How biracial model feels on blending in with crowd, newfound fame, studies and positivity

From Korean dramas, “Gangnam Style” and BTS to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Korea has been on the receiving end of tremendous exposure to global audiences in recent years. 　But there are two influencers on YouTube who want to share with foreigners what “real life” -- often less glamorous but more human -- is like in Korea. The Korea Herald sat down with Lee Kyu-ho and Whitney on Feb. 7 at Google’s Campus Seoul to discuss their content.   Whitney (left) and Kyu-ho talk with The Korea Herald o

A scene that may seem weird or unique to foreign bystanders is the common ritual in South Korea to celebrate the Lunar New Year: younger family members make a full bow, or saebae, to their elders, as they receive envelopes -- of cold, hard cash -- as gifts carrying messages of the best wishes for the future.As relatives gather for the Seollal holiday, usually at the home of the “highest-ranking” member of the extended family, they dress in neat garments, sometimes traditional hanbok, and take pa

PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province — South Korea took the opportunity to promote Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, with a Hangeul calligraphy performance held on the sidelines of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics on Wednesday. 　Korean Hangeul culture and arts promotion team for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics brought together five local artists for the event.Korean calligraphy, also known as “seoye” in Korean, is the tradition of artistic writing created via careful brushstrokes. Early Korean calligraphy was

The Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation’s head monk Won-kyung selected five temples in the greater Gangwon Province area where foreign visitors can join special temple stay programs during the Winter Games: Naksansa, Baekdamsa, Samhwasa, Sinheungsa and Woljeongsa Temple. Individuals, who carry tickets to the Olympics and Paralympics, will be able to take advantage of the special temple stay program, receiving an 80 percent discount for a one-night stay including one additional person. Visitors c

Organizations in Seoul and Gwangju are inviting expats to experience Seollal this week.The Yeoksam Global Village Center is holding a Lunar New Year event for foreign residents in Seoul’s National Folk Museum of Korea from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The attendees will learn the history and customs of Seollal, and celebrate with other participants by cooking up a traditional Seollal meal that includes rich cake soup (tteokguk) and mung bean pancakes (bindae tteok).  Guests learn traditional c

Traditional Korean Pavilion and Traditional Experience Booth showcase the essence of Korean culture

Gangneung will exempt taxis from a restriction on operations in order to increase the supply of taxis during the Olympics. Taxis in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, are usually required to take one day off when they have operated for two consecutive days, but the recent increase in visitors to the city has prompted the authorities to lift the rule during the Olympic period from Feb. 10 to 25. (Yonhap)As for vehicles other than rental cars and public transportation services, those with odd plate numb

Cakes rich in varied flavors and textures at Samseong-dong dessert spot

Eomuk guk (Korean Bapsang)When it’s cold outside, eomuk simmered in a light savory broth is a comfort food at its best! Eomuk is processed fish cake made with pureed fish and other ingredients. It’s a common ingredient used in various Korean dishes such as gimbap and eomuk bokkeum (stir-fried). The street version of eomuk guk is conveniently served on long skewers with the hot broth served separately in a cup. At home, eomuk guk can be prepared without skewers as an easy everyday soup! Eomuk com

On the profile section of Chef Anders Groenholm’s social media account, a simple yet loaded phrase is written -- “Back to where it all started.” For him, Seoul is the beginning. Groenholm, a Danish national, has decided to return to the beginning, joining Millennium Seoul Hilton as its executive chef. The chef has traveled the world, working for various hotels. But for now, he is settled in Korea, working with the upscale hotel at Namsan, in the center of Seoul.  Chef Anders Groenholm (Millenniu

Valentine day at Millennium Seoul Hilton Millennium Seoul Hilton has prepared everything needed for the special day, from dinner to gifts. Gourmet six-course dinner can be met at the hotel’s Italian trattoria, Il Ponte. The set menu consists of carpaccio, pasta, entree and dessert, a gratifying combination. The course costs 110,000 won and requires a minimum order for two. The hotel’s Cilantro Deli, located on the first floor, offers the classic but romantic gifts for lovers, including premium c

Three foreign YouTubers who vlog about Korea talk about what makes Korean viewers tick

#MeToo campaign in Korea spreads to literary world

A myriad of cultural events, ranging from arts exhibition to performances are to take place throughout Gangwon Province, home to the upcoming 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, during the games period.Of numerous events vying for visitors‘ attention are arts exhibitions and performances, held under theme of light. Located at PyeongChang Olympic Plaza, the Culture ICT Hall will host a contemporary arts exhibition including some of Korea’s most acclaimed artists in the Olympics host city.Under the