KBS2’s “2 Days & 1 Night” has been awarded a Presidential Citation for promoting domestic tourism. In light of the 45th World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded 24 figures for contributing to the local tourism industry.  From left: Singer Jung Joon-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Do Jong-hwan and TV personality Kim Jong-min pose for photos at the World Tourism Day ceremony held at the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul on Thursday. (Yonhap)Whil

Television Sept. 27, 2018

A member of a bereaved family has applied for an injunction to ban the screening of the upcoming film “Dark Figure of Crime,” arguing that the production crew did not ask for permission before making a story about the murder of her brother.In the movie, a prisoner confesses that he killed seven people, six more than what he was charged for. The story follows a detective who believes the criminal. One of the six cases was based on the murder of her brother.  “Dark Figure of Crime” (Showbox)The mo

Film Sept. 21, 2018

With the novel “Kim Ji-young, Born in 1982” set to be adapted for the big screen, the book’s sales have seen a significant bump in sales. According to Kyobo Bookstore, the novel took the No. 10 spot on its best-seller list for the third week of September, jumping 22 spots. (Mineumsa)The bookstore said sales volume increased by almost three times. Women in their 20s and 30s accounted for 60.9 percent of purchasers. The novel, written by Cho Nam-ju, depicts the life of an ordinary woman named Kim

Books Sept. 21, 2018

Tradition is an inspiring source for fashion designers. But after the inspiration, comes the challenge of reinterpretation -- redesigning the past in a current context.Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, is no longer worn every day by most people. Though praised for the beauty of its color and silhouette, many feel it uncomfortable and impractical. Reinterpretation is necessary to revive the clothing into modern wear. But it is not easy to find the right balance between the old and new while cr

Arts & Design Sept. 20, 2018

Art of afternoon tea at Grand Hyatt Seoul The Gallery at Grand Hyatt Seoul, in collaboration with local artist Choi Jeong-hwa, is presenting a promotion titled “ARTernoon -- Your Heart is My Art.”In line with the ongoing exhibition “Choi Jeong-hwa: Blooming Matrix” held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art’s branch in Samcheong-dong, the pastry chefs have created a collection of culinary art pieces, inspired by the artist’s works, such as tea-bag shaped cookies and mini opera ca

Food Sept. 20, 2018

Global hotel chain Marriott International will open three more hotels in Korea, in response to growing demand from middle-class tourists.The hotel chain’s portfolio is divided into three tiers: luxury, premium and select-service. Hotels in the select-service tier aim to provide guests with a high-quality experience at a reasonable price.  A penthouse room at Four Points by Sheraton Gangnam (Mariott International)Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft Hote

Travel Sept. 20, 2018

What happens inside closed museums and art galleries at night has always evoked curiosity, with the Hollywood film series “Night at the Museum” highlighting such interest. Visitors will get to experience many national and public art spaces at night as part of Korea Art Week, a nationwide annual art event held to promote “Art in Life.”The art week runs from Oct. 2 to 14, with night events at museums slated to take place between Oct 5 and 6.  Korea Art Week (Korea Art Week) Kim Do-il, president of

Arts & Design Sept. 19, 2018

Seoul is promoting itself as Asia’s leading design hub with a series of design-related events.Hosted by the Seoul Design Foundation, Seoul Design Cloud, a mega design event comprising Seoul Design Week, Seoul Upcycling Week and Seoul Fashion Week -- different from the biannual fashion event -- kicked off Monday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.“With Dongdaemun Design Plaza as the center, Seoul’s design will take a leap. And Seoul Design Cloud will show the way,” Choi Kyung-ran, the head of the Seoul D

Arts & Design Sept. 18, 2018

The third edition of Michelin Guide Seoul will be released on Oct 18. Michelin Guide Seoul 2019 will be revealed at an award ceremony at Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, in southern Seoul. This year’s ceremony will be held under the theme of “Journey to Passion,” paying homage to passionate chefs and food connoisseurs. Since its launch in 2017, the Seoul guide has had two three-starred restaurants and four two-starred restaurants. A total of 18 restaurants have earned one-starred status. The

Food Sept. 18, 2018

In the city of Seoul, many of us live in apartments. The common housing form, however, is not usually considered a cozy space tailored for the residents’ needs. Rather, it is usually thought of as the outcome of mass production, a realistic way to house more people in less space. Should then we accept the reality and live in dreary, boring spaces? No, according to Yoon So-yeon, founder and CEO of interior design startup Apart:mentary. We all have the right to live in a nice home. And more, she s

Arts & Design Sept. 17, 2018

Though we have all attended different schools at different times, the schools are likely to be similar in shape and structure. But architect Yoo Hyun-joon challenges this norm, arguing that school architecture should be diversified. Yoo is a professor of architecture at Hongik University and the head architect at Hyunjoon Yoo Architects, widely known to the Korean public for his popular lectures, books and TV appearances.  Yoo Hyun-joon speaks at the Herald Design Forum 2018 at Dongdaemun Design

Arts & Design Sept. 15, 2018

“Your heart is my art,” designer and installation artist Choi Jeong-hwa said. “Public art is about making memories and experiences for everyone.” At a lecture titled “Life Life” at the Herald Design Forum 2018 on Saturday, Choi explained the inspirations and the thoughts behind his works.  Installation artist Choi Jeong-hwa speaks at the Herald Design Forum 2018 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Saturday. (Lee Sang-sub / The Korea Herald)The artist is widely known as a master of the kitsch. U

Arts & Design Sept. 15, 2018

YouTube stars are often described as self-made celebrities with bright ideas and irresistible content. They are considered brave pioneers whose outstanding creativity propelled them to success on this unconventional media platform. YouTube creators are now role models for youngsters. Increasing numbers of elementary school students dream of becoming YouTubers. Videography classes and workshops are extremely popular. A content creator shoots a video at Jamong Media Space in southern Seoul. (Media

Television Sept. 13, 2018

Taste of Mexico at Millennium Seoul HiltonMillennium Seoul Hilton’s flagship restaurant, Cafe 395, hosts a special promotion featuring Mexican cuisine. Special guest chef Eric Daniel Gonzalez from a traditional Mexican restaurant will helm the kitchen to bring an authentic taste of Mexico’s finest foods, in addition to the regular offerings of Cafe 395’s buffet. Hot, cold appetizers, entrees and desserts -- including ceviche, soft crab stew, pork stew with tequila and beef ribs -- will be prepar

Food Sept. 13, 2018

Ananti Namhae was selected as South Korea’s leading resort in the World Travel Awards 2018. While the property located on the southern coast has received the award for 12 consecutive years since its opening in 2007, it was the first time it was recognized as part of the Ananti brand, since terminating a management deal with Hilton earlier this year.  Ananti NamhaeSince the brand shift, the resort has undergone a transformation, tripling its green space. The parking lot in the resort is now a par

Travel Sept. 13, 2018