk on the phone here when I study at Seoul Library. I think i

CultureJune 3, 2016

[Weekender] Creating the ultimate skyline garden paradise

As a major urban city, Seoul’s dense quarters leave little space for those with green thumbs to enjoy the relaxing pleasures of gardening within the confines of one’s home. However, one of the latest trends in combating Seoul’s lack of space is to utilize one’s rooftop. There are an increasing number of private homes independently creating their own rooftop Gardens of Eden, separate from the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s “Rooftop Greening Project” that seeks to revitalize public and private ro

CultureJune 3, 2016