The Space building, an early modern work of architecture that was on the auction block last week after the building owner filed for bankruptcy, may be purchased by the Kim Swoo Geun Foundation, as 1 billion won ($942,000) was raised in five days via a social funding initiative. The social funding initiative was launched Nov. 18 as an attempt to save the historic building and register it as a cultural heritage site. “We plan to purchase the building through social funding and begin the process of

Solo, single, alone, stag, unaccompanied, companionless: When it comes to travel, these terms may cause many to have second thoughts about going on vacation without someone by their side. But breaking free from these societal chains and taking the plunge to face the world “mano y mano” is no better realization of the phrase “carpe diem.”Waiting for the perfect travel buddy can mean many missed opportunities and precious moments wasted. With countless exhilarating adventures just a couple of mous

On Friday evening at Greek Joy, a Greek restaurant in Seoul’s Hongdae, six women and a man got together.They had never met each other before. But it didn’t take long for them to gossip, giggle and converse pleasantly.Red, white and rose wines were served with vegetable soup. Meat skewers were paired well with a strong red. They had gathered through online community Zipbob (homemade meal), which arranges social wining and dining events for those who don’t want to eat alone. Zipbob’s tagline state

Craftsmen and their works are increasingly at the vanguard of the promotion of Korean culture, with an exhibition in Saudi Arabia being the latest example.According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the month-long “Hidden Match ― An Exhibition of Korean Craft” kicked off on Thursday at the Saudi National Museum with 34 artists featuring 106 sets of items. This is the first time a handicraft exhibition is being held in the Gulf state. Featuring a wide range of handicrafts ― includin

Priceless national and royal seals from the Daehan Empire (1897-1910) have been seized in California by U.S. authorities. When they are returned, which could be as early as next June, the artifacts will be the most valuable items of cultural heritage to be repatriated to Korea to date, the Cultural Heritage Administration said Wednesday.According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations unit and Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration, the items confisc

The 42-year-old Space Group headquarters building in central Seoul, widely hailed as Korea’s best modern structure, is likely to be registered as a cultural heritage, authorities said Wednesday. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced that the 224.56-square-meter building designed by legendary architect Kim Swoo-geun (1931-1986) between 1971 and 1977 will be reviewed for registration as a cultural heritage site early next year after a thorough inspection next week. “It is true that modern

The arts can be more than “condiments” such as welfare policies or marketing opportunities for businesses. They can become an engine for innovation and development in an organization, a group of academics and businessmen claimed Tuesday. They urged more Korean organizations to adopt “artistic intervention,” which involves artists at all levels, from human resources management to strategic planning and business development, at firms and organizations.“Arts can engage people with mind, emotions an

It is no wonder that a tale of fiery yet innocent romance between a young, naive soldier and a sultry gypsy touches the hearts of many Koreans. “Carmen,” the tragic love story of exotic dancer Carmen and Don Jose by Prosper Merimee, was named the most-loved opera in a National Opera survey in 2012. From November through December, the story and music will be reinterpreted on three very different stages in opera and musical forms.KNO ― Original French styleThe Korea National Opera will feature “Ca