Guro-gu, a district in western Seoul, will beckon reading enthusiasts with a book festival at Anyangcheon Stream’s water park from Sept. 28 to 29. The 12th edition of Guro Book Festival, titled “Humanism 2.0,” will offer hands-on activities and an exhibition, hosted by the district-based libraries and Guro Cultural Center. Starting with a quiz at 11 a.m. on the opening day, the book lovers of all ages can enjoy live-drawing performance, mime show, poetry recitation and more. Ki

Travel Sept. 13, 2024

Grand Hyatt Seoul unveils promotion for Hannam-dong experience Grand Hyatt Seoul, located in Yongsan-gu, central Seoul, presents a new promotion, “Seoul Style Getaway,” offering guests an opportunity to enjoy some of the trending spots in the upscale neighborhood of Hannam-dong. Guests are presented with a set of coupons that offer discounts and special gifts in Hannam-dong-based fashion and beauty brands, including Depound, Le Mont St Michel, Supra and more. The hotel offers a guide

Travel Sept. 13, 2024

With the days getting shorter, a crisp breeze in the morning and late at night, one can feel fall is just around the corner. Fall flower events around the country are a sure sign of the arrival of autumn. Starting Friday, Hadong -- a small county in South Gyeongsang Province -- will begin its 17-day cosmos flower festival, attracting tourists with cosmos, buckwheat and other hands-on agricultural programs. This annual fall festival is the earliest fall event featuring a fall flower in South Kore

Travel Sept. 9, 2024

With the growing trend of beer festivals across Seoul, many districts are joining the movement, with Seorim Happiness Beer Festival in Gwanak-gu and Baekmaek Festival in Gangbuk-gu having concluded their two-day events on Saturday. By the end of this year, over half of Seoul’s 25 districts will have hosted or sponsored beer festivals, reflecting a wider city initiative to boost nightlife and promote local food culture. While beer festivals have long been popular in regions with cultural ti

Travel Sept. 8, 2024

Staycation at a pet-friendly hotel or pension is not likely to be a mere passing fad in South Korea -- a country where almost 15 million people or 30 percent of the total population, as of 2023, are estimated to live with at least one companion animal according to data by Korea Rural Economic Institute. In a country where 30 percent of the population owns a pet, a growing number of accommodations are catering to guests' furry friends, with hotels even designating some rooms exclusively for

Travel Sept. 7, 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo offers Teenieping-themed package DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, is collaborating with hit animation “Catch! Teenieping.” The “Teenieping Adventure” package offers a one-night stay with breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Demeter, for three guests, an animation character-themed suitcase with a name tag, tickets to the nearby “Catch! Teenieping” theme park and access to the hotel swimmi

Travel Sept. 6, 2024

Customize smartphone cases at Casetify Buying new accessories for and decorating your smartphone might be some of the easiest ways to refresh your look nowadays. Though there are many unmanned stores and pop-up shops featuring smartphone-themed merchandise, pay a visit to Casetify to customize your phone covers with the inspiration-filled designs. Located at the second basement floor of The Hyundai Seoul -- the biggest department store in Yeongdeungpo-gu, western Seoul, Casetify displays a wide

Culture Sept. 6, 2024

ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province -- Andong, a city in the center of North Gyeongsang Province, is a go-to destination for a truly traditional Korean experience where well-preserved cultural heritage abounds. Ranging from the historic Korean Confucian academy Byeongsan Seowon to the old homes of prominent "seonbi" -- virtuous scholars who tried to lead lives of integrity -- of the Joseon era (1392-1910), every corner of the city is a feast for the eyes. A cluster of traditional Korean

Travel Aug. 31, 2024

The popularity of an East Asian hackberry tree in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, that shot to nationwide fame following its appearance in megahit legal drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” (2022) seems to have cooled off as of late. The small, quiet village of Bukbu-ri was overflowing with travelers and TV drama fans from across the country who had come to see the 500-year-old protected tree, also known as “Sodeok-dong paengnamu,” in the TV series. The sensational t

Travel Aug. 30, 2024

Songpa-gu, a district in eastern Seoul, hopes to guide local and overseas travelers to memorable experiences with it’s restaurant guide book “Eat Local Songpa.” Home to popular dining and shopping spots such as Lotte World Mall and Songridan-gil, a street filled with trendy cafes and artsy restaurants, Songpa-gu is a go-to date spot for many Koreans. The guide book contains detailed information for a total of 183 shops, restaurants, tourist destinations and places to experience

Travel Aug. 30, 2024

Grand Hyatt Seoul collaborates with Valrhona Grand Hyatt Seoul, located in Yongsan-gu, central Seoul, is scheduled to offer a new afternoon tea promotion featuring various chocolates at Gallery, its lobby lounge cafe, from Sept. 2 to Nov. 30. The collaboration with French premium chocolate brand Valrhona offers desserts created from recipes by pastry chef Guillaume Lopvet, allowing hotel’s guests to enjoy a gastronomic journey featuring seasonal fruits and Valrhona chocolate. The main afte

Travel Aug. 30, 2024

The Korea Tourism Organization announced 25 award-winning items for the 2024 Korea Tourist Souvenir Contest, each showcasing beauty and charms of Korea. The contest, held by the organization in May, received 580 applications of creative souvenirs under 300,000 won ($225). Gamseonok Original Set, a premium dessert box featuring iconic regional specialties like the dried persimmons of Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, won the top prize this year. The gold prize went to Aengganghyangcha, a medi

Culture Aug. 28, 2024

While Haeundae Beach and Sonjeong Beach -- two of South Korea’s popular summer getaways in the southern port city of Busan -- are set to close later this week, the southern port city still has plenty of exciting festivals to offer visitors from across the country. Gangseo-gu, the district in western Busan, will hold a festival themed around "jeoneo," dotted gizzard shad, at Myeongji Market, offering tourists to taste the fresh raw fish, a beloved seasonal food. The festival, whic

Travel Aug. 25, 2024

The Korea Tourism Organization announced that a special campaign aimed at promoting the Korea Dulle Trail will run through Nov. 30, offering gifts, mobile certificates and more. The Korea Dulle Trail is a 4,500-kilometer walking trail that circles South Korea, including its east, west and south coasts and the border area of the Demilitarized Zone. Hoping to satisfy local and overseas trekking enthusiasts who wish to discover charms of South Korea with their feet firmly on the ground, the trail w

Culture Aug. 24, 2024

Signing up for hagwon, private academies in South Korea, or applying for weekly cultural programs at local community centers have been some of the go-to ways for Koreans to learn new skills and techniques. While those traditional options often require a significant time commitment, a growing trend has emerged: one-day classes. These short-term programs offer a convenient and efficient way to explore diverse hobbies and discover new passions. From flower arranging and jewelry making to perfume

Travel Aug. 22, 2024