In recent years, the term “culture complex” has often been seen on social media. Postings showing people spending time at these spaces are shared often, attached with hashtags that read “culture life,” “leisure time” and “relaxation.”Culture complexes have risen as popular city destinations for young Seoulites. Buildings housing exhibition halls, cafes, restaurants and design shops bill themselves as culture complexes. According to last year’s “Where to Live,” a book by Yoo Hyun-joon, an archite

Culture Jan. 1, 2019

With the year almost at its end, local hotels are rushing out parties, packages and promotion deals to attract excited guests willing to spend some extra money. As the same old countdown events can be mind-numbing, hotels have prepared their own luxurious events. While staying warm and cozy amid the hospitality of hotels, guests can fully feel the excitement of greeting 2019. Grand Ambassador Seoul Associated with Pullman’s entertainment pub Gran·A hosts Adieu 2018! Bubbly Midnight party. The pa

Culture Dec. 26, 2018

Though the air is freezing, hotel dessert sections have already warmed up, gearing up for the strawberry buffet season.Over the past decade, local luxury hotels have been presenting all-you-can-eat buffets filled with strawberry-related desserts each winter, following the trend of hotels in Japan and Hong Kong.Though the buffet season used to start around February, the saturated market has moved the timeline as early as December. Most now start around the winter holiday season. Intercontinental

Food Dec. 24, 2018

More than a century has passed already since Koreans began to consume coffee near the close of the 19th century. Throughout the years, it has surely established its position. In downtown areas, there are cafes one after another. According to the industry, the average Korean drinks 500 cups of coffee in a year. Ongoing exhibition “Winter Coffee Club,” hosted by the Korea Crafts & Design Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reflects on the changing history of coffee cultur

Arts & Design Dec. 23, 2018

Johncook Deli Meats opened its Salami Museum on Thursday, the first of its kind in Korea. Though it bills itself as a museum, the space is more of a showroom next to its factory in Hannam-dong, central Seoul. Admission is free. Visitors can observe how various types of salami are fermented, at the around 30-square-meter establishment. Salami on display at Salami Museum in Hannam-dong, central Seoul. (Im Eun-byel / The Korea Herald)“We began to work with salami 20 years ago, finding ways to consu

Food Dec. 20, 2018

As the temperature drops, it becomes harder to get out of bed. The cold is particularly taxing for sports enthusiasts because tense muscles could make them more susceptible to injuries. Don’t even mention the biting cold and the ear-numbing winds.But for sporty souls, the cold is but a minor hurdle, as some skiers, snowboarders and skaters opt to enjoy their favorite winter sports in a cozy indoors environment. For adrenaline addicts who hate the cold, there are sports facilities that bring the

More Sports Dec. 20, 2018

You are what you read -- and perhaps where you read at. In recent years, bookstores have been disappearing at a fast rate. Aside from major franchise bookstores in downtown areas, many small, neighborhood bookstores have closed, forced out in the digital era. But lately, bookstores have been returning in different forms. New bookstores sell more than just books, offering a wide range of goods from stationery, food and drinks to various merchandise -- anything related to lifestyle. The trend star

Culture Dec. 20, 2018

Welcoming 2019 at Novotel Ambassador DongdaemunNovotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residence presents the Countdown package to welcome 2019. The package includes a night’s stay at the hotel, two tickets for the Countdown Party and a late checkout option. The countdown party starts at 9:30 p.m. and ends past midnight. Jazz and other live music performances are to take place at the rooftop bar of the hotel. Guests can choose a welcome drink -- sparkling wine, gin tonic, vin chaud and lemon

Food Dec. 20, 2018

Wrapping up 2018, Billboard released two lists, one ranking the 20 best K-pop albums and the other for songs. BTS, Red Velvet and Shinee’s Jonghyun were especially recognized atop the lists. Billboard picked BTS’ “Love Yourself: Answer” as the best K-pop album of the year. BTS (Big Hit Entertainment)“BTS has risen to the top of the global music industry,” commentary accompanying the list read. “They released their ‘Love Yourself’ album series, through which the group weaved a thematic discovery

Performance Dec. 18, 2018

The Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, an iconic winter attraction in the city, will open Friday with upgraded facilities. The ice rink will operate through Feb. 10 for a total of 52 days, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Tuesday. An artist’s impression of Seoul Plaza Ice Rink (Seoul Metropolitan Government)The rink’s design has been changed for the first time since it opened four years ago. It has also been expanded from 1,166 to 1,897 square meters, 1.5 times its previous size.In addition,

Culture Dec. 18, 2018

It is that time of the year. “All I Want for Christmas” plays seemingly on repeat and Santa decorations are in every window. The year has almost come to an end. For those tired of the same old alcohol-infused yearend gatherings, museums and galleries are offering a more cultured alternative to celebrating the year that was.Why not grab a beer next to Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain?” An 8-meter tall “Bearbrick” -- the collectible Japanese toy -- might give you a hug. Or just bring some art home by pu

Arts & Design Dec. 17, 2018

“Newtro” has emerged as a trend in the fashion and design industries here. A combination of “new” and “retro,” the concept mixes trends of the past with fresh interpretations. And an ongoing event rides on that wave. The Seoul Design Festival taking place at the Coex Convention and Exhibition Center in southern Seoul caters to those who want to swing back to the 1980s or 1990s, with a new, creative twist.  (Seoul Design Festival)The festival’s overall theme is “Young Retro: Design Reversing Back

Arts & Design Dec. 14, 2018

Santa’s visit at Mayfield Hotel & ResortMayfield Hotel & Resort has prepared Christmas events for families. The Dear Santa package includes a visit by Santa to the room where guests are staying. Santa will make a surprise visit on Christmas Eve and deliver a gift to the children. The hotel will also hold the party concert “Santa Claus is Coming to Mayfield” during which children can dance with their favorite fairytale characters. The event will be held twice -- on Christmas Eve and Christmas day

Food Dec. 13, 2018

Though some might not instantly recognize the name Song Zio, the brand Songzio Homme will ring a bell right away for many in Korea, especially men who enjoy quality fashion.Fashion designer Song Zio leads Songzio Homme, a contemporary menswear brand best known for its classic lined suits made with fine textiles.Despite the brand’s fame, it has not been easy for local consumers to wear Song’s creations. Founded in 1993, Songzio Homme halted its sales in Korea in the 2000s as it focused on the Par

Arts & Design Dec. 13, 2018

Kumho Art Hall, a landmark for classical music listeners, is wrapping up its Gwanghwamun era. On Tuesday, the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation announced on its official website that Gwanghwamun Kumho Art Hall would close its doors permanently as of May 1. Gwanghwamun Kumho Art Hall (Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation)The foundation revealed that it was unable to renew its lease, forcing the closure of two halls in the building in Gwanghwamun, which is currently owned by Deutsche Asset & Wealth Man

Arts & Design Dec. 12, 2018