The Literature Translation Institute of Korea on Friday received the Order of Culture Merit from the Czech Republic for its contribution to cultural exchanges between the two countries. The medal was presented to Kim Seong-kon, the director of the state-run organization, by the Czech Culture Minister Alena Hanakova. The Czech minister, who visited LTI Korea’s office in southern Seoul to attend the special occasion, said she appreciated the group’s effort to promote Korean literature in her count

A harmony of technical martial art combined with musical flair

“Thrombocytopenia shortened my lifespan and made it difficult to walk. Yet taekwondo helped my body and mind immeasurably and even allowed me to kick.”These are the reflections of taekwondo grade holder Sheila Radziewicz who visited the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Kukkiwon. She decided to overcome her obstacles and fight her genetic disorder, which means she has no arms or kneecaps, and learn taekwondo. “Wow, I can’t believe I really did that,” she exclaimed. “A life’s path changed by taekwo

While bookstores are disappearing, book-themed cafes emerge as cultural spots

Theater“Shear Madness”: The Korean adaptation of the popular German play “Shear Madness” is back for its second run in Seoul. The play is one of the longest-running plays in the world, premiering back in 1963. The play takes place in a hair salon, which is owned by a gay hairdresser named George. After George and his flirty assistant Suji welcome two customers, one a wealthy housewife and the other an antique dealer, the landlady of the shop is murdered upstairs. The audience is asked to partici

HONG KONG (AFP) ― Trundling along slowly against a backdrop of glittering skyscrapers, Hong Kong’s trams are entering a new phase of their life but their well-loved retro look is here to stay.Since 2011 a handful of vehicles have had their wooden seats replaced and some now have air conditioning, but the network’s operator says that the small steps towards modernisation will remain subtle.The 109-year-old trams, fondly referred to as “ding ding” from the sound of their bells, retain a special pl

From Bourbon Street to the French Market, there is plenty to discover in the 300-year-old city

The hotel presents an “Enjoy Your 2013 Package” for warm and blissful relaxation away from the cold, available during the Lunar New Year from Feb. 8-11. The package includes a one-night stay in a room commanding a spectacular night view, and free access to the gym and swimming pool. In addition, families and couples can enjoy a memorable New Year holiday with the hotel’s complimentary gift, Yut Nori, a traditional board game. All guests will receive a body and hair gift set from KORRES, a presti

The hotel presents a Chinese New Year package from Feb. 7-12. The package comes in four types depending on room and services offered, and are priced from 180,000 won to 350,000 won, excluding tax and service charge. Package I includes a Business Deluxe Room, 10 percent discount at hotel restaurants, in-room espresso coffee, free access to the gym and swimming pool, and a coin book. Package II offers all the benefits from Package I plus a super salad, two bottles of mineral water and free use of

The hotel’s restaurant The Garden will offer a Valentine’s Day dinner this year for couples in search of a truly romantic dining experience. Reserved for only 20 couples, each couple will be seated at a table decorated with rose petals and candlelight, and served a six-course dinner accompanied by two glasses of sparkling wine. Courses will include lobster and king crab ceviche with caviar dressing, foie gras with fruit chutney, aglio olio pasta, Korean beef steak with Marsala sauce, and Grand M

The hotel will be hosting its renowned dessert buffet from Feb. 1 to March 31. At this year's buffet there will be three main sections to experience. In Section I guests will be offered strawberry pizza, classic French Frasier sponge cream cake, and rehrucken, a traditional German chocolate cake. In Section II guests can enjoy sugar-soaked strawberry compote, Italian panna cotta, macaroon, strawberry pie, cheesecake and more. Section III will provide fresh strawberries and a pink chocolate fount

The hotel introduces a brand new institution, the “Gentlemen’s Club.” The club features a variety of the world’s finest cognacs, as well as gourmet dining experiences. This month the theme of Gentlemen’s Club is “Cognac,” featuring cognac from Hennessey. The event will start off with a welcome cocktail reception, followed by a three-course gourmet meal served in a private room and accompanied by fine wines. Hennessey brand ambassador Arnaud Mirey will host the event, and participants will get an