Articles by Lee Si-jin
Lee Si-jin
sj_lee@heraldcorp.com-
[Reporter’s Notebook] Mohegan Inspire Resort to be new Incheon landmark… but not just yet
YEONGJONGDO, Incheon -- For many Koreans, heading to Yeongjongdo means excitement and thrills. The island -- located some 50 kilometers from Seoul -- has popular cafes, tasty seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches, but Yeongjongdo is visited mostly because of air travelers using the country’s main international gateway, Incheon International Airport. After Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort started its soft opening on Nov. 30 and hosted the Melon Music Awards (MMA), one of the nation&
Culture Dec. 18, 2023
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Haenam poised to become top travel destination for culture, history buffs
When searching for cities to visit and learn about the history of Korea, the capitals of old Korean kingdoms, such as Seoul; Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province; and Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, may be the first to come to mind. While all three cities boast ancient architecture, a rich cultural heritage and a unique appeal in their own right, there is a lesser known historical gem that is certainly worth a visit. Haenam -- a small county located close at the southernmost point of the Kore
Travel Dec. 16, 2023
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[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages
Moxy Seoul Myeongdong presents holiday season promotion Moxy Seoul Myeongdong, located in one of Seoul’s main tourist districts Myeong-dong, is offering a special holiday food promotion featuring a chop steak with Champagne. The juicy chop steak topped with the chef’s special sauce and a bottle of Beaumont Des Crayeres will be available during the holiday season. Two specialty cocktails -- the snow red velvet cocktail and the ruby mojito – are available as well. The promotional
Culture Dec. 15, 2023
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Revel in Christmas atmosphere outside of Seoul
Bonghwa, a remote county in North Gyeongsang Province, plans to create a memorable Christmas experience for visitors to the area, with a special opportunity to meet Santa Claus from Rovaniemi, Finland -- known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. The provincial government of North Gyeongsang Province on Monday confirmed the opening of its iconic Buncheon Santa Village on Saturday. The opening ceremony will feature dance performances, a concert by artists Lee Bo-ram and Woody, a marching
Travel Dec. 12, 2023
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S. Korea determined to become tourism powerhouse
With plans to prepare for the Visit Korea Year 2023-24 campaign, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is going all out to make Korea another Asian tourism powerhouse and create a more enjoyable tourism environment for domestic holidaymakers. In a press briefing in Seoul on Thursday, Jang Mi-ran -- the second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism -- expressed high hopes to turn Korea into an appealing destination for both foreigners and locals, exceeding pre-pandemic visitor levels
Travel Dec. 8, 2023
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Cheorwon to open complete Hantan River trail
Cheorwon, one of the coldest counties in Korea located in Gangwon Province, on Thursday announced that its iconic Hantan River trekking course is fully available for winter lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts, starting from Saturday. While the county initially unveiled the 5.15-kilometer trail that stretches from Jiktang Falls to Seungil Bridge in early November, starting this weekend tourists can walk the complete 8.5-kilometer trekking course to Goseokjeong Pavilion. Recognized for its u
Travel Dec. 8, 2023
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[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages
Park Hyatt Seoul unveils special winter cakes Park Hyatt Seoul, located on Gangnam's Teheran Road, presents two winter-themed cakes to elevate the year-end atmosphere with lovely desserts. Crafted with chocolate and sweet compote made from seasonal strawberries, the Christmas wreath cake brings profound sweetness and elegance to the table. Meanwhile, the fresh cream strawberry cake notches up the flavor with mascarpone cream. Cake reservations, which began Nov. 24, run through Dec. 20 via N
Culture Dec. 8, 2023
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Festivals to illuminate Seoul’s winter nights
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced it will hold the first-ever light festival at Songhyeon Green Plaza in Jongno-gu, central Seoul from Dec. 15. The 37,117 square-meter park opened to the public in October 2022 for the first time in 110 years since the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945). Under the theme of “Experiencing Nature in Mysterious Light Garden,” the 2023 Light Festa in Songhyeon will feature six different exhibition spaces, including "Shadow Forest," "
Travel Dec. 3, 2023
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[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea
Yuseong Christmas Festival Yuseong Christmas Festival is scheduled to take place at Yuseong Hot Springs and its nearby park in Daejeon. The three-day event, which starts from Friday and runs through Sunday, features a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of Yuseong Hot Springs’ water screen at 6 p.m. A special Christmas market, featuring wine, candles, Christmas trees and Yuseong-themed merchandise, will run throughout the festival period as well. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p
Travel Dec. 1, 2023
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[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages
Sheraton Grand Incheon presents seasonal food promotion Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel’s restaurant, Feast, presents a “Festive Wonderland” of grilled beef, seafood and unlimited rose sparkling wine and beer throughout December. The promotion showcases American-style pork rib barbecue, roast beef, duck and steamed seafood. Guests can also enjoy cuisines ranging from traditional Korean to Chinese and Japanese. Children can munch on mini hot dogs, chicken nuggets and chocolate fond
Culture Dec. 1, 2023
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CHA to expand assistance for buried cultural heritage excavation
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced Tuesday that the agency will expand its support for buried cultural heritages next year with the aim of protecting South Korea’s historical sites, artifacts and monuments while relieving financial burdens for those whose projects involve small-sized buried heritages. The CHA emphasized that the assistance for buried cultural heritages will include not only small-scale excavations, but also examination of buried sites prior to the uncovering pr
Culture Nov. 29, 2023
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Jeju Island offers many choices for holidaymakers with pets
If you visit Jeju Island, popular tourist spots, well-known landmarks, Instagrammable cafes and restaurants may be filled not only with holidaymakers but also with their pet dogs. A total of 307 pet-friendly destinations beckon pet owners looking to enjoy the southern resort island, worry-free. It is an increase of 130 places from 2022, taking into consideration the 23 spots that closed this year, according to Jeju Tourism Organization. Recognizing that most pet-welcoming places are restaurants
Travel Nov. 25, 2023
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[Well-curated] Seokchon Lake light festival, indoor zoo and Singaporean fashion
Enjoy luminous night view at Seokchon Lake With the days getting shorter, more light festivals illuminating the long dark nights of winter are on their way. Seokchon Lake -- a popular destination for watching cherry blossoms in spring --- in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul, seeks to become a beautiful night view spot. The lake’s 4.17-kilometer circular walking trail is decorated with various lamps, lanterns and media art, entertaining those who stop by. While strolling along the path, you can s
Culture Nov. 24, 2023
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[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea
Haeundae Lighting Festival, Busan One of Busan’s most famous winter festivals is set to begin on Dec. 2 and runs through Jan. 31 at areas around Haeundae Beach in the southeastern city. The special lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place at the event square at Haeundae Beach at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2. The festival features various light fixtures, lanterns and media art on display to entertain those who stop by. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Market, Gu
Travel Nov. 24, 2023
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‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ whets appetite for next ‘Squid Game’
The poster for a new Netflix original showing contestants wearing iconic green tracksuits might have confused some people into thinking that long-anticipated “Squid Game Season 2” may have come out sooner than expected. But what they mistook as Season 2 of the international hit series is actually “Squid Game: The Challenge,” a US-made survival reality show based on the South Korean phenomenon, “Squid Game.” With the same number of participants, unique game set
Culture Nov. 23, 2023
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