The fall edition of the Royal Culture Festival, Oct. 1 to 9, has announced a list of programs that can be enjoyed on site without reservations. At Gyeongbokgung, from Oct. 4 to 7, a small-scale performance, "Stroll Around the Palace at Noon," will commence at 12 p.m. The show consists of a puppet play with a live gugak music performance. Traditional tea will be served to those in attendance. A library will be set up at Gyeongbokgung's Jibokjae, King Gojong’s private study th

Culture Sept. 26, 2022

Most travelers seek out popular restaurants while visiting a foreign country. But spontaneous ventures to street vendors can leave a lasting impression, if one finds the right place. From ordering food at crowded outdoor vendors to enjoying small talk with the staff before the menu is served, the unique cultural codes of the city are easily captured through the experience. Gilgeori toast, or Korean street toast, is one of the main street food menus for commuters who want to grab a quick breakfas

Food Sept. 24, 2022

Paju doughnut shop for your fill of sweet treats With its vividly colored container-like building painted in pink and mint and decorated all around, eye-catching neon sign and giant ice cream cone sculpture by the entrance, the Malddong Donut in Paju Gyeonggi Province, is hard to miss. Located some 4-kilometers north of the Paju Book City complex, the store, which opened late last year, has customers waiting in line from the moment it opens at 8:30 a.m. Malddong Donut is a destination bakery, wh

Culture Sept. 23, 2022

Grand Hyatt Seoul's Paris Bar reopens The Paris Bar, a speakeasy bar located downstairs from the Grand Hyatt Seoul lobby, reopens Friday. The bar offers carefully selected French labels, ranging from a wide assortment of French wines and exceptional natural wines to a limited selection of whiskey and cognac. Alongside original French liquors, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut, an exclusive Champagne only available at Hyatt properties in Korea, can be experienced. Cocktails including classic Fren

Culture Sept. 23, 2022

The National Museum of Korea issued an apology Tuesday evening over the recent controversy surrounding the omission of two ancient Korean kingdoms in a chronology of Korean history at a National Museum of China exhibition in Beijing. "It is our mistake that we trusted the Chinese side (in preparing for the exhibition), and there is no excuse," Yoon Sung-yong, head of the National Museum of Korea, said in a press statement. "As the director of NMK, I will accept any criticism from

Culture Sept. 21, 2022

Tradition and technology will converge at the 2022 Joseon Royal Tombs Festival, set to kick off Friday. Under the title "New Vision for Joseon Royal Tombs," the third edition of the festival aims to promote the historical significance of the UNESCO-listed royal tombs of the Joseon era, according to the festival’s organizers, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation. This year's festival will be held across nine royal tomb sites in the g

Culture Sept. 20, 2022

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- Experiencing a foreign country can turn out to be one that is quite different from one’s expectations. But that is the beauty of travel. As Lewis Carroll, the author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," said, "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take." Those who wish to leave the familiar to explore the unfamiliar away from the urban crowd, Sri Lanka merits consideration. Sri Lanka, which means “resplendent island,&

Travel Sept. 17, 2022

Aside from the scenic landscapes, good food enjoyed during tightly packed travel schedules leave lasting impressions on travelers. To know the origins and recipes of a nation's traditional dishes, authentic culinary demonstrations are events not to miss out on while in a foreign country. Since the 15th century, Sri Lanka has offered an exquisite range of spices, exporting some 30,000 metric tons annually, according to a 2020 report by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. No matter how sc

Culture Sept. 17, 2022

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul presents ‘Autumn Holiday at JW’ package JW Marriott Hotel Seoul greets autumn with a promotion filled with autumn-themed gifts, presenting a seasonal staycation. Featuring a choice of Griffin Suite or Deluxe Room, the autumn package includes a facial serum, volumizing cream and softening lotion set by Cle de Peau Beaute, with a total value of 150,000 won. Mont Blanc desserts crafted by the JW Marriott Seoul pastry team are available for package guests to tak

Food Sept. 16, 2022

The National Museum of Korea made an official announcement Thursday that all 15 relics it has sent to the National Museum of China for an exhibition will be withdrawn unless a correction of facts on ancient Korean history is promptly made by the end of the day. "If China does not accept our demands, we have no other choice but to immediately stop the Korean section of the exhibition, and push ahead with an early withdrawal of our relics," the statement read. The NMC had not responded s

Culture Sept. 15, 2022

A series of events and programs centered around Korea's intangible cultural heritage is to be showcased this fall, both online and at different locations in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. The National Intangible Heritage Center held a press conference at the Korea House in central Seoul on Wednesday, to announce the upcoming events mapped out for September and October. Marking its 10th anniversary next year, the center will bring together successful and popular features showcased at this

Culture Sept. 15, 2022

Korea's two ancient kingdoms of Goguryeo and Balhae are missing in a chronological table of ancient Korean history currently on display at a National Museum of China exhibition, but any correction seems unlikely. The exhibition, titled “Auspicious Metals From the Orient: Ancient Bronzes of China, Korea and Japan,” is jointly organized by the national museums of the three countries to celebrate trilateral relationships and commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties bet

Culture Sept. 14, 2022

The fall edition of the Royal Culture Festival will run from Oct. 1 to 9, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Tuesday. Jointly hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration’s Royal Palace and Tombs Center and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, the festival has attracted 3.8 million visitors since its launch in 2015. The fall edition is scheduled to take place at Seoul's four royal palaces -- Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung -- as well as Jo

Culture Sept. 13, 2022

  Celebrating this year's Chuseok holiday, the first one to be spent in three years with social distancing measures lifted, heavy traffic congestion are already apparent on the nation's major highways, since Friday morning. Meanwhile, people still prefer to wear their face masks in public areas that are usually packed with crowds.  Passengers wait by the boarding entrance stairs of the Seoul Railway Station on Thursday, to be with families and acquaintances during the f

Social Affairs Sept. 10, 2022

  Visit royal palaces for Chuseok Over the Chuseok holiday, the four major royal palaces -- Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung -- the royal tombs and the Jongmyo shrine in Seoul will be open and free to the public, from Friday to Monday. The four palaces, which usually close on Mondays, will be closed on Tuesday instead. Jongmyo will also be closed on Tuesday. At Changgyeonggung, a special Chuseok event titled "Full Moon Lands on the Royal Palace" will take

Culture Sept. 9, 2022