After criticism for mid-summer closures, Seoul extends public pool season for 2025

Public swimming pools along the Han River closed in the middle of heat waves this summer, even as the scorching temperatures persisted till the end of August. Next year, the outdoor pools will remain open till the end of August, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Tuesday. “We will do our best to prepare so that more people can enjoy swimming in the Han River pools throughout the summer next year,” said Joo Young-tae, an official with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. In 202

Sept. 3, 2024

Tickets for premium seats in Busan Fireworks Festival available from Monday

Busan city government will open sales for the 19th Busan Fireworks Festival at 2 p.m. on Monday. Tickets for the event, set for Nov. 9, will be available through Yest24 Ticket's website and the mobile banking application of BNK Busan Bank. The festival, which takes place annually around Busan’s landmark Gwangan Bridge, draws about a million people to Gwangalli Beach every year to see the 1-hour firework show. The premium seats will be installed on the shore in front of Homers Hotel

Sept. 2, 2024

Borrowing nature for one-of-a-kind stay

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

Aug. 31, 2024

[Photo News] Lonely hackberry in Changwon

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

Aug. 30, 2024

Songpa-gu presents new guide book

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

Aug. 30, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

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

Aug. 30, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

DongGang photo festival The longest-running annual festival of photography in Korea since 2002, the DongGang International Photo Festival is the go-to for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists. The festival -- held at the DongGang Museum of Photography in Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon Province, and around the museum -- looks at the history of photography and photos by artists from Korea and overseas. The event will end Sept. 29. Admission costs 3,000 won. Go to dgphotofestival.com for more informati

Aug. 30, 2024

Busan entertains with seasonal fish, Dongnae mask dance

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

Aug. 25, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Busking in Sillim-dong Check out street music, a flea market and restaurants all in one venue right next to Sillim Station Exits No. 3 and 4, a vibrant commercial neighborhood in Gwanak-gu’s Sillim-dong. The Sinsary Festival will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays until Nov. 9. Interactive activities like terrarium-making are planned. Check out the festival’s official Instagram @sinsary100. Seoul Fringe Festival Don’t miss out

Aug. 23, 2024

Experience the magic of Korean crafts in just 1 hour

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

Aug. 22, 2024

Gyeongju to offer nighttime walking tours

Gyeongju has announced that the city will offer nighttime walking tours for families from early September to November. The trip is available for children above age 9 and their parents, allowing participants to explore Gyeongju’s iconic cultural heritage sites -- such as the Daereungwon complex of 23 ancient tombs dating to the Silla period and the Gyerim, a small forest -- with a guide to the city’s cultural heritage and history. Travelers are asked to make their reservations online

Aug. 21, 2024

Island cafes with beach vibes for dog days of summer

INCHEON -- Seoul may be one of the world's great coffee cities with its abundance of coffee shops -- there is a coffee shop on practically every corner in any Seoul neighborhood. And these coffeehouses beckon visitors with unique themes, ranging from animal cafes to cafes for listening to vinyl. But if you are looking for a cafe with a stunning ocean view, a trip to islands off Incheon will never let you down. Aside from breathtaking views of the West Sea, coffee shops’ palm trees, pa

Aug. 17, 2024

Jeonju City helps visitors chill at iconic hanok village

The Hanok Village in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, has a cool if unexpected addition for the summer: ice. According to a city official, large ice blocks -- each measuring 1.2 meter in height, 0.6 meter in length, and 0.25 meter in width -- will be displayed at 20 popular travel spots within the hanok village, including Taejo-ro, Hyanggyo-gil, Eunhaeng-ro and more. The ice is one of several measures introduced by the city government to help tourists cope with the ongoing heat wave and enjoy the

Aug. 16, 2024

[Photo News] Wando's Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach entertains vacationers with diverse programs

Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach, a popular coastal getaway known for its 4-kilometer stretch of silver sand on Wando, South Jeolla Province, is set to captivate visitors with stunning sand art from August to mid-October. Created by three local sand artists, including Choi Ji-hun, these sand sculptures provide new photo opportunities for holidaymakers enjoying the sea and for those who prefer a leisurely barefoot stroll along the shoreline. Travelers can also enjoy free water sports activities at the b

Aug. 16, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Night Stroll around Jinjuseong A nighttime walk around the storied Jinjuseong in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, is one way to relax as the fortress lights up between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. through Aug. 25. Installations set up around the fortress make for the best spots for photos, while the lights alone render the night nostalgic enough for repeat visits. Heat shelters are open nearby although without air-conditioning. There is no admission fee. For more information go to mediaartjinju.com.

Aug. 16, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers summer holiday promotion for late vacationers Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, located in Songpa-gu, southeastern Seoul, presents the “Cheers to the Sunset” package to enjoy summer at the hotel. Guests stay in rooms with a view of Seokchon Lake and free access to the hotel’s bar Latitude32 on the top floor, with a 20 percent discount at the hotel’s restaurant. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., guests can enjoy unlimited wine and highball cocktails with

Aug. 16, 2024

Nighttime tours, programs for tropical nights

Popular travel destinations around the country beckon visitors with nighttime programs and festivals to entertain those planning short trips or weekend getaways to escape the scorching summer heat. Jinju, a city in South Gyeongsang Province, has organized Jinju Culture Night, running from Thursday to Saturday at Jinjuseong. Every corner of the fortress offers historical and cultural experiences, including a night market, musical performances and a nighttime stroll along the fortress walls. The h

Aug. 15, 2024

Take quiet morning stroll at Changdeokgung garden

A unique chance to experience the garden of Changdeokgung in the quiet calm of morning will be available Aug. 22-25. The Joseon-period palace garden will open at 7:30 a.m. for four days, allowing visitors to explore the naturally landscaped garden for 90 minutes before general admissions begin. To take part, a 10,000 won ticket should be purchased through the booking website Interpark. Each session is limited to 25 persons on a first come, first served basis. Ticket holders will be briefed on th

Aug. 13, 2024

Mugunghwa festival, events celebrate Liberation Day

Liberation Day on Aug. 15 will be a great time to take in the beauty of South Korea’s national flower “mugunghwa,” or Rose of Sharon, according to Korea Forest Service. Commemorating the country’s history and the sacrifice of Korean independence fighters, a variety of mugunghwa-themed events will be held at arboretums and tourist destinations across the country. Chollipo Arboretum, located in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, will entertain visitors with a mugunghwa-rela

Aug. 13, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Legoland Korea Resort holds pop-up event for children Legoland Korea Resort in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, presents the new pop-up event “Lego Dreamz,” running until Sept. 12. Children can play with Lego bricks to design their own creations at the pop-up zone. Visitors can also experience the “mission portal” event that allows them to receive "dream chaser" gifts, including a dream chaser license, lanyard and Legoland badge. After completing a survey, visitors

Aug. 9, 2024