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Festivals, sights across Korea
The Yeongdo Beer Festival is in full swing at the Busan International Cruise Terminal, running daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday. This large-scale outdoor event offers unlimited beer, live DJ performances and a variety of food booths for visitors to enjoy. Designed as an interactive cultural experience, the festival features hands-on activity booths, photo zones and entertainment for all ages. General admission is 20,000 won, while fast-track tickets are available for 40,000 won. The H
Aug. 22, 2025 -
From lush gardens to high-flying views, Seoul offers cool escapes
It's no secret that staying cool during a Seoul summer can be a challenge. But while the streets shimmer with heat, the city’s indoor attractions offer refreshingly creative ways to explore, relax and recharge. Whether you're a local seeking respite or a visitor on a summer adventure, Seoul’s diverse indoor destinations provide the cool — in more ways than one. Cool oasis in a green city One of Seoul’s most innovative green spaces, Seoul Botanic Park blends a traditional park with a large-scale
Aug. 16, 2025 -
Taiwanese tourists make up largest number of foreign visitors to Busan, favor iconic pork soup
Taiwanese have emerged as the largest group of foreign visitors to Busan, with a strong preference for the city’s iconic pork soup, dwaeji gukbap, according to recent data released by the Busan Tourism Organization. A survey of 15,796 Taiwanese visitors revealed that 66.9 percent ranked the pork soup as their favorite local dish, followed by Busan fish cakes (37.4 percent), seed-stuffed hotteok pancakes (22.4 percent) and grilled eel (19.4 percent). Multiple responses were allowed. From January
Aug. 15, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Andaz Seoul Gangnam’s Meat & Co. Steakhouse offers a summer six-course dinner menu through Sep. 14. Highlights include house-smoked salmon, grilled corn soup, half lobster and charcoal-grilled 1++ Korean sirloin. A flaming Baked Alaska dessert is served tableside. Every Friday features live jazz for a romantic fine dining experience. The course menu is 150,000 won per person, with an optional wine pairing for 65,000 won. Discounts are available through Naver reservations. Le Meridien Seoul Myeon
Aug. 15, 2025 -
Festivals, sights across Korea
The Taebaek Sunflower Festival, or Suff, runs through Sunday in Taebaek, Gangwon Province. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant field of 1 million sunflowers and cosmos flowers set against the scenic backdrop of Baekdudaegan and Nakdong mountain ranges at 800 meters above sea level. Activities include feeding goats, forest-guided walks and sampling local specialties. A variety of sunflower-based products are available for purchase, including sunflower oil and handmade artwork. Wildflower displays and cu
Aug. 15, 2025 -
A S. Korean city wanted 'Big Tree' landmark. It got a W34.4b letdown
A South Korean port city’s attempt to build a landmark attraction to draw visitors has run into public backlash, with critics calling its new 34.4 billion won ($24.8 million) “Big Tree” observation tower a costly disappointment. The Big Tree, which rises 46.5 meters in Changwon, southeastern South Korea, was inspired by the towering Supertrees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. It was designed to anchor Daesang Park, a public-private partnership development worth about 1 trillion won ($720 milli
Aug. 13, 2025 -
Seoul hotels roll out free-flow drink promotions to beat summer heat
With summer heat waves and heavy rains taking their toll on daily life, luxury hotels across Seoul are offering unlimited drink promotions to help guests cool off in comfort. The Westin Josun Seoul's Italian restaurant Rubrica is offering its "Surf & Turf" unlimited draft beer through Aug. 31. Guests can pair Heineken lager with lobster, lamb chops, abalone, shrimp and grilled vegetables, priced at 147,000 won for two people with a 20 percent discount. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul's Moon Bar is
Aug. 10, 2025 -
Local tourist spots face complaints over rude service, price gouging during peak season
Popular tourist spots in South Korea are facing renewed criticism over long-standing issues of rudeness, unsanitary conditions and inflated lodging prices, as the summer peak season draws large crowds of domestic tourists. In Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, a well-known restaurant sparked outrage after a female YouTuber posted a video on July 3 showing the owner berating her for dining alone. “Our place is not for a person to come alone. Eat quickly,” the owner is heard saying. When the customer a
Aug. 10, 2025 -
Discover Korea's best diving spots
Korea's coastlines offer stunning diving spots, inviting divers to explore their crystal-clear waters and unique marine ecosystems. Whether you’re a seasoned diver seeking thrilling depths or a beginner eager to explore vibrant marine ecosystems, Korea offers something for everyone. From the warm waters of Jeju Island to the rugged volcanic landscapes of Ulleungdo, these three destinations — Munseom Island, Ulleungdo and Jumunjin — are among the country’s best-kept secrets for diving enthusiasts
Aug. 9, 2025 -
More summer escapes: Cinema under a bridge, nighttime dip in the sea, a tranquil garden stroll
Believe it or not, autumn has officially begun in Korea. Thursday was "Ipchun" on the lunar calendar, marking the end of summer and the start of fall. While the days remain as hot as ever, mornings feel a tad bit cooler. Or is this just wishful thinking? Either way, The Korea Herald is back with some ways to stay cool this weekend. Seoul is hosting special movie screenings under Han River bridges for the next three Saturdays, while just outside the city, a serene garden inspired by traditional K
Aug. 8, 2025 -
Festivals, sights across Korea
The Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival, running from Friday to Aug. 14, commemorates Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s historic naval victory over Japanese invaders during the Great Battle of Hansan. Held in the coastal city of Tongyeong, the festival features reenactments of the Samdo naval guard ceremony, traditional military drills and the famed crane wing formation — a tactic first used in the battle. Visitors can witness Turtle Ships and local fishing boats recreating the strategic formation off Hansando
Aug. 8, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul earned Green Key certification on July 7 for its sustainable practices since opening in 2015. The certification recognizes efforts in energy efficiency, waste reduction and environmental education. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the hotel will host a “Flavor For Good” charity lunch at OUL on Aug. 31. The six-course meal by Executive Sous Chef Jeon Jae-ho includes seasonal Korean dishes and traditional liquor pairings. Tickets are 200,000 won per person, limited to 30
Aug. 8, 2025 -
Too close to Seoul to stand out? Gyeonggi bets on independent travelers to revive tourism
Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul and is home to over 13 million people, is rolling out a new strategy in hopes of attracting more international tourists. Despite being one of South Korea’s most accessible regions from the capital, trouble navigating often keeps foreign visitors away. In an attempt to address the situation, the province announced its “3.3.5.5 Strategy." Despite its size, access to the DMZ, and proximity to Incheon Airport, Gyeonggi Province’s share of foreign visitors dro
Aug. 6, 2025 -
Legoland Korea opens new water attraction ‘Marina Jets Bay’
Legoland Korea, a theme park opened in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, in 2022, is diving into summer with the official launch of “Marina Jets Bay,” a new water play attraction unveiled Friday. Spanning over 100 square meters, the interactive floor fountain was built with a 1.7 billion won ($1.2 million) investment and can accommodate up to 200 visitors at once. Located in the park’s recently expanded City zone between the popular Wave Racers and Coast Guard Academy rides, Marina Jets Bay is the la
Aug. 1, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Andaz Seoul Gangnam offers gourmet stay package featuring AI chef Andaz Seoul Gangnam is launching its “Bites & Bliss” package, combining a luxury stay with a high-tech culinary experience. The hotel offers a two-person set menu at its Bites & Wine restaurant, featuring dishes prepared by “Andi,” the hotel’s AI-powered robotic chef. Guests can choose two entrees from a selection that includes an AI-cooked steak sandwich, Bolognese pasta and seafood Alfredo, paired with two glasses of house wine.
Aug. 1, 2025