[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Haeundae Lighting Festival, Busan One of Busan’s most famous winter festivals is set to begin on Dec. 2 and runs through Jan. 31 at areas around Haeundae Beach in the southeastern city. The special lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place at the event square at Haeundae Beach at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2. The festival features various light fixtures, lanterns and media art on display to entertain those who stop by. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Market, Gu

Nov. 24, 2023

Unique indoor dating spots to warm your winter days

The recent arrival of a bitter cold snap has many people looking for indoor activities, away from the chill in the air. The alleys near Konkuk University Station on Subway Line No. 2 attracts visitors with some unique indoor dating spots, offering a refuge from the start of this year's winter season. Ddowaddo With temperatures dropping significantly in the first week of November, many people have already taken out their puffer coats, an iconic essential to get through Korea's harsh win

Nov. 18, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Board Game Festa in Seoul Seoul’s Board Game Festa is an event that promotes board games, showcasing some of the latest party games. The two-day convention is being held at Seoul Trade Exhibition and Convention in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can experience more than 400 Korean board games as well as board games from around the world for free, and take part in a tournament as well. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sund

Nov. 17, 2023

Journey to Joseon scholars' timeless dwellings

Gotaek, which translates to "old house," signifies a historic family residence. Typically, these homes were inhabited by the upper class, including scholars, and have been diligently preserved by generations maintaining much of their original form. The Korea Tourism Organization has selected five gotaek destinations to explore, each with a unique and compelling story to share. The destinations are: Yeoyudang in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province; Incheon Citizens' Home in Incheon; Myeon

Nov. 11, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival is held in the areas around Seosan Agricultural Technology Center in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. The event, which started Nov. 3, runs through Sunday. The flower-themed festival features a chrysanthemum exhibition showcasing various works of bonsai art and sculptures. It has diverse programs for vacationers, including flower picking, flower crown making, natural dyeing and more. The opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission t

Nov. 10, 2023

Catch fleeting fall foliage with exciting outdoor activities

Peeping leaves of red and gold while grasping a cup of warm coffee at a nearby cafe or enjoying the scenic views of the city in orange and brown hues on a bus ride is always a great way to feel the deepening autumn atmosphere. But, it’s a shame to just let the spectacular colors of ginkgo, maple and metasequoia and the gentle fall breeze go by, with the winter season lurking just around the corner. Take in the flaming reds, dazzling yellows and brilliant oranges with thrilling activities b

Nov. 4, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Beartree Park Fall Foliage Festival Beartree Park Fall Foliage Festival, which began on Oct. 21, will run through Sunday at Beartree Park in Sejong. Visitors can enjoy the peak fall foliage while taking a light stroll along the walking trail at Beartree Park. The festival is set to entertain visitors with outdoor concerts, unique photo zones and more. Holidaymakers can immerse in nature and enjoy the autumn breeze. The opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs 12,000 won and 10,000 won

Nov. 3, 2023

Seoul expected to be one of most sought-after cities for year-end holidays

SINGAPORE -- Recognizing a steady recovery of the travel industry after the pandemic, industry leaders, international tourism brands, travel writers and journalists expected strong tourism growth -- particularly in Asia -- and sought to find ways to entice more people to travel at this year’s TravMedia Summit Asia, held at Swissotel the Stamford in Singapore, on Oct. 23. The summit brought together more than 275 travel specialists, who discussed top issues such as the rise of new technolog

Oct. 29, 2023

Jeonju poses as destination for fall reading retreat

JEONJU, North Jeolla Province -- Less than two hours' KTX ride from Seoul's Yongsan Station, Jeonju in North Jeolla Province is a beloved destination for travelers due to its picturesque hanok village. In 2020, the Culture Ministry designated Jeonju as a "Tourism Hub City," along with Busan, Gangneung, Andong and Mokpo. Since then, the Korea Tourism Organization has been working to boost international tourism to the designated cities. In 2021, the city rebranded itself as the

Oct. 28, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Geoje Island Flower Festival The 17th–edition of Geoje Island Flower Festival will be held at the Geoje Agriculture Development Complex in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 28 to Nov. 5. The annual event features autumn flowers in a variety of exhibitions and displays, including flower sculptures, chrysanthemum-themed items, examining greenhouse office and more. Hands-on activities, like harvesting sweet potatoes and various music performances are set to entertain holidaymakers of all

Oct. 27, 2023

Kangwon Land's wellness facilities offer quiet retreat

JEONGSEON, Gangwon Province -- Nestled in the pristine landscape of Gangwon Province, Kangwon Land is an enticing oasis for those seeking an adventure-filled escape from city life. Set in the rugged mountains and lush valleys and offering a plethora of recreational activities, the resort is an unforgettable experience. Established in 1998 with the objective of repurposing abandoned mines into family-friendly entertainment hubs, Kangwon Land is a large-scale integrated resort with a casino, a gol

Oct. 21, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Cheongsong Apple Festival Cheongsong Apple Festival is scheduled to take place at Hyeonbiam riverside swimming pool in Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang Province from Nov. 1 to 5. The upcoming event will entertain with various programs, including an apple-themed food presentation, a “Nanta” experience, an outdoor parade, a golden apple hunt and an apple lottery game. "Nanta" is one of the most popular non-verbal performance shows in Korea, featuring constant striking and drummin

Oct. 20, 2023

KTO to offer weekend railroad travel packages through February

The Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Railroad Corporation have prepared a weekend travel package available from October to February. The package is designed for Korail passengers and covers travels on Oct. 29 and the final weekend, Friday to Sunday, in the months of November, December, January and February, the KTO said Tuesday. Each month features different-themed travel packages. "Fall Travels" packages offered on Oct. 29 feature an itinerary that highlights the autumnal ambi

Oct. 19, 2023

Andong, serene destination for immersing in traditions

ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province -- Two hours from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni Station by KTX, the high-speed rail service, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, is a city known for its longstanding traditions and beautiful landscape. The Culture Ministry, in 2020, named Andong a "Tourism Hub City" along with Busan, Gangneung, Jeonju and Mokpo and Korea Tourism Organization been working to bolster international tourism in the designated cities. Andong has a rich history associated with t

Oct. 14, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Hueree Pink Muhly Festival The Hueree Pink Muhly Festival runs through Nov. 15 at Hueree Natural Park on Jeju Island. The park, near Hallasan, the highest mountain of South Korea, offers a chance to stroll, relax and enjoy the fall breeze. The annual event highlights Jeju Island’s splendid scenery and its pink muhly grass. Various photo spots are available for flower lovers to capture special moments with loved ones. The event is open to people of all ages, and admission fees vary by age.

Oct. 13, 2023

Elevate fall travel experiences with local specialties

Travel and food often go hand-in-hand, with travel inevitably leading to the sampling of local specialties. The fall season is a great time to combine travel and dining in South Korea, as the abundance of fresh and seasonal produce creates especially tasty dishes. For the month of October, the Korea Tourism Organization recommends a selection of tourist destinations that will not only create great memories with their unique attractions, but also offer a chance to taste some popular Korean dishes

Oct. 7, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Gangneung Coffee Festival The Gangneung Coffee Festival is held every year to promote coffee culture and celebrate Gangneung’s growth as a leading coffee hub in Korea. The coastal city in Gangwon Province is known as the city of coffee and is home to a number of legendary baristas in Korea. This year’s festival, slated to be held Oct. 12-15 at the Gangneung Ice Arena and Gyeongpo Lake Square, has invited big names from the local coffee scene for talks and seminars. Barista competitio

Oct. 6, 2023

Fall festivals to take place across Seoul

With autumn now here, Seoul's district offices will be hosting a variety of festivals open to everyone and free of charge. The festivities will take place Oct. 3-9 and include dance performances, a city run, K-pop performance, a competitive parade, a street sports beer party and fashion shows. The following is a list of the district festivals set to take place celebrating the return of fall. World Folk Dance Festival in Seongdong After a four-year hiatus, Seongdong-gu in eastern Seoul wil

Oct. 1, 2023

Music festivals and concerts for the fall season

A diverse lineup of music festivals and concerts are set to welcome the fall season. The Jarasum Jazz Festival, the country’s biggest jazz festival which marks its 20th anniversary this year, kicks off on Oct. 6 and runs for four days on Jara Island, Gyeonggi Province. The event invites 19 foreign artists and 22 Korean artists including Birell Lagrene and Ulf Wakenlus, Julian Lage, Shai Maestro Quartet, Youn Sun-nah, Ju Hyun-mi Jazz Project and the Pasquale Grasso Trio. The venue for the f

Sept. 30, 2023

Chuseok’s celestial journey: Best spots for full moon gazing in Seoul

In traditional Korean culture, the full moon is a symbol of life's essence and the passage of time, embodying abundance and fortune in its luminous splendor. Chuseok, or Hangawi, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, captures this heritage through traditions like crafting songpyeon -- half-moon shaped rice cakes symbolizing unity -- and, of course, making wishes under the harvest moon. For those planning to immerse themselves in this celestial treat, here are some of the top

Sept. 28, 2023