[Video] Athletes are lovin’ it: McDonald’s store becomes popular hangout at PyeongChang Olympics

When the 17 day-long 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics kicked off on Feb. 9, every detail regarding the athletes -- from what medals they are expected to win to what food they are eating -- has received worldwide attention.While Gangwon Province, the Olympic host region, has been crowded with a variety of global food restaurants, the US fast food chain has been at the center of attention, which again, carried on its tradition of serving athletes free meals at the Olympics.(Shot and Edited by Park

IndustryFeb. 19, 2018

[Video] Social venture chief calls on Korea to nurture positive view of sex

On Valentine’s Day in Korea, contrary to traditions elsewhere, it is the women who busily prepare for the upcoming date night. Homemade chocolates and candlelit dinners are just a few items on the extensive checklist. While women here shower men with gifts on Feb. 14, men get the chance to reciprocate on March 14, known as White Day.On Valentine’s Day, many local hotels and accommodations offer promotions and special packages for lovers. “Rooms get fully booked around Christmas and Valentine’s D

CultureFeb. 14, 2018

[Video] Humanoid robots compete for gold in alpine skiing on sidelines of PyeongChang Olympics

HOENGSEONG, Gangwon Province — “Skiro, who showed an impressive performance in the first round is off to a steady start. He passes through the red gates successfully! He makes a great turn to the right at the right speed!” Though they may seem like the words of any regular sports commentator, this announcer was describing a skiing tournament with a difference — the world’s first ever humanoid robot ski competition, organized by South Korea on the sidelines of the PyeongChang Olympics.(Shot and e

TechnologyFeb. 12, 2018

[Video] PyeongChang Winter Games promote traditional Korean culture

For the next two weeks, the world’s best winter sports athletes will be vying for the coveted gold in the PyeongChang Winter Games. But organizers of the international event seek to take this opportunity to also promote Korea’s traditional culture through what they have dubbed “Cultural Olympiad.”(Shot and edited by Park Ju-young)From Feb. 9 - 25, various cultural events will take place across Gangwon Province, including Olympic venues, temples, tourist spots and stations.  PyeongChang Olympic P

CultureFeb. 11, 2018

[Video] Anticipation builds ahead of PyeongChang Olympics opening ceremony

(Shot by Park Ju-young / Edited by Park Ju-young)PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province — With just a day left until the opening ceremony, anticipation is running high among those attending South Korea’s first-ever Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.　On Thursday afternoon, roads leading up to PyeongChang Olympic Plaza were packed with vehicles, while certain pathways were closed off with heavy police security ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony. Colorful flags promoting the Winter Games in PyeongChang, G

More SportsFeb. 8, 2018

[Video] 3 must-eat dishes in Gangwon Province

The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games are just five days away, and cities throughout Gangwon Province are bustling in preparation for the biggest event of the year. About 390,000 foreign visitors are expected to come to Gangwon Province during the Olympic Games, according to Yonhap News Agency.For newcomers to the province, following is a list of must-eat dishes in Gangwon Province that you won’t want to miss.1. Buckwheat (Memil)  Buckwheat dishes (Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)Bongpyeong, a small

FoodFeb. 5, 2018

[Video] Taking KTX train to Olympics

The PyeongChang Winter Olympics are just around the corner, with opening ceremonies kicking off Friday.For those who have never been to the Gangwon Province, where the Olympic and Paralympic Games are to take place, the easiest way to get to the region will be via KTX trains.Shot by Lim Jeong-yeo / Edited by Lim Jeong-yeo Gyeonggang Line KTX, the bullet train to Gangwon Province, launched its service on Dec. 22, 2017. The line was built specifically for the Olympics, and cuts down travel time fr

Olympic GamesFeb. 5, 2018

[Video] Exploring the art of K-pop dance

For choreographer May J. Lee, K-pop dance comes off as a mix of two conflicting features.It’s complex, incorporating all different genres of dance depending on a song’s concept, but still simple enough to be catchy, says Lee, the co-creator of the dances for Twice’s “Knock Knock” and Jay Park’s “All I Wanna Do.”Choreography has become inseparable from K-pop, from Psy’s easy-to-follow “Gangnam Style” gallop to BTS’ vigorous on-stage performances, where its members showcase complicated routines in

CultureJan. 31, 2018

[Video] LG Uplus showcases drone management service in Busan

BUSAN -- LG Uplus, one of the largest mobile carriers in South Korea, announced an outline of its upcoming drone managing service and showed off key technologies at a press showcase held at Bexco in Busan, Thursday.In a bid to take the lead in the fast-evolving drone business, LG Uplus said it has developed a full-fledged drone management service, dubbed the “Uplus smart drone total service package.” The package consists of four key services, including customized drones, a management service, cl

TechnologyJan. 25, 2018

[Video] With expanding market, HMR gift sets released

Buoyed by explosive growth and continuing popularity of home meal replacements, or ready-to-eat meals, in South Korea, more retailers are releasing a variety of HMR products.According to data from Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corp., the local HMR market expanded 35 percent from 1.7 trillion won ($1.5 billion) in 2013 to 2.3 trillion won in 2016, marking double digit growth each year. As of last year, the market had continued its momentum to 3 trillion won. Shinsegae Department Store’s hom

IndustryJan. 25, 2018

[Video] Buldak Spicy Ramen craze continues

Shot by Lim Jeong-yeo and Kim Da-sol / Edited by Lim Jeong-yeoWhen Samyang Foods released Buldak Spicy Chicken Ramen in 2012, the company did not expect it would receive such explosive popularity from customers abroad -- especially in the YouTube community.“In the beginning, we developed the product targeting local spicy food lovers in the niche market,” Park Jung-seok, Samyang Foods’ marketing manager, told The Korea Herald. Buldak refers to grilled chicken marinated in super-spicy red chili pa

IndustryJan. 23, 2018

[Video] Quirky interiors give Seoul’s guesthouses an edge

For years, foreign tourists have flocked to guesthouses in search of affordable accommodations during their stay in Korea.Nowadays, guesthouses have begun offering more than simple lodging facilities, incorporating quirky themes and eye-catching interiors into their spaces. The very act of staying at a guesthouse is evolving into an experience for travelers, according to Kang Seok-hwan, owner of Uhbu’s Guesthouse located in Dongdaemun, Seoul. Uhbu’s is a traditional Korean hanok structure decora

TravelJan. 23, 2018

[Video] Footage shows Canadian soldiers during Korean War

On Friday afternoon, young Korean college players and Canadian soldiers faced off for a friendly game of ice hockey, a commemorative event to honor the Canadian veterans who had fought in the Korean War (1950-53), and to mark the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games opening next month.While the annual Imjin Classic Hockey Games have been held every year, this time, the match was being hosted at the very site where over 60 years ago, the Canadian soldiers played in a brief escape from the brutalities

DefenseJan. 19, 2018

[Video] Dreamers are doers

Shot by Lim Jeong-yeo / Edited by Lim Jeong-yeoBang Jin-hee is finally seeing her hotelier dream take shape.The 41-year-old mother of two teenage twins owns a clutch of pensions and villas in a secluded area near the Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. At the end of a narrow winding road stands six Analog 76 pensions and four Eastern Paris pool villas. “I always had it in the back of my mind that I would one day own a boutique hotel. Of course, a dream doesn’t take shape straight away.

PeopleJan. 16, 2018

[Video] Haven in nature welcomes those seeking rest

Shot by Lim Jeong-yeo / Edited by Lim Jeong-yeoFor those looking to find accommodation in Jeongseon, the city where the Alpine Centre for Olympics alpine skiing games is located, a very Korean retreat could serve as a cultural experience as well as a base camp for the upcoming Winter Olympics season.Yoon In-sook, 60, built for herself an organic haven in the rural region of Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, where she lives amongst untouched nature. Yoon claims that her way of life has helped tremendo

PeopleJan. 7, 2018

[Video] Top 10 Korean beauty YouTubers of 2017

Korea’s beauty YouTubers are the ambassadors to the complex world of ever-expanding K-beauty products. If you are looking to vamp up your beauty bag, check the vloggers below for reviews and tips on how to get the K-beauty look. PONY (Screencaptured from YouTube)1. PONYWith over 3 million subscribers on YouTube, Pony has gained “beauty guru” status with a huge following around the world, particularly in her native Asia. Formerly in charge of CL’s makeup, PONY is known for her glam looks powered

CultureDec. 29, 2017

[Video] Capturing unseen beauty of Gangneung

Bae Hyo-sun, 32, is living a lifestyle that is slightly different from most Koreans her age.With an architecture degree under her belt, Bae has led the construction of Budnamu Brewery, a homegrown craft beer joint in Hongje-dong, Gangneung, Gangwon Province. In the three years since it was built, the brewery has soared in popularity among the locals and turned into a hot spot for tourists visiting the coastal city.  Bae Hyo-sun (Lim Jeong-yeo/The Korea Herald)“I never thought I would work in the

PeopleDec. 27, 2017

[Video] Jonghyun’s death sends shock waves through K-pop scene

The death of Jonghyun, the talented main vocalist of SHINee, sent shock waves among fans and peers that resonated throughout the country and the K-pop scene. Jonghyun, whose real name was Kim Jong-hyun, was found in a rented studio apartment in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul at 6:10 p.m., Monday. The 27-year-old singer had suffered a cardiac arrest upon discovery and was taken to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead after attempts to revive him failed.Police confirmed Tuesday that his deat

PerformanceDec. 19, 2017

[Video] Two of Moon’s traveling press corps assaulted by Chinese security

Two South Korean journalists, part of the traveling press corps accompanying President Moon Jae-in on his state visit to China, were beaten by Chinese security personnel while covering an event attended by Moon in Beijing on Thursday.  (Yonhap)The Foreign Ministry in Seoul confirmed the incident and said it had expressed regret to the Chinese government. According to accounts from another member of the Blue House press corps who witnessed the assault, some 15 Chinese security personnel surrounde

Foreign AffairsDec. 14, 2017

[Video] Rebellious Swings is ‘confident’ despite ‘haters’

[Herald Interview]Admittedly, Swings, whose real name is Moon Ji-hoon, is one of the most talked-about, controversial and rebellious figures in the Korean music scene. This outspoken rapper, whose words are often unpolished and raw, is used to being a target of public criticism for fearlessly unleashing his rough nature. To name a few, he cusses in front of a camera, talks about sex and was once slammed by the media for revealing that he had kissed random girls in a club in the past. But still,

PerformanceDec. 12, 2017