Jeongwol Daeboreum Temple Food
Twenty-one spouses and family members of ambassadors of 17 countries, including the US, Australia and Japan, took part in temple food making on Wednesday to mark the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, or Jeongwol Daeboreum. The Culture Corps of Korean Buddhism, run by Korea's largest Buddhist sect Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, hosted the event at its headquarters in Seoul, during which the members of the Ambassadors' Spouses Association of Seoul learned to prepare namul, or seasoned vegetables, from monk chefs.
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Korea Herald
02-06-2025
- Korea Herald
Step Into Adventure: Agoda's Guide to Asia's Top Cities to Explore on Foot
SINGAPORE, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to lace up their walking shoes and discover the charm of Asia's most stroll-worthy cities. From cobblestone streets to scenic riversides, Agoda's list of Asia's top cities to explore on foot celebrates destinations where pedestrian-friendly streets, compact layouts, and clusters of attractions make walking the ideal way to experience the local culture. Walking through a city is more than just a way to get around. It's a journey of discovery that engages all five senses. Whether it's the aroma of street food wafting through the air, the chatter in bustling markets, or the intricate details of historic architecture, exploring on foot allows travelers to experience the rhythm of daily life, discover hidden corners, and fully engage with their surroundings. Agoda has rounded up seven destinations across Asia where walking isn't just an option—it's the best way to experience the heart and soul of the city: 1. Hanoi, Vietnam: A Stroll Through Time in the Old Quarter Hanoi's Old Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with history and culture. French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant street markets create a dynamic backdrop for exploration. The area's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to wander and discover local delicacies like Pho and Bánh mì from street vendors. The Old Quarter's charm lies in its ability to surprise, with hidden cafés, serene pagodas, and bustling markets around every corner. 2. Kurashiki, Japan: Canal-Side Serenity in Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture is a compact, flat area that is a dream come true for those who love leisurely strolls. The picturesque canals lined with weeping willows and traditional white-walled kura (storehouses) create a tranquil atmosphere. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Ohara Museum of Art, while shoppers can browse handmade crafts. Walking through Kurashiki feels like stepping into a postcard, with every corner offering a picture-perfect view. 3. Chiang Khan, Thailand: Riverside Charm in Loei Province Nestled along the Mekong River, Chiang Khan is a quaint town located in northeastern Thailand that's best explored on foot. Its famous pedestrian-friendly walking street, Chai Khong Road, is a car-free stretch lined with well-preserved wooden shophouses, cozy guesthouses, quirky cafés, and local boutiques. In the evenings, it transforms into a lively night market with street food, handicrafts, and live music. Visitors can also experience the serene Buddhist ritual of giving alms to monks at dawn, a photogenic and peaceful tradition. Don't forget to catch the sunrise over the Mekong for a truly magical experience. 4. Melaka, Malaysia: A Fusion of Cultures in a UNESCO-Listed Old Town Melaka Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that's compact, flat, and ideal for a walking tour. The city's rich history as a trading port is reflected in its diverse architecture, from Dutch colonial buildings to Chinese shophouses. Attractions, museums, cafés, and shops are clustered together, making it easy to wander on foot. Jonker Street and the surrounding heritage area are car-free on weekends, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walking experience. Shaded walkways, riverside promenades, and historical sites add to the charm of this culturally rich destination. 5. Pondicherry, India: A French Connection Pondicherry's French Quarter is a walker's paradise, with its grid-like street layout, pastel-colored colonial buildings, and tree-lined avenues. The seaside promenade, Goubert Avenue, is closed to vehicles in the evenings and early mornings, offering a peaceful space for pedestrians to stroll or relax by the sea with views of the Bay of Bengal. The city's relaxed vibe, with less traffic and noise compared to many Indian cities, makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy exploring on foot. 6. Gyeongju, South Korea: A Walk Through History Known as "the museum without walls," Gyeongju's historic city center is a treasure trove of historical sites, making it perfect for walking. The main attractions, including Tumuli Park, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, are all within walking distance of each other. The city's well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and scenic walking paths make it easy to explore on foot at a leisurely pace. 7. Taipei, Taiwan: The Emerging "15-Minute City" Cited by The Economist as an emerging "15-minute city," Taipei offers wide sidewalks, clear signage, and shaded boulevards for the perfect city adventure, complete with an efficient MRT system that connects walkable hubs seamlessly. Highlights include Da'an Forest Park, Yongkang Street's food scene, the historic Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, and the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park loop. Scenic riverside bikeways and walkways add another layer of accessibility and beauty to the city. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, "Walking is such a simple yet rewarding way to explore a destination. It's about letting the world unfurl around you, noticing the little things, and really soaking in the atmosphere of a place. At Agoda, we love to help travelers find places where they can wander, get lost, and make memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're strolling through Hanoi's Old Quarter or catching the sunrise in Chiang Khan, we've got the stays and activities to make your trip unforgettable." With Agoda's extensive offerings of over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, travelers can easily plan their next walking adventure. Visit or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals and seamless booking options.
Korea Herald
30-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Treat yourself this weekend
Pick up stationery at a cute gift shop in Bukchon, watch the sunset from a kayak on Han River or read in a seat with a view. Walk around Anguk Station with cute props The neighborhood surrounding Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line No. 3, where traditional Korean landmarks sit right alongside modern buildings, is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. And if you feel like picking up a small souvenir to remember the day, there's a spot worth stopping by. Zero Space Bukchon, which opened on Oct. 9 last year, is the chain of brick-and-mortar stores of design studio Zero Per Zero. In addition to the Bukchon location, the brand also operates stores in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. The Bukchon store is filled with everything from stationery and interior decor items to small accessories, among which a series of products inspired by Korean imagery stands out. A section of the shop is dedicated to its Seoul Souvenirs series, which features cute illustrations of iconic Korean scenes and items. Visitors can browse through stickers, magnets, keyrings, postcards and posters featuring famous landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and Buddhist statues from Gyeongju. Zero Per Zero is also officially licensed to produce and sell goods featuring Miffy, the beloved Dutch children's book character. Posters, postcards and Miffy dolls dressed in colorful outfits are available. Zero Space Bukchon is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Zero Space Bukchon 5-5 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Kayaking on Han River Rent a kayak from Four Season Leisure in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and spend a day gliding along the Han River, which runs across the capital from east to west. Four Seasons Leisure recommends that kayakers go just before sunset to take in the panoramic river views as they paddle their way -- alone or in groups -- down the river that's 41 kilometers long and 2.5 to 5.5 meters deep. A two-hour trip is available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and participants are encouraged to bring their own soap and shampoo, clothes to change into after kayaking, and waterproof carry-on bags to keep gadgets like cellphones dry. Sunset kayaking runs separately from 6-8 p.m. and sunrise kayaking runs from 6-8 a.m. Renting a stand-up paddleboard instead of kayak is also an option during the same time slots. Kayakers will receive brief training before heading to the river, and lifeguards will be monitoring them in case of emergency, according to Four Seasons Leisure. Participants can ask instructors to take photos of them kayaking, it added. Those interested should check out the Naver reservation website for Four Seasons Leisure. A reservation link will be sent to those who have called the number listed there. Four Season Leisure can also be reached via the Kakao messenger app. Inclement weather conditions may lead to cancellations. Four Season Leisure 2326 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul Cozy, vintage nook with books There's no better weekend retreat than a cozy nook filled with books, vintage charm and a sweeping view. Visit Fikee, a haven for quiet discovery situated in the heart of the city. More than just your average cafe, Fikee invites visitors to channel their inner urban explorer, wandering through curated boxes of books handpicked by the owner. The atmosphere is equal parts intimate and imaginative, complete with exclusive merch like Fikee-branded calendars and a listening corner with an analog touch, where you can pick your soundtrack for the day via iPod and headphones. The menu also goes beyond your standard espresso and tea offerings. Fikee serves up desserts, craft coffee and even a selection of alcoholic beverages for those seeking a mellow evening wind-down. The whimsical space offers a different kind of adventure -- one that invites you to slow down, sip something warm and let the stories find you. Fikee is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Mondays and the first Wednesday of each month. 81 Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul jy@ siyoungchoi@ yoonseo.3348@
Korea Herald
28-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Heritage Week to kick off Friday
The annual Heritage Week will kick off Friday, hosting programs engaging the public to raise awareness of Korean heritage. At over 400 locations from Seoul to Jeju Island, municipalities will showcase their cultural items or practices of exclusive historic significance, according to the Korea Heritage Service, the agency that has been organizing the free event since last year. 'It's an immersive experience open to people as young as grade schoolers,' a KHS official said. At 'Building Your Own Terrarium' program taking place in Seoul, participants will learn how to make a terrarium, a small glass enclosure for holding plants, at the hanok house and atelier of 19th-century landscape painter Yi Sang-beom. In Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, the 'Hyanggyo and Nature' program will introduce visitors to the history of state-run Confucian schools, or hyanggyo, whose establishment dates back to the Goryeo era (918–1392). The "exceptionally rich biodiversity' around hyanggyo premises will also be touched upon, according to the KHS. 'Nongak for Family' is a family-friendly program, where participants will be led to an open field to perform 'nongak,' traditional farmers' music, that served as both a rite and entertainment. 'Remembering Sunduksa' program on Jeju Island will look at how the Buddhist temple Sunduksa influenced life on the island in an immersive exhibition that will highlight heritage artifacts held at the temple. The Heritage Week runs through June 22. Some programs require reservation at
