Exploring Muju: Korea’s ultimate winter getaway

Dec 26, 2024

Deogyusan Mountain’s winter landscape, popular for hiking in the snow (Photo courtesy of hongcomm.) If Elsa’s Frozen Kingdom existed in Korea, it would surely be here in Muju. When snow blankets the world in white, bare branches don winter coats and frost flowers bloom. Let’s embark on a journey through Muju’s winter wonderland and the frost-covered trails of Deogyusan Mountain. A romantic winter that makes you forget the cold You ca

Korean art’s global ascent: From market growth to museum walls

Dec 26, 2024

The Korean art market has emerged as a significant player on the global stage, tripling in size despite recent contraction worldwide. This growth reflects both quantitative expansion and market maturation, combining established masters with emerging artists. London’s art scene currently showcases several prominent Korean artists. Haegue Yang’s comprehensive exhibition “Leap Year” at the Hayward Gallery features over 120 pieces, including installations, sculp

K-beauty’s global rise: How indie brands are reshaping the cosmetics industry

Dec 26, 2024

Foreign tourists at Olive Young in Myeong-dong during the 2024 Korea Beauty Festival in July (Photo courtesy of CJ) The Korean beauty (K-beauty) industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and is poised to surpass US$10 billion in total annual exports for the first time. This expansion is being driven largely by innovative indie brands with revolutionary approaches to product development and global marketing. The cosmetics makers Beauty of Joseon and TIRTIR have

From giant thermometers to apps: Korea’s new era of philanthropy

Dec 26, 2024

The Thermometer of Love at Gwanghwamun Square rises 1 degree for every 1 percent of the donation goal collected. (Photo courtesy of Community Chest of Korea)  The spirit of giving continues to evolve, particularly during winter, with traditional methods and modern innovations being combined to help the needy. This transformation was symbolized on December 1 when the Thermometer of Love illuminated Gwanghwamun Square during the launch of the Hope 2025 Sharing Campaign, ru

Korea’s cultural cornerstone: Nat’l museum sees record number of global visitors

Dec 26, 2024

The exhibition “Sculpted Celadon of the Goryeo Dynasty” (Photo courtesy of Yonhap News) The National Museum of Korea is experiencing unprecedented international acclaim, ranking sixth among world museums in terms of total visitor numbers with 4.18 million guests last year, according to a prominent art magazine. This momentum has carried through into 2024, with the museum welcoming 95,000 foreign visitors in just the first half of the year – a 55.6 percent in

Where river meets road: Seoul launches new mass transit system

Dec 26, 2024

Seoul is launching the Hangang Bus, a new waterborne means of transportation, with two newly constructed catamarans ready for service. These vessels’ specially designed low-profile hulls will minimize wave impact and allow them to pass under Jamsugyo, the city bridge with the lowest boat clearance, that sits right below Banpodaegyo Bridge. Their white base color with a gradient of blue hues echoes the river’s shifting appearance throughout the day, creating a visual connection betw

Bungeo-ppang: The warm heart of Korean winter

Dec 26, 2024

Tourists eager to try bungeo-ppang, one of Korea’s most popular winter street-food snacks (Photo courtesy of Getty Images Korea) Bungeo-ppang, the iconic red bean-filled, fish-shaped pastry, has become synonymous with winter in Korea. This beloved street food, with its crispy exterior and soft, warm interior, evokes nostalgia and comfort for many Koreans. As the cold winds of winter blow, the aroma of freshly baked bungeo-ppang wafts through the streets, drawing people t