“In addition, even if we play a significant role in representing Asia’s culture, we are not limiting our scope to this side of world and are considering expanding to connect with the rest of the world,” Lee said. At the moment, the center is showcasing “Posthuman Ensemble,” a collection of 15 artists’ works that navigates how humans can emerge from human-centered thought to exist in harmony with...

Hangang Park is a crucial part of the recreational life of many of us living in Seoul, offering rare public open space for joggers, cyclists and couples on dates. When the sun goes down and evening approaches, the Banpo part of the park lights up in vivid colors that cast shimmering reflections on the Han River. Located at Banpo-dong in Seocho district, Banpo Hangang Park boasts three buildings ...

During the Joseon period when Neo-Confucianism was the law of the land, most of the bronze Buddhist bells around the country were repurposed into copper coins and military weapons. King Sejong the Great had to step in and issue a decree in 1424 “not to destroy the Bell of Bongdeoksa Temple,” according to Joseon Sillok, the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. By Hyungwon Kang ( hy...

November 18th was a big day in South Korea as ‘Suneung’ took place, a national college entrance exam that is held once a year. Airplanes stop, stock markets open an hour later and police stand-ready to take students who can’t make it to the test site on time. Because it’s considered a life-changing test, there are many superstitions one must do and don’t do before taking the test! Team Konnect...

G-Star 2021 runs through Sunday at the Bexco exhibition center in Busan. By Lee Si-jin ( sj_lee@heraldcorp.com )

Korea’s top cosmetics maker Amorepacific has won the top prize at this year’s Mecenat Awards, in recognition of its contribution to the arts. The Korea Mecenat Association held an awards ceremony Wednesday at the Westin Josun in central Seoul to honor local businesses and individuals who have supported the art scene. This year’s Mecenat Award was given to Amorepacific, in recognition of the Sul...

Many nervous parents spend the day of the Suneung at their local temple or church, praying for their children. Some spend the day in front of the exam center, sending their wishes and prayers to the children inside. “Palgongsan may be a famous site for parents to pray before Suneung, I am sure all Korean parents with examinees are pouring their heart and soul into their prayers elsewhere,” said ...

Hanbok-inspired school uniforms, created as part of a project led jointly by the Culture Ministry and the Ministry of Education, will be shown in an exhibition at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. The Culture Ministry said Tuesday that it has delivered a number of hanbok uniforms and a certificate of donation to Rosalie Kim, curator of the Korean Gallery at the V&A Museum. The samples include h...

“K-content started to bloom at a stage when there were fewer government regulations. In order for creative businesses to grow, both public and private sectors should encourage bold and experimental content,” said Song. “Another big goal of the KFCC is to set up an autonomous ranking system that supports the interests of the players in content industries, while urging them to act for social respo...

Art experts say traditional, modern Korean art out of reach due to scarcity, budget constraints

The South Korean government will host a big in-person K-pop concert to be attended by 3,000 people Sunday to help the people gradually return to their normal lives after almost two years of restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and its affiliated private foundation, the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, said the one-da...

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church sits in a small town of Onsu, Ganghwado, one of the around 150 islands and islets in the Incheon archipelago. The church was built by British missionary Mark N. Trollope, who came to Ganghwado in 1896 and later went on to become the third Anglican bishop in Korea from 1911 until his death. Designed and completed during the early years of the imperial reign of Gojong...

Haeinsa’s Janggyeong Panjeon, the buildings where the more than 81,000 printing blocks are held, is a scientific masterpiece from the Joseon era in the 15th century. The floor and foundations of the depository buildings were reinforced with charcoal, salt and plaster to regulate moisture and humidity while also repelling bugs. The unique two-row open design of the Janggyeong Panjeon explains ho...

Merchants at Yukgeori Market in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, gathered Thursday to make kimchi for people who are struggling financially. Approximately 80 people, including Cheongju Mayor Han Beom-deok and North Chungcheong Province Gov. Lee Si-jong, participated in the kimchi-making event using 1,000 heads of cabbage. “As merchants of the landmark traditional market of this region, a...

Along with Gyujanggak, the Juhapru, Seohyanggak, Huiujeong and Cheonseokjeong areas where kings and scholars of the Joseon era held discussions and reposed, will be open to the public. The interior of Seohyanggak, where royal portraits, letters and writings of kings were kept, will be opened to the public too. The areas are usually closed to the public except on special occasions. Each tour wil...