With an attempt to tame the spread of COVID-19 and the newly confirmed omicron variant, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and local governments have decided to cancel their annual year-end and New Year’s ceremonies. The traditional bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak in Jongno, central Seoul, at midnight on New Year’s Eve will be held online for a second year in a row, according to the city. Ring...

Everland Winter Wishes Everland Winter Wishes started Dec. 3 and will run through March 1 at Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The festival is a fantastic winter event, where tourists can enjoy various attractions like T-express, Thunder Falls, Lost Valley and Safari Ride more freely than other seasons. The beautiful lights have a golden concept this year, and create a romantic Christmas ...

We may be heading into the darkest winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Myeong-dong wants us to keep our spirits bright. The once-bustling shopping mecca of Seoul is not busy as it used to be pre-pandemic, but it is twinkling, sparkling and shining brighter than ever before with extravagant Christmas light displays. Millions of LED lights adorn the exterior of departments stores and other build...

Grand Hyatt Seoul in Hannam-dong, central Seoul, opened an outdoor ice rink for the Christmas season, which is famous for tree lightings around the ice rink and a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The iconic winter destination for families and lovers has been featured in Korean dramas and movie. The festive ice rink will be open until Feb. 20.

Daegwallyeong Snow Festival The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival will run from Jan. 21-30 at the area of Songcheon Stream in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The annual festival began in 1993 and has become among the most famous winter festivals in South Korea. The event features beautiful snowy hills and enjoyable activities for both children and adults. Admission fees are yet to be announced, but ...

The Korea Tourism Organization predicted next year’s domestic travel trends with the acronym, HABIT-US, on Tuesday, the results showing a shift in travel preferences and patterns brought out by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results were based on travel-related big data analysis over the past three years, including travel expenses and use of social media, as well as in-depth interviews with industry...

A rusty railroad abandoned in Seoul brings back old memories and warm nostalgia. Hang-dong Railroad, located in Guro-gu, Seoul, is a 4.5-kilometer track drenched with a vintage atmosphere, with traces of train stations and destination signs left here and there. Lined with deep greenery and green barley, the 62-year-old railway is now one of the most beloved places for Seoulites to go and reflec...

Busan Fireworks Festival The Busan Fireworks Festival is scheduled to run from Dec. 24-31 in areas around Gwangalli Beach in Busan. The annual festival, which usually takes place in the fall, features high-tech laser light shows and a myriad of colorful fireworks. While most people flock to the beach for a closer view of the fireworks, some people choose to enjoy the festival from nearby mount...

“Before that happens, I wanted to give my children a memorable winter experience. They have not been able to enjoy proper outdoor activities since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kim said. The waiting lines were long everywhere -- rental shops, cable lifts, restaurants and parking lots. “I am a beginner skier, so the level of the slopes did not really matter to me. But I did not expect ...

The Guro Industrial Complex, located in Guro-dong, southwestern Seoul, was once the heart of South Korea’s labor-intensive light industries back in the late 20th century. The Guro Industrial Complex, established in 1965, was the first of its kind in South Korea. The district, which was relatively empty before, was soon filled up with manufacturing facilities and factory workers. The complex, wh...

List highlights importance of tourism in safeguarding rural locales

Incheon Romance Market Festival The Incheon Romance Market Festival is running through Dec. 26 at the north square at the Dongincheon Station and at the nearby market district. The fourth edition of the event provides various programs, including a free black and white photo studio and classic movies -- “Dr. No,” (1962) “The Magnificent Seven,” (1960) and “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” (1957) -- ...

Two new museums that look to be landmarks of the city -- M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum -- were shown from the outside. M+ officially opened Nov. 12, instantly attracting some 100,000 reservations, according to the museum. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is scheduled to open in the middle of next year. Amid the prolonged pandemic, Hong Kong has been open to foreign travelers since August, but a ...

Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival The Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival will be held at Wonju Sports Complex in Gangwon Province, from Friday to Sunday. The event, rescheduled from October, has grown into a global festival with a parade competition that typically takes place in the streets. However, the festival has downsized the scale, with programs being presented only at a special stage at Wonju ...

Another 10 minutes along the mountain ridge and you will arrive at the peak. While the altar, known as Chamseongdan, is closed to visitors at the moment -- the cultural property has been undergoing repairs since 2019 -- you can still capture the scenic altar on your camera. It’s a relatively short hike, taking, at most, 1-1 1/4 hours. Trekking poles are recommended for finding footholds, which...