Cultural events to mark global gathering of World Federation of the Deaf

An international event is set to kick off July 11 in Jeju Island, with a variety of cultural activities designed for and prepared by deaf people. The 19th World Conference of the World Federation of Deaf will open with an opening ceremony on July 11 and run until July 15 under the theme of “Securing Human Rights in Times of Crisis.” The WFD is an international organization that represents and promotes the rights of deaf people globally. The World Conference, which takes place every f

July 7, 2023

[Photo News] Diva and 12 cello virtuosos

July 7, 2023

[Well-curated] Culinary journey, unique designs and forest trails

Culinary journey around the world at Yongnidan-gil Less than five steps after passing an American-style bistro, you will find yourself in a Vietnamese back alley. However, just around the corner, a casual Japanese diner awaits you. Welcome to "Yongnidan-gil," a cluster of streets between Samgakji Station and Sinyongsan Station in Yongsan-gu. Yongnidan-gil follows on the heels of Itaewon's Gyeongnidan-gil and Haebangchon -- hot spots for both Koreans and foreign nationals alike. Co

July 7, 2023

Roof tile with 'Yeongmyojisa' inscription found in Gyeongju may shed light on city structure in ancient Silla

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province -- Remnants of roof tiles and Buddhist relics from the Unified Silla to the Goryeo periods were uncovered during sewage pipe construction in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced during a press conference at the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, on Tuesday. Among the roof tiles, a tile fragment inscribed with Chinese characters, "Yeongmyojisa," meaning "Yeongmyosa Temple Site

July 5, 2023

Gangneung gathers 8,000 choral performers from around the world

GANGNEUNG, Gangwon Province -- For 11 days, Gangneung, a coastal city of Gangwon Province, will be bustling with about 8,000 choir enthusiasts from all around the world. The 12th World Choir Games Gangneung 2023 kicked off Monday with 324 teams, including 95 teams from 33 foreign countries, which will perform both in competition and more in six venues in the city. At the grand opening ceremony on Monday, each country entered the Gangneung Arena holding a flag similar to at an Olympic Games

July 4, 2023

Fabric mudguard, gilt-bronze ornaments found in Silla princess's tomb

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province -- Remnants of a pair of fabric mudguards decorated with flower petals made with jewel beetle wings were discovered at Jjoksaem Tomb No. 44 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced at a press conference at the Gyeongju Jjoksaem site, Tuesday. A total of 780 artifacts were unearthed along with the mudguards during the investigation of the wooden chamber tomb piled with stones and earth mound, a type of tomb specific

July 4, 2023

New Vice Culture Minister Jang Mi-ran makes office debut

Jang Mi-ran, a weightlifting champion recently named to a top post in charge of sports administration, vowed her utmost efforts to exceed expectations as she made her first appearance at her office in a central city Tuesday. In a surprise announcement Thursday, Jang was named the second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, a position handling sports-related and tourism affairs in the ministry. But some opposition lawmakers, including Rep. An Min-suk, have criticized the appointment, cit

July 4, 2023

[Subway Stories] Busan's forgotten hot springs town

South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, entices tourists with its delectable cuisine, vibrant beaches and dazzling cityscape. However, few visitors know that the city’s main attraction used to be its hot springs. Oncheonjang Station, a stop on Busan metro's Line No.1, is wher e the origin of the city’s history as a hot spring destination lies. With the bathhouses and hotels that once adorned the area mostly gone, a replica of the streetcar that once transported visitors

July 1, 2023

Japan tops list of tourists to Korea in May: report

Visitors from Japan accounted for the largest portion of international visitors to Korea in May, according to statistics released by the Korea Tourism Organization on Thursday. In May, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea soared to 867,130, a 398.6 percent rise compared to the same period last year, when the figure stood at 173,902. Japan emerged as the top country in terms of tourist arrivals to Korea, with 183,691 visitors to the country, an increase of 4863.3 percent from the previou

June 30, 2023

[Well-curated] Horror nights at BIFAN's free outdoor screenings and more

Knot tying at hanok on a rainy day Donglim Knot Workshop, a small hanok situated just a five-minute stroll away from Anguk Station and near the Bukchon Hanok village, showcases the traditional art of Korean knot tying called "maedeup." This enchanting space, led by Shim Young-mi, who hails from a family with a four-generation legacy in Korean knot craftsmanship, has been in operation since 2004. The workshop proudly displays a wide array of ornamental knots passed down through generati

June 30, 2023

Korean artists get spotlight in UK for second Korea Season

Top Korean artists, ranging from dancers and classical musicians to visual artists will be highlighted across the UK as part of Korea Season, according to the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, an organization under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on Thursday. Korea Season is the Culture Ministry’s project launched last year to enhance mutual cultural exchanges with other countries to create a solid foundation for sustainable cooperation and expand opportuni

June 29, 2023

Weightlifting champion Jang Mi-ran tapped as vice minister

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday named Jang Mi-ran, a physical education professor and former Olympic weightlifting champion, as the vice minister of culture and sports. Jang, 39, will become The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's second vice minister, whose main responsibility is handling sports-related affairs, according to officials. With the ministry having two vice ministers, Jang will cooperate with the current first vice minister Chun Byong-geuk in overseeing the ministry&#

June 29, 2023

National Museum of World Writing Systems celebrates most valuable invention

A museum dedicated to celebrating the world's various writing systems and their historical value was launched in Songdo, Incheon, on Thursday. Nine years after the initial plan came together in 2014, the National Museum of World Writing Systems, occupying 15,650 square meters in Songdo is finally set to open its doors to the public on Friday, with a series of celebratory events and seminars to follow. “The greatest invention of humanity is the writing system. Through it, history has e

June 29, 2023

[Rising Virtuosos] Violinist Park Sueye: an evolving talent with five albums and counting

Korean violinist Park Sueye and her parents decided to move to Germany when she was 9 years old to pursue Park's music education. She had been offered a chance to study with Ulf Wallin after attending his masterclass in Seoul. Fast forward to 2023, and the 23-year-old has been increasingly active in her motherland. She has been steadily making a name for herself without having to win a major competition -- one of the fastest ways to gain broader recognition. She has created an impressive tr

June 27, 2023

[Photo News] Dondeokjeon opens to foreign visitors

Diplomats and social media influencers got a sneak preview of Dondeokjeon in the Deoksugung palace, central Seoul, on Monday, ahead of its official opening in September. The Western-style building was used as a royal guesthouse and a venue for diplomatic events during the reign of King Gojong, the last king of Joseon. Michael Reiffenstuel, German ambassador to Korea, Wolfgang Angerholzer, Austrian ambassador to Korea, and Francois Bontemps, Belgian ambassador to Korea, attended the event, along

June 26, 2023

Ancient Koreans' thoughts on afterlife portrayed through earthenware exhibition

An exhibition that explores how ancient Koreans contemplated death and the afterlife is underway at the National Museum of Korea's Special Exhibition Hall. Entitled "Companions on the Eternal Journey," the exhibition features some 300 clay figurines and vessels discovered in tombs from the Three Kingdoms period. Through the tranquil and serene atmosphere created by muted lighting, specially commissioned piano music and compelling storytelling, visitors are immersed in the experien

June 26, 2023

Korea Craft and Design Foundation to promote hansik with 'food culture box'

Boxes created to promote traditional Korean cuisine, named the Korean food culture box, will be sent to Korean Culture Centers in three new cities -- Ottawa, Canada; Abuja, Nigeria; and Jakarta, Indonesia -- bringing the total to 12 cities in 10 countries that are part of the hansik promotion project, according to the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, the project organizer. Launched by the Culture Ministry and the KCDF in 2020, the food culture boxes have been designed to showcase Korean food

June 25, 2023

[Photo News] 'K-wrestling' gets spotlight this week

June 23, 2023

[Well-curated] Indoor climbing, splashing at Han River swimming pools and a taste of Honduras

Indoor climbing in the heart of Seoul The rainy season is approaching, but rock climbers still have options. Damjang gym, located in Eulji-ro, Seoul is a minimalist bouldering gym with creatively designed routes suitable for climbers of all levels. If you are trying indoor climbing for the first time, join a newcomers' group and receive an hour of instruction from a professional trainer to learn the basics. Regular classes are also available, where experienced instructors teach bouldering t

June 23, 2023

Korean heritage sites gear up for this year's World Heritage Festival

The 2023 World Heritage Festival is to take place in eight cities from July to October, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Wednesday during a press conference held at Korea House in Jung-gu, Seoul. The festival, which began in 2020, aims to invite people to explore the UNESCO world heritage sites in Korea and engage in various programs, including performances, activities and exhibitions that help visitors understand the sites' values and significance. Organized by the Korea Cult

June 21, 2023