Temple cuisine: Meal away from distraction or desire

In a city celebrated for its bold, spicy street food and electric culinary energy, Balwoo Gongyang offers something different: a meal of silence, simplicity and spiritual depth. Located directly across from the historic Jogyesa Temple in southeastern Seoul, Balwoo Gongyang is the only temple food specialty restaurant in South Korea operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism — and it serves Korean temple food refined over centuries. “Balwoo Gongyang” is the name of a traditional Korean Bud

May 4, 2025

Take Retro Romantic Train for nostalgic journey to heartland

Somewhere between the soft strum of a guitar and the scent of old-fashioned snacks drifting down the aisle, the Retro Romantic Train Tour to the south-central region of the country pulls its passengers gently out of the present and back into Korea’s past. This vintage-themed rail journey, co-organized by the Korea Tourism Organization, Korail and seven cities and counties in South Chungcheong Province, offers more than transportation — it promises a rediscovery of regional charm through the lens

May 3, 2025

Packages and promotions

Cassia Sokcho is offering a mango-themed afternoon tea set and seasonal bingsu items. Mango Golden Bliss Afternoon Tea, served at the 26th-floor restaurant Fogo, includes 10 mango-based desserts and two savory items, paired with tea or coffee. The set is priced at 98,000 won ($69) for two and requires advance reservation. On the fourth floor, Horizon cafe offers a Jeju apple mango bingsu topped with fresh mango and mousse, along with a red bean bingsu made with local Anheung red beans. Prices ar

May 2, 2025

‘City of Others’ highlights how Asian artists in Paris influenced modern art

SINGAPORE -- The exhibition “City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s” at National Gallery Singapore invites visitors to a fascinating exploration of the lives and works of Asian artists in Paris in the early 20th century. The landmark exhibition, which runs through Aug. 17, comprises over 220 works and 200 archival materials, drawing from collections across Asia and Europe to reveal the overlooked lives and practices of artists from Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea and India. These artis

April 26, 2025

Lotte Hotels & Resorts Gimhae becomes 1st 5-star family hotel in S. Gyeongsang Province

Lotte Hotels & Resorts Gimhae earned a five-star family hotel distinction from the Korea Tourism Association on Thursday. With this achievement, it has become the first family hotel in South Gyeongsang Province to receive a five-star rating. According to the Korea Tourism Association, a family hotel is defined as a type of accommodation designed for family travelers, offering rooms with cooking facilities and additional amenities such as dining, fitness, recreational or training facilities — all

April 25, 2025

Where are tourists heading for May holidays?

Domestic travel demand in South Korea has nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2024, ahead of the golden holiday period from May 1 to 6, according to the global travel platform Trip.com. Bookings for flights, accommodations and tours on its platform surged by 189 percent on-year for the upcoming holiday period. Hotel reservations soared 354 percent, the data showed. Trip.com attributed the surge in travel activity to the possibility of a six-day break, depending on how workers use their

April 25, 2025

Packages and promotions

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers family promotions Sofitel Ambassador Seoul is offering family-friendly promotions to celebrate the month of May. From May 3-5, the Le Bon Marche French buffet will feature a kids’ special with mini beef sliders, lasagna and chocolate fondue. The buffet is priced at 150,000 won for adults and 75,000 won for children under 12. Jardin d'Hiver cafe offers a children's dessert collection, including animal-themed vanilla cake and chocolate bars in flavors like vanilla,

April 25, 2025

Explore multiplicity

Check out a 100-year-old church-turned-cafe, US garrison-turned-selfie site and a museum with a perfect picnic spot this weekend. Just five minutes by car from Eulwangni Beach in Incheon, northwest of Seoul, is Made Lim, a 120-year-old church has been transformed. Now a cultural space, it invites visitors to appreciate art, interact with deer and enjoy tea time. The space consists of three buildings: One is used for exhibitions, another houses a cafe and baker, while the third is used as a deer

April 25, 2025

Customized 3D-printed shoe affordable thanks to AI

“This is my idea. Can you bring me a different take to it?” That’s the kind of question Reebok co-founder Joe Foster says designers will increasingly ask artificial intelligence as the technology reshapes the future of fashion and footwear. In a new venture with entrepreneur Ben Weiss, Foster is backing Syntilay, a brand that just launched what it calls the world’s first commercially available AI-designed shoe— a futuristic-looking lifestyle slide, priced at $149.99 and custom-fitted using a sma

April 19, 2025

NAE:UM offers Korean fine dining in heart of Singapore

SINGAPORE -- Tucked along a vibrant street lined with restaurants and bars in the heart of Singapore, NAE:UM quietly asserts itself as a symbol of Korean culinary evolution. Since its 2021 debut, the fine-dining restaurant has won accolades including a Michelin Star and the Michelin Guide Singapore’s 2022 Young Chef Award for its chef, Louis Han. Named after the Korean word for a “fragrance that evokes memories,” NAE:UM reflects Han’s vision -- to craft dishes that stir the past while embracing

April 19, 2025