“We hope Korea can be widely introduced to foreigners as a ‘shopping tourism destination’ through this event, and play the role of raising expectations for future travels after the pandemic,” a Culture Ministry‘s official said. Hosted by the Culture Ministry and the Visit Korea Committee, the Korea Grand Sale has made its first open in 2011, to attract foreign tourists in winter, known to be the...

“Instagrammable F&B products such as afternoon tea with visually-unique desserts served on a traditionally-patterned tray, or exotic room interiors that include views across downtown Gangnam are unique content that invite selfies.” Each piece of content that clients leave through posts on social media during or after their visit becomes an important asset for the hotel to shape their business. T...

The National Institute of Korean Language unveiled an ambitious plan to create a Korean language proficiency diagnosis system that utilzes artificial intelligence, the organization’s director Chang So-won said on Tuesday. The AI-based language proficiency test, to be developed over a five-year period from 2023 to 2027 with a budget of 10 billion won ($8.39-million), is meant to help improve the ...

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage analyzed each element in detail to identify the type of folding screen frame, the pigment used and the material of the wallpaper, and applied each to the preservation treatment. During the process, the existing folding screen frame was found to be impossible to reuse due to damage from insects and natural degradation. A new frame was produced b...

Different genre preferences and interests were notable through global sales figures shown, according to LTI Korea. In France, readers showed a deep interest in mystery and thriller genres, purchasing novels by bestselling thriller writers Seo Mi-ae and Kim Un-soo. In Germany, Korean spiritual and psychological-themed essays grabbed notable attention, with “Love for Imperfect Things,” written by...

A classical music concert that experiments to break out from conventional forms, “Beyond the Classic 2,” is to set the stage on Feb. 18, at the Seoul Arts Center by the Sam Philharmonic Orchestra, the organizer said on Monday. The concert aims to reach music fans weary from the long-lasting pandemic, to bring hopes and laughter throughout its 100-minute session, the organizer added. Various arti...

An online website that explores kimchi making recipes and Korea’s unique kimjang culture, will be open to global viewers until the end of March, the Korean Cultural Center Canada announced Sunday. Titled as “Kimjang: The Aesthetics of Sharing,” the website explains in detail the history of how kimjang culture has been treasured by Koreans for generations, and thus came to be acknowledged in 2013...

The apple bread is 3,900 won and many other popular items, such as buttermilk scones, are sold at the same price.

The Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha Triad with Inscription of Gyemi Year, measuring 17.7 centimeters in height, is known to have been carried by Buddhists for spiritual protection, a popular practice in East Asia during the early 6th century. The estimated bid price starts at 32 billion won to 45 billion won. Judging by the inscription on the back of the mandorla, the piece is thought to have been cr...

The Baby Shark song has also been a huge hit on global music charts, ranking 32nd on the main singles chart of “Billboard’s “The Hot 100” by Billboard and No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The music‘s success lies in “unfamiliarity in the familiar,” Pinkfong CEO Kim Min-seok told a local media outlet. The rhythm is cute and bouncy, but the animals are sharks. Picking out a passage from classical mu...

Four Seasons Hotel collaborates with Nespresso Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has teamed up with premium coffee brand Nespresso to promote limited-edition coffee capsules from Nespresso’s Forest Collection, under the theme of sustainable environment. The “Gifts of the Forest” promotion presents a special staycation with various desserts and cocktails provided by the hotel inspired by Nespresso’s coff...

An 8-panel folding screen depicting scenes from an ideal life as conceived by Joseon-era people is now available in a digital format. The National Museum of Korea revealed “Pyeongsaengdo,” thought to have been completed in the late 19th to early 20th century, in a digitally restored eight-panel folding screen format on its website on Wednesday. The paintings depict in detail the major celebrato...

Broadway-born musical “Hadestown,” which made its first landing in Korea in September last year, was honored with the grand prize at the sixth Korea Musical Awards, hosted by the Korea Musical Theatre Association, on Monday. Korea Musical Awards are given annually to selected musicals among those that premiered over the previous year. For this year, the performance of “Hadestown” beat prominent ...

Although Jinju naengmyeon is the least well known of the three, the rich complexity in the taste of its broth is on par with other representative noodle dishes in Korea. Jinju naengmyeon comes from Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. Its unique feature is the garnish -- slices of yukjeon, or pan-fried beef slices coated in batter. Jinju naengmyeon’s seafood-based broth also sets it apart from othe...

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul presents High Tea at Fairmont Very Berry Fairmont Ambassador Seoul presents High Tea at Fairmont Very Berry, inspired by winter strawberries and other seasonal fruit served at the Atrium Lounge until March 13. The high tea set features a selection of desserts crafted to celebrate the aromas of strawberries, a choice of sweet beverages and a menu of savory items. The de...