Food in the Gyeongsang provinces has a reputation for being dull compared to other regions. But the port city of Tongyeong is an exception, having developed a unique culinary culture based on the plentiful fresh seafood available year round.“Tongyeong’s seafood tastes better than other coastal cities in Korea,” claimed a stall owner of a local fish market.  Sea squirt tastes best in the spring and summer, and one of the best ways to try the seasonal exotic-looking delicacy is by way of bibimbap.

Travel July 24, 2013

This is the sixth installment in an 11-part series that introduces some of the best walking trails in Korea. Based on each trail’s popularity and the recommendations of travel experts and the Culture Ministry, The Korea Herald has selected the 10 best places for walking and hiking. The series received funding from the Korea Press Foundation. ― Ed.Tongyeong is a small fishing port city famous for fresh seafood. The small city attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year just to taste the co

Travel July 24, 2013

TONGYEONG, South Gyeongsang Province ― Artist Kim Jae-sin mostly paints Dongpirang, a village in his hometown Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, located on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula.While many local artists try to capture what’s unique in their hometowns, the landscape images the 53-year-old artist creates resonate with memories ― the happiness and sorrow Dongpirang holds from its early development as the poorest community in the area to the new face it gained as an artistic to

Performance July 23, 2013

Alexander Calder had always liked toys and games, according to an unpublished autobiographical manuscript from 1955-56. In fact, he was briefly involved in designing children’s toys for commercial production. And he enjoyed playing billiards ― a game that involves vectors and velocities, engineering concepts that Calder kept in mind in developing his art. The American artist is hailed for liberating sculptures from the pedestal and constantly proposing new visions of art beyond conventional form

Performance July 21, 2013

As Oriental medicine gains attention around the world, Korea is turning to traditional Korean medicine to attract more tourists. At Namsangol Hanok Village, international visitors can experience a fusion of traditional Oriental medicine and cuisine as seen on the internationally acclaimed historical drama “Jewel in the Palace.” The show not only boosted hallyu, or the movement of Korean popular culture, but also triggered an interest in traditional Korean medicine among many tourists and foreign

Travel July 19, 2013

We’re often stuck on cars, buses, and trains, commuting to work or trying to get to our next destination. But what about transportation that highlights a destination?Aerial trams and cable cars take visitors up mountains, over rivers, and above cities, often as a means to an end ― but sometimes these cable cars are the destination themselves. With gorgeous views and unique experiences as our criteria, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com have compiled a list of the “Top 5 Aerial Trams.”

Travel July 19, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) ― That cliche about awards says it’s an honor just to be nominated. But what about all the worthies Emmy overlooks each year? Are they being dishonored by Emmy’s neglect?It was a question raised by Emmy’s latest round of snubs as this year’s nominees were announced Thursday.HBO’s magnificent “Treme”? Jilted yet again.Same for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and HBO’s “True Blood.” They just seem to freak out Emmy judges.Showtime’s “Dexter” was shut out, too, with no Emmy love lost on Mich

Television July 19, 2013

The annual artist-of-the-year exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea presents artwork that explores key social issues in Korean society, such as the generation gap, anxiety and crisis. The 2013 Korea Artist Prize has nominated four artists ― Jo Hae-jun, Ham Yang-ah, Kong Sung-hun and Shin Mee-kyoung ― whose artworks are on display at the 2013 Korea Artist Prize exhibition from Friday to Oct. 20 at the MMCA Gwacheon. For 15 years, the prestigious prize has recogni

Performance July 18, 2013

DAEGU ― Large red balloons with white polka dots hang like big character balloons at an amusement park, greeting viewers as they enter the fun, strange world of Yayoi Kusama created at Daegu Art Museum.More fun awaits as one takes a closer look inside the balloons ― infinitely mirrored space with small red-and-white polka-dotted balloons stretching endlessly into the distance. The large-scale installation, which fills up to the ceiling of the three-story museum, is one of the new works by the ac

Performance July 16, 2013

If music is a universal language North Korean pianist Kim Cheol-woong found perhaps one of its best uses.On Saturday, Kim illustrated his spoken account of his journey in pursuit of musical freedom with a mix of compositions at a concert at Haechi Hall in Seoul, organized by the Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR), for which Kim is a cultural ambassador.Kim, who comes from an elite North Korean family, entered the stage exuding modesty and a warm sense of humor.In between pla

Performance July 14, 2013

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (AP) ― For months, questions have swirled about whether developers, activists or tribes would be willing to plunk down millions to buy a portion of the Wounded Knee National Historic Landmark. Now there’s a new potential buyer in the mix: Johnny Depp.But is the star of “The Lone Ranger” really preparing to be the one who buys the property where hundreds of Native Americans were killed? Or is it just the latest rumor in the contentious debate over the landmark’s future?D

Film July 14, 2013

Korean rock legend Shin Joong-hyun will be joining the all-star line-up at this year’s Hyundai Card Super Concert 19 City Break festival in August. Going head-to-head with rival summer music festivals such as Ansan Valley and Incheon Pentaport Rock Festivals, the two-day City Break event will feature the 75-year-old guitarist alongside headliners Metallica, Muse, Iggy and The Stooges and Limp Bizkit. They will be joined by local acts including Jang Ki-ha and the Faces and Kwon Soon-kwan. Shin st

Performance July 14, 2013

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK ― Japanese artist Hokusai liked Mt. Fuji. Really liked it. So in the 1820s and 1830s, he made a series of 36 woodblock prints of the mountain, from near and far, in summer and winter. When they went over well, he made 10 more scenes. Then, because an artist must follow his muse, he started a new series: 100 views of Mt. Fuji.When I’m looking at Half Dome, the great granite hood ornament of Yosemite National Park, I understand Hokusai and Fuji. You see Half Dome on a centur

Travel July 12, 2013

The lavish and decorative paintings of Alphonse Mucha, the master of Art Nouveau, are on exhibit in Seoul for the first time, shedding light on the first era of modern art and its development in the late 19th century. The “Alphonse Mucha: Art Nouveau and Utopia” exhibition at Seoul Arts Center introduces 235 works of Mucha, one of the most celebrated artists in the Czech Republic, which are leading examples of the Art Nouveau style. “Mucha is regarded as an artist known for his decorative poster

Performance July 11, 2013