A month on from the opening of Cheong Wa Dae to the public, guidelines for visits and use of the Blue House compound was issued Tuesday by a special team under the Cultural Heritage Administration, spelling out activities that are banned on the former presidential grounds. Foods that generate large amount of wastes, such as melons, and soups, including cups of instant noodles, cannot be brought inside. Visitors who damage or harm facilities, cultural properties, animals, plants or other things

Culture June 8, 2022

A series of guided tour programs to royal tombs of the Joseon era (1392-1910) will be conducted starting next Monday to Nov. 7, the Cultural Heritage Administration’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced Tuesday. The program titled, “Wangneungcheonhaeng,” which means “a thousand ways to travel the royal tombs,” will offer 23 tours led by a number of experts in the field. There are five themes under the program which include two to three royal tombs, palaces or

Culture June 7, 2022

JEJU ISLAND -- In the quiet coastal village of Bukchon-ri, east of Jeju, home of hundreds of victims brutally massacred during the April 3 Jeju Uprising is a colorfully painted warehouse. Unlike other fishing villages in Jeju that entice visitors with lively fish markets and seafood eateries, this neighborhood does not have tourist attractions in sight, making its surrounding even more serene. A greeting at the entrance by a staffer wearing a modified diving suit usually worn by Jeju women div

Food June 4, 2022

Korean street toast is a popular breakfast on the go. This sandwich packs egg, cabbage, carrot, ham and cheese between slices of buttery toasted bread. It’s the salty and sweet taste from the unusual condiment combination that will make you swoon. Who would have thought this odd Korean sandwich would become a worldwide sensation that everyone wants to make at home? This Korean street toast recipe is something you should try yourself to believe that it is not as bad as it sounds. Ingredie

Food June 4, 2022

One of the new government’s core commitments underscored was to “return Cheong Wa Dae to its citizens” promptly, but a month into its term, roles are yet to be defined of the former presidential office’s current and future usage. In the meantime, another outdoor event is expected to be held at Cheong Wa Dae, following the KBS’ “Open Concert” on May 22, this time, an hourlong solo performance stage with Neflix. Singer Rain will hold a performance for N

Culture June 3, 2022

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul showcases innovative bingsu desserts Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is presenting seven varieties of bingsu in homage to global desserts at the hotel’s lobby lounge Maru, through Sept. 30. The hotel will reveal each month’s treats alongside three signature bingsu options -- golden Jeju apple mango bingsu, black sesame creme brulee bingsu and summer fruits Charlotte bingsu. The golden Jeju apple mango bingsu, which is priced at 96,000 won, captures the flavor of

Food June 3, 2022

GANGNEUNG, Gangwon Province -- After a two-year hiatus, the Gangeung Danoje Festival -- a traditional festival offering harvest rites to the deities of heavens -- made a comeback along the Namdaecheon stream in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Monday. Gangneung Danoje was designated as a UNESCO World Intangible Heritage in 2005, in recognition of its cultural ingenuity and outstanding artistry. On Wednesday, the third day of the eight-day festival, the festive spirit reached its peak at an open-a

Travel June 2, 2022

From K-pop to K-dramas, Korean cultural products are gaining popularity worldwide -- but little is yet known about Korean craft arts outside of the country. Kim Eun-bi, 35, founder and CEO of Middle Studio, believes that the field of traditional crafts has the potential to gain as much spotlight as other already popular cultural products. Kim founded Middle Studio in 2017, and launched the Chi brand of everyday items and fashionwear inspired by traditional Korean crafts and culture. Working wi

Culture June 1, 2022

Despite an ongoing lawsuit, residents of apartments near the UNESCO-listed Jangneung royal tombs in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, began moving into their new homes on Tuesday. The Seo-gu Incheon Metropolitan City Office on Monday approved Daekwang Construction’s high-rises for occupancy. Some 735 households are expected to move in. “We have given permits according to procedures and on-site inspections of Daekwang Construction’s apartments,” an official from the Incheon ci

Culture May 31, 2022

A 19th century folding screen painting from Korea, “The Joyous Banquet of Guo Ziyi,” owned by the Art Institute of Chicago, is revealed to the press Monday after extensive conservation work. Jung-jae Conservation Center began work on the Joseon period work last August, funded by the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation.  Regarded by experts as being on par with royal court paintings, the restored folding screen will be available for public viewing at the Art Institute o

Culture May 31, 2022

Iconic South Korean hard rock band Songgolmae is embarking on a nationwide tour this fall, Dream Maker Entertainment announced on Monday. Titled, “Yeolmang,” meaning “aspiration,” the tour will kick off in Seoul with two days of concerts, starting Sept. 11, at the Songpa Olympic Stadium in southern Seoul. The upcoming tour will be the long-awaited reunion of the band‘s two best-known members -- Bae Cheol-soo and Koo Chang-mo -- after some 38 years. The band, p

Performance May 30, 2022

South Korean cinema brought home two trophies from this year’s Cannes Film Festival -- best director for Park Chan-wook of “Decision to Leave” and best actor for Song Kang-ho of “Broker.” While the two wins follow the Palme d’Or win by Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” in 2019, this year’s festival is all the more significant in that it is the first time there have been two Korean films winning at the same time at one of the three most acclaim

Film May 29, 2022

One of the world’s most prestigious film festivals has once again acknowledged the power of South Korean cinema. South Korea took home two major titles -- Park Chan-wook won best director for “Decision to Leave” and Song Kang-ho won best actor for “Broker” – at the 75th Cannes Film Festival that ended Saturday. Park’s thriller-romance film, “Decision to Leave,” about a detective who comes across a widow who is a prime suspect in his murder

Film May 29, 2022

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul offers homemade bingsu The Lounge, the premium lounge destination in the eighth-floor reception lobby at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, celebrates the arrival of summer with three varieties of homemade iced bingsu dessert, available until Sept. 18. Annual bestseller Jeju Apple Mango Bingsu, the Lounge’s signature summer dessert, features mango pearls topped with a whole sliced apple mango. Ocean Bingsu, newly created for 2022, features blue pearls topped with blue Cu

Food May 27, 2022

JEJU ISLAND -- The island of Jeju in recent years has become a popular destination among young people who go museum-hopping, try out new water sports and party the night away at guest houses. However, getting to know the people of Jeju and their lifestyles can be an eye-opening experience that will make you appreciate the volcanic island that is more than just a getaway destination. As a way to enjoy Jeju, online travel platform Jeju Pass connects users with Jeju residents with their own stor

Travel May 26, 2022