Faker shares thoughts about video game industry in talks with PM
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met e-sports star Faker this week to discuss the latest developments and trends of the country's video game industry, his office said Saturday. The meeting took place Thursday in an interview format, with Kim asking the professional League of Legends (LoL) player, whose real name is Lee Sang-hyeok, about the industry and e-sports. "When I first became a professional gamer, there was a lack of awareness and policy (on video games), but it has now significantly improved
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Seasonal K-pop beats to get into the Christmas spirit
As Christmas draws near, the pace of daily life begins to slow, and music often becomes a quiet companion to the season. Christmas songs, in particular, add warmth to cold mornings and late evenings, whether playing softly in cafes or through one’s earphones on the way home. From tender winter love songs to upbeat holiday tracks, these K-pop Christmas releases capture different ways of easing into the season. "Lovin’ the Christmas" by Day6 Day6 is a pioneer of K-pop band music, famous for their
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
How to live a little better in the new year
As one year draws to a close and another begins, many people find themselves lingering on what fell short while summoning fresh resolve for what lies ahead. It is a familiar moment of reckoning -- part regret, part determination. In recent months, several figures widely loved in Korea have published essays and self-reflection books shaped by lives devoted to practice, work and focus. Together, they offer modest, practical insights for living a little better in the year to come. For Sister Lee Ha
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Two masters defining tradition and precision on 'Culinary Class Wars' Season 2
The release of Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 on Tuesday has once again set Korea’s dining scene abuzz. Among the new lineup, two names stand out for entirely different reasons: Hu Deok-juk, a towering figure in Korean Chinese cuisine whose very presence has sparked debate over who could possibly judge him, and Sam Kim, a television-familiar Italian chef whose quietly disciplined kitchen tells a story that goes far beyond his warm on-screen persona. Hu, appearing as a “White Spoon” con
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Winter calls for richer scents
As winter wardrobes grow heavier, fragrance preferences shift as well. Thick coats and layered knits call for perfumes with greater depth, scents that can hold their presence in cold air and add warmth to the season. Perfume behaves differently as temperatures drop. While spring favors soft florals and summer leans toward fresh citrus, autumn and winter demand richer compositions. “Cold, dry air weakens a fragrance’s diffusion, and the sense of smell becomes less sensitive as olfactory receptors
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
I took my kids to Lapland on the Santa Claus Express – but would the big man deliver?
If meeting Santa is on your family wishlist, this trip on a festive sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with reindeer and huskies thrown in, is Christmas with jingle bells onChristmas was only a few days away and the Finnish capital of Helsinki was ringing with festive cheer as we explored the Tuomaan Markkinat in Senate Square, sipping from mugs of hot, spicy glögi (mulled wine), and biting into joulutorttu (jam-filled puff pastries shaped like catherine wheels). A cold front had brought abundant snow and inhaling was rather painful at -8C, but nothing could still the tremble of excitement.Along with my husband and two young daughters, I was here to take the Santa Claus Express to th..
Travel
‘Physical: Asia’ heads to Mongolia with new Netflix spin-off
Netflix’s hit sports survival series “Physical: Asia” is expanding its universe with the “Physical: Welcome to Mongolia” spin-off, bringing Korean and Mongolian competitors back together for a friendship-driven reunion set against the backdrop of Mongolia. Produced by TEO, the production company led by star producer Kim Tae-ho (“Infinite Challenge,” “Hangout with Yoo”), the short travel reality series will debut its first two episodes on Netflix on Christmas Eve, followed by two more episodes on
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
K-beauty’s next chapter centers on 'whole self' wellness
Korea’s beauty industry is shifting from surface-level aesthetics to a broader pursuit of personal balance, according to a trend report from CJ Olive Young that frames 2026 around a single concept: feeling whole. The country’s largest beauty retailer released its “2026 Trend Keywords” report on Friday, using the acronym "fullmoon" as a metaphor for wholeness, the overarching theme shaping beauty and wellness consumption through 2025 and 2026. The report outlines eight sub-trends reflecting how y
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Veteran theater actor Yoon Seok-hwa dies at 69
Renowned South Korean theater actor Yoon Seok-hwa died at the age of 69 on Friday morning. Yoon died at 9:54 a.m. at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul, surrounded by family and close acquaintances. Yoon had been receiving treatment for brain cancer. She underwent surgery in October 2022, shortly after performing “Hamlet” that July. Her last stage appearance was a five-minute cameo in the play “Toccata” in August 2023. Born in Seoul in 1956, Yoon debuted in 1975 with the play “The Taste of Hon
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Festivals, sights across Korea
The Seoul Lantern Festival runs through Jan. 4, transforming Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon into a large-scale nighttime art exhibition. Now in its 17th edition, the festival showcases more than 400 illuminated installations. Visitors can expect a range of light sculptures made from hanji paper, LED structures, kinetic art and large air balloons, complemented by immersive effects using sound, mist and aurora-style lighting. Each zone presents a different narrative, from Seoul’s past, present and fut
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
'I’ll be spending my entire career in T1': Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok
Lee Sang-hyeok, known globally by his gaming moniker Faker and widely regarded as one of the greatest esports players of all time, says he plans to conclude his professional career with T1, the organization he has represented since his debut in 2013. In July, he surprised fans by announcing a four-year contract extension with T1, becoming one of the rare players in League of Legends history to sign a deal of that length with a single organization. Asked why he chose to stay, Lee spoke candidly a
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Two ways to spend year-end in Seoul: Festive outdoor market and quiet, cozy wine bar
As the year draws to a close, Gwanghwamun Square has turned festive with the return of Seoul’s signature European-style Christmas market. Running through Dec. 31, Gwanghwamun Market positions itself as an ideal weekend outing for families, couples and visitors seeking a year-end atmosphere. Now in its fourth year, the 2025 edition is bigger, both in terms of its visual scale and its participatory programs. The market's “Santa Village” concept includes photo zones throughout the square. Admission
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Packages and promotions
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul curates festive experiences Four Seasons Hotel Seoul brings a range of festive offerings this Christmas season, including family-focused accommodation packages, takeaway dining and signature holiday cakes. The "Kids For All Seasons" package for families with children includes an overnight stay, hotel credit, children’s classes and access to a kids-only lounge. The package is available from 1.08 million won per night for a Premier King Room with stays valid through June 3
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Korea Senior Star Association to hold Korea–Thailand cultural event in Bangkok
The Korea Senior Star Association, a civic group for senior citizens, will hold an event in Bangkok from May 6-7 next year to exchange Korean and Thai traditional cultures, bringing together members of the Thai royal family and senior Buddhist monks, the association announced Friday. Starting in Bangkok, the association is also planning overseas performances in Asia next year, as well as Sydney, to promote Korean traditional culture including clothing, known as "hanbok." The Korea Senior Star As
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Art libraries as winter shelters
When the weather turns freezing, libraries offer the perfect refuge. Even the scent of books sometimes bring a sense of comfort. Libraries specializing in art, craft and architecture in and around Seoul, filled with books bearing visually striking covers, are a place to linger — particularly for those who want to take their time and deepen their understanding. Two hideaway spaces in the heart of Seoul are well known among art enthusiasts: Design Library and Art Library, run by Hyundai Card locat
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
Gen Z drives short, event-focused travel as nature and self-discovery gain ground in 2026
Travel in 2026 is expected to be faster, more intentional and increasingly shaped by younger travelers, with a shift toward short overseas trips, nature-based escapes and purpose-driven journeys tied to major cultural events. One of the most notable changes is the rise of ultra-short international travel, led largely by Gen Z. Trips lasting just one or two days are growing faster than long vacations, as many younger travelers choose intense, experience-packed itineraries over extended downtime.
Korea Herald > Life & Culture
닷새만에 148만 명 방문한 서울빛초롱축제·광화문 마켓
16일(화)부터 빛초롱축제 23시, 광화문 마켓 22시까지 운영시간 늘려연장 운영에 맞춰 동선 안내·혼잡 관리·안전요원 배치 등 현장 안전관리 강화 서울관광재단(대표이사 길기연)은 서울 겨울 대표 축제인 ‘2025 서울빛초롱축제’와 ‘2025 광화문 마켓’ 두 행사 운영시간을 각각 23시, 22시로 연장한다고 밝혔다. 이번 운영시간 연장은 현장 반응과 관람객 편의 등을 종합적으로 고려해 결정됐다.서울관광재단은 지난 16일 안전 점검을 위해 현장을 방문한 오세훈 서울시장의 지시로 시민과 외국인 관
트래블레저 > 뉴스종합산소도시 태백, ‘태백산 눈축제’ 앞두고 여행사 초청 간담회 가져
‘산소도시’이자 ‘겨울특별시’로 인식되고 있는 태백시가 내년 1월 31일부터 2월8일까지 개최되는 '제33회 태백신 눈축제'를 앞두고 국내 대표 여행사들을 초청, 지난 17일 설명회를 개최했다.이번 행사는 태백시가 국내 주요 여행사 대표와 실무진에게 태백의 핵심 관광자원을 직접 체험하고, 이를 실제 관광상품으로 연결하기 위한 팸투어 연계 행사로 마련됐다. 이날 간담회에서 김신동 태백시 경제국장은 “이번 일정은 주요 관광자원을 현장에서 체험하고, 숙박 및 체험, 체류형 콘텐츠와의 연
트래블레저 > 뉴스종합‘2026 코리아그랜드세일’, 12월17일부터 내년 2월22일까지 개최
/BT 이시은 기자/문화체육관광부(장관 최휘영)가 (재)한국방문의해위원회(위원장 이부진)와 함께 ‘2026 코리아그랜드세일(Korea Grand Sale 2026)’을 개최한다. 기간은 지난 17일부터 내년 2월22일까지다. 18일 문체부 등에 따르면 ‘코리아그랜드세일’은 지난 2011년부터 시작됐다. 방한 관광 비수기에 외국인의 방한 관광과 소비를 촉진하기 위해 항공, 숙박, 쇼핑, 식음, 체험, 편의 서비스 등 다양한 분야의 민간 참여를 바탕으로 개최돼왔다. 한국의 대표 쇼핑관광축제로 이번에는 개최 시기를 12월로 앞당긴 것이다
베스트여행뉴스 > 전체기사등산이 게임이 된다… 등산 앱 ‘우오봉’ 1기 캡틴 30인 공개 모집
등산을 단순한 운동이 아닌 ‘스포츠’와 ‘게임’으로 재해석한 신개념 등산 플랫폼이 등장했다.우리봉우리(대표 임수영)는 12월 19일 ‘우오봉’의 오픈베타 서비스를 시작하며, 플랫폼 내에서 공격대를 결성하고 이끌어갈 ‘1기 캡틴(공격대장)’ 30명을 공개 모집한다고 밝혔다.‘우리가 오를 봉우리’의 줄임말인 ‘우오봉’은 힐링과 친목 위주였던 기존 등산 문화에 전략, 협동, 정치, 경쟁 등 게임적 요소를 도입한 리그형 등산 플랫폼이다. 사용자는 단순한 등산객이 아니라 리그의 ‘캡틴’ 혹은 ‘대원’이라는 정체성..
베스트여행뉴스 > 전체기사"빛으로 걷는 겨울밤"… 영천 망정우로지공원, 경관조명 설치
(영천=국제뉴스) 김진태 기자 = 경북 영천 망정우로지공원이 겨울철 야간 명소로 새롭게 주목받고 있다.망정우로지공원은 최근 공원 산책로를 따라 식재된 왕벚나무에 경관조명(스트링라이트)을 설치해, 겨울철 다소 삭막했던 공원 풍경을 따뜻한 빛의 산책길로 탈바꿈시켰다.조명이 켜진 산책로는 밤에도 안전하고 아늑한 분위기를 연출하며 시민들의 발길을 끌고 있다.또한 조명 설치 구간 외 왕벚나무 산책로에는 포인트 수목보온재를 설치해 겨울철 저온으로부터 수목을 보호하고 있다.이 보온재는 낮에는 수목 관리 기능을..
베스트여행뉴스 > 전체기사한국관광공사, 외국인의 전체 관광 지출 중 1위를 차지하는 ‘쇼핑’ 트렌드 분석 발표
/BT 이시은 기자/한국관광공사(사장직무대행 서영충)가 한국을 찾은 외국인의 전체 관광 지출을 분석한 결과, K-쇼핑 패러다임이 고가품 대신 실속과 취향 담는 트렌드로 전환되는 것으로 나타났다. 한국관광공사는 18일 한국 방문 외국인의 전체 관광 지출에서 압도적 1위를 차지하는 ‘쇼핑’ 트렌드를 분석해 발표한 결과, 방한 외국인의 전체 관광 지출에서 쇼핑이 차지하는 비중은 51%였다. 쇼핑은 관광 소비 구조를 이해하는 핵심 축이자 관광산업의 체질변화를 가늠하는 가장 중요한 지표로 꼽힌다. 쇼핑 트렌드 분석은 한국..
베스트여행뉴스 > 전체기사‘You can’t beat a wintry walk on a crisp, bright day’: readers’ favourite UK winter activities
From rockpooling in Somerset to stargazing in Northumberland, our readers share their favourite seasonal outdoor activities• Tell us about a beach holiday – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherArrive at Fowlmere RSPB reserve, 10 miles south-west of Cambridge, an hour before nightfall to allow yourself time to find a good vantage point to enjoy the spectacle of the murmuration. Starlings gather and swirl in fluid Spirograph shapes, framed by shadowy trees against sunset reds until the sky darkens and the birds take their last dip into the reed beds. It really is a spectacular display, available most winter evenings here.Helena Continue reading...
Travel
The Ford Mustang gets the theme park treatment in L.A. Can experiences get Gen Z to buy cars?
Marketing experts say that enticing younger consumers will take more than a sales pitch at the dealership.
LA Times > Travel
In Rub’ al Khali, world’s largest sand desert, see dreamlike dunes and meet modern nomads
When the sun rises over Rub’ al Khali, the world’s largest expanse of sand, the dunes glow gold like in a painting, rising up into the blue sky in a landscape resculpted by the wind overnight. The smell of breakfast drifts over as guide Mohammed Mussallem Al Mahri prepares the meal, sitting next to an off-road vehicle. Tracks show a desert fox has been prowling around the camp. “Rub’ al Khali translates as ‘empty quarter’, but it is not empty, it is full of life,” he says. That is not entirely...
Travel & Leisure
King’s Lynn is a town fit for a former prince
There’s a trading estate, which might possibly need an envoy. There’s a Pizza Express, whose user ratings online are the equal to the Woking branch. And there’s also a branch of Boots which has a solid range of deodorants. Should Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ever acknowledge any perspiration issues, desire a pepperoni or feel like taking on a" />
Travel
도쿄관광한국사무소, ‘리치몬드 호텔 아사쿠사’와 ‘파크 하얏트 도쿄’ 리뉴얼 오픈 소개
도쿄관광한국사무소는 올해 12월 리뉴얼 오픈한 도쿄 도심의 호텔 2곳을 소개했다. 두 호텔 모두 관광객에게 인기 있는 도심에 위치해 있어 주요 관광지나 교통 거점으로의 뛰어난 접근성이 강점이다. 이번 리뉴얼을 통해 공간 디자인과 숙박 편의성이 한층 강화됐으며, 도쿄 숙박에 새로운 선택지를 제시한다.◇ 리치몬드 호텔 아사쿠사일본을 방문한 외국인 관광객에게 인기가 높은 아사쿠사에 위치한 ‘리치몬드 호텔 아사쿠사’는 일본의 문화적 요소를 디자인에 반영해 한층 품격 있고 세련된 공간으로 새롭게 거듭났다.디..
베스트여행뉴스 > 전체기사거창군, 귀여운 관광캐릭터로 관광도시 이미지 강화
(거창=국제뉴스) 이종필 기자 = 거창군은 관광캐릭터 '거복이'와 '사각이' 조형물을 군청 1층 로비에 설치해 방문객들에게 새로운 볼거리를 제공하고, 캐릭터 홍보와 함께 '2026 거창 방문의 해' 홍보에 나서고 있다.이번에 설치된 조형물은 높이 1.5m의 거복이와 1.3m의 사각이로, '거창 방문을 환영한다'는 메시지를 담아 밝고 친근하게 제작했다.귀여운 디자인 덕분에 군청을 찾는 방문객들의 눈길을 사로잡고 있으며, 누구나 자유롭게 사진을 촬영할 수 있는 포토존 형태로 구성
베스트여행뉴스 > 전체기사서울관광재단, 'TRAVEL FOR ARTS, SEOUL' 아트투어 가이드북 특별판 신규 제작
/BT 박주영 기자/서울관광재단(대표이사 길기연)이 글로벌 아트 미디어 아트드렁크와 협업을 통해 'TRAVEL FOR ARTS, SEOUL' 서울 아트투어 가이드북 특별판을 발간했다. 한국어와 영어로 신규 발간한 이 특별판은 전 세계 예술여행자들을 위해 마련됐다. 16일 서울관광재단에 따르면 아트드렁크(ArtDrunk)는 개리 예(Gary Yeh)가 창립한 글로벌 아트 미디어 플랫폼이다. 소셜미디어 기반으로 뉴욕, 런던, 서울을 연결하는 글로벌 네트워크를 운영하며 다양한 브랜드와 온오프라인 협업을 통해 예술과 일상의 경계를 허물고
베스트여행뉴스 > 전체기사