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Japan provides 3D data of returned Bodhisattva statue to Buseoksa
Just two months after a 14th-century Korean Buddhist statue, previously stolen from a Japanese temple and brought to Korea, was returned to Japan in May, a temple on Tsushima Island has sent 3D data on the statue to Buseoksa Temple in Korea. The Ven. Wonwoo, the chief monk of Buseoksa, confirmed to The Korea Herald that Setsuryo Tanaka, the chief priest of Kannon Temple in Japan's Tsushima, Nagasaki prefecture, visited the Korean temple with a USB containing the 3D scan data. "He visited the tem
July 7, 2025 -
Design Miami to be held at Seoul's DDP in September
As South Korea's dynamic design scene steps into the global spotlight, Design Miami is coming to Seoul in September, marking the design fair's first-ever exhibition in Asia. The Seoul Design Foundation is teaming up with the world-renowned design fair to host an exhibition titled "Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design" at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, central Seoul -- a landmark designed by Zaha Hadid -- from Sept. 1 to Sept. 14. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Design M
July 6, 2025 -
Gat returns as ‘it’ item with viral cultural moments
When "Kingdom," Netflix’s first original K-drama series, was released in 2019, the sight of zombie-fighting noblemen wearing a variety of hats sparked global curiosity, with “Joseon hats” even showing up in Amazon shopping carts. The Joseon-era thriller ignited a fascination with "gat" — an umbrella term for traditional Korean hats. Historically, gat came in a wide range of styles, each tailored to the wearer’s social status, profession and occasion. What’s commonly recognized today as a gat — t
July 5, 2025 -
Director breaks down Saja Boys' soul-stealing performance of 'Your Idol'
With traditional gat, glowing eyes and a lethal dose of K-pop attitude, the performance of Saja Boys’ soul-stealing “Your Idol” in Netflix’s breakout hit "K-pop Demon Hunters" is the moment that keeps both hypnotized audiences and viewers obsessed, just like the lyrics say. From the candy-colored energy of “Soda Pop” to a dramatic turn into sleek, jet-black silhouettes, the fictional boy band’s transformation reveals their true selves in full demon form. The villain anthem’s music video has rack
July 4, 2025 -
New Sejong Institutes to open amid growing demand for Korean language classes
Amid surging global interest in Korean language and culture, the King Sejong Institute Foundation, which oversees Korean language education abroad, is expanding its network to ease waitlists and meet growing demand for Korean classes worldwide. This year, 11 new King Sejong Institutes, named after King Sejong the Great (1397-1450), who created the Korean alphabet Hangeul, will open across nine countries, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Friday. With the additions there
July 4, 2025 -
K-culture festivals are coming to you
In a move to broaden access to Korean culture globally, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched a series of Korean culture festivals in 52 cities and countries that currently lack Korean Cultural Centers. The ministry aims to introduce Korean culture to a wider audience by working closely with local governments, Korean language departments at local universities, King Sejong Institutes and diplomatic missions. The new initiative builds upon the existing “Traveling K-Culture” prog
July 4, 2025 -
Hot dogs and burgers to celebrate summer
American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain famously said that food is everything we are. That may be an exaggeration, but cuisine is like a flag on a plate that carries our roots and pride, with flavors from our grandmother's kitchen. That is why many who live abroad crave the taste of home: One bite can bring comfort, spark emotions and make the unfamiliar place feel a little more familiar. For those missing classic American bites, here are several hot dog and burger joints in Seoul where you can
July 3, 2025 -
Through hanok windows: Suh Seung-won explores light, color and memory
Korean artist Suh Seung-won’s paintings resonate deeply in the brightness of summer: The shimmering light of the sun and the moon filtered through the paper-covered windows of a traditional Korean house, or hanok, was a source of inspiration for the artist. An ongoing exhibition at PKM Gallery, “Suh Seung-Won: The Interplay,” shows Suh's works created since 2021. The dream-like, pastel-toned paintings evoke nostalgia, particularly among visitors with memories of hanok. Suh, 84, has delved into t
July 2, 2025 -
Dive into charms of Gyeongbokgung
While Gyeongbokgung is a popular photo spot for tourists,the palace, one of Seoul's five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces, contains a deep and rich history as well as traditional and cultural values. In an effort to help visitors reflect on the beauty and meaning of South Korea's cultural heritage, the K-Heritage channel — run by the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency — is holding an exhibition titled "Contemplation of Gyeongbokgung Palace" from Wednesday through Monday. The six-
July 2, 2025 -
Bathhouses that cater to just you ― no more awkward nudity
Public bathhouses in Korea present an opportunity to unwind in a giant tub or get a body scrub, but they come with one major drawback: sharing the space with complete strangers fully naked. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic nearly decimated the industry, as bathhouses were flagged by health authorities as high-risk venues due to their enclosed environments and close physical proximity among patrons. In light of potential hygiene issues and an increasing population of single-person households a
July 2, 2025 -
Cultural exchange between Korea, France to be strengthened in second half of the year
The Embassy of France in Seoul is set to embark on a second round of cultural events for the year, strengthening cultural ties between Korea and France across artistic fields ahead of next year's 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties. “France has had a strong presence in contemporary creation, which continues to extend into areas that people might not typically expect, such as digital art and webtoons and other emerging fields," Pierre Morcos, cultural counselor of France in Korea, said Tuesday a
July 1, 2025 -
Korea House to get overhaul for first time in 44 years
Korea House in Jung-gu, central Seoul -- a cultural center dedicated to promoting Korean traditional culture by holding performances and dining experiences -- will undergo renovation for the first time since opening in 1981. The renovation began Tuesday, and its reopening is scheduled for March next year, according to the Korea Heritage Agency, which operates Korea House. The renovation will focus on remodeling the main hanok building and its annex, improving the garden through landscaping, upgr
July 1, 2025 -
Recharge with a templestay
Need a break from the daily grind? The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism will run a templestay program throughout July and August at 56 temples across the country, offering a respite for the summer season. Dubbed the "Summer Special Templestay," the programs, open to the public, come in five different types. Special experience temple stays include unique cultural and temple-related activities, such as taking a vow of silence for a day and a digital detox to intentionally reduce the amount of tim
July 1, 2025 -
Busan chosen as candidate to host UNESCO meeting on world heritage in 2026
South Korea's southeastern port city of Busan has been chosen as the country's official candidate to host the annual UNESCO meeting on world heritage next year, the Korea Heritage Service said Monday. The decision comes after the KHS, a state-run agency overseeing the preservation and maintenance of national heritage, began looking for a city to host the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting on May 15. Four cities -- Busan, Jeju, Seoul and Gyeongju -- an iconic tourist destination in the
June 30, 2025 -
A drama that made President Lee Jae Myung cry — and why it matters for Korea’s cultural policy
President Lee Jae Myung on Monday underscored the power of culture in enhancing Korea’s global standing, sharing how a hit drama series moved him to tears and convinced him of the nation’s untapped cultural potential. Speaking at a meeting with cultural figures at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Lee said watching the Netflix hit "When Life Gives You Tangerines" reassured him the industry could provide a turnaround in the nation's growth. “It made me realize that Korea’s cultural capabilities
June 30, 2025