Seven of the themed routes of the DMZ Peace Trail, a trail created near the Demilitarized Zone that is accessible to the public, will reopen starting Nov. 20, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced Thursday. The routes include those in Ganghwa, Gimpo, Goyang, Paju, Hwacheon, Yanggu, and Goseong area. The DMZ Peace Trail had initially been created as 10 separate routes. Since April 2019, three of the routes-- Paju, Cheorwon, Goseong -- have opened on a trial basis, attracting so

Culture Nov. 11, 2021

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul announces 2021 Autumn Wine Fair JW Marriott Hotel Seoul presents the 2021 Autumn Wine Fair showcasing wines from selected wineries in 11 countries across four continents at the Margaux Grill’s seventh-floor garden. Running for three days from Nov. 10 to 12, the wine fair will feature a wide selection, ranging from daily wines to fine small-batch cult labels and grand crus from Bordeaux and Burgundy, with savings of up to 50 percent from regular prices. Additio

Food Nov. 5, 2021

The change of season has brought about bright reds, oranges, yellows and browns to the city, while some remaining greens bid a final farewell to the summer.  Indeed, Seoulites do not have to leave the city to enjoy the colors of the season. To enjoy the deepening autumn atmosphere and the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet, look out for Seoul Metropolitan Government’s “96 Fall Foliage Roads,” released last week. The list includes areas with spectacular colors of map

Travel Nov. 4, 2021

The Daesan Foundation announced the four winners of the 29th annual Daesan Literary Awards on Wednesday. The organization founded by Kyobo Life Insurance awards winners in four categories, recognizing the best poetry, novel, drama or literature review and translated work. The award for best translated work is given to English, French, German and Spain translations, one for each year in sequential order. Poet Kim Eon won the award for “Dear Blank Paper,” which describes the self-con

Books Nov. 3, 2021

The making of tteok, or Korean rice cakes, has been designated as the 145th National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Monday. The designation recognizes the making and sharing of Korean rice cakes as Korea‘s traditional culture and way of life. Tteok-making’s long history, a wealth of historical documents and archives about tteok, the unique regional variations and continued efforts to keep the tradition alive were some of the reasons behi

Culture Nov. 1, 2021

After two years of being limited to online concerts by the lingering pandemic, the World DJ Festival will return to the stage next year at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in southern Seoul. This year’s World DJ Festival will be held for three consecutive days starting June 4, and is expected to accommodate tens of thousands of audiences which can occupy the size of the whole stadium, BEPCTangent Creative, the festival organizer announced on Thursday. But the number of acceptable audiences is s

Performance Oct. 29, 2021

The Tokyo Korean Cultural Center’s Gallery MI is holding a three-day special exhibition of Korean books until Saturday, the Korean Publishers Association announced Thursday. The exhibition titled “Bridging Friendships,” is designed to introduce Korean literature to readers and publishers in Japan, and find opportunities for Korean books to enter foreign markets. The KPA has chosen 78 books for display at the exhibition, 50 of which are from “Your Next Book,” a bo

Books Oct. 29, 2021

The 2021 Seoul Gourmet Week will kick off both online and in person Friday to introduce and promote Seoul’s unique gourmet culture to potential domestic and foreign tourists, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization jointly announced Tuesday. Under the theme, “Six-day trip of world’s delicacies in Seoul,” this year’s festival aims to energize visitors weary from the pandemic, showcasing a series of cultural events linked to music, films and

Food Oct. 28, 2021

Pianist Paik Kun-woo has filed for arbitration with the Press Arbitration Commission in a case against network broadcaster MBC over its investigative journalism program “PD Note.” The program suggested the pianist and his daughter had mistreated his wife, actor Yoon Jeong-hee, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017. In a statement issued Monday evening, the pianist said he was seeking a correction and 1.1 billion won ($943,620) in damages for himself and his daught

Culture Oct. 26, 2021

Three Taegeukgi, the national flag of Korea, have been officially designated as national treasures, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Monday. Among some 20 Taegeukgi which are registered as state-designated cultural assets, O. N. Denny’s Taegeukgi, the Taegeukgi with Kim Gu’s Writings and Signature and the Jingwansa Taegeukgi stood out for their historical value, especially the time and meaning of their production. The Denny Taegeukgi, housed at the National Museum

Culture Oct. 25, 2021

The 23rd Bucheon International Animation Festival began its five-day run Friday in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, with events held both online and offline at the Korea Manhwa Museum and CGV Bucheon. In 2017 the festival became the very first in South Korea to be officially accredited by the host of the Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. With a mission to enrich the animated film genre and expand its presence in Asia, the BIAF features a general competition section that

Film Oct. 24, 2021

Korail and Gangwon Tourism Organization have jointly prepared a package fit for those hoping to go on leaf peeping and star gazing trips. The packages are available starting this Saturday and runs through Nov. 14, with courses consisting of three themes – the Taegisan and Chiaksan course, the Soyang River and Cheongpyeongsa course and the Anbandegi, Woljeongsa and Daegwallyeong course. Trains depart Saturdays and Sundays, and a local tour guide will lead a team of 10 visitors throughout th

Travel Oct. 23, 2021

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas presents desserts for Halloween Day Special Grand InterContinental Parnas in Samseong-dong is offering Halloween special desserts and beverages for the upcoming spooky holiday. Treats are offered at the hotel’s bakery from Oct. 22 through the end of the month. The desserts and beverages are prepared by the Grand Deli’s head pastry chef Eric Kalaboke from New York. A total of six items uniquely designed by the chef are available during the limit

Food Oct. 22, 2021

While using Seoul’s bustling subway, most passengers keep their eyes glued to their smartphones. But while riding Line 2, the country’s busiest subway line, author and illustrator Kim Hyo-eun decided to look up from her screen and appreciate the view. Absorbed in what she saw, she captured the moments of daily passengers hopping on and off at their destinations, from head to toe, not missing their facial emotions -- excited at times and exhausted at others. Kim’s “I

Books Oct. 21, 2021

South Korea inked a travel bubble agreement with Singapore on Oct. 8, the country’s second following a similar deal with Saipan. The deal is to allow those who are vaccinated to travel freely without the need for quarantine starting on Nov. 15. Their COVID-19 vaccination certificates will also be mutually recognized. While travelers from both sides have expectations for going on sightseeing tours like they had before the pandemic hit in early 2020, Noh Hyung Rae, 36, a lawyer at a private

Travel Oct. 17, 2021