Latest news with #Joseon-era
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Korea Herald
Changdeokgung's Bullomun to undergo repairs
Bullomun at Changdeokgung, one of the most visited gates at the Joseon-era (1392-1910) palace in Seoul, will be shut down while undergoing repairs. According to the Korea Heritage Service, the stone gate, built to wish the king a long and healthy life, has sustained damage from climate conditions, necessitating conservation work. 'The last time we brought in our conservation experts was 20 years ago, and it's time we did that again,' a Korea Heritage Service official said of the repair plans. 'It's a preemptive measure,' the official explained, adding that visitors rubbing the gate's surface in the belief that it would bring good luck was another factor that prompted the intervention. It's unclear when the gate will reopen to the public, according to the official. A central stop in the palace's Secret Garden, Bullomun connects the southern and northern sides of the garden, a storied compound of natural beauty boasting trees at least 300 years old, ponds, pavilions and halls. The palace garden is a treasured example of traditional Korean architecture and landscaping, with its focus on harmony with nature. Changdeokgung, built in 1405, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is the only Joseon-era palace in Seoul with UNESCO recognition. The other palaces are Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
6 Quirky, Unique Experiences You Can Only Have In South Korea
If you're thinking South Korea is all K-pop concerts and skincare shops, think again. Sure, Seoul's got enough neon-lit excitement to keep you buzzing for weeks, but some of the country's most memorable moments come from the downright unexpected. From sleeping in traditional houses inside amusement parks to sipping cappuccinos made by robots, South Korea has a flair for mixing the modern with the totally offbeat. Here's a shortlist of the most unusual travel experiences in South Korea that are anything but ordinary — and definitely worth the detour. Here Are 6 Unusual Experiences For Your South Korea Trip: 1. Sleep In A Hanok Inside A Theme Park Ever wanted to step back in time without giving up creature comforts? Try sleeping in a hanok — a traditional Korean house — inside Korean Folk Village in Yongin, just south of Seoul. Yes, it's part of a theme park, but this isn't some tourist trap. The recreated Joseon-era village doubles as both a cultural museum and a place where you can actually stay the night. Think heated ondol floors, rustic wood beams, and tranquil courtyards — minus the 15th-century plumbing issues. You'll wake up to the sounds of traditional music, surrounded by actors in historical costumes and craftspeople practising centuries-old trades. It's surreal in the best way. 2. Soak At A Korean Rice Spa Move over, charcoal masks. In South Korea, people soak in rice water for that luminous, glassy skin. At spas like Spa 1899 Donginbi in Seoul and Gyeongju Seorabeol Healing Spa, the baths are infused with fermented rice, believed to nourish and soften the skin. Some spas even use by-products of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) fermentation. The result? A skin-smoothing soak that feels oddly luxurious and smells faintly like sake. Many locals swear by its anti-ageing properties, and let's be honest — it makes for a great story when you're back home. 3. Sip A Latte From A Robot Barista In Seoul Cafes in Seoul aren't just about coffee — they're experiences. But nothing quite prepares you for the surreal joy of being served by a robot. At cafes like b;eat and Cafe Bot Bot, mechanical arms whip up drinks with the precision of a Swiss watch. At Cafe Bot Bot, a six-axis robotic arm handles your latte with more grace than most humans. It's not just a gimmick either — these bots are fast, consistent, and, dare we say, polite. The experience is a peek into Korea's tech-forward culture, served with a splash of oat milk. 4. Eat Your Way Through A Traditional Korean Market Food in Korea isn't just a meal, it's a full-on event. And nowhere is that more obvious than at traditional markets like Gwangjang Market in Seoul or Seomun Market in Daegu. These aren't the clean-cut food halls you'll find in shopping malls — they're chaotic, noisy, and downright addictive. Try mayak gimbap (literally "narcotic rice rolls"), mung bean pancakes, or spicy tteokbokki. Many vendors have been in business for decades, often perfecting a single dish. Ask questions, hover uncomfortably, and don't be shy — vendors are used to tourists and usually more amused than annoyed. 5. Ride The Songdo Marine Cable Car In Busan If you're afraid of heights, this might be your ultimate test. The Songdo Marine Cable Car in Busan glides 86 metres above the sea, offering jaw-dropping views of the South Korean coastline. The ride stretches 1.62 kilometres between Songnim Park and Amnam Park, with "crystal" cabins featuring transparent floors for that extra dose of vertigo. It's not just about the views, either. Songdo Beach, where the ride begins, is known as Korea's first public beach, and it's lined with quirky photo zones and seafood stalls. Do it at sunset for maximum drama — and a killer Instagram shot. 6. Take A Mud Bath With Thousands At A Traditional Festival Held every July on Daecheon Beach, the Boryeong Mud Festival is South Korea's messiest, happiest celebration. It started as a clever marketing stunt in the late '90s to promote Boryeong's mineral-rich mud. Now, it's a full-blown party that attracts over a million people each year. Expect giant mud slides, mud wrestling pits, and even mud marathons. It's chaotic, sludgy, and ridiculously fun. Don't bother trying to stay clean — within minutes, you'll be covered head-to-toe in grey goo. There are even spa areas where you can indulge in a more relaxed, face-mask-style experience if full-body mud warfare isn't your thing.
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' gets Joseon-era makeover
Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" will be reimagined as a Joseon-era (1392-1910) comedy in a new production by the National Theater Company of Korea, running June 12 to July 6 at the Myeongdong Theater in Seoul. The beloved comedy is transported to a coastal Joseon village, giving the play a Korean cultural flair while remaining faithful to the original's whirlwind of romantic mischief and mistaken identities. The story begins with twin siblings Shin-ae and Mi-eon being separated by a shipwreck, each believing the other to be lost. Washed ashore alone, Shin-ae disguises herself as a man named Man-deuk for safety and enters the service of Oh Sa-ryong, a young nobleman who is in love with a noblewoman from the same village, Seo-rin. When Man-deuk is sent to deliver Oh's heartfelt message, Seo-rin unexpectedly falls for the disguised Shin-ae, unaware of her true identity. Meanwhile, Mi-eon also arrives in the same village, triggering a cascade of confusion and comic mishaps as the villagers mistake the twins for one another. Directed and adapted by Im Do-wan, the playful adaptation weaves the timeless charm of the Bard with Korean elements. Traditional pansori and contemporary rap coexist on stage, while the production's costumes, multimedia and set design blend modern aesthetics with historical inspiration. The production is a collaboration between the National Theater Company of Korea and the Daejeon Arts Center, where it premiered on Dec. 21, 2024. English subtitles will be provided on Thursdays and Sundays (except June 12 and 15).
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Trails open in royal forestlands
The Korea Heritage Service will open walking trails through several Joseon-era (1392–1910) royal tombs nestled in forested areas across Seoul, Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces from Friday through June 29. In Seoul, the tombs of Taereung and Gangneung in Nowon-gu, as well as Uireung in Seongbuk-gu, will be accessible to the public. In Guri, Gyeonggi Province, visitors can explore Donggureung — a major royal tomb site comprising nine graves collectively known as the East Nine Royal Tombs. Nearby in Namyangju, Sareung will also be open. Samneung, or the Three Royal Tombs, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, will welcome visitors as well. The trails will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in May, and until 5:30 p.m. in June. All sites will be closed on Mondays. There are 40 royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty across the country, many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. siyoungchoi@
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Trails open in royal forestlands
The Korea Heritage Service will open walking trails through several Joseon-era (1392–1910) royal tombs nestled in forested areas across Seoul, Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces from Friday through June 29. In Seoul, the tombs of Taereung and Gangneung in Nowon-gu, as well as Uireung in Seongbuk-gu, will be accessible to the public. In Guri, Gyeonggi Province, visitors can explore Donggureung — a major royal tomb site comprising nine graves collectively known as the East Nine Royal Tombs. Nearby in Namyangju, Sareung will also be open. Samneung, or the Three Royal Tombs, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, will welcome visitors as well. The trails will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in May, and until 5:30 p.m. in June. All sites will be closed on Mondays. There are 40 royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty across the country, many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
