Poetic voices of resistance from Korea's darkest times

Eight poignant lines, penned by Yoon Dong-ju, one of Korea's most beloved poets, in November 1941, may be one of the most famous in all of Korean poetry: Until I breathe my last breath I wish to face my sky without shame. Even the wind blowing on leaves Has left me restless. With a heart singing hymns to the stars I shall love all that must die; And I shall walk diligently Upon the path assigned to me. Tonight again, the stars are blown by the wind The untitled poem, widely recognized a

BooksAug. 17, 2024

Arte Museum Busan features media art unique to port city

BUSAN – Arte Museum, an immersive media art museum operated by design company d’strict, has unveiled a new media art exhibition centered on nature in Busan, South Korea’s largest port city. The exhibition, which opened in July in the museum’s new 5,600-square-meter space in Yeongdo-gu, is a permanent display with some works being updated annually. The museum is the eighth and largest Arte Museum to date. The show features a series of captivating media artworks, with 16

Arts & DesignAug. 16, 2024

Jeonju City helps visitors chill at iconic hanok village

The Hanok Village in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, has a cool if unexpected addition for the summer: ice. According to a city official, large ice blocks -- each measuring 1.2 meter in height, 0.6 meter in length, and 0.25 meter in width -- will be displayed at 20 popular travel spots within the hanok village, including Taejo-ro, Hyanggyo-gil, Eunhaeng-ro and more. The ice is one of several measures introduced by the city government to help tourists cope with the ongoing heat wave and enjoy the

TravelAug. 16, 2024

[Photo News] Wando's Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach entertains vacationers with diverse programs

Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach, a popular coastal getaway known for its 4-kilometer stretch of silver sand on Wando, South Jeolla Province, is set to captivate visitors with stunning sand art from August to mid-October. Created by three local sand artists, including Choi Ji-hun, these sand sculptures provide new photo opportunities for holidaymakers enjoying the sea and for those who prefer a leisurely barefoot stroll along the shoreline. Travelers can also enjoy free water sports activities at the b

TravelAug. 16, 2024

North Korea threat still overshadows K-culture: Survey

Despite the rapid rise of South Korea's cultural and artistic presence on the global stage -- driven by the growth of K-pop, films, and dramas -- a recent survey reveals that the dominant image foreigners associate with Korea is still the threat from North Korea. The survey, released on Wednesday by the Corea Image Communication Institute, found that 83.9 percent of foreign respondents identified North Korea's security threat as their foremost association with Korea. This starkly contrasts with

CultureAug. 16, 2024

30th Changmu dance festival to connect earth, body and sky

The Changmu International Performing Arts Festival, dedicated to exploring international exchanges with traditional Korean dance, is set to hold its 30th edition this month. Organized by the Changmu Arts Center, the dance festival will be held Aug. 21-31 at various locations, including Sejong Arts Center in Sejong City, Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno and Seoul Namsan Gugakdang. Founded in 1992 by the esteemed choreographer and dancer Kim Mae-ja, affectionately known as the "mother of Korean

PerformanceAug. 16, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Night Stroll around Jinjuseong A nighttime walk around the storied Jinjuseong in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, is one way to relax as the fortress lights up between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. through Aug. 25. Installations set up around the fortress make for the best spots for photos, while the lights alone render the night nostalgic enough for repeat visits. Heat shelters are open nearby although without air-conditioning. There is no admission fee. For more information go to mediaartjinju.com.

TravelAug. 16, 2024

[Well-curated] Theme your summer

If you have some time to spare before (or after) shopping at the popular shopping complex HDC IPark Mall in Yongsan, central Seoul, head over to “The Great Era of Piracy," a special exhibition on "One Piece," a mega-hit Japanese animation series on air since 1999, on the mall's sixth floor. In Seoul, the exhibition which previously toured Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia, presents Korean anime fans with opportunities to enjoy the beloved series via limited edition merc

CultureAug. 16, 2024

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“Heartsping : Teenieping of Love” (South Korea) Opened Aug. 7 Animation Directed by Kim Soo-hun Princess Romi of the Emotion Kingdom comes to Earth to catch cute and mischievous creatures Teeniepings and has a fateful encounter with Heartsping who becomes a soulmate. “Revolver” (South Korea) Opened Aug. 7 Crime Directed by Oh Seung-wook Former detective Soo-young (Jeon Do-yeon) is released from prison after being convicted of crimes she did not commit. With one goal in

FilmAug. 16, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers summer holiday promotion for late vacationers Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, located in Songpa-gu, southeastern Seoul, presents the “Cheers to the Sunset” package to enjoy summer at the hotel. Guests stay in rooms with a view of Seokchon Lake and free access to the hotel’s bar Latitude32 on the top floor, with a 20 percent discount at the hotel’s restaurant. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., guests can enjoy unlimited wine and highball cocktails with

TravelAug. 16, 2024

[Herald Interview] Flutist Kim Yu-been on his journey from France to the US, first album

About 11 years ago, at the age of 16, aspiring South Korean flutist Kim Yu-been moved to France to pursue his passion for the instrument. Since then, Kim's journey as a flutist has taken him from France to Germany and now to the US, winning major competitions along the way and serving as the principal flutist at two prestigious orchestras. Kim studied at prestigious French music institutions, including the Conservatoire National Superieur Musique et Danse de Lyon and the Conservatoire Natio

CultureAug. 15, 2024

KBS apologize for airing opera set in Japan on Liberation Day

State-broadcaster Korean Broadcasting System issued an apology after sparking controversy by airing the opera "Madama Butterfly" on National Liberation Day. Aug. 15 is celebrated as National Liberation Day in Korea, commemorating the nation's liberation from Japan in 1945. Early Thursday, KBS aired "Madama Butterfly," a Giacomo Puccini opera set in Japan, as part of its liberal arts program, "KBS Relay Seat." The opera, set in Japan's Nagasaki shortly afte

Social AffairsAug. 15, 2024

Nighttime tours, programs for tropical nights

Popular travel destinations around the country beckon visitors with nighttime programs and festivals to entertain those planning short trips or weekend getaways to escape the scorching summer heat. Jinju, a city in South Gyeongsang Province, has organized Jinju Culture Night, running from Thursday to Saturday at Jinjuseong. Every corner of the fortress offers historical and cultural experiences, including a night market, musical performances and a nighttime stroll along the fortress walls. The h

TravelAug. 15, 2024

Hyun Ki-young's epic 'Oh, Jejudo' and 15 others receive Daesan translation grants

Novelist Hyun Ki-young's three-volume epic novel "Oh, Jejudo” and 15 other Korean literary works have been selected for the 2024 Grants for the Translation, Research and Publication of Korean Literary Works, the Daesan Foundation said Monday. The novel, which won the fiction prize of the 31st Daesan Literary Awards last year, narrates Jeju Island myths and tales following the history of the island from the late Joseon period to the Japanese colonial period and the April 3 uprisin

BooksAug. 15, 2024

Pianist Park Jae-hong highlights hidden gems by Rachmaninoff, Scriabin in latest album

For emerging Korean pianist Park Jae-hong, his latest album featuring two Russian composers and the upcoming recitals showcasing it will be special, as he will bid a temporary goodbye to the music of these composers he loves this fall. On Monday, Park released his Decca debut album, featuring Alexander Scriabin’s 24 Preludes Op. 11 and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor Op. 28 - the two composers’ lesser-known works. Park, winner of the 2021 Busoni Piano Compet

CultureAug. 14, 2024

Korea unveils items linked to independence activists

Documents, books and a plaque shedding light on Korean independence activists who fought against Japan’s 1910-45 colonial occupation were disclosed Wednesday, a day before National Liberation Day. Thirteen documents written between 1851 and 1909 show how independence fighters organized a militia and how Japanese police cracked down on them. It’s the first time the 13 original documents have been made public, the Korea Heritage Service said, noting they were repatriated from Japan las

CultureAug. 14, 2024

View Seoul’s iconic palaces from above

Exploring Seoul’s iconic cultural heritage sites like Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Jongmyo is one of the must-do activities while visiting South Korea. A light stroll along the stone walls of the palaces and taking in centuries-old "hanok," or traditional Korean houses, makes many fans feel like they've wandered into a Korean period drama. But, tourists can take a step back from these crowd-packed spots and enjoy a different view of Seoul's historical landmarks from ne

CultureAug. 14, 2024

[Graphic News] More Koreans opt for home-cooked samgyetang amid rising prices

Amid record hot summer weather and soaring consumer prices, more Koreans are choosing to enjoy samgyetang, or chicken soup with ginseng, at home using convenient home meal replacements (HMRs). According to the Korea Consumer Agency, the average price of samgyetang at Seoul restaurants has risen to 16,885 won ($12.32) this year, a 2.8 percent increase from last year’s 16,423 won. In 2015, the dish cost 13,591 won, and through 2022, it remained around 14,000 won. However, following the e

FoodAug. 14, 2024

[History through films] Korea’s turbulent politics of 1970s depicted in ‘Kingmaker’

The 1970s is an important era in South Korea's contemporary history, a turbulent time that shaped the country's politics. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, director Byun Sung-hyun's “Kingmaker” follows a group of politicians who attempt to replace the dictatorship with a democracy. Kim Woon-beom (played by Sol Kyung-gu) is an opposition party politician who dreams of becoming a president, despite having failed in four consecutive parliamentary elections. He comes across natu

FilmAug. 14, 2024

Take quiet morning stroll at Changdeokgung garden

A unique chance to experience the garden of Changdeokgung in the quiet calm of morning will be available Aug. 22-25. The Joseon-period palace garden will open at 7:30 a.m. for four days, allowing visitors to explore the naturally landscaped garden for 90 minutes before general admissions begin. To take part, a 10,000 won ticket should be purchased through the booking website Interpark. Each session is limited to 25 persons on a first come, first served basis. Ticket holders will be briefed on th

TravelAug. 13, 2024