A wildfire in Gangneung that has raged for more than eight hours Tuesday damaged a number of important cultural heritage sites in the eastern coastal city. Sangyeongjeong, a Joseon-era pavilion located by the scenic Gyeongpoho Lake, was burned to the ground while another Joseon-era pavilion, Banghaejeong, built in 1859 by Yi Bong-gu, a retired official, was partially burned. Parts of Inwolsa Temple, located near the two pavilions, were also damaged in the fire. Meanwhile, seven old signboards

Culture April 11, 2023

"Jikji," acknowledged by UNESCO as the world's oldest book printed in movable metal type, will be presented to the public for the first time in 50 years at a major exhibition in France. The book will be on display at the National Library of France from Wednesday until July 16, at an exhibition that focuses on the history of printing technology. "Jikji" is the shortened title of "Jikjisimcheyojeol," a text written by Baegun Gyeonghan, a Buddhist monk, in 1372.

Culture April 11, 2023

PHU QUOC ISLAND, Vietnam – The number of Korean travelers to Vietnam was some 965,000 in 2022, accounting for more than a quarter of Vietnam’s foreign tourists, according to the Vietnamese General Statistics Office. With the full resumption of international flights, their presence is expected to continue this year. In addition to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang, the three most popular destinations for first-time travelers to Vietnam, there is a hidden gem of an island that is relative

Travel April 8, 2023

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul opens outdoor dining and cocktails Located on the seventh floor of JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, the Margaux Grill and MOBO Bar are popular spots in the city’s Banpo district. The Margaux Grill serves a diverse menu prepared on a wood-fired grill, accompanied by a selection of more than 800 wines. On warm spring days, dining at an outdoor table offers the chance to experience gourmet cuisine in a setting with fresh greenery. MOBO Bar, located on the same floor, is a co

Food April 7, 2023

Amid enhanced global interest in the Korean language, along with the increasing number of avid Hangeul learners, the National Hangeul Museum is hosting a series of special exhibitions across Poland, Germany and Austria this year. After an exhibition in Hungary last year, the museum announced Tuesday its Polish chapter of the tour, "Hangeul Design Project," working in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center in Warsaw, Poland. The exhibition will open from Wednesday to May 31 at

Culture April 4, 2023

The National Museum of Korea in Seoul's Yongsan-gu is hosting a series of live music performances from April to October. Titled "The Cultural Feast of the Museum," the series will showcase a variety of music genres including gugak, classical music, jazz and martial music for free at the museum's performance venues, the Open Plaza and Eutteum Hall. Launched in 2014, this year’s series will feature a total of 16 performances. At the Open Plaza at 3 p.m. on April 8, well-k

Culture March 31, 2023

JW Marriott Jeju Resort and Spa opens in Seogwipo JW Marriott Jeju Resort and Spa celebrates its grand opening on March. The hotel’s signature BBQ and rotisserie restaurant, The Flying Hog, serves Jeju black pork and beef cooked in a wood-fired oven. For guests who wish to explore the local cuisine, yeoumul is a Jeju-style omakase restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood harvested by the island’s female divers. The Lounge, with its resident coffee master, offers s

Food March 31, 2023

"When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden." A quote from Minnie Aumonier, a 19th-century poet, still seems valid today, as can be seen at the Suncheon International Garden Expo, which opens Friday evening. With the pandemic finally nearing its end, the Suncheonman International Garden Expo, which runs through Oct. 31, aims to attract 8 million visitors. Launched in 2013, the initial plan of the exposition was to preserve the Suncheon Bay wetland

Culture March 30, 2023

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul launches ‘Timeless Beauty’ cosmetics package Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has launched the new room package, "Timeless Beauty," in collaboration with the History of Whoo, a premium cosmetics brand and part of South Korea’s LG Household & Health Care Ltd. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Korea’s Empresses, the offer is available from April 1, for only 100 rooms. The package includes a 40-minute Whoo Hwanyu spa facial alongside springt

Food March 24, 2023

The Joseon-era royal palace Gyeongbokgung will hold its annual spring nighttime viewing from April 5 to May 31, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Thursday. Noted for its beautiful weeping cherry blossoms and azaleas during the season, the Gyeongbokgung nightscape presents a different vibe from the daytime. One of the highlights include the Gyeonghoeru, the largest two-story pavilion structure in Korea, where visitors can capture the scenery of cherry blossoms reflected on the nearby

Culture March 23, 2023

"Makgeolli-bitgi," or makgeolli making and sharing, was designated a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. Korea's long-held tradition of making makgeolli is found in literary compilations in Goryeo (918-1392), and cookbooks from the Joseon period (1392-1910) contain detailed makgeolli recipes. The distinctive taste of makgeolli sets it apart from other types of rice wine. The milky drink has both a sweet and slightly sour flavor, which can be compared to that of yogurt o

Food March 18, 2023

GOYANG, Gyeonggi Province -- Less than a 50-minute drive northwest from central Seoul, Goyang is an easy-to-reach destination for Seoulites. The city's reputation as a quiet residential area might have kept it off the top of day-trippers' lists, but in recent years, Goyang's increasingly successful spring flower expo has been encouraging people to see more of what the town has to offer. Looking to capitalize on this, the city has begun to offer guided bus tours to introduce its mo

Travel March 17, 2023

Andaz Seoul Gangnam presents afternoon tea Andaz Seoul Gangnam, located at Apgujeong Station in Seoul, showcases its new tea set for spring. The menu features fresh seasonal fruit and tea, with three savory bites such as its A1 cheesesteak sandwich and four sweet dessert items such as citron dacquoise and mugwort madeleine. The tea set will be served with the Andaz special coffee or premium tea. The promotion is available from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Jogakbo, located on the second floor of the hote

Food March 17, 2023

OLD TRAM TRACK -- A tram track used during the Japanese colonial period (1910-45) was discovered between September and October last year at the excavation site of Woldae, an elevated stage for royal ceremonies in front of Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung's main gate. The tram was in service from 1917 to 1966, and ran on a Y-shaped train track on what is today's Sejong-ro, and connected Anguk-dong and Hyoja-dong via Woldae.

Culture March 13, 2023

An opening ceremony for the new tourist center at Incheon Airport's Terminal 1 was held Friday, with Choi Eung-chon (second from right), head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, in attendance. Operated by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, the center aims to promote Korea's cultural heritage to visitors by introducing recommended destinations through the latest media art and virtual reality images.

Culture March 10, 2023