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Seoul’s top spots for book lovers this fall
In a city defined by screens and speed, many Seoulites are finding comfort in turning real pages again, trading scrolling for reading as a new form of rest. According to a September survey by the Korean Publishers Association, 87.8 percent of South Koreans read at least one paper book in 2024. The largest share said they read “to broaden their knowledge and become cultured,” followed by those seeking fun, self-improvement or emotional healing. As reading gains traction as a fashionable hobby, ca
Nov. 4, 2025 -
Everland offers three autumn healing routes blending foliage, fantasy and spa
With peak foliage setting in across much of Korea, Everland is pitching a trio of fall experiences — colorful trails, fantasy-themed attractions and spa time. The park said visitors this week will find the grounds at their autumnal best, from the crimson maples along the 1-kilometer Sky Garden path to the golden tunnel of gingko trees near the Rose Garden. At the Four Seasons Garden, marigolds, globe amaranths and pampas grass add to the scenery. For thrill-seekers, the park’s rides offer elevat
Nov. 3, 2025 -
Walking through Yangdong Village, where time appears to stand still
GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — Nestled 16 kilometers northeast of Gyeongju, Yangdong Village offers visitors a glimpse into the past where tiled-roof hanok, thatched cottages and the rhythm of Confucian life remain preserved amid the hum of the 21st century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, Yangdong is not a museum but a living community, home mainly to descendants of the Wolseong Son and Yeogang Yi clans. The village unfolds along Hyeongsan River on the Angang plain, a
Nov. 2, 2025 -
Tasty eats on Gyeongju's Hwangnidan-gil
GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — On a weekday afternoon, Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju hums with energy. Despite a steady drizzle, tourists crowd the narrow street, umbrellas bumping lightly as they pause at food stalls and boutique shops. Once a quiet neighborhood surrounding the historic Hwangnam-dong area, Hwangnidan-gil has transformed into Gyeongju’s liveliest culinary corridor. The street is lined with renovated hanok buildings, blending old-world charm with contemporary flavors, and dur
Oct. 30, 2025 -
Where APEC happens: Gyeongju's 4 key venues for summits and meetings
As Gyeongju hosts the APEC 2025 summit, several key sites across the city have taken center stage. From the main conference hall to the leaders’ banquet venue and accompanying exhibitions, here are four key locations where the international event is unfolding. The main stage for the APEC summit is the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center, or HICO, located inside the city’s World Expo Grand Park. The venue embodies Gyeongju’s cultural heritage and the legacy of the ancient Silla Kingd
Oct. 29, 2025 -
KTO spotlights Gyeongju’s heritage, nature and attractions
The ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, home to a thousand years of Korean history, is set to welcome the world for APEC 2025. The Korea Tourism Organization introduced three destinations in Gyeongju themed around time, nature and experience to highlight the city’s evolving identity. Under the slogan “New Heritage Gyeongju,” the KTO showcases how the city’s deep-rooted traditions merge with contemporary culture. The OAR Contemporary Art Museum, designed by renowned architect Yoo Hyun-joon and
Oct. 28, 2025 -
Hanbok fashion show to illuminate Gyeongju’s Woljeonggyo
A hanbok fashion show blending Korea’s “Five Han” cultural elements — hanbok, hansik (Korean cuisine), hanok (traditional architecture), hanji (Korean mulberry paper) and Hangeul (Korean writing system) — will take place at Woljeonggyo in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday, marking the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Co-hosted by North Gyeongsang Province, the city of Gyeongju and the Korea Hanbok Promotion Institute, the event aims to showcase the beauty of traditional Kor
Oct. 28, 2025 -
KTO hosts K-beauty, medical fair in Japan to boost medical tourism
The Korea Tourism Organization announced on Monday its hosting of the 2025 Korea Beauty & Medical Fair in Japan, the largest source of medical tourists to Korea, through Tuesday. The fair opened in Tokyo on Friday, drawing over 10,000 visitors, and continues in Osaka through Tuesday. Japanese actor Kyoko Hasegawa was appointed as Korea’s honorary tourism ambassador and, during a talk, shared her travel experiences in Korea. According to KTO, Japan accounted for over 37 percent of Korea’s 1.17 mi
Oct. 27, 2025 -
Namwon: City of love, art and timeless stories
NAMWON, North Jeolla Province — Known as the backdrop of Korea’s beloved folktale “The Story of Chunhyang,” Namwon is a city where romance, tradition and creativity meet. Nestled in the foot of Jirisan, this “City of Love” celebrates not only the legendary devotion of Chunhyang and Lee Mong-ryong but also its deep cultural roots that stretch across centuries. Timeless tale of Chunhyang The story that made Namwon famous tells of Lee Mong-ryong, the son of a nobleman, and Chunhyang, the daughter o
Oct. 25, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong’s “Turkey To-Go” La Palette Paris, the all-day dining restaurant at Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong, presents "Turkey To-Go" — a gourmet Thanksgiving takeout set available until Dec. 3. Perfect for home celebrations, the set includes over 10 chef-created dishes, featuring tender roast turkey, smoked salmon, seafood mac & cheese and pumpkin tiramisu. A complimentary bottle of red wine completes the festive feast. Priced at 350,000 won, orders must be placed at least thre
Oct. 24, 2025 -
Festivals, sights across Korea
The Gangjinman Bay Dancing Reed Festival takes place from Saturday through Nov. 2 at Gangjinman Ecological Park, a rich wetland habitat home to 1,572 species. Set against the stunning backdrop of autumn reeds and sunsets, the festival offers a wide range of programs for all ages. Visitors can enjoy reed trail walks, live music concerts, children’s sing-alongs, and hands-on experiences like crafting reed wreaths, catching freshwater eels and making eco-friendly keychains. Special attractions for
Oct. 24, 2025 -
Cheomseongdae observatory lights up with star-themed media facade for APEC summit
GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of Asia’s oldest surviving astronomical observatories and a symbol of Silla-era astronomy, has been transformed into a nighttime spectacle ahead of the 2025 APEC summit. On Monday, the Korea Heritage Service and the city of Gyeongju launched a special projection mapping show titled “Time of the Stars” at the observatory’s exterior. The media facade will be presented nightly through Nov. 1, coinciding with the APEC summit. The o
Oct. 20, 2025 -
Gyeongju: Ancient city welcomes the world to APEC 2025
GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — The historic city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province will soon be in the global spotlight as it hosts the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC to 935), Gyeongju has long been a city where the past and present seamlessly coexist, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Korea's rich cultural heritage while experiencing world-class hospitality. Known as the "museum witho
Oct. 18, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Grand Hyatt Seoul launches limited-edition Honeycomb Delight Cake Grand Hyatt Seoul unveils its signature dessert, the Honeycomb Delight Cake, at its premium bakery, The Deli. Made with freshly harvested Namsan Honey from the hotel’s Urban Bee Project, the cake reflects the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and urban biodiversity. The cake features a delicate honey yogurt mousse, golden honey jelly and apricot compote, all inspired by the natural sweetness of city-grown honey. Designed to res
Oct. 17, 2025 -
Festivals, sights across Korea
The 2025 Korean Heritage Media Art: A Spotlight on Heritage is taking place across various heritage sites throughout South Korea and runs through Nov. 16. This nationwide festival organized by the Korea Heritage Service, now in its fifth year, showcases Korea’s cultural heritage through immersive media art, reimagining historical landmarks with light, sound and projection. In Gunsan, the former Customs House highlights the city’s modern history, while Jinju Fortress presents a futuristic citysca
Oct. 17, 2025