The mouth-watering sweetness that originated from cocoa serves as the main component of chocolate in the modern confectionery industry. The unique bounties of rare flavors coming from the deep brown beans are undoubtedly the magic hands behind the juicy touch. Many chocolate lovers agree -- a bite of fine chocolate can be as exquisite as a fancy truffle risotto, conveying the pleasure of tasting something truly delectable. On Jan. 10, the world’s largest chocolate festival, “Salon du

Diverse cultural events will be held at Korean Cultural Centers located in countries that mark the Lunar New Year’s holiday, introducing Korea’s own Lunar New Year traditions and customs.Eighteen Korean Cultural Centers in 15 countries will organize Lunar New Year’s events, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korean Culture and Information Service announced Tuesday. The centers are operated by the Korean government. “To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Korean Cul

Although it is tempting to stay in bed late during the long Lunar New Year’s holiday, there will be diverse traditional cultural events and opportunities that people should not miss. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Monday that four Joseon-era palaces in Seoul -- Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung -- will keep their doors open throughout the four-day holiday this year.The four palaces will offer cultural experience programs for visitors. On Saturd

While it has become second nature for many to snap away with cutting-edge smartphones, trying to find a “special moment” among the hundreds of photos stored is never easy.Following are four studios in Seoul offering unique ways to remind patrons of their ordinary yet special moments. Photo Cafe CharLee-GangmoolA cafe from not only the outside but also the inside, Cafe Charlee-Gangmool hides two paparazzi who take pictures of lovers, friends and families relaxing at the tables. Even w

As Koreans halt operations and leave on an exodus for their hometowns for the Lunar New Year holiday, travelers and expats alike may find themselves scratching their heads as to how to spend their weekend. This year, Seollal falls on Jan. 24-26, giving South Koreans a three-day weekend to celebrate with their loved ones.Customs, family and food are at the heart of this national holiday. However, in recent times, there has been a shift away from traditional celebrations, meaning more to do for th

Baik In-san, chief curator of the Kansong Art and Culture Foundation, felt a sense of relief when the organization decided to build a new storage facility with government funds worth 4.4 billion won ($3.78 million) for its artifacts, including 12 national treasures. However, concerns lingered about how the private museum could preserve the artifacts well. “The government funds were like rain in a drought because we had some financial difficulties with artifacts management,” Baik said

Fans of Pengsoo have reacted angrily after comments were blocked on YouTube videos starring the EBS penguin character, after the streaming sites enforcement of stricter children’s content rules starting Tuesday. The strengthened regulations came into effect after the US’ Federal Trade Commission last September announced that it was fining Google $170 million for violating children’s privacy law in the US. “We do understand that fans are upset about not being able to leave

At the turn of each year, Korean people buzz about the new animal of the year based upon the Chinese zodiac and everything it stands for.The deep-rooted culture, which goes all the way back to ancient totemism, has been transfigured in modern society into a wish-making slogan or marketing keyword.Following the year 2019, which marked the year of the “Golden Pig,” this is the year of “White Mouse,” a symbol of wealth, fortune and prosperity. While the mouse is the first an

In a KakaoTalk group chat gathering 300 fans of Pengsoo, users vented their anger when the character appeared at a promotional event for a movie on Dec. 16. Some of them insisted they should send emails of protest to the production team at Educational Broadcasting System and ask them to refrain from commercial uses of Pengsoo -- a costumed live-action penguin character that has quickly gained popularity in Korea for its straight-talking wit.  “We can’t stand Pengsoo’s imag

Sejong Center allows alcoholic beverages inside show venues

The magical morning of Dec. 25 is a time of great excitement and anticipation, as you get to spend time with your beloved family and make more memories to cherish. One of the essential parts of celebrating Christmas is exchanging good vibes and spreading the holiday’s goodwill. It’s exactly around that time of year where the whole world turns boisterous and people are drawn to the festive spirit. The noise of bells jingling, colorful seasonal decorations and Christmas trees embellish

The Cleveland Museum of Art recently acquired a rare Buddhist painting from the Goryeo Kingdom period in the 14th century, depicting the afterlife.“The Fourth King of Hell” is from a series of paintings depicting the 10 Buddhist kings of hell, according to the museum’s press release dated Dec. 19. The practice of painting the 10 kings of hell developed in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907) and this practice was subsequently adopted in Korea and perfected during the Goryeo

Coex Aquarium announced this week the birth of a baby Humboldt penguin, marking the first time a Korean facility has succeeded in natural breeding for a fourth straight generation.The newly born bird was the fourth generation from 20 Humboldt penguins the aquarium acquired in 2008, and was revealed to the public for the first time Wednesday.Officials at the aquarium noted that natural breeding of the species is extremely difficult, as the process is very sensitive to surroundings such as the tem

The history of Seoul dates back nearly 2,000 years, but citizens and visitors alike find it difficult to imagine what life here must have been like just half a century ago. From the 1950s to the present, the city has undergone the most dramatic transformation in its history, one that is almost unparalleled from a global perspective as well. Rising from the ashes of war to attain economic prosperity, the city has abandoned the remnants of its impoverished past and embraced futuristic skyscrapers,

Choi Yoon-hee, a former South Korean female swimming star, was appointed as new second vice minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in a reshuffle of four vice minister-level officials conducted by President Moon Jae-in on Thursday.The president named 52-year-old Choi to succeed Roh Tae-kang as the No. 2 official at the culture and sports ministry, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.Choi, who gained fame in the 1980s after winning five Asian Games gold medals in swimming,