What is South Korea’s representative booze? Most people would probably say soju. But Lee Ji-min, a wine aficionado-turned-Korean liquor promoter, begs to differ. In her view, there are many local liquors more qualified for that title. “This may sound radical, but I want to see those green soju bottles on grocery store shelves replaced by our finest traditional spirits one day. I want to contribute to making that happen,” she said. Lee Ji-min, a PR expert and promoter of Korean traditional liquor

Geared for young, sophisticated sippers, South Korean rice wine takes on modern flair

Feel like you’re missing out on the evolution of makgeolli? Don’t worry. The following are some of the hottest brews now for you to catch up with the ongoing revival of South Korea’s oldest booze. The selection is based on recommendations from industry insiders as well as sales tallies from traditional liquor shops. Premium line 1. Haechang Made from freshly harvested rice, glutinous rice and nuruk (a fermentation starter) from Haenam, South Jeolla Province, this premium makgeolli took the No. 1

With 80 percent of skin inked, Ahn Li-na speaks about life as tattoo artist and social stigma

‘Walk with a King’ at Jeonju Hanok VillageJeonju Hanok Village is holding the “Walk with a King” tour every Saturday through Oct. 26, with the exception of Aug. 3 and 8. The tour is open to up to 100 people. A guide will take you around the beautiful city of Jeonju, including a spot that offers a special view of Gyeongggijeon Shrine. Admission fees are 10,000 won per person, and the hours are from 8 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. It is open to visitors of all ages.For more information in Korean, English, Jap

Musician Jang Sa-ik, known for his unique interpretation of traditional Korean songs, will show his talent for “seoye” at an exhibition in Seoul. Seoye refers to Korean calligraphy, a tradition of artistic writing created with brushstrokes. Using only black ink, it conveys a sense of depth and breadth.  Jang’s seoye work (Geulc 21) Jang’s seoye work (Geulc 21) Jang’s seoye work (Geulc 21)Jang, 70, is a famous singer who incorporates the art of pansori into his music, as well as the folk and pop

Seoul’s alleys are filled with eateries specializing in particular dishes. The Korea Herald takes you on a foodie trip to narrow alleys where decades-old establishments beckon diners with their secret recipes, often handed down through generations. - Ed.Though its name can be translated to “army stew” in English, the official translation of budaejjigae, approved by the Korean Food Foundation, is actually sausage stew.The dish features more than just sausages, however, being a fusion of Korean-st

　The death rate from cancer in South Korea has been on the rise every year, according to the Korea Insurance Development Institute.　The number of life insurance subscribers who died of cancer increased from 18,144 in 2008 to 19,560 in 2010, 21,179 in 2012, 23,213 in 2015 and 24,940 in 2017, data showed.　By total number of deaths, the deadliest cancers were of the lungs, liver, stomach, pancreas, colon and breast.　

Vibrio vulnificus, a strain of necrotizing bacteria, was detected in seawaters off the west coast of Gyeonggi Province, the province’s Health and Environment Research Institute said Tuesday. Three of the 38 seawater and 33 wetland mud samples tested positive for the bacteria on April 29.  About 50 cases of the bacterial infections occur nationwide every year, with nearly half of those infected dying, according to the institute. The bacteria are typically found during su

Hallyu continues to have a positive impact on the economy with related exports rising 9.1 percent in 2018, according to a recent Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange report.The report looked into Hallyu’s direct and indirect impact on the economy, particularly in exports. It estimates that Hallyu exports accounted for $9.48 billion in 2018. Of the total Hallyu exports, cultural contents such as games, music and films accounted for $4.42 billion.In 2018, the total value of Hallyu

Picnic-perfect spots in the city

About 130,000 children’s products were found to contain endocrine disruptors during customs clearance procedures, a Korea Customs Service report showed Friday.KCS and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards jointly performed a safety evaluation on children’s products for two months starting in March, ahead of the May 5 Children’s Day. (Korea Customs Service)Endocrine disruptors were detected in children’s products, containing 14 to 220 times more phthalate-based plasticizers than allowed.

In Apgujeong, Seoul’s southern mecca of high fashion, fine dining and plastic surgery, lies the tomb of Ahn Chang-ho (1878-1938), a legendary freedom fighter from the Japanese occupation of Korea. Named Dosan Park after his pen name Dosan, it has the tombs of Ahn and his wife Lee Hye-reon, a memorial hall and some statues across its 29,974 square meters. The memorial hall features a collection of photos, handwritten letters and journals of Ahn, along with historic documents that shed light on hi

Pastry chef draws inspiration from nurungji, makgeolli and brown rice

In South Korea, spring outings are a grand, communal affair that bring people together. Schools, churches, companies and various social clubs and communities start planning way before spring arrives. It is one of the biggest annual events. The culture of grand picnicking can be traced back to “hwajeon nori” during the Joseon era (1392-1910) -- a picnic enjoyed mostly by women on the third day of the third lunar month. “Young Joseon wives would travel to an attractive outdoor site and pitch a ten