[Apr] A day in Gyeongju: Always perfect for slow travel, especially in spring

Apr 15, 2024

One of the best sights to see in Gyeongju is Woljeonggyo Bridge at night. (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm.) Colorful flowers bloom all over Korea in April, a sign that the warmer days of spring have arrived. Indeed, spring in Korea goes hand-in-hand with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Koreans take pains to see these cherry blossoms in person every spring by traveling to various hotspots throughout the country. One of these is Gyeongju, the site of the ancient capital of the

[Apr] Soju’s versatility is fueling its growing appeal in Korea and abroad

Apr 15, 2024

Left: Bottles of Soju. Right: Soju Cocktails. (Courtesy of Shutterstock) Soju’s prominence on the world stage is growing as the traditional Korean spirit is sought after by the world's top bars and pubs. An international media tally last year found that up to seven of the world’s top 50 bars in the United States and Hong Kong offered cocktails that featured soju among the ingredients.   The secret to soju’s growing prominence international

[Apr] Ahead of important anniversary, music brings Korea and Japan together

Apr 15, 2024

Musicians from both countries wear hanbok and kimono while playing traditional instruments from their countries in a special performance. (Courtesy of National Gugak Center) Korea and Japan will celebrate the 60th anniversary of normalizing their diplomatic relations next year. During this year’s March First Independence Movement Day ceremony at the Yu Gwan-sun Memorial Hall in Seoul, President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized that if the two countries build trust through mutual e

[Apr] Honoring Nam June Paik’s groundbreaking "satellite art"

Apr 15, 2024

A still from Nam June Paik's "Good Morning, Mr. Orwell" – broadcast live on January 1, 1984, in the United States, France, Korea, Germany and other countries (Courtesy of Nam June Paik Art Center) This year marks the 40th anniversary of “Good Morning, Mr. Orwell,” a work of “satellite art” planned and presented by pioneering Korean-American artist Nam June Paik on New Year’s Day, 1984.  Paik is often considered the father of v

[Apr] Dog patrol teams keep streets safe

Apr 15, 2024

The dog patrols perform many activities, including neighborhood cleanups and security patrols. (Courtesy of Clearcity) In recent years, the number of pets in Korea has skyrocketed, providing more people with love and companionship, not to mention all sorts of physical and mental health benefits. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, the percentage of the total population who own dogs, cats and other pets increased from 17.4 percent in 2010 to 27.7 percent in 2020. Thi