In the “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty,” it is recorded that when Lee Ji-ham (1517-1578), who served as Asan County chief at the age of 62, died three months after his inauguration, local residents poured out into the streets, shedding tears in mourning. Why were the people so stricken by his death? Lee, who excelled in science, math, medicine, astronomy and geography, also studied the art of fengshui under the noted scholar Hwaam Seo Gyeong-deok. Lee was born into the prestigious fa

Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Geungnaksa is a quiet, beautiful place. Surrounded by Gubongsan and a small creek running beside the temple compound, the temple looks well situated, even to someone who doesn’t know geomancy. The Ven. Yeogeo is well known to the general public as a teacher of temple food. Emphasizing the value of seasonal ingredients, she creates different dishes every season based on the veggies, fruits, and flowers available to be harvested from the mountains and f

Leeum Museum of Art has announced artist Cha Jae-min as the winner of “Artspectrum 2022,” the museum’s biennial exhibition that aims to introduce emerging young artists. The exhibition has been a gateway for many Korean artists who enjoy international renown today. The museum’s first exhibition of the year presented eight emerging Korean artists from different fields of art -- video artist Cha Jae-min, installation artist Kim Dong-hee, participatory artist Kim Mo, insta

Indian writer Geetanjali Shree and American translator Daisy Rockwell won the International Booker Prize on Thursday for “Tomb of Sand,” a vibrant novel with a boundary-crossing 80-year-old heroine. 　Originally written in Hindi, it‘s the first book in any Indian language to win the high-profile award, which recognizes fiction from around the world that has been translated into English. The 50,000-pound ($63,000) prize money will be split between New Delhi-based Shree and Ro

If you are a big fan of director Tim Burton or an even bigger fan of his “Edward Scissorhands,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or “Alice in Wonderland,” you won’t want to miss a special exhibition now in Seoul. “The World of Tim Burton” traces the footsteps of the iconic American director, presenting around 520 of Burton’s unique artworks across mediums such as paintings, drawings and photos. As part of the retrospective’s

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul offers homemade bingsu The Lounge, the premium lounge destination in the eighth-floor reception lobby at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, celebrates the arrival of summer with three varieties of homemade iced bingsu dessert, available until Sept. 18. Annual bestseller Jeju Apple Mango Bingsu, the Lounge’s signature summer dessert, features mango pearls topped with a whole sliced apple mango. Ocean Bingsu, newly created for 2022, features blue pearls topped with blue Cu

Gokseong International Rose Festival The Gokseong International Rose Festival is set to run from May 21 to June 6 at Seomjingang Train Village in Gokseong, South Jeolla Province. The annual event presents 1,004 types of roses from around the world to delight flower-loving visitors and offer splendid photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant beauty of roses from a railbike or take part in a hands-on activity. Various programs have been prepared, including concerts ranging from folk,

JEJU ISLAND -- The island of Jeju in recent years has become a popular destination among young people who go museum-hopping, try out new water sports and party the night away at guest houses. However, getting to know the people of Jeju and their lifestyles can be an eye-opening experience that will make you appreciate the volcanic island that is more than just a getaway destination. As a way to enjoy Jeju, online travel platform Jeju Pass connects users with Jeju residents with their own stor

International relations scholar gives fuller picture of the country with snapshots of pivotal moments in its history

Hiking ranks as one of the top attractions on foreigners’ to-do lists when visiting Seoul, a recent survey showed, but some raised concerns over the lack of information available. A survey conducted in April showed 83 percent of foreigners in the “Generation MZ” group -- categorized as those in their 20s to 30s in the survey -- would be willing to go on a hike while in Seoul. In order to gauge the interests of potential incoming tourists, the joint survey was conducted by th

Lee Hwa-rang, a 26-year-old Seoul resident, considered herself “completely illiterate” when it came to art. That is, before she became a fan of rapper Kim Nam-joon, or RM from BTS, a well-known art collector. She then started to take what the fandom calls the “RM Tour” -- visiting the museums and galleries he frequents. “I started to go to exhibitions last year. At first, I was curious what he would have felt seeing those art works,” Lee said. “I tho

The Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation are jointly hosting “Invitation to Gyeongbokgung’s Kitchen” at the Sojubang complex of Gyeongbokgung from June 8-20. Visitors can choose between the Saenggwabang and Sikdorak programs. The Saenggwabang program includes a live performance of gugak, Korean traditional music, playing in the background during the meal. The Sikdorak program offers detailed explanations of royal cuisine and drinks giv