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Discovering fermentation culture in Sunchang
Nestled in a misty basin along the Seomjin River, Sunchang is more than just a quiet rural town in North Jeolla Province — it's a hub of flavor, tradition and science. Widely known as Korea’s “fermentation capital,” the town is drawing fresh attention after Korean jang-making was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2024. Sunchang's humid microclimate offers ideal conditions for fermentation, with foggy days averaging 77 per year, 10 to 20 percent higher than other
June 19, 2025 -
Korea’s extra holidays fuel travel abroad, not local economy: National Assembly report
A recent National Assembly Research Service indicated that temporary public holidays are not boosting domestic spending; instead, they are resulting in increased overseas travel. Released Thursday, the report examined the impact of this year’s extended Seollal New Year holiday in January, when the government added a temporary holiday on the 27th. That move created a six-day break, intended to encourage local consumption. Instead of spending more at home, nearly 3 million South Koreans went abroa
June 15, 2025 -
Set deep in nature, Jangheung emerges as refreshing getaway
Tucked away in South Jeolla Province and long overshadowed by Korea’s more popular tourist hubs, Jangheung is fast emerging as a haven for travelers seeking healing, tranquility and a deep breath of fresh air. With its expansive forests, therapeutic landscapes and immersive cultural sites, this southern gem offers a restorative escape from the noise and speed of modern life. From majestic mountains and healing woodlands to serene temples and unique cultural landmarks, Jangheung invites visitors
June 14, 2025 -
Jeju Shinhwa World hosts ‘Viva Latino’ festival celebrating Latin American culture
Jeju Shinhwa World is launching a vibrant cultural celebration, “Viva Latino,” running from Friday to June 30, highlighting the diverse cuisine, traditions and artistry of Latin America. The festival offers visitors an immersive experience through food, film and visual storytelling across the resort. The Latin Gourmet Festival, taking place from June 16-29, at Sky on 5 Dining, will feature chefs recommended by the embassies of Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. Guests will be able to sample auth
June 13, 2025 -
Festivals, sights across Korea
The annual Eumseong Pumba Festival runs until Sunday, celebrating traditional Korean street performance culture. The festival features a national pumba parade and pumba rap battles. Visitors can try making bibimbap and take part in other traditional activities. Pumba, originating from Korean street songs, symbolizes the healing of social inequality through humor. The free festival honors philanthropist Choi Gwi-dong's legacy in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province. The 35th Hansan Mosi Cultural
June 13, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Park Hyatt Seoul’s Italian restaurant, Cornerstone, is introducing two summer dinner courses. The Nobile six-course dinner (189,000 won) highlights Sardinia, Sicily, Campania and Apulia with refined regional dishes, including seafood salad Nero di Mare, Amalfi-style squid ink linguine and grilled Hanwoo tenderloin. Dessert options include Sardinian seadas with saffron honey and pistachio gelato almond cake. The Signature five-course dinner (119,000 won) offers a classic Italian experience, start
June 13, 2025 -
Over 10m people travel between S. Korea, Japan in first 5 months in 2025
More than 10 million air passengers traveled on routes between South Korea and Japan in the January–May period, despite the strengthening yen, the transport ministry said Sunday. A record 11.25 million passengers flew between South Korea and Japan during the first five months of the year, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a press release. The figure represents a 10.7 percent increase from the 10.16 million recorded during the same period last year and a 19.8 percent rise
June 8, 2025 -
Airbnb CEO seeks closer ties with K-pop group Seventeen
In short-term lodging, experience could matter just as much or more than the spaces themselves, which is why a collaboration with a K-pop group such as Seventeen is rewarding, according to Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. At a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday, the vacation rental platform CEO recalled working with K-pop group Seventeen last year, a project Chesky said had proved to be hugely popular with not only Seventeen fans, but Airbnb travelers as a whole, because of the unique
June 7, 2025 -
Find inspiration through fragrance, film and faith
In a city always on the move, quiet corners of Seoul invite you to slow down and explore something more personal this weekend — whether it's crafting a signature perfume, sifting through cinematic treasures in a film lover’s basement or rediscovering biblical figures through contemporary art. Craft your signature scent at perfume studio Rettre, a perfume studio, offers an experience that blends creativity, introspection and fragrance. With its one-day perfume-making class, Rettre invites visitor
June 6, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul launches summer afternoon tea Four Seasons Hotel Seoul unveiled its 101 Days of Summer Afternoon Tea, available daily until Sept. 9 at the hotel’s Maru lounge. The afternoon tea features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors, blending Korean culture with French techniques. Executive pastry chef Steven Jin offers inventive dishes such as king crab tartlet with Korean cucumber, Peking duck rillette with sweet peaches and summer cherry tartlet. The accompanying 1
June 6, 2025 -
Festivals, sights across Korea
Through June 22, hydrangeas of 200 different varieties in full bloom will be the highlight at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The Secret Garden, one of the many gardens and trails at Morning Calm, touts a hydrangea field at its peak, with elaborate installations making for photo opportunities. The garden is open year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission for adults is 11,000 won with discounts for children. Catch a glimpse of what 19th-century life looked like on Je
June 6, 2025 -
Beach getaways this summer
Summer starts at the beach. This rings truer than ever now for Koreans, caught off guard by an exceptionally hot morning last month that recorded 23 degrees Celsius, the highest morning temperature for that month in 118 years. The unusual climate condition has sent officials at beach towns from Incheon to Busan scrambling to open up their hot spots as early as late this month. First in line is Haeundae Beach, known for its white sand, shallow waters and calm waves. The beach along the east coast
June 5, 2025