New book revisits French diplomat who helped introduce Korea to the West

The French-Korean bilingual publication “Victor Collin de Plancy: Entre France et Coree” was released to shed light on the life of French diplomat Victor Collin de Plancy, one of the earliest Western figures to document and promote Korean culture. The book traces Collin de Plancy's years in Korea following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1886. Its release marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea. French art historian Step

2026-07-03 13:40:21:00

[Treasures from National Museum of Korea] Buddhist Bell from Cheonheungsa

Period: Goryeo Kingdom Materials: Metal — Copper Alloy Dimensions: 174.2 cm high Designation: National Treasure Bells have long played a central role in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, with their resonant sound believed to bring peace and solace to all sentient beings, including those suffering in hell. Cast for Cheonheungsa near Mount Seonggeo, this bronze bell is widely regarded as one of the finest and largest surviving bells from the early Goryeo Kingdom. Celebrated for both its exceptional

2026-07-01 10:34:43:00

‘The Korean Table’ serves up more than food

In Korea, "Have you eaten?" has long served as a greeting, while countless expressions — from "sikgu," meaning family and derived from the phrase "people who share meals," to idioms built around the dining table — reveal how deeply food is woven into everyday language and relationships. The new exhibition "The Korean Table: Food, Nature, and Life" at the National Museum of Korea explores the history of Korean dining culture and food through some 450 artifacts, paintings and immersive installatio

2026-06-30 17:35:45:00

Lee Bae brings charcoal works to medieval French abbey

Korean artist Lee Bae has transformed the French medieval monastery, Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue, into a contemplative setting for his charcoal works, bringing them into dialogue with centuries-old Cistercian architecture. "En attendant," meaning "waiting" in French, runs from June 25 to Sept. 30 and features 23 works, including drawings, installations and sculptures. Organized by France's Centre des monuments nationaux, or the National Monuments Centre in English, in collaboration with Perro

2026-06-28 11:54:06:00

Busan's ambitious 110-billion won Pompidou project on brink of collapse

The future of the proposed Centre Pompidou Busan has become increasingly uncertain as the project remains stalled nearly two years after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the renowned French institution. The city's new administration is now reviewing whether to move forward with the plan. The delay has fueled speculation that the project may struggle to move forward, particularly after Centre Pompidou successfully opened its first Korean outpost, Centre Pompidou Hanwha, in Seoul

2026-06-25 12:00:12:00

How did conceptual art take shape in Korea?

Conceptual art emerged in the West in the 1960s, emphasizing artist ideas or concepts over the appearance or form of an artwork. It shifted attention from the visual to the realms of language and ideas. "Language-based conceptual art began in New York, but when it arrived in different countries, it became connected to each country's political and social situation and was understood in different ways," curator Bae Myung-ji said on June 18 at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Kor

2026-06-24 13:26:09:00

Questions answered: Korean bedding, sizes and overseas shipping

Korean bedding has gained international attention over the past few years, fueled by social media exposure and word-of-mouth hype for its quality. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions following The Korea Herald's recent feature on Korean bedding. Korean bedding is highly seasonal. Lightweight blankets made from rayon, such as ‘ingyeon’ made from wood pulp, or cooling fabrics are popular during the hot and humid summer months. For spring and autumn, comforters made from

2026-06-23 17:26:24:00

Craftsmanship, elegance of Thai masterpieces on show at National Museum of Korea

A Buddha stands upon a lotus pedestal, stepping forward with the left foot while the right heel is slightly raised. His left hand is lifted near the chest with the palm facing forward. The bronze sculpture from the 14th century in Thailand is named “pang-li-la,” meaning graceful posture. "If I had to pick one work in the exhibition that captures Thailand's unique artistic identity, it is the ‘Walking Buddha.’ For Koreans, it may be comparable to the iconic Pensive Bodhisattva shown at the ‘room

2026-06-22 14:53:39:00

How Korean bedding became a coveted souvenir

At Seoul’s Gwangjang Market, a destination long associated with textiles and fabrics, a growing number of foreign visitors are shopping for something unexpected: Korean bedding. Inside one bedding store, stacks of colorful quilts and blankets lined the walls while recently purchased items were being vacuum-packed for travelers preparing to take them overseas. “About 70 percent of our customers are foreigners these days,” said the owner, surnamed Kim, of the bedding store at the market. “Many for

2026-06-20 16:00:00:00

'Fail Better' explores reality, illusion, art of misalignment

At first glance, artists Yee Soo-kyung and Yangachi appear to inhabit entirely different artistic worlds: One works with roses, crowns and religious iconography, while the other investigates radio frequencies, magnetic fields and invisible infrastructures. Yet "Fail Better," the exhibition at Forum and Space in Seoul held from April 30 to June 13, brought the two together in an exploration of reality, perception and the uncertain future shaped by rapidly evolving technologies. Curated by Kim Yoo

2026-06-19 18:28:01:00