The lyrics of "Into the New World," Girls' Generation's 2007 debut single, echoed through the streets of Yeouido on Saturday evening: "Our rough road is before our eyes. Unknown future and walls. I won't change, I'm not giving up." What could have been a scene from a K-pop concert was, in fact, a massive demonstration being held in response to an unthinkable development in South Korean democracy: a president's shock declaration of martial law. The str

Social Affairs Dec. 7, 2024

The Jeju Tourism Organization has curated a selection of iconic travel spots on Jeju Island where holidaymakers can take in the unique winter ambiance and enjoy a memorable travel experience. Ranging from scenic views of nature to hands-on activities, these destinations will delight even the pickiest travelers, allowing them to explore the island without even noticing a chill in the air. Hallasan No trip to Jeju is complete without a visit to Hallasan, the highest mountain in all of South Korea

Travel Dec. 7, 2024

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Friday announced the motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol will be put to a vote at 5 p.m. on Saturday, two hours before the original timeline. Rep. Park Seong-jun of the main opposition pointed out the decision was made in regards to the possible People Power Party’s strategy to postpone the voting procedures, according to local news reports on Friday night. South Korea’s six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of K

Politics Dec. 6, 2024

The 11th edition of Haeundae Light Festival is coming to Busan’s iconic Haeundae Beach and Haeundae Market areas, from Dec. 14 to Feb. 2, 2025. Under the theme of “New Wave Snow Wave,” the festival’s opening ceremony will take place at Haeundae Beach at 6 p.m., featuring a concert by vocalist Kim Jae-hee, media projections and fireworks. The spectacular night view will be presented with the decorative lights, media art, a megasized Christmas tree and a light playground. A

Travel Dec. 6, 2024

The Culture Ministry has sought to ease concerns about tourism safety in South Korea following a brief six-hour martial law declaration on Tuesday night. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shared an official document Thursday with the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Association, Korea Association of Travel Agents, and other local travel organizations, confirming that diplomatic notes had been sent to foreign embassies to ensure travelers of their safety. “Daily life in S

Travel Dec. 6, 2024

Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort unveils new winter campaign Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort, an integrated resort located in Yeongjong-do, Incheon, entertains its guests with winter-themed media art, starting from Monday. Under the theme of “Santa’s Village,” the new media art will be displayed at the resort’s digital entertainment street Aurora and on its mega-sized LED screens, depicting a unique fairytale atmosphere featuring Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer pu

Travel Dec. 6, 2024

The Korea Tourism Organization has launched a project in partnership with overseas payment services -- including WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay -- to make it easier for foreign visitors to make purchases at local small businesses and traditional markets using their smartphones. According to the KTO, it has teamed up with the Korea Easy Payment Foundation to enable tourists to pay by QR code -- a method commonly used by Koreans at traditional markets and tourist sites as an alternative to cash -

Travel Dec. 3, 2024

Korail Tourism Development, a subsidiary of Korea Railroad Corp., is offering a two-day train trip to experience the country’s “jang” culture, the traditional Korean methods of making fermented pastes and sauces, from Dec. 13 to 14. Developed in collaboration with the Korean Food Promotion Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, this one-time train trip will bring tourists to Damyang and Sunchang, North Jeolla Province -- two iconic locations in South

Travel Dec. 2, 2024

As the cold settles in with daytime temperatures dropping down below 5 degrees Celsius across the country, many may be crossing last-minute fall foliage appreciation off their to-do lists to be replaced with cozier indoor options. From unique cafes to large shopping complexes and the latest pop-up stores, Seoul has an abundance of indoor entertainment for spending time with friends and family. Those in search of a calmer atmosphere or hoping to avoid crowds might enjoy the comfort and privacy of

Travel Nov. 30, 2024

Live Jazz Bar in Cheongdam Enjoy a live performance with some of the city's best food at Chungdam Nine, a jazz bar located in Cheongdam, Seoul. Chungdam Nine is a fancy jazz bar that recently reopened after a renewal that turned it into a venue straight out of the musicals "Chicago" or "Moulin Rouge." The red curtains, crystal chandeliers, marble tables and red dining sofas create a feeling of decadent luxury. Formal attire is not required, but most guests do wear formal

weekender Nov. 29, 2024

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul collaborates with Hublot The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, located in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, is offering a new artistic gastronomy experience in collaboration with Swiss premium watchmaker Hublot until Jan. 14, 2025. Inspired by Hublot’s philosophy “Art of Fusion,” flower artist Nicolai Bergmann presents his floral creations in the hotel lobby, featuring preserved white carnations and hydrangeas. The hotel’s Charles H. bar will offer two Hublot-ins

Travel Nov. 29, 2024

With the major November snowstorm, students, workers and drivers might have started the day with a frown while walking on the icy roads, waiting for delayed public transportation and unexpectedly hit by snow falling from trees and buildings. However, passionate hikers may feel somewhat differently. “I never expected to bring out my winter mountain gear this early,” Hong Young-sik, a Guro-gu resident in his 70s, who visited Gwanaksan told The Korea Herald on Thursday. Though Hong knew

Travel Nov. 28, 2024

After an unusually warm fall season, the first snow of the winter arrived in most parts of the country Wednesday. With the arrival of winter, many of South Korea's popular tourist destinations are scheduled to go on a long winter break, closing down for the season. Jinan, a rural county in North Jeolla Province, announced Tuesday the closure of the mountain trail for its iconic Maisan starting Wednesday. The 600-meter-long walking trail that stretches from Guardians Gate to Ammai Peak and t

Travel Nov. 27, 2024

Skiiers and snowboarders can get their adrenalin rush starting this weekend as the recent drop in temperature has many of the ski resorts in South Korea ready to open their slopes. Phoenix Snow Park, a popular ski resort in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, announced that its slopes will open Friday, almost a week later than last year. Six of its slopes were used for freestyle skiing and snowboarding in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and snowboarders will appreciate the Olympic-standard half-

Travel Nov. 26, 2024

A new mural street at Bucheondaehangno in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, features cartoon murals by seven Korean and international artists. Bucheon, home of Bucheon International Animation Festival, collaborated with Korea Manhwa Contents Agency to create murals on a stretch of the street filled with trendy shops, cafes and restaurants. (Korea Manhwa Contents Agency)

Travel Nov. 25, 2024