Busan entertains with seasonal fish, Dongnae mask dance

While Haeundae Beach and Sonjeong Beach -- two of South Korea’s popular summer getaways in the southern port city of Busan -- are set to close later this week, the southern port city still has plenty of exciting festivals to offer visitors from across the country. Gangseo-gu, the district in western Busan, will hold a festival themed around "jeoneo," dotted gizzard shad, at Myeongji Market, offering tourists to taste the fresh raw fish, a beloved seasonal food. The festival, whic

Aug. 25, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Busking in Sillim-dong Check out street music, a flea market and restaurants all in one venue right next to Sillim Station Exits No. 3 and 4, a vibrant commercial neighborhood in Gwanak-gu’s Sillim-dong. The Sinsary Festival will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays until Nov. 9. Interactive activities like terrarium-making are planned. Check out the festival’s official Instagram @sinsary100. Seoul Fringe Festival Don’t miss out

Aug. 23, 2024

Experience the magic of Korean crafts in just 1 hour

Signing up for hagwon, private academies in South Korea, or applying for weekly cultural programs at local community centers have been some of the go-to ways for Koreans to learn new skills and techniques. While those traditional options often require a significant time commitment, a growing trend has emerged: one-day classes. These short-term programs offer a convenient and efficient way to explore diverse hobbies and discover new passions. From flower arranging and jewelry making to perfume

Aug. 22, 2024

Gyeongju to offer nighttime walking tours

Gyeongju has announced that the city will offer nighttime walking tours for families from early September to November. The trip is available for children above age 9 and their parents, allowing participants to explore Gyeongju’s iconic cultural heritage sites -- such as the Daereungwon complex of 23 ancient tombs dating to the Silla period and the Gyerim, a small forest -- with a guide to the city’s cultural heritage and history. Travelers are asked to make their reservations online

Aug. 21, 2024

Island cafes with beach vibes for dog days of summer

INCHEON -- Seoul may be one of the world's great coffee cities with its abundance of coffee shops -- there is a coffee shop on practically every corner in any Seoul neighborhood. And these coffeehouses beckon visitors with unique themes, ranging from animal cafes to cafes for listening to vinyl. But if you are looking for a cafe with a stunning ocean view, a trip to islands off Incheon will never let you down. Aside from breathtaking views of the West Sea, coffee shops’ palm trees, pa

Aug. 17, 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

Aug. 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

Aug. 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.

Aug. 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

Aug. 16, 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

Aug. 15, 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

Aug. 13, 2024

Mugunghwa festival, events celebrate Liberation Day

Liberation Day on Aug. 15 will be a great time to take in the beauty of South Korea’s national flower “mugunghwa,” or Rose of Sharon, according to Korea Forest Service. Commemorating the country’s history and the sacrifice of Korean independence fighters, a variety of mugunghwa-themed events will be held at arboretums and tourist destinations across the country. Chollipo Arboretum, located in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, will entertain visitors with a mugunghwa-rela

Aug. 13, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Legoland Korea Resort holds pop-up event for children Legoland Korea Resort in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, presents the new pop-up event “Lego Dreamz,” running until Sept. 12. Children can play with Lego bricks to design their own creations at the pop-up zone. Visitors can also experience the “mission portal” event that allows them to receive "dream chaser" gifts, including a dream chaser license, lanyard and Legoland badge. After completing a survey, visitors

Aug. 9, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Hongcheon Beer Festival Beer and barbecue combine for the ultimate summer cookout, one available with a choice of accommodations, either a “hanok,” the traditional Korean house, during the Hongcheon Beer Festival organized by Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province. Book a room in advance to enjoy not only beer and barbecue but also kayaking, a separately charged activity that will be available depending on weather conditions. Stays are possible from Friday to Saturday until Aug. 18.

Aug. 9, 2024

Stay cool inside

Heading to one of South Korea’s several coastal getaways, a water park or an exciting festival is a great decision for a refreshing summer. But avoiding outdoor activities may be a better option, as the country has been caught up in an ever prolonged heat wave. Though people can easily find their own chilly summer paradise at practically every street corner -- think comics cafe, ubiquitous coffee franchises, bingsu (creamy shaved ice) spots and internet cafes -- there are more options, som

Aug. 8, 2024

[Drama Tour] Feel ‘My Mister’ mood in Yongsan

Yongsan-gu in central Seoul is one of the go-to spots for both local and overseas travelers. The district became popular for its Itaewon neighborhood -- where people can experience and enjoy a variety of international cultures -- many years ago. It also beckons history buffs with the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial of Korea. Today, it is easy to spot young, vibrant K-pop fans near Sinyongsan Station, where the headquarters of Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, are located. Mean

Aug. 3, 2024

World Cup Park in Seoul opens family-friendly water park

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Thursday that the city is opening a water park to entertain children and families at World Cup Park in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, from Friday to Sunday. The three-day water park event offers a destination for Seoul-based families who wish to cool down in the thick of the summer heat without traveling far afield. During the day, children can enjoy the water park's two slides and two large swimming pools. The city government also offers cool-off mist t

Aug. 2, 2024

[Photo News] Nonjinmul, Jeju’s unique natural beach

One of the unique beaches on South Korea’s southern island of Jeju is Nonjinmul, a natural beach created by spring water flowing into the sea. In the Jeju dialect, "nonjinmul," means “water being thrown away,” referring to how the Hallasan spring water cannot be used for drinking or farming due to its proximity to the sea. Located in Seogwipo, southern Jeju Island, Nonjinmul has turned into a natural swimming pool with large embankments, beckoning holidaymakers wishin

Aug. 2, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong launches wine promotion ‘Sparkling Hour’ Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong in central Seoul presents a new wine promotion, “Sparkling Hour,” at its lobby lounge and bar Lumiere. The promotion offers a chance for guests to quench their thirst and whet their appetite with sparkling wine. Offered along with the wine, is a special platter featuring grilled lobster, shrimp, abalone, beef strip loin steak and more. Guests can taste both red and white win

Aug. 2, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Boryeong Mud Festival Time’s running out for mud wrestling and sliding at the annual mud festival in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, that runs through this Sunday. At Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, the festival has two separate zones: one for adults and teenagers and another for families with children between ages 3 and 14. The mud zones are open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and open three hours earlier on weekends. For more details and ticket pricing, visit mudfestival.or.kr.

Aug. 2, 2024