A newly designed official hanbok uniform for employees at the Korea Traditional Culture Center, a foundation operated by the city of Jeonju in North Jeolla Province, has been embroiled in controversy over its design some say are similar to that of a Japanese kimono. After members of the public and the center's staffers criticized the uniform for "looking Japanese," the designer argued that the piece was designed as a hanbok based on historical research. The new uniform was unveile

Culture Feb. 19, 2023

Having guests over at home has become less common in Seoul over the past two decades, with restaurants and cafes on almost every neighborhood corner making it easy to dine out at any time of the day. But the COVID-19 pandemic has driven people to spend more time in their own spaces. The phenomenon has naturally led to the public's interest in home furnishing, interior design, and home-cooked meals. Capitalizing on the trend, high-end hotels are creating their own brands or working with vend

Culture Feb. 18, 2023

The history of barbeque skewers for threading, storing, and cooking meat over fire dates back to the Middle Ages. This versatile tool has stayed with people over centuries and up to today, as can be seen in traditional markets and modern restaurants with variations by countries and regions. Russian shashlik are skewered grilled meat cubes widely enjoyed across Central Asia, while souvlaki from Greece are chicken, beef or lamb with vegetables on skewers. First records of the Korean version of s

Food Feb. 17, 2023

Mayfield Hotel Seoul launches Relay Festa promotion Buffet restaurant Castle Terrace, located in the Mayfield Hotel's lobby floor, is launching a “Relay Festa” event, offering up to 30 percent discounts for guests visiting through March 17. On Mondays, a 20 percent discount will be offered to neighboring residents living in Gangseo-gu or Yangcheon-gu, upon presenting their identification cards. On Thursdays, for graduating students and newly entering freshmen, a 20 percent disco

Food Feb. 17, 2023

"Talchum," a Korean mask dance performance, will make its debut Friday at the Venice Carnival in Italy, the festival's organizing committee announced through its official website. Known as one of the world's three major carnivals and the biggest festival in Italy, attracting over 3 million visitors each year, the two-week long Venice Carnival kicked off on Feb. 4, and will continue through Tuesday. Talchum is a performing art that encompasses dance, music and theater, and is

Culture Feb. 15, 2023

The Korea Post Headquarters has unveiled commemorative postage stamps with illustrations of four cultural heritage pieces that have been repatriated from abroad, with support from the Cultural Heritage Administration. A total of 640,000 stamps will be sold at post offices nationwide, starting Wednesday.

Culture Feb. 15, 2023

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage has published a book on the nation's artifacts, unraveling behind-the-scenes stories that have been found in the research process, the state-run institute announced Monday. Titled "Encountering Relics," the 214-page book focuses on detailed records, images and relevant materials of a total of 13 state-designated national treasures and treasures that have been selected and studied by the institute for research and preservation pu

Culture Feb. 14, 2023

The secular world uses meat flavored stock to make food more savory, but at temples, vegetable stock is an indispensable ingredient. To make vegetable stock, most temples boil white radish, shiitake mushrooms and kelp. However, kelp is not used at Jinkwansa. Ginger is also a common ingredient in Jinkwansa's wintertime temple food. In addition to its warm energy that helps the body maintain heat and aid digestion, its distinctive scent enhances the flavor and removes the undesirable smell of

Food Feb. 11, 2023

Independent film theater Cinecube, located in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, announced Thursday that it will screen acclaimed films that have been nominated for the 95th Academy Awards. Eleven works nominated for this year's Oscars and three others selected by Cinecube will be screened through March 28. Among the 11 nominations are six films yet to be released in the country, including "Tar," "The Whale," "The Banshees of Inisherin," "Close," "EO"

Film Feb. 10, 2023

Andaz Seoul Gangnam presents ‘Romance at Andaz’ package Andaz Seoul Gangnam offers staycation package named, "Romance at Andaz," available throughout the year. Package includes one-night accommodation at the hotel's suite, featuring Andaz' signature comfortable bedding and bath bomb set from La Cuvee Maison. Breakfast for two at Jogakbo, sparkling wine, cake and a bath bomb set are included in the package. Complimentary minibar and access to fitness center and ind

Food Feb. 10, 2023

The Daejeon High Court ruled Wednesday against a Korean Buddhist temple's ownership claim to a 14th-century Bodhisattva statue that it argues was plundered by Japanese pirates in the late Goryeo-era. The ruling accelerated Japan's request to Korea for its urgent return, although the Korean court added that issues concerning the return and protection of cultural assets should be decided in accordance with UNESCO conventions and relevant international law. The 50.5-centimeter high gilt-b

Culture Feb. 6, 2023

On the day of the first full moon of the lunar calendar, which falls on the 15th day of the new year according to the lunar calendar, Koreans celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum. The history of Jeongwol Daeboreum dates back to the Three Kingdoms period. With traditional food and drinks shared among families and neighbors on this festive day, people send their wishes for a healthy and fruitful new year to the first full moon. Special days mean special dishes. On Daeboreum, ogokbap (rice mixed with fiv

Food Feb. 4, 2023

Bowling alley with neon lights and rock-'n-'roll February has begun, but the evenings in Seoul are still quite chilly after sundown. When it feels too early to call it a day with friends or acquaintances, a special bowling alley decorated with flashy neon lights and some rock music awaits. Only a three-minute walk from Gangnam Station's Exit No. 10, Temple Strike, a bowling alley located on the basement floor of the bustling district, opens from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. the next mornin

Culture Feb. 3, 2023

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul presents special dim sum brunch Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's authentic Cantonese Chinese restaurant, "Yu Yuan," presents "Weekend Champagne and Dim Sum Brunch," starting Saturday. Yu Yuan's special brunch features Hong Kong's unique food culture, yamcha, which means to enjoy a variety of food including dim sum, with tea for breakfast and lunch, with friends and family. All dishes are prepared by dim sum chef Jia Wen Li, who has more than

Food Feb. 3, 2023

Koreans traditionally harvested fresh vegetables in the summer to be dried and stored for the winter months. On Daeboreum, the dried vegetables are prepared as namul. Nine different types of namul are enjoyed on Daeboreum, including fernbrake, thistle, radish leaves, green pumpkin, eggplant and castor beans. The type of namul served can vary by region. These days, people keep the tradition of having namul, but try to make it simple, by having two or three different types instead of all nine namu

Food Feb. 3, 2023