Latest news with #Seoulites
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
First dibs: Top picks at Korea's cult-favourite Standard Bun pop-up in SG
For just 2 months, Korea's hottest bakery — Standard Bun — is bringing its viral bakes to town! The pop-ups will be located at Suntec City (4 Jun to 3 Aug) and Bugis Junction (10 Jun to 13 Jul). Famed for their mocha buns that see Seoulites queuing down the block, this is your chance to experience Korea's bakery culture without hopping on a plane. Even the king of K-POP, G-Dragon, is a fan! You may be wondering, 'Isn't the mocha bun just an overpriced Rotiboy?' I also had my doubts, so we tried 8 out of Standard Bun's 25 flavours, and here's our verdict. The signature Mocha Bun (S$3.90) boasts a lightly dense, chewy centre with a crispy, fragrant mocha crust. But what sets Standard Bun's bakes apart is their house-aged maple butter — a rich, savoury layer with a hint of mellow sweetness from the maple that lingers after every bite. You can purchase the spread individually at S$2.90 for 50g and S$19 for 300g. Although that didn't blow us away, we absolutely adored the Salt Mocha Bun (S$4.20) (left). I'd best describe it as the love child of a coffee bun and a shio pan, 2 of the best breads in the world. Compared to its sweet counterpart, it's slightly fluffier with a crispy, salty underside that contrasts with it perfectly. Savoury bread lovers should definitely get the Garlic Cream Cheese Bun (S$5.50), which tastes as good as it looks. The filling was a decadent mix of slightly sweetish, garlicky, cheesy goodness that was rounded out with its creamy texture. For my dessert lovers, I'd recommend the Milk Cream Bun (S$5.80) that transported me straight to Korea. It was packed to the brim with a rich milk cream that had a cloud-like texture, ensuring that it doesn't get too jelak. It was pleasantly sweet, but not at all cloying. Paired with the fluffy bun, I simply couldn't put it down. Some notable mentions are the Apple Cinnamon Bun (S$5.60) and Jambon Bun (S$7.50). Both had the same base of a mocha bun, but I felt that the innovative flavour combinations here took it to the next level. Also, just look at those thick slabs of butter! Although it's just a pop-up, Standard Bun is going all the way by offering coffee and ice cream on the menu for the full cafe experience. And if there's one thing Koreans nail, it has to be their innovative dessert coffee selection. Pair your bakes with their signature Ice Cream Latte (Iced) (S$8.50) and Almond Mocha Java (S$7.50). In my humble opinion as a self-proclaimed bread connoisseur, Standard Bun is above the standard, for sure. Ppalli head down to Standard Bun to try them for yourself! Butter Town: Assorted buttery shio pan & decadent sourdough cakes from hawker stall The post First dibs: Top picks at Korea's cult-favourite Standard Bun pop-up in SG appeared first on
Korea Herald
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
With weight of crisis, Korea votes with renewed resolve
Korean voters face task of 'saving nation,' seeking new leader to restore order, mend deep societal divisions On a radiant Tuesday morning, the schoolyard of an elementary school in Jongno, central Seoul, momentarily resembled a scene of carefree family life, as a couple swung their young daughter by her arms, laughter echoing across the grounds. But this was no ordinary school visit — the family came to cast their ballots in a critical by-election to choose Korea's next president. The vote follows a tumultuous chapter in the nation's political history. Six months earlier, then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, a controversial decision that derailed his presidency and plunged the country into political and social paralysis. On April 4, the Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly's impeachment, irrevocably removing Yoon from office and triggering this irregular presidential election. After two days of early voting on Thursday and Friday, Election Day arrived Tuesday, as voters across the country turned out to choose between the six candidates vying to lead a divided nation. 'I cast my vote in the hope of seeing a leader emerge who can mend the deep divisions in Korean society, whether of wealth, gender, generation or religion, where people clash rather than seek understanding and peace,' said Yoo, a man in his 50s at the elementary school with his wife and daughter. Yoo added that extreme divisions in society harm the nation's interests in key areas such as national security and the economy. 'When assessing what benefits our country, we shouldn't dismiss things as simply bad or good, but rather approach them with a clearer perspective.' Across the capital, many Seoulites were eager to make their voices heard as early as possible through their votes. At the district office of Dongjak-gu in southern Seoul, around 30 people were lined up to vote at 5:57 a.m., just before voting was to officially open at 6 a.m. 'I didn't expect to see so many people waiting in line,' said a 50-something woman surnamed Kim, the first in line at the polling station. 'It's clear that many people, like me, are deeply interested in this presidential election. I hope the new leader will work to build a nation that serves the broader interests of the people.' Seated on the office sofa was a woman in her 70s, who remarked she had come to the polling station despite her sore knees, believing that voting was akin to "saving the nation." Her sentiment echoed that of many early-morning voters, especially in the wake of the recent political turmoil from which the country is only beginning to recover. 'Last time, we saw a narrow margin that completely changed the outcome,' said Kim, a man in his early 30s in Wangsimni, Seongdong-gu, referring to the 2022 presidential election, where a 0.73 percentage point difference determined the winner. His friend, standing next to him, added, 'Most people around me said they're voting this time. I came today realizing that my vote carries much more weight than I had thought.' Some were hard-liners, like a man in his 70s who completed voting at 7:25 a.m. at a high school in Apgujeong-dong, southern Seoul, fuming that this election was about saving the country from 'thieflike' criminals. At the same polling station, a 63-year-old businessperson warned the nation could not afford to be lost to 'anti-government forces' engaged in illegal activities. While voting carries the mission of endorsing a particular candidate, some simply longed for a return to stability. Lee, a senior university student, voiced hopes for a better economy under the new administration: 'I'm currently preparing for the job market, but recent news only seems to worsen the employment outlook. I hope the economy improves, boosting job prospects.' Another 24-year-old university student called for the country to shift its focus from broad political discourse to the smaller, everyday issues that truly matter to people. 'Please give us hope that we can do better,' she pleaded to the future leader. minmin@ yeeun@ forestjs@
Korea Herald
04-05-2025
- Korea Herald
In South Korea, you can shop, dine and even see a doctor underground. But risks may lurk beneath
Not just subway stations, evolving underground retail has become part of urban life for Koreans, but safety concerns grow Beneath Express Bus Terminal Station, a major transfer hub for Seoul Subway Lines 3, 7 and 9, a massive labyrinth of underground shops unfolds, rivaling the scale of a department store. Known as GOTO Mall, this 880-meter-long underground shopping center, which begins at Exit 8-1, houses around 630 stores and is recognized as one of Seoul's three largest underground malls, alongside those at Gangnam and Jamsil Stations. The underground mall offers a wide selection of goods, from clothing and shoes to home decor items and flowers, making it a go-to destination for shoppers. Its vast selection and affordable prices have turned it into a popular hotspot for foreign tourists as well. Rachel Chua, 27, a tourist from Malaysia who always shops for cosmetics and accessories when visiting Korea, said, "I like how easy it is to move from one shopping mall to another just by taking the subway." "Malaysia has underground spaces attached to malls or supermarkets, but not full-scale shopping towns beneath subway stations like in Seoul," she said. City under the city Beyond shopping, Seoul's vast underground network has evolved into a vital part of daily life for city dwellers. At many major subway stations across the capital, commuters can grab a meal, shop for groceries or even visit a clinic — without ever stepping above ground. Franchise restaurants and cafes are a common sight, often equipped with standing tables to accommodate the fast-paced lifestyle of Seoulites in transit. Eight stations, including Jongno 3-ga, Yeoksam and Hapjeong, host medical clinics offering services from internal medicine to dermatology, alongside pharmacies. Fruit vendors also populate key locations near ticket gates and transfer stairways at stations like Hapjeong, Seongsu, Sadang and Bangbae, serving office workers and other individuals on the move. The rise of uncrewed retail is also witnessed underground, as a growing number of such stores have been filling underground spaces. Ten stations, including Soongsil University, Eungam and Myeongil, have 24-hour uncrewed pet supply shops, while nine stations, including Sinyongsan and Sangsu, host staffless print shops for document services. According to Seoul Metro, the number of uncrewed stores inside the city's subway stations generally increased over time, rising from 15 in 2022 to 28 in 2023, with a slight dip to 27 as of September last year. Seoul's underground commercial spaces trace back to the rapid urbanization of the 1970s and 1980s. With soaring land prices and limited surface area, city planners and developers began turning to underground spaces to meet commercial demand. 'In other major global cities like Tokyo, New York and London, underground spaces were initially developed to improve transit connectivity or serve as emergency shelters,' said Cho Won-chul, professor emeritus of civil engineering at Yonsei University. 'In contrast, Seoul prioritized commercial development to keep pace with its economic boom.' Today, these underground malls have become a critical revenue stream for financially struggling transit operators. In a city of daily commuters, bus and subway fare hikes are politically sensitive, often viewed by the public much like tax increases. As such, Seoul Metro, which operates the city's majority of subway lines, has been increasingly turning to commercial development within its stations to offset its mounting deficits, leasing retail space to vendors, he added. The subway operator recorded a net loss of 724.1 billion won ($536.4 million) at the end of last year, a nearly 40 percent jump from 517.3 billion won in 2022. Sinkholes, ground safety concerns While underground retail helps revitalize the local economy and offer added convenience for consumers, they also come with growing concerns over ground stability, according to Kim Jae-gwan, professor of urban engineering at the University of Seoul. "When many commercial facilities are built inside subway stations, they significantly increase the overall structural load placed on the ground below. This added weight can put extra stress on the underlying soil, particularly in areas with soft ground or high groundwater levels," Kim explained. "At the same time, they can disrupt the natural flow of groundwater, which could lead to uneven soil conditions, drying out some areas while saturating others. This ultimately weakens the stability of the ground." He also noted that building underground facilities often requires changing or expanding existing structures, which can interfere with the natural flow of groundwater. When this happens, groundwater may be blocked or begin to accumulate in certain areas. Then some parts of the soil can become overly dry, while others may become overly saturated. This kind of imbalance can weaken the ground over time, the professor added. Concerns about ground stability heightened recently in major cities after a series of sinkhole incidents. On March 24, a motorist was swallowed by a major sinkhole measuring 20 meters wide and 18 meters deep that opened suddenly at an intersection near an elementary school in Gangdong-gu, eastern Seoul. He was later found dead. Another large sinkhole measuring 5 meters wide and 4.5 meters deep opened up under a pedestrian crossing near a subway construction site in Sasang-gu, Busan on April 14. No injuries were reported. While there is no direct evidence linking the development of underground facilities to sinkholes, poor management during construction can contribute to their formation, said professor Park Chang-geun of the civil engineering department at Catholic Kwandong University. "Sinkholes are primarily caused by faulty construction practices, such as improper excavation, inadequate soil stabilization or poor backfilling," Park said. Backfilling refers to the process of refilling an excavated area with soil, sand, gravel or other materials to prevent ground collapse. "In a country with limited land, the development of underground commercial facilities is not only an efficient but also an inevitable solution. Still, without careful management during construction, the risk of ground instability remains a serious concern."
Korea Herald
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Stroll across Han River in car-free Jamsu Bridge Walking Festival
Popular 'space-out competition' to take place on May 11 at 4 p.m. The annual Jamsu Bridge Walking Festival returns this month, inviting Seoulites to unplug from their routines and enjoy car-free strolls across the Han River. Organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the festival will run every Sunday from May 4 to July 22 near Jamsu Bridge and Banpo Hangang Park, both in Seoul. Each Sunday, approximately 1.1 kilometers of Jamsu Bridge -- the submersible bridge spanning the Han River -- will be closed to traffic from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., transforming the space into a pedestrian-friendly zone. This year's theme, 'Painting a romantic walk with two feet," encourages visitors to enjoy the lush riverside scenery and embrace slow living through leisurely walks and curated activities. A crowd favorite, the 'space-out competition,' will return on May 11 at 4 p.m. Participants will compete to see who can stay most relaxed and idle -- a playful challenge in doing absolutely nothing. On June 1, Jamsu Bridge will host its first-ever sports match above the Han River, as the fencing team under the Seoul City Hall holds an exhibition game on the bridge -- shaped uncannily like a fencing piste. Additional highlights include a meditation session set to gugak, or traditional Korean music, and a sunset yoga class, scheduled for second and third Sundays of June, respectively, on Jamsu Bridge.
Korea Herald
01-03-2025
- Korea Herald
Time to talk it out -- at a sauna
Finnish barrel saunas pick up steam as alternative to bathhouses GWANGJU, Gyeonggi Province -- Saunas aren't just a toasty respite. That's according to Oh Seung-youl, one of the local entrepreneurs who have capitalized on barrel saunas -- an outdoor activity involving a wood stove with small rocks, a changing room and most importantly, something to snack on. 'The barrel sauna is like a heat therapy. It's warm enough to open us up physically, with a better blood flow, as well as mentally as relaxation renders a candid talk much easier,' Oh, a man in his 50s, said of his yearslong observation of people frequenting his Inside Finnish Forest in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. Since 2022, Inside Finnish Forest has operated as a cafe with giant sauna barrels, five in total, each accommodating between four and eight guests for a two-and-a-half-hour session, three times a day. Reservations fill up quickly, especially in winter when Seoulites seek a nearby warm escape. 'Proximity was our No. 1 concern in deciding where to go,' said Yoon Myung-soo, a Seoulite who lives in Gangnam-gu. The less than an hour drive to Inside Finnish Forest is 'a definite plus,' making it a clear winner among similar facilities in the Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces. They all promote a 'Finnish sauna' experience, a trend increasingly picking up steam. For Yoon, travel distance mattered the most because he was the driver; his wife's priority was post-sauna snacks. What they both wanted, however, was 'a genuine but casual talk' in a setting that boosts intimacy, according to the couple. 'The online reviews of this place were pretty good, talking about the kind of private space that we thought of, decent and not too shabby,' Yoon said. It is hard to concentrate on each other when talking over a meal, according to Yoon and his wife, surnamed Heo. 'I like how snacks here like bagels are above average, to my taste at least,' Heo said of her satisfaction in having picked 'the right place to rejuvenate and have a talk.' At an extra cost, guests can have sweet potatoes and sweet rice drinks called sikhye while inside the sauna. For many, health concerns were the primary reason for coming out for the sauna. 'I used to like relaxing in a hot tub because you could feel your aches ease immediately once you get in the water,' said Pyo Jung-jin, a sauna enthusiast who attributed the switch to sauna to his suspicion that bubbly spa tubs may not be as germfree as they looked to his naked eyes. 'It's nearly impossible to clean inside the jet spray pipes, like bacteria, which would be everything antithetical to a therapeutic break I want,' Pyo said, adding there is no water quality to maintain in barrel saunas. Sprinkling water on the rocks on the stove is all it takes to raise the temperature and humidity inside the sauna barrel, a convenience Pyo doubts will have adverse health effects. The temperature inside the saunas averages 80 degrees Celsius, twice that of typical hot tubs, another feature Pyo says appeals to sauna enthusiasts seeking intense heat. Oh, the Inside Finnish Forest owner, testifies to the quality of light-colored wood each sauna barrel is made of, which can withstand wide fluctuations in heat and humidity. Red cedar and pine are used to build a single barrel, which Oh says is worth at least ten million won ($7,000). The barrels made at a factory he runs nearby are sold to sauna facilities nationwide. Expanding the distribution network wasn't what motivated Oh, however. He recalled his many trips to Finland, a country known for saunas, that inspired his shop. 'Even apartment units come with a built-in sauna,' Oh said of the ubiquity of saunas in Finland and how a sauna means more than an escape from freezing winter. 'I'm after building a culture,' he said, 'where people come together to talk about anything, light to heavy, and bond while doing it.' Saunas will lead the way, he added with a radiant smile.
