A Humboldt penguin chick stares at other marine animals in the hallway on the way to a wellness check at Lotte World Aquarium in southeastern Seoul. Visitors take pictures of the Humboldt penguin chick with aquarium staff on the way to a checkup. A member of the aquarium staff weighs the chick, and a veterinarian performs a physical examination. (Photos: Yonhap) By Yoon Chae-won　(choenayoon@heraldcorp.com)

With COVID-19 practically barring international travel, many hotels have turned toward the growing population of Koreans looking for a staycation. The hotel industry faced unprecedented financial losses last year with the spread of the pandemic. According to a Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism report in 2019, foreigners accounted for 46.3 percent of hotel guests in August 2019. With the absence of foreign travelers, many hotels reported financial losses last year, including Lotte Hotel

If vaccines other than AstraZeneca’s are available for young people, Korean health authorities may want to consider an alternative, said Dr. Jean-Louis Excler, a vaccinologist at the International Vaccine Institute, as more countries limit the use of the vaccine to older people over blood clot concerns. Excler, who is also part of the vaccine safety working group within COVAX, a global body for promoting equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, said in an interview with The Korea Herald t

The Korean Culture and Information Service is to look into a dispute among its staff at the Korean Cultural Center Shanghai, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The Culture Ministry said on Thursday that two employees at the center had reported the head of the Shanghai center to the Korean Culture and Information Service for using abusive language and demanding a resignation, among other claims. Some 10 days after the reports were filed, the head requested the Korean Cul

The Joygye Order of Korean Buddhism has canceled Yeondeunghoe -- the annual Lotus Lantern Festival in celebration of Buddha’s birthday -- for the second consecutive year due to concerns over the growing number of COVID-19 infections. Yeondeunghoe would have taken place on May 15, four days before Buddha’s birthday. The four days leading up to the Buddha’s birthday are celebrated with numerous festivals, the highlight being the lantern parade. In a typical Buddha’s Birt

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival This year, the 42nd Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival will be held online, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Every spring, the sea around Jindo opens up, exposing a 2.8-kilometer-long stretch of sand that connects two islands in the area. The gravitational phenomenon draws numerous visitors to the small island in South Jeolla Province. 　 The annual festival was canceled last year due to the virus pandemic. This year, it will be held online with the sea road op

Park Hyatt Seoul greets the season with ‘Spring at the Park’ package Park Hyatt Seoul offers a relaxing seasonal break with the “Spring at the Park” package. The package includes a one-night stay, florally-inspired Flower Afternoon Tea Set and two bottles of alcohol-free sparkling wine (200ml) served in-room, 25 percent off dining at hotel restaurants and complimentary use of hotel swimming pool and fitness studio. Guests booking on the hotel website or with the Hyat

Head of state-run support program talks opportunities, challenges facing local firms trying to introduce new approaches to treat diseases

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation announced on Thursday that 2021 Hanbok Culture Week kicks off Friday and will run until April 18. Established in 2018, the event has been held annually in the third week of October to promote the beauty of Korean traditional costume. This year it will be held twice, once in spring and once in autumn, according to the Korea Craft & Design Foundation. “2021 Hanbok Culture Week is prepared as a safe

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported that 179 members of state arts troupes had violated regulations by giving private lessons or taking part in unauthorized activities, according to People Power Party Rep. Kim Ye-ji, who is a member of the National Assembly’s Culture Committee. The regulations concerning public officials, which apply to members of state arts troupes, state that individual activities must be approved in advance and any payment received must be reported.

South Korea’s top hematologist says Korea must exercise due caution with AstraZeneca vaccinations until there is a better understanding of the unusual blood clot events being reported here and elsewhere among recipients. “By caution I don’t mean vaccinations should stop, not when we don’t have other vaccines in stock. But we need to proactively monitor people receiving the vaccine and treat any suspected symptoms as though they are a blood clot case,” said Dr. Ki

Artwork by a US graffiti artist that was damaged by two viewers is likely to be restored at the request of the artist, according to one of the organizers of the exhibition it was being shown at. “We received a reply from the artist saying he wants the work to be restored. We will discuss whether to persuade the artist again,” Kang Wook, CEO of Contents Creator of Culture, the co-organizer of the exhibition told The Korea Herald on Tuesday. The artwork “Untitled” by Jo