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Taste of home in Seochon
In quiet area west of Gyeongbokgung, Ainogarden Kitchen offers taste of Korean homecooking At the heart of bustling Seoul lies Seochon -- a tranquil neighborhood west of Gyeongbokgung, the main Joseon-era palace in Jongno-gu. A good 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line No. 3 will lead you to Seochon Alley, lined with coffee shops and small eateries. While strolling down, a white, two-story house will instantly grab your attention. When it does, don't hesitate to step inside.
Jan. 18, 2025 -
'Squid Game' art director says participants nearly wore sky blue uniforms
Creative directors of 'Squid Game' say they aimed for continuity between first, second season The creative minds behind the second season of "Squid Game" offered an in-depth look into the artistic, musical and cinematographic choices that shaped the show's most recent chapter, revealing some behind-the-scenes efforts that almost led to a major overhaul of the series' visual identity. Award-winning art director Chae Kyung-sun, who has recently garnered a prestigious nomination from the American A
Jan. 17, 2025 -
'The Man Who Laughs' returns with star-studded cast
The hit production features four actors including NCT's Doyoung for lead role Gwynplaine The Korean original musical “The Man Who Laughs” returned with its fourth run last week. Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, who described it as one of his most significant works, the adaptation was directed and scripted by Robert Johanson, with music composed by Frank Wildhorn, known for his work on “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Synaro,” and “Mata Hari,” which are all being performed simultaneously in Seoul. Jac
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Korea Grand Sale kicks off in largest-ever scale
The 2025 Korea Grand Sale officially kicked off Wednesday, marking the largest event in the festival’s history with participation from over 1,680 companies. The event runs through Feb. 28. Korea Grand Sale, a flagship shopping and cultural tourism festival, is aimed at boosting international tourism and spending during the winter. Organized in collaboration with private companies, the festival offers discounts and benefits on airlines, accommodations, shopping, dining and more. Airline promotion
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' invited to 75th Berlinale
South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho has been invited to the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, which takes place in mid-February. According to festival organizers, "Mickey 17" will be featured in the Special Gala section, traditionally known for showcasing popular genre films. At the 74th Berlinale, the Korean crime film "The Roundup: Punishment" was screened in the same section. The upcoming "Mickey 17" is a sci-fi film adapted from the novel "Mickey 7" by American author Edward Ashton. It s
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Kim Min-hee expected to give birth to Hong Sang-soo's child in spring
Actor Kim Min-hee is reportedly expecting a child with South Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo, with whom she has reportedly been in a relationship for nine years, according to local media reports Friday. Entertainment outlet Dispatch revealed that Kim is expected to give birth this spring. She reportedly learned of the pregnancy last summer and is said to be some six months along. Kim and Hong reside together in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province. Hong moved out of his marital home in Seoul’s Gangnam district
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Movies in theaters this week
"Forbidden Fairytale" (South Korea) Opened Jan. 8 Romance/Comedy Directed by Lee Jong-seok Fairy tale writer-turned-content moderator Dan-bi (Park Ji-hyun), tasked with tracking adult content, stumbles into the world of online erotic fiction when a chance encounter with a publishing executive leads to an unlikely side gig. "Bogota: City of the Lost" (South Korea) Opened Dec. 31 Action Directed by Kim Seong-je After his family immigrates to Colombia in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial cr
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Kosmos Ulleungdo: Island luxury that’s far from understated
Rolls-Royce & helicopter dropoff, birthday fireworks, butlers mark Villa Kosmos trip A trip to an island resort starts with a Rolls-Royce pickup and a helicopter ride. That’s how Villa Kosmos -- a two-floor residence with four rooms for up to eight people -- is serving an exclusive clientele seeking a secluded retreat on Ulleungdo. The island off the east coast of South Korea, together with Dokdo, forms the country’s easternmost group of islands. “A trip to Ulleungdo has never given our upscale
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Taste the universe
Record bar, galactic-themed cafe and craft workshops for cold winter weekend Sip, chat and groove at Kompakt Record Bar Looking for a bar with good music and a laid-back atmosphere? Kompakt Record Bar in Seongsu-gu, eastern Seoul, offers a perfect blend of music appreciation and relaxation. This listening bar and brand is founded on a deep respect for record culture and the local DJ scene. The Seongsu location is the third branch, with the other two in Apgujeong-dong and Sinsa-dong, also in Seou
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
L’Escape Hotel offers cultural experiences for Seollal L'Escape Hotel is offering a Lunar New Year package through Feb. 2, featuring two tickets to the "Van Gogh, the Great Passion" exhibition, in-room dining with galbitang, or beef short rib soup, side dishes and fruit. The package starts at 200,000 won for a deluxe room. The modern Chinese restaurant, Palais de Shin, offers a Lunar New Year dining promotion with a 15 percent discount for parties of three or more and a 20 percent discount for p
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Festivals, sights across Korea
Everland fireworks At Everland, South Korea’s largest theme park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, fireworks will fill the sky through March 3. The signature Four Seasons Garden, a Nordic landscape covered in snow, will light up on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out the butterflies fluttering among the spring flowers at the Dream Garden and the pandas playing at a nearby zoo. For more information, visit everland.com. Immersive artifact exhibition An immersive exhibition of Korean cultural objects is o
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Art SG kicks off, attracting regional collectors
Annual Singapore art fair returns on a smaller scale, yet with stronger regionality SINGAPORE -- The third edition of Art SG, one of the major art fairs in Southeast Asia, kicked off Thursday on a smaller scale than the previous year, bringing together 105 galleries from 30 countries. The number of participating galleries has decreased since its inaugural edition, which had 150 galleries. “As we open the third edition of Art SG, we celebrate the consistent growth of Singapore’s art scene. An ack
Jan. 16, 2025 -
Star athletes, celebrity chef honored at Korean Cultural Awards
Annual ceremony recognizes individuals who enhance Korea‘s image and brand globally Diplomats, business leaders and cultural figures from around the world gathered at the InterContinental Seoul Parnas on Wednesday evening for the annual Korea Image Awards, which has recognized the country's most distinguished cultural ambassadors since the Corea Image Communication Institute's founding in 2003. "When passion and wisdom come together, we can achieve remarkable things," said CICI President Choi Ju
Jan. 16, 2025 -
'Ssulzun' returns to TV in turbulent political landscape
Political talk show pits sharp minds, sharp tongues The acclaimed Korean political talk show "Ssulzun" made a return to television Wednesday night after a six-year lull, resurfacing amid a volatile political climate. Launched in 2013 on JTBC, "Ssulzun" is regarded as one of South Korea’s most influential current affairs programs. The show gained a devoted following for its sharp-tongued panelists and incisive political commentary, dissecting complex topics across politics, economics and society.
Jan. 16, 2025 -
Drug scene 'embarrassing' for 'Squid Game' actor Choi Seung-hyun, formerly Big Bang's T.O.P
Rapper-turned-actor quashes ideas of returning to Big Bang, but hints at solo music Choi Seung-hyun, formerly known as rapper T.O.P from K-pop juggernaut Big Bang, marked his return to the screen after an 11-year hiatus in season two of "Squid Game." Previously embroiled in a scandal following a conviction for marijuana use that led to a 10-month suspended jail sentence in 2017, Choi's journey back to the limelight may be a tale of self-reflection. In the newest season of "Squid Game," Choi port
Jan. 16, 2025