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Stop swiping, start swapping
In South Korean speed dating, 'the one' could sit down right next to you Letting love in can be harder than completing a 42-kilometer marathon for some. That's because fairy tales like Samantha Montgomery and Austin Ames in rom-com movie "A Cinderella Story" rarely ever comes true. Looking for romance at work, school or even developing a romantic relationship with friends is extremely tough. And that gets harder as you get older. In South Korea, dating doesn't get any better online. That's becau
Feb. 15, 2025 -
Alvaro Barrington' burlap paintings memories of his mother, aunts
Artist's first solo exhibition in Seoul shows 14 paintings from annual Notting Hill Carnival. When looking at works by Alvaro Barrington, viewers may notice the stories his works tell about how his upbringing and life has exposed him to different cultures in New York, the Caribbean and the UK, as well as the art masters that influenced him. His “Soul to Seoul” exhibition at Thaddaeus Ropac gallery in Seoul — his first solo exhibition in the city — presents 14 paintings on burlap canvases that Ba
Feb. 14, 2025 -
MMCA expands collection-sharing initiative to marginalized groups
The state-run museum will increase its free rental program from seven to twelve institutions this year The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, is expanding its collection-sharing initiative to reach marginalized groups through its free rental program. This year, the state-run museum will increase the number of participating institutions from 7 to 12. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with applicants required to submit requests at least one month
Feb. 14, 2025 -
Old-style donkaseu, birthday book and temple of sound
Tonkatsu Haven at Namsan While exploring the breathtaking scenery of Namsan, one of Seoul’s must-visit destinations, make a stop at the famous tonkatsu street at the foot of the mountain for a warm, delicious meal before continuing your journey. Lining the base of Namsan are numerous restaurants specializing in tonkatsu, or fried pork cutlet. This area reportedly became a hub for tonkatsu as it was considered an upscale yet approachable dish that allowed tourists to enjoy a special experience. A
Feb. 14, 2025 -
Love on repeat: 14th of every month is special day for lovers in Korea
Koreans once saw these occasions as tiresome, but attitudes have shifted, led by young people Valentine’s Day has come around once again, and for Lee Eun-ji, a 24-year-old Seoul resident, that means one thing -- crafting homemade chocolates for the most cherished men in her life. For Lee, the occasion isn’t just about romance; it’s an opportunity to express love and appreciation for the men who matter most. "Some believe that regularly celebrating special days is excessive or too costly. However
Feb. 13, 2025 -
Yang Jung-uk wins Korea Artist Prize 2024 for humanistic stories
Winner's works on view at Korea Artist Prize 2024 exhibition in MMCA Seoul until March 23 The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea announced kinetic sculpture artist Yang Jung-uk as the recipient of the Korea Artist Prize 2024 on Thursday, in recognition of his creative approach to the medium and humanistic stories shown in his art. Yang was among four finalists for the annual prize, along with Yoon Ji-young, Kwon Ha-youn and Jaen Jun Kaise, each of whom now has works on display
Feb. 13, 2025 -
Hong Sang-soo competes, Bong Joon-ho returns with 'Mickey 17' at Berlin Film Festival
The latest works by South Korean directors Bong Joon-ho and Hong Sang-soo will be screened at the Berlin Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday for an 11-day run. Hong's latest film, "What Does That Nature Say to You," has been chosen for competition at the prestigious event, scheduled to take place from Feb. 13-23. The 33rd feature by Hong, starring Ha Seong-guk, Kwon Hae-hyo and Cho Yun-hee, explores the events that unfold when a young woman brings her boyfriend to meet her family. The 64-yea
Feb. 13, 2025 -
Korea challenged as Asia’s rising art hub beset by uncertainties, weak Korean won
December martial law 'pours cold water' on troubled art scene The Korean art scene has been upbeat in the past few years, rising as an art hub in Asia with international galleries setting up here and Frieze Seoul launching in 2022. Now, the city's once-vibrant art scene faces multiple challenges as political uncertainties continue. The heyday of the Korean art market came in 2021, when market transactions reached 756.3 billion won ($520.5 million), a 96 percent increase from the previous year. I
Feb. 12, 2025 -
[Herald Gallery] Yongang Imsulchob
S2A Gallery, located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, is hosting its New Year special exhibition, "Stroke and Ink: Three Maestros," until March 22. This exhibition explores the connection between Korean tradition and contemporary aesthetics, focusing on the artistic worlds of three great masters: Gyeomjae Jeong Seon (1676–1759), Chusa Kim Jeong-hui (1786–1856) and Yun Hyong-keun (1928–2007). Notably, "Yongang Imsulchob" by Jeong Seon, a leading Joseon-era painter who pioneered true-view landscape paintings
Feb. 12, 2025 -
Art spending by private foundations tops W1tr
Corporate-run culture foundations in South Korea spent more than one trillion won ($689 million) over the last decade to promote arts and culture, according to the latest Arts Council Korea data. The agency run by the Culture Ministry found that 112 firms spent 2.3 trillion on various public projects from 2014-2023. Half the funds, or 1.1 trillion won, went to advancing arts and culture. In 2023, when the number of corporate-run arts and culture foundations reached 112, their sponsorship of arts
Feb. 12, 2025 -
Sustainable practices, innovation, bold aesthetics redefine K-fashion
Designers push boundaries with sustainable practices and fresh inspiration while calling for greater diversity at Seoul Fashion Week Korean designers gathered at the iconic Zaha Hadid–designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul Feb. 5-9 for 2025 fall-winter Seoul Fashion Week. The event showcased collections that blend sustainable practices, innovation and heritage with bold contemporary aesthetics, underscoring the evolving identity of K-fashion on the global stage. Designer Kwak Hyun-joo's “Step
Feb. 12, 2025 -
Jogye steps up push for templestay, temple food
Korea’s largest Buddhist sect will focus on templestay and temple food going forward, according to the Culture Corps of Korean Buddhism on Tuesday. The promotion arm of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism said it would start templestay programs specializing in Jogye’s “seon meditation” by March at 30 of the 158 temples across the country. Seon meditation is what Jogye believes will set Korean Buddhism apart from Buddhist practices elsewhere in Asia. “What foreigners look for most in templestay, a
Feb. 11, 2025 -
Two TXT songs earn gold certifications in US
K-pop boy group Tomorrow X Together has earned two new gold certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, bringing its total to three. The association announced on its website Thursday that "0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You) feat. Seori" and "Blue Hour" have been certified gold, reaching the 500,000 unit sales mark. The RIAA certifies recordings based on US sales, with gold representing 500,000 units, platinum 1 million, multi-platinum 2 million and diamond 10 million. TXT pr
Feb. 11, 2025 -
[Herald Gallery] Cloud's Tail
The solo exhibition “I Saw a Hummingbird” by artist SoJin Kwon (born 1991) is being held at Artside Gallery in Jongno-gu, Seoul, until Feb. 28. Kwon explores the authenticity of existence through a world of absence, presenting around 16 paintings. Her works, which blur the boundaries between reality and imagination, offer viewers a new visual experience through delicate brushstrokes and an original approach to representation. She captures everyday moments with precision and expresses them in a d
Feb. 10, 2025 -
Wish on first full moon of Lunar New Year
The first full moon of Lunar New Year has long been celebrated by Koreans as they wish for prosperity in the new year. Known as Jeongwol Daeboreum, the holiday falls on Wednesday this year, the 15th day of the first lunar month. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, visitors are invited to observe the moon with telescopes set up near the greenhouse of Changgyeonggung, one of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces in Seoul. The event is part of a six-day celebration organized by Korea Heritage
Feb. 10, 2025