Composer Chin Un-suk, 58, winner of the 2019 Bach Award, has been named composer-in-residence of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. The orchestra, based at the iconic Elbphilharmonie Hamburg concert hall in Germany, announced it had invited Chin as composer-in-residence for the 2019-20 season at a press conference Friday for the inauguration of Chief Conductor Alan Gilbert. Unsuk Chin (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra)The orchestra will explore Chin’s musical universe this season through seven progr

Performance April 29, 2019

The Metropolitan Opera’s Jennifer Rowley, who has been performing “Tosca” at the Met since the 2017-18 season, will take to the stage Tuesday at the Seoul Arts Center in a concert performance of the Puccini opera. “This is my debut here, so I am excited to bring my ‘Tosca’ to Seoul,” the soprano said at a press conference Thursday at the center. “Tosca” is one of the three major operas by Puccini, along with “La Boheme” and “Madama Butterfly.” Soprano Jennifer Rowley speaks during a press confer

Performance April 29, 2019

The Grand Hyatt Seoul has completed the renovation of its suites. Australian design firm Bar Studio, which was in charge of the interior spaces within the Park Hyatt Shanghai, Park Hyatt Sydney and Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, led the recent renovation of the hotel’s 53 suites. The rooms have undergone a significant upgrade while embracing the original design of famed interior architect John Morford, with subtle references to Korean culture.Three premium-level suites -- the Diplomatic, Ambassador and

Travel April 26, 2019

Barbecue night at JW Marriott SeoulJW Marriott Seoul’s grill restaurant The Margaux Grill presents the Grill in the Secret Garden promotion. The promotion allows diners to enjoy barbecue while listening to live jazz. Salad and appetizers are to be served on an unlimited basis. Freshly cooked foods will be passed around and the Surf & Turf plate will be served at each table. Rotisserie and carving stations will be prepared, too. A cocktail drink will also be provided for each person. The meal cos

Food April 26, 2019

Being in a band is cool, especially if the band is Linkin Park. The iconic American rock band has produced numerous hits, including “In the End” and “Numb,” since its debut in 1996 and boasts a long list of awards. Since the tragic loss of its vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017, the band is on hiatus. Still, the band exists and Joe Hahn has been part of its miraculous journey through the years, standing in the back as the DJ. The 42-year-old Korean-American artist is now stepping forward in Sou

Performance April 26, 2019

For many expats in Korea, Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, is like a home away home. More than 86,000 foreign nationals from 107 countries are registered to be living in the city about an hour’s drive west of Seoul. The city claims the highest foreign population density in Korea. Wongok-dong, especially, is heavily populated by foreign residents, with around 21,000 expats from 57 countries. In May 2009, the area was designated a Multicultural Village Special Zone. Expats from China, Indonesia, Nepal, I

Travel April 26, 2019

Seoul’s alleys are filled with eateries specializing in particular dishes. The Korea Herald takes you on a foodie trip to narrow alleys where decades-old establishments beckon diners with their secret recipes, often handed down through generations. - Ed. Tteokbokki (Lee So-jung / The Korea Herald)In the heart of Seoul there is a “town” for tteokbokki, the beloved finger-sized rice cakes stir-fried in a thick, fiery red sauce. Dubbed “Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town,” indicating its location near Si

Food April 24, 2019

For the next two weeks, the capital city will be filled with classical music as the Seoul Spring Festival returns. The 14th edition of the annual event began Tuesday and continues through May 4. Led by violinist Kang Dong-suk, the festival takes place this year in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province under the theme of “Music & Gastronomy.” Linking culinary culture with music, each performance features a theme related to gastronomy. For instance, performances are titled “Starter,” “Continental Cuisine,”

Performance April 23, 2019

Soprano Sumi Jo, a star in Korea’s classical music scene, recently released the album “Mother,” dedicated to her mom. The 57-year-old is one of the most beloved sopranos in Korea. She has won a Grammy award and released more than 40 albums across a wide spectrum of music since her debut in 1986 in Korea. “I dreamed of making an album for all the mothers in the world,” Jo said at a press conference held Tuesday at Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas.  Soprano Sumi Jo poses for photos during a pre

Performance April 23, 2019

Film director Bong Joon-ho’s new work “Parasite,” slated to compete at Cannes this year, features two ordinary families in different situations. Bong’s new film has been included in the 2019 Cannes Film Festival’s feature selection, marking the director’s second time competing for the Palme d’Or, following “Okja” in 2017. “Parasite” (CJ ENM)Film director Bong Joon-ho speaks during a press conference for “Parasite,” held at The Westin Chosun Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap) Film director Bong Joon-ho sp

Film April 22, 2019

As part of the promotion for its Templestay programs – one- and two-day events featuring hands-on programs related to Buddhism and the related culture – the Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation is launching special packages that include transportation options. As Korean temples are often located at remote mountains, it is often not easy for individuals, including foreign tourists, to visit the establishments on foot or by public transportation. Taking note of the situation, the foundation, in cha

Travel April 21, 2019

Back to ’80s at Seoul Dragon City Seoul Dragon City will launch Newtro Night party at its lounge bar King’s Vacation on April 26. Newtro is a compound word of “new” and “retro,” referring to retro-inspired trends of now. For the party, the lounge bar will be decorated under a retro-mood. The music playlist will be filled with tracks from the ’80s and ’90s. The dress code is, of course, retro and the staff members will be dressed in a similar manner. The party will go on from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. A D

Food April 19, 2019

During the 2019 Royal Culture Festival, visitors will be able to get a glimpse of the lifestyles of Joseon royals at Seoul’s five historic palaces. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced Wednesday it will be hosting the annual festival under the theme of “Today, We Meet the Palace” from April 27 to May 7 at Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung. This is the first time that Gyeonghuigung has been included in the event. Various programs and activities

Culture April 18, 2019

WONJU, Gangwon Province -- Located in the high mountain valleys of Gangwon Province, Museum San offers more than just art. It also invites visitors to experience its verdant natural surroundings. A recent change to the museum may motivate more visitors to embark on the two-hour drive from central Seoul -- a new meditation hall designed by the famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando has finally opened.Ando, who also designed the 72,172-square-meter museum, was commissioned to design the new hall to m

Arts & Design April 18, 2019

Seoul’s alleys are filled with eateries specializing in particular dishes. The Korea Herald takes you on a foodie trip to narrow alleys where decades-old establishments beckon diners with their secret recipes, often handed down through generations. - Ed.Jjukkumi Street in Yongdu-dong, central Seoul (Lee So-jung/The Korea Herald)Yongdu-dong is not a well-known area of Seoul -- not even for local residents of the capital. It is not a tourist destination and it is certainly no hip neighborhood. Non

Food April 17, 2019