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Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Korea's UNESCO cultural heritage through foreign eyes
Culture ministry to carry out 'Unlock Korea's Treasures' tours for foreign content creators between June and November The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is launching a series of cultural heritage tours designed for foreign national content creators living in Korea. The program, which runs June to November, invites participants to explore Korea's UNESCO-listed heritage sites through a two- or three-day trip and share their experiences globally through digital content. To raise global awareness of the value and excellence of Korean cultural heritage the MCST launched the program in 2014. This year, the series kicks off under the theme of 'Unlock Korea's Treasures' in June with tours in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, and Busan. These are followed by tours in Gwangju and Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, in September; Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, in October; and Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, in November. 'Anyone who creates digital content, professional or non-professional, could apply for the trips,' an official told The Korea Herald. The ministry will select foreign residents who are active in online content creation and offer them immersive tour opportunities. Participants will document their experiences through video and social media posts, helping to spread Korean heritage content across the globe. 'Even for foreign residents who have lived in Korea for years, there are limited opportunities to explore the country's cultural heritage in depth. Through this program, we hope participants will not only experience Korea's invaluable treasures firsthand, but also act as cultural ambassadors who help introduce them to the world,' the official said. In Jeongeup, participants will visit Museongseowon Confucian Academy to learn about Korea's neo-confucian legacy, and the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Park, which commemorates the spirit of grassroots resistance and reform. In Busan, they will trace historical landmarks from the Korean War era when the city served as a wartime capital, and capture the vibrant scenery of Gamcheon Culture Village. The Gwangju and Suwon leg includes visits to Namhansanseong Fortress and Hwaseong Fortress, where participants will uncover the historical figures and pivotal events tied to these iconic sites. In Yeosu the tour will center around the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin), a UNESCO Memory of the World document. Participants will learn about Yi's naval battles during the Joseon dynasty, while also experiencing the romantic coastal nightscape and a tidal flat eco-tour. The program concludes in Pyeongchang where participants will take part in a kimchi-making event, experiencing kimjang, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage tradition. They will also visit the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty Museum and Gwangcheon Seongul Cave, deepening their understanding of Korea's historical and natural heritage. UNESCO-designated heritage represents assets of "Outstanding Universal Value" that all humanity must work to preserve. As of 2024, Korea boasts 16 World Heritage sites, 23 items of Intangible Cultural Heritage and 20 entries in the Memory of the World Register. Each regional tour will be documented and uploaded to official YouTube channel. In addition, the ministry plans to produce specially curated videos centered on Korea's UNESCO heritage, expanding the global reach of Korean culture through online media.
Korea Herald
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Museum chief talks national identity, global profile
Exhibits on Joseon art, Adm. Yi Sun-sin reminder of Korean identity, says NMK director general Kim Jae-hong For the National Museum of Korea, conveying the national identity of Korea is a starting point to demonstrating and informing about culture, according to the museum's general director, Kim Jae-hong. In an interview with The Korea Herald on April 11, Kim emphasized curating exhibitions quintessentially Korean. "This year is all the more meaningful to us and the country," Kim said, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's independence from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. The "Art of Early Joseon" exhibit, running June through August, is one of the highlights of the museum's calendar this year. 'The early years of Joseon (1392-1910) were foundational to modern-day Korea, because they shaped the Korean identity," Kim said about the first 200 years of Joseon that the exhibition covers, noting that "the social fabric as well as physical borders" of Korea had been established by then. Some 300 items -- from royal paintings to ceramics as well as Buddhist art -- will introduce visitors to an era that has been much overlooked despite its significance, according to Kim. Director Kim identified "innovation" as the takeaway from the exhibition, alluding to initiative and vibrancy that the Joseon people projected as they fostered what would become Korea. Chief curator of fine art Kim Hae-won believes it is art that best captures such energy sparked by a new beginning. From November to March next year, the museum will explore national identity in the context of peace with some 100 objects related to Adm. Yi Sun-sin. Outgunned, the legendary naval commander fought off Japanese invaders in the 16th century, making him a textbook example of perseverance in the face of struggles. "The exhibition encourages reflection on the pursuit of peace in the face of adversity," Kim said, adding he believes it could lead to introspection on who Koreans are and have been. A curator with a career spanning nearly two decades at the NMK, Director Kim isn't overlooking potential collaborations with museums abroad to make the NMK truly international. 'Korean Moon Jars,' co-curated by NMK and the Denver Art Museum, is running at the Denver Art Museum in the US, while 'Special Exhibition on Korean Culture' is showing Korean crafts, ceramics and paintings spanning from ancient to modern times at the Dresden State Art Collections, which comprises 15 museums in Germany. For the exhibition, the NMK loaned 349 of the 359 objects on display. The monthslong exhibitions both launched in March. An upcoming exhibition at the NMK is a testament to Kim's commitment to going global. "Mana Moana: Arts of the Great Ocean, Oceania," opening April 30, will focus on Oceanian culture in the first such exhibition by a museum in Korea. It is a joint exhibition with the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, which has loaned artifacts related to Pacific island nations. After closing on Sept. 14, the exhibition will travel to the Jeonnam Museum of Art in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, from Sept. 30 to Dec. 28. According to Kim, collaborations with foreign museums help promote Korean culture and facilitate the NMK to start conversations about global solutions to the challenges facing many nations. Kim hopes to see the Oceania exhibit deepen public discussion on diverse cultures and how they deal with global issues like climate change. "Pacific Island nations offer inspiration to some of the crises landlocked countries grapple with," Kim said. The NMK cannot stay "boxed in," Kim said, elaborating that outreach to a global audience should take many forms. In November, the museum will launch a permanent exhibition gallery dedicated to the Islamic world, a first for a museum in Korea. The Ninety-six objects on view will be on loan from the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. Expansion does not end there, Kim said, adding that discussions are underway for a room on African culture.
Korea Herald
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Packages and promotions
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers spring promotions with view Sofitel Ambassador Seoul celebrates cherry blossom season with exclusive promotions. The "Blooming Encounter" package includes a French lunch course with cherry blossom-themed dishes, such as crab and scallop roulade and grilled lobster tail, at the bistro Fait Maison. Guests can also indulge in cherry blossom desserts at Jardin d'Hiver, created in collaboration with French chocolatier Valrhona. At the rooftop bar Latitude32, three cherry blossom-inspired cocktails are available, alongside an augmented reality game, "Cherry Drop," offering prizes like French buffet vouchers and Moet Champagne. The hotel is also offering the "Lucky Blossom" package, which includes a lake-view room upgrade and access to the rooftop bar and AR game. The package is available for bookings until April 10, with stays until April 13. Kumho Tongyeong Marina Resort enhances family activities Kumho Tongyeong Marina Resort is enhancing its offerings for spring with new family-friendly activities and an updated breakfast menu. The resort is introducing two new yacht programs: Yi Sun-sin Historical Sailing Tour and Navigator Experience Yacht Program. Guests can enjoy a historical tour of Hansando Island and Jeseungdang while wearing Yi Sun-sin costumes, or take part in a navigation experience with exploration kits. The resort is also offering a Premium Charter Yacht package that includes costumes, bird feeding and photo opportunities. The revamped breakfast menu features local specialties like Tongyeong-style bibimbap, grilled sea eel and fresh pho. Signiel Seoul launches 'Signiel Blossom' package Signiel Seoul has introduced a 'Signiel Blossom' package that includes a one-night stay and the option to choose between two cherry blossom cocktails or an afternoon tea set. The limited-edition cherry blossom cocktails are Deep Blossom, which blends the scent of cherry blossoms and peach, and Blossom Tree, combining grapefruit with cherry blossom aroma. Guests can also enjoy the Le Gouter Signiel afternoon tea set, featuring nine desserts such as champagne strawberry mousse and strawberry Basque cheesecake. The package is available for reservations until April 10, with stays through April 15. Three distinctive happy hours at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Four Seasons Hotel Seoul introduces an exclusive 'Happy Hour Promotion' at Akira Back, Charles H. and OUL. At Akira Back, enjoy a special happy hour featuring one signature dish and a beverage for 45,000 won per person. Dishes include tuna pizza, hanwoo tacos and soft shell crab. This offer is available daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m until June 30. Happy hour at Charles H. offers a selection of cocktails paired with premium bites like truffle arancini bites and hanwoo beef tartare, priced at 50,000 won per person, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m daily. OUL, a contemporary Korean bar, offers signature cocktails and modern Korean dishes such as chadol baegi muchim, (seasoned beef brisket) and dak twigim (fried chicken) for 45,000 won per person. Happy hour runs Tuesday to Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., available until May 8. Kensington Hotels & Resorts launches 'Spring Flower Tour' package Kensington Hotels & Resorts unveiled a "Spring Flower Tour" package, in collaboration with nearby spring flower attractions. Available until April 30, this package includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two and access to local tourist spots. The deal is available at 13 properties, including three Kensington Hotels — Yeouido, Seorak and Kent Hotel Gwangnlli — and 10 Kensington Resorts. Guests can explore spring flower spots such as the iconic cherry blossoms of Han River Park near Kensington Hotel Yeouido, or enjoy the scenic "Cherry Blossom Tunnel" at the nearby Mogujae Tunnel in Seorak. yoohong@
Korea Herald
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Lotte ordered to pay W5b to Coupang Play over 'Hansan' distribution rights
A court has ruled in favor of Coupang Play in its legal dispute with Lotte Culture Works over the latter's decision to provide a director's version of a local movie to Netflix despite an exclusive supply contract with Coupang Play. The Seoul Central District Court on Jan. 23 ordered Lotte Culture Works to pay 5 billion won ($3.48 million) in back royalties to Coupang Play. The two companies had signed an exclusive content licensing agreement for the distribution of "Hansan: Rising Dragon," the 2022 historical action film by director Kim Han-min and the second installment in his trilogy about South Korea's legendary naval Adm. Yi Sun-sin. The contract was valued at 12.5 billion won. But Lotte later provided a director's cut, "Hansan: Redux," to Netflix under a separate agreement signed in 2020 allowing the streaming giant to acquire local films with over 300,000 viewers. Lotte argued that the director's version was a distinct product, separate from the original film, as it included an additional 21 minutes highlighting Adm. Yi's human aspects and other naval battle scenes. (Yonhap)
