Korean actor Cha Ji-yeon made her debut on the musical stage in 2006 as Rafiki, the wise monkey and advisor to the king, in “The Lion King." She was working as an office worker when she got the role after years of discouraging auditions and falling victim to scams in her attempt to rekindle her passion for music and performance. As a child, she had performed alongside her maternal grandfather and uncle, both esteemed masters of "pansori gosu," the skilled drummers who perfor

When it comes to building a public space, the Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Diébédo Francis Kéré does not consider people as “passive receivers,” but as owners of the building. “In public buildings in Africa, it is often the case that no one feels responsible for the building. Things are broken, and no one takes (the time) to fix it. You have the feeling it’s owned by the government -- but who is the government? It will be different if peo

Gou's summer hit 'Nanana' tops European charts as she does live gigs back-to-back around the globe

In the heart of Korea's culinary landscape, a gradual but steady transformation is taking place—one that extends beyond the palates of the vegan community. The Korean vegan dining scene, once confined to niche corners, is blossoming into a culinary culture. What was once seen as a mere substitute has now evolved into an exciting tasting journey that beckons not only vegans but food enthusiasts from all walks of life. Standing at the vanguard of this paradigm shift is "Jumjumjumju

An exhibition that highlights the art of dedicated craft through porcelain and ox horn inlay artwork is set to take place at Yeol Bukchonga in Anguk-dong, central Seoul until Sept. 23, the Korean Heritage Preservation Society -- also known as Yeol -- announced Thursday during a press conference held in the exhibition space. Dubbed "Woobomanri: An Enduring Walk Towards Purity," the exhibition celebrates the stewardship of traditional craftsmen and artists in pursuit of aesthetics and

“When I started learning 'gochang nongak,' it was completely different from anything I had learned before," said Jeong Ha-rin, an amateur gochang nongak performer from Busan. “Now, gochang nongak brings me so much joy. It became an escape from life's heaviness and seriousness,” Jeong added. Gochang nongak is a type of traditional music developed by farmers in Gochang, North Jeolla Province. “My father was a member of the Korean traditional art's c

To foster and provide support for young and emerging artists, enabling them to expand their artistic ventures and achieve sustainable economic livelihoods, the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture has launched a three-month program encompassing seminars, talk concerts and consultation sessions. Named "Artist, Life, Insight!" this event is scheduled to take place from Sept. 1 to Nov. 20 at the Seoul Artists Support Center situated in Jongno-gu, central Seoul. Themed around the converge

Two long swords inscribed with the poems of Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-1598), a distinguished naval commander during the Joseon era, have been designated as national treasures, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Thursday. The two swords, approximately 2 meters in length and weighing 5 kilograms each, are currently housed within Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan, South Chungcheong Province. They are assessed to have served ceremonial rather than battlefield purposes. "The dual swords hol

The Cultural Heritage Administration sent an official letter on Wednesday to the current possessor of a historical book titled “Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon Sangjubon,” strongly demanding its return to the state, a CHA official confirmed to The Korea Herald on Friday. The historical book, although yet to be officially designated, is considered equivalent to a national treasure-level cultural heritage. Another Haerye edition of the book, found in 1940 inside an old house in Andong, North

The award ceremony for the 52nd Korea Herald English Speech Contest was held on Thursday at the Australian Embassy in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul. The Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Catherine Raper, Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy to the Republic of Korea Alexandra Siddall, The Korea Herald CEO Choi Jin-young, Vice President Shin Yong-bae and Managing Editor Lee Joo-hee were in attendance. “Some of the issues we face are daunting. But when I hear you speak w

The Bucheon International Comics Festival plans to solidify its position as Gyeonggi Province’s top cultural festival with more visitor-friendly programs, business gatherings, exhibitions and entertainment. The upcoming 2023 BICOF, which has been one of the province's top festivals for the past eight years, is to run from Sept. 14 to 17 at the Korea Manhwa Museum in Bucheon. Under the theme of “Manhwa, Connecting Minds,” the festival seeks to present ways for individuals t

Various cultural events will be held throughout this year to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and India, including K-pop concerts, a seminar on Korean culture and exhibitions, the culture ministry said Friday. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1973, they have developed friendly relations in the cultural field through various milestones, such as signing a cultural agreement in 1974, opening the first Korean Cultural Center in Southeast Asi

Play indoor sports games at Legend Heroes The indoor sports game center Legend Heroes welcomes visitors and shoppers with a diverse array of exciting games. Located on the third floor of the Lotte World Tower shopping center in Songpa-gu, eastern Seoul, Legend Heroes is filled with the cheers of sports enthusiasts. The game arcade offers various screen sports, which users can enjoy without venturing out into the blistering summer heat. Ranging from archery, bowling, basketball and curling to onl

Yangpyeong Catfish Barbels Festival The Yangpyeong Catfish Barbels Festival seeks to become another exciting summer event for festival lovers, offering a diverse array of water activities and hands-on programs. This year’s festival is taking place at Sumi Village in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The festival started on June 6 and will run through Sept. 3. Tourists can also enjoy bear-handed fishing, ATV rides, bubble fights and barbecues. Tickets vary by program. Online reservations can b

Westin Josun Seoul showcases ‘Local Delights’ Westin Josun Seoul showcases its "Local Delights" package for the autumn season. The package offers one night's stay along with handmade traditional desserts. The Autumn Road Book, a guidebook that introduces sightseeing attractions in Seoul, will also be provided. The promotion runs through Nov. 30, with prices starting from 340,000 won. For enquiries, call (02) 317-0404. Grand Josun Jeju offers ‘Autumn Voyage&rsq