For those looking to escape the scorching heat, valleys offering cool shade and a chance to splash about in cold water from the mountains is a popular choice. For the month of July, Korea Tourism Organization recommends scenic valley destinations that offer quiet, cool respite. In certain valleys, visitors can follow in the footsteps of ancestors by seeking solace from the sweltering temperatures and enjoying the gentle breeze. Alternatively, lesser-known valleys offer a tranquil and awe-inspiri

Travel July 8, 2023

Culinary journey around the world at Yongnidan-gil Less than five steps after passing an American-style bistro, you will find yourself in a Vietnamese back alley. However, just around the corner, a casual Japanese diner awaits you. Welcome to "Yongnidan-gil," a cluster of streets between Samgakji Station and Sinyongsan Station in Yongsan-gu. Yongnidan-gil follows on the heels of Itaewon's Gyeongnidan-gil and Haebangchon -- hot spots for both Koreans and foreign nationals alike. Co

Culture July 7, 2023

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province -- Remnants of roof tiles and Buddhist relics from the Unified Silla to the Goryeo periods were uncovered during sewage pipe construction in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced during a press conference at the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, on Tuesday. Among the roof tiles, a tile fragment inscribed with Chinese characters, "Yeongmyojisa," meaning "Yeongmyosa Temple Site

Culture July 5, 2023

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province -- Remnants of a pair of fabric mudguards decorated with flower petals made with jewel beetle wings were discovered at Jjoksaem Tomb No. 44 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced at a press conference at the Gyeongju Jjoksaem site, Tuesday. A total of 780 artifacts were unearthed along with the mudguards during the investigation of the wooden chamber tomb piled with stones and earth mound, a type of tomb specific

Culture July 4, 2023

A series of gala dinner events offering guests a unique opportunity to savor French modern cuisine by a three-Michelin-starred chef from France are being held through Saturday at JW Marriott hotels in Seoul and Jeju Island. Led by chef Pascal Barbot and his two sous chefs, the culinary experience promises a creative journey featuring a seven-course menu complemented by five wine pairings. Barbot opened his restaurant Astrance in Paris in July 2000. Within a remarkably short span of less than a d

Food July 1, 2023

Visitors from Japan accounted for the largest portion of international visitors to Korea in May, according to statistics released by the Korea Tourism Organization on Thursday. In May, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea soared to 867,130, a 398.6 percent rise compared to the same period last year, when the figure stood at 173,902. Japan emerged as the top country in terms of tourist arrivals to Korea, with 183,691 visitors to the country, an increase of 4863.3 percent from the previou

Travel June 30, 2023

Knot tying at hanok on a rainy day Donglim Knot Workshop, a small hanok situated just a five-minute stroll away from Anguk Station and near the Bukchon Hanok village, showcases the traditional art of Korean knot tying called "maedeup." This enchanting space, led by Shim Young-mi, who hails from a family with a four-generation legacy in Korean knot craftsmanship, has been in operation since 2004. The workshop proudly displays a wide array of ornamental knots passed down through generati

Food June 30, 2023

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers special promotion at Yu Yuan Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's Chinese restaurant Yu Yuan has been given the Best of Award of Excellence at the 2023 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. To commemorate the achievement, Yu Yuan invites guests to indulge in a wine and culinary experience until July 31. A selection of 370 wines, expertly paired with diverse flavors of Chongqing cuisine, will be available. The limited-time menu includes sweet shrimp maraban, fiery deep-frie

Food June 30, 2023

Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection, Seoul Gangnam, was found to be in violation of food safety laws during an inspection by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on May 22, the ministry said Wednesday. Constans, Josun Palace's buffet restaurant, was found to have ingredients past their expiration date, according to the ministry. The restaurant is renowned for its luxurious dining experience, evident in its pricing of 160,000 won ($122) for weekday lunches and 185,000 won for weekend lunches.

Food June 28, 2023

Diplomats and social media influencers got a sneak preview of Dondeokjeon in the Deoksugung palace, central Seoul, on Monday, ahead of its official opening in September. The Western-style building was used as a royal guesthouse and a venue for diplomatic events during the reign of King Gojong, the last king of Joseon. Michael Reiffenstuel, German ambassador to Korea, Wolfgang Angerholzer, Austrian ambassador to Korea, and Francois Bontemps, Belgian ambassador to Korea, attended the event, along

Culture June 26, 2023

An exhibition that explores how ancient Koreans contemplated death and the afterlife is underway at the National Museum of Korea's Special Exhibition Hall. Entitled "Companions on the Eternal Journey," the exhibition features some 300 clay figurines and vessels discovered in tombs from the Three Kingdoms period. Through the tranquil and serene atmosphere created by muted lighting, specially commissioned piano music and compelling storytelling, visitors are immersed in the experien

Culture June 26, 2023

Boxes created to promote traditional Korean cuisine, named the Korean food culture box, will be sent to Korean Culture Centers in three new cities -- Ottawa, Canada; Abuja, Nigeria; and Jakarta, Indonesia -- bringing the total to 12 cities in 10 countries that are part of the hansik promotion project, according to the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, the project organizer. Launched by the Culture Ministry and the KCDF in 2020, the food culture boxes have been designed to showcase Korean food

Culture June 25, 2023

Indoor climbing in the heart of Seoul The rainy season is approaching, but rock climbers still have options. Damjang gym, located in Eulji-ro, Seoul is a minimalist bouldering gym with creatively designed routes suitable for climbers of all levels. If you are trying indoor climbing for the first time, join a newcomers' group and receive an hour of instruction from a professional trainer to learn the basics. Regular classes are also available, where experienced instructors teach bouldering t

Culture June 23, 2023

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers 'Express Lunch' buffet Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's buffet restaurant, the Market Kitchen, has launched its "Express Lunch" promotion, available until Aug. 31. The promotion offers the weekday lunch buffet for 98,000 won per person, a discount of over 30 percent off the regular price. The offer is valid for one hour from the time of reservation for weekday lunch visits only. The Market Kitchen offers a wide selection of international cuisi

Food June 23, 2023

진행자: 김혜연, Ali Abbot [1] Cash-strapped young Koreans turn to pawn shops 기사 요약: 경제 불황 속 생활비 마련위해 전당포를 찾기 시작한 2030 청년세대 Pawn shops have been seen as relics of the past, from a time when instant cash loans were not so readily available with just a few clicks. But though many perished, a new breed of shops has emerged, catering to clients who possess expensive gadgets or luxury goods but are temporarily cash-strapped. * readily (이용할 수 있도록) 준비가 된 * perished 소멸되다 * cash-strapped 재정난에 처한, 금전적으로 어려운 Lee

Podcast June 22, 2023