After a decade of success, operators of the Templestay program are seeking to offer programs that are more intimate and “current” for people seeking Zen meditation, early-morning chanting and the serenity that the program provides. On Oct. 31, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Templestay program that has attracted nearly a million people by kicking off what it calls “Templestay Season 2.”“It has been a good 10 years. Templestay has become a brand of Ko

The National Library of Korea on Wednesday said that it has digitalized more than a dozen books owned by a noted French scholar of Korean studies more than a century ago and indexed the content of hundreds more. The books will help local scholars as well as the public study the history, costumes as well as geography of the Joseon Dynsty (1392-1910), the NLK said. According to the state-run library, 421 volumes of old Korean books were found at College de France in 2010.  Among them were 254 book

Cites France’s return of Korea’s Uigwe books as good example of cooperationAn Italian expert on cultural heritage repatriation on Tuesday praised the inter-governmental cooperation between Korea and France in sharing ownership of disputed historical books and moving forward to a new future. He also called for an internationally shared understanding in heritage repatriation and cooperation in cases involving illegally obtained cultural properties.“I think it was a win-win situation for both count

The Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Trust for Cultural Heritage are to hold a signing ceremony Thursday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., completing the government’s purchase of the former Korean Empire legation building in the U.S. capital.The building, which was used as the legation building by the Korean Empire until 1905, was originally purchased by King Gojong in 1891 for $25,000. After Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910, the building was forced to be sold t

Goryeo celadon from museums in Korea and Japan brought together for a special exhibitionGoryeo celadon has become a byword for the sophistication of the art of Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392).Its subtle, delicate and somewhat inexplicable bluish color adorned with inlay patterns fascinated not only the neighboring Chinese and Japanese of the time but also people living a millennium later. An exhibition of Goryeo celadon, which opened Tuesday at the National Museum of Korea, is the first large scale Go

Canadian entertainer hopes to take the Korean scene by stormThis is the first in a series featuring foreign entertainers rising in popularity in the Korean entertainment world. ― Ed.Jesse Day has always had two goals since he came to Korea from Canada in October 2009: to become a recognizable face, and to build a successful career in Korean entertainment.“One of the main reasons I’m really into doing entertainment stuff is because the people that I look up to, that inspire me, that make me super

From mountains to ancient cities, Korea becomes heaven for picnickersWhen autumn comes, picnickers get excited: It’s time to enjoy the changing foliage. When mountains and fields in the country are filled with red and yellow leaves, Koreans pack their lunches and rush to nearby mountains or valleys to enjoy hiking, chatting, singing and socializing. Major roads to these tourist areas are jammed, toilets have long queues and beverage sales soar, thanks to people who want to enjoy the autumn color

Lady Gaga made headlines recently by posting photographs of herself in a bra and underwear and confessing to suffering from eating disorders since she was 15. The move followed news reports scrutinizing the pop star‘s recent weight gain.Fans have heeded Gaga’s call for a “body revolution” by posting photographs of themselves that reveal bodies that are disabled, sick, healing, tattooed, fat and skinny.While the virtues of the pop star‘s campaign are subject to debate, similar calls for embracing

Gloria Opera Company is bringing a Spanish touch to its production of “The Barber of Seville” at the Seoul Art Center Opera House from Oct. 18 through 21.Flamenco dancers will create an exotic atmosphere alongside singers from Palazzo La Scala in the leading roles, including soprano Patrizia Cigna as Rosina and Alessandro Luciano as Count Almaviva.Rossini’s comic opera, which mixes sarcasm and satire alongside slapstick comedy, tells the story of young Count Almaviva and his attempt to win the h

Food, drinks and live entertainment bring the world to the melting pot of SeoulThe world will be at your fingertips at this year’s Itaewon Global Village Festival ― three days jam-packed with various cultural activities, performances and cuisine from around the globe. The festival will be held Friday through Sunday with stages and street booths scattered throughout the Itaewon area. Each day of the festival will showcase a wide range of global cultures, featuring events such as international foo