WONJU, Gangwon Province -- Very much overshadowed by the neighboring snow-filled scenes of bliss in PyeongChang, the site of the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics, Gangwon Province’s Wonju seeks to attract the attention of travelers. The small-time city of Wonju, less than a two-hour drive from central Seoul, has always flown under the radar in terms of its tourism pull. While it does not have a reputation as one of the peninsula’s “must-see” destinations, it beckons a second look as an unlikely hav

GWANGJU ― If you exit the subway station connected to the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju thinking that the multicultural complex will be similar in scale to the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul, you should think again. Asia Culture Center in Gwangju (Culture Ministry)With its five interconnected buildings based on different yet synergistic and convergent themes, the Asia Culture Center strikes awe in visitors, who marvel at the architecture and the interior maze of exhibition and performance

The Independence Hall of Korea has received a presidential accolade for its contribution to promoting patriotism and national symbols. “This prize recognizes the museum’s diverse programs using national symbols and its contribution to attracting interest in national symbols and promoting the understanding of national symbols,” the museum said in a press release.  A Korean flag decoration marks the 70th anniversary of Korea’s independence from Japan. (IHK)The state-run museum, which pays tribute

Lotte Hotel, part of Lotte Group, will open a new lifestyle concept hotel called “L7 Myeongdong” in Seoul on Jan. 12.The L7 will offer stylish facilities, where hotel staff will sport jeans, oxford shirts and slip-on shoes in bright and lively colors in order to appeal to guests as “friendly and caring,” the hotel affiliate said.The hotel, situated in Myeong-dong ― Seoul’s downtown shopping district frequented by hallyu tourists ― will primarily target female guests in their 20s-40s who enjoy st

This is the last installment in a three-part series featuring athletes who help people transform their lives. ― Ed.Jung A-reum (Jung Areum)Beauty must be gained through hard work and perseverance, said Jung A-reum, a celebrity lifestyle and fitness trainer and former Miss Korea beauty contest winner.Those in pursuit of it must first learn how sports or regular exercise can help improve their physical and mental beauty.“The problem in Korea today is that people take sports or exercise too lightly

For 10th anniversary of Craft Trend Fair, main exhibition explores the impact of developing technology

The Academy of Korean Studies on Tuesday unveiled its latest publication series on Korea‘s 70-year history since its liberation from Japanese colonial rule.The new anniversary series consists of six volumes dealing with the past seven decades of Korea from different perspectives: diplomacy, security and unification; environment; culture; education; politics; and economy.  The Academy of Korean Studies’ latest publication series on Korea’s 70-year history since its liberation from Japanese coloni

A South Korean culture promotion office said Friday that it aims to increase the number of people joining global "clubs" as it pushes to keep up Korean culture popularity worldwide. KCON, a global ``hallyu'' festival, hosts a k-pop music concert in Los Angles in August. Yonhap   Currently, those joining clubs intended to enjoy Korean culture together are estimated at around 21 million. The office launched by the culture ministry said that it will push to raise the number to 40 million by the end

Many cities around the world call themselves “the city that never sleeps,” but few live up to that reputation as well as Seoul. The raging nightlife has become a trademark for Korea’s capital, with countless bars, clubs, coffee shops and noraebang (karaoke bars) that welcome in party animals right up until sunrise.　Naturally, Seoulites have developed a high standard for what they are looking for in the perfect club party experience. 　Clubs in Seoul boast some of the most stylish venues in the wo

Clubs are a cultural touchpoint, where music, fashion, visual art and performing arts intersect, influence and blend with one another, says DJ KingmckA DJ, or disc jockey, is much more than just a person who plays recorded music for the audience -- he or she is the director of the performance, headliner of the night’s show, and a trademark of the club industry. DJ Kingmck (Deadend Movement)　Amid the fast-changing cultural trends of these days, it is also an occupation that needs to be redefined

While clubbing in Korea, you may hear a lot of familiar words with unfamiliar meanings or completely new terms altogether. Provided here by The Korea Herald is a dictionary of sorts to help you sail smoothly through the country’s nightlife scene. Syndrome (Syndrome-Redcool Photography)　Clubs, nightclubs, “booking” and cabarets　In Korea, there is a clear distinction between clubs and nightclubs. Clubs are your traditional jam-packed dance halls filled with hip-hop or electronic dance music.　Meanw

A team of Korea Herald reporters went on a weekend crawl of clubs in Seoul’s infamous clubbing districts of Gangnam, Hongdae and Itaewon. The following is our tried and tested list of the hottest clubs in Seoul now. Gangnam, glitz and glam　The inspiration behind that galloping hit track by rapper Psy, Seoul’s well-off Gangnam area is the home ground of some of the most glamorous and sophisticated clubs not only in Korea, but worldwide. Club of clubs: OctagonOctagon (Octagon)　To play it safe, Oct

How exactly do you look good in dimly lit dance clubs and stay fresh until the morning after? The Korea Herald took tips from local makeup and fashion celebrities on how to become a holiday queen.The keywords for this season’s party look are ‘bold,’ ‘dramatic’ and ‘fancy’ (Pony Effect)According to makeup guru Pony, who has recently launched her own brand Pony Effect, the key words for this season’s party makeup trends are “bold,” “dramatic” and “fancy.” Cosmetics brands have released vibrant sha