One of the most efficient uses of energy to heat our homes is right under our feet. Koreans have been staying warm for millennia by using a minimum amount of fuel to cook while warming the home at the same time. The “ondol,” an elevated indoor floor, is heated when fire used for cooking is simultaneously repurposed for heating the house. Thermal energy from fuel burned for cooking or warming the room is transferred upward as the heat rises from the underfloor, warming up the sto

Looking back on what we have consumed over the year could be one way to wrap up the year 2021, while preparing to make better choices in the new year. Whether an impulsive purchase or a considered decision, consumption patterns show what we desire and what cultural codes and trends are leading the society today. The pandemic challenges the once taken-for-granted in-person connections and communications. But this year also saw active communication between the market and businesses, leading to s

If you want to take a break from urban life, Seoul Botanic Park at Gangseo-gu, western Seoul, offers an emotional refuge with plants from 12 cities around the world and Korean gardens. From plant-loving visitors to gardening experts, programs are on offer for the public to enjoy education, experience, culture and art related to plants. The botanic garden is an area within the Seoul Botanic Park, consisting of outdoor theme gardens, greenhouse and Magok cultural hall. Though it is the winter c

A Korea Herald reporter takes the job of pretending to be one’s friend at a wedding

The wall of a secondhand bookstore that enjoyed brief media attention in July for its politically provocative murals has generated yet more controversy this week, when a new painting by the artist Tanksy appeared, depicting the various scandals of the Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung. In what has been described by organizers as an “art battle,” Tanksy’s participation lifted a wooden panel covering a mural by graffiti artist Ninbolt, whic

South Korean cultural icons including Oscar-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung, top comedian Yoo Jae-suk and K-pop bands BTS and aespa were among the six winners recognized at the 2021 Visionary Awards on Wednesday. The second edition of the annual awards, presented by South Korean media and entertainment giant CJ ENM, recognizes individuals who created new trends in the entertainment business and contributed to the spread of Korean Wave. The six winners -- Youn, Yoo, BTS, aespa, “Squid Game&r

Jogye Order decries campaign as anachronistic

By Team Konnect Kim Min-jung (minjung.kim@heraldcorp.com) Jung Ji-eun (jungje@heraldcorp.com) Choi Jeong-yoon (jychoi@heraldcorp.com) Kim Jeong-ryul (ryul@heraldcorp.com) Special thanks to Jordan, Jean, Michelle and Hyunbin for making this video happen.

Without this experience, the team would never have thought about the similarities between marshmallow and rice cake, donut and Yakgwa (Korean honey snack), and the biases we have about  food. This was so much fun to make! 00:03 Dalgona 01:26 Wasabi 02:30 Injeolmi 03:14 Fruit Jelly 03:54 Tofu 04:42 Yakgwa (Korean Honey Snack) 05:56 Chicken-mu (Pickled Radish) 07:15 Dried Squid 08:23 Fish Cake 09:06 Review Special thanks to Michelle, Jean, Joanna, Jordan and Hyunbin for making it happen. B

For the past 100 years, researchers have been speculating on the meaning of the smile on National Treasure No. 83, the Gilt-bronze Maitreya in Meditation, a statue of what is believed to be the future Buddha, known as “Mireuk” in Korean. The gilt-bronze statue of a young future Buddha in a contemplative state is considered the epitome of Buddhist artwork. The beauty, the gentleness and the peaceful smile of the gilt-bronze Maitreya in Mediation, known as the Bangasayusang Mireuk st

The Asia Culture Center, located in the old center of Gwangju, has developed a reputation as having a strength in experimental arts, but it aims to become a more familiar face to the local population and everyday visitors after a reorganization, the acting chairman of the center said Wednesday. Having opened six years ago this month, the multicultural complex has attracted 11.26 million visitors during its short lifespan despite spending two years of its short lifespan dealing with the COVID-1

Hangang Park is a crucial part of the recreational life of many of us living in Seoul, offering rare public open space for joggers, cyclists and couples on dates. When the sun goes down and evening approaches, the Banpo part of the park lights up in vivid colors that cast shimmering reflections on the Han River. Located at Banpo-dong in Seocho district, Banpo Hangang Park boasts three buildings that radiates in changing colors. Known together as “sebit,” which literally translates t

During the golden days of Silla Kingdom in the eighth century following the unification of the Korean kingdoms, the national religion Buddhism took Silla to a whole new height. Peace and prosperity were expressed in the creation of the finest Silla Buddhist treasures, some of which have survived centuries of tumultuous history. A trifecta of Buddhist treasures -- Buddha’s home, body and voice -- were completed in 771, when the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great was successfully cast

  November 18th was a big day in South Korea as ‘Suneung’ took place, a national college entrance exam that is held once a year. Airplanes stop, stock markets open an hour later and police stand-ready to take students who can’t make it to the test site on time. Because it’s considered a life-changing test, there are many superstitions one must do and don’t do before taking the test! Team Konnect went out on the streets of Seoul to find out what they are and how

BUSAN -- South Korea’s largest gaming convention, G-Star kicked off in Busan Wednesday, showcasing the latest games and technologies by major game-related firms from both home and abroad. Arguably the biggest exhibition held since the “living with COVID-19” scheme took effect earlier this month, G-Star put in its utmost effort to be an example of a successful offline event. G-Star 2021 is a hybrid online-offline event with the participation of leading gaming and tech firms