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The famous Korean-Canadian singer Henry Lau has released his official teaser concept photos for his new upcoming single "Always Been You" ! We give you all the details ahead of the release date and live performance dates! With this official teaser poster, I have to say that Henry is looking as good as ever. I became a fan of Henry having watched him perform on the popular Korean TV show Begin Again and during these live and often surprise performances I was very impressed with his vocal range, musical ability, and overall stage presence. Let's check out his live performance of the unreleased song in Thailand! When I heard that Henry was due to release some new music I was very excited, as it has been a long time coming. Having listened to the performance that the did in Thailand of the unreleased single, I really liked the fact that he used his violin skills in the single as it's original for him, and showcases his ability beyond just a singer. In addition, he chose to use his Korean routes lyrically along with his English ability to try and unite Eastern and Western fans together which is a smart move. Overall, the fast beat and tempo won me over with the violin taking what felt like the main part musically. The lyrics, "Even when the sky falls down" - make me feel that he has perhaps come through a breakup or had a family tragedy which sadly would make sense since the single is called "Always Been You". What do you think? In addition to his new music, Henry Lau will also perform at this years Brooklyn Paramount on September 28, 2024 . I am hoping that in line with the new single he will have some new music for the fans to enjoy, and this could be his first show since the new singles officially out, how exciting!! Mark your calendars, as the single is set to be officially released on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 6 PM KST. DO NOT MISS IT! Let us know what you think of the teaser in the comments below.   #COMINGUPNEXT   #ALWAYSBEENYOU #Henry   #HenryLau   #헨리   #MONSTERENTERTAINMENT

How could an entire SUV vanish into the ground in the blink of an eye? That was the bewildering scene that unfolded in central Seoul on Thursday morning (August 29, 2024) when a sinkhole suddenly appeared, swallowing a white SUV and leaving two elderly passengers injured. We also look into this global phenomenon that is not only happening in South Korea but in all parts of the world as well! The dramatic incident occurred around 11:20 a.m., as the vehicle was engulfed by a 2.5-meter (eight-foot) deep chasm that opened up without warning. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, rescuing the 82-year-old male driver and a 76-year-old female passenger. Both were taken to the hospital, and their current conditions are still being assessed. The incident has caused significant traffic disruptions in Seoul's Seodaemun district , where repair work and an investigation into the cause of the sinkhole are ongoing. Recent Sinkhole Incidents Around the World This Seoul incident is part of a worrying trend of sinkholes making headlines globally. Take a look. ● Malaysia: Just last week, a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur swallowed a 48-year-old tourist from India. The pavement collapsed beneath her, and officials believe she may have been swept away by an underground water current. ● Japan: In 2016, a massive sinkhole opened up in Fukuoka, Japan . This sinkhole was 15 meters deep and 30 meters wide, tearing apart a major road. Remarkably, it was repaired within 48 hours thanks to an intensive engineering effort. The occurrence of large and small sinkholes serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of our environment. As cities continue to grow and develop, understanding and mitigating the risks of sinkholes remains a critical challenge. What Caused the Sinkhole? Sinkholes are mysterious and can seem almost magical in their sudden appearance. But there’s a natural explanation behind these sudden ground collapses. Essentially, sinkholes happen when underground rocks dissolve over time due to the action of water. This process creates empty spaces underground. As the soil above these voids becomes unsupported, it can collapse, forming a sinkhole. Several factors contribute to sinkhole formation: Water Erosion : Water dissolves minerals in rocks, leaving behind empty spaces. When groundwater levels drop or fluctuate, these spaces can collapse. Groundwater Changes : Shifts in water levels—whether from heavy rain, drought, or human activities like pumping water from wells—can weaken the ground above. Human Activities : Activities such as drilling, construction, or even leaking sewer pipes can speed up the process of sinkhole formation by disturbing the soil or changing water flow patterns. Seasonal Changes : Extreme weather conditions, like heavy rainfall or drought, can also contribute to sinkhole formation by affecting groundwater levels. In this case, the exact cause of the sinkhole in Seoul is still under investigation, but a combination of these factors likely played a role. The incident highlights how sudden and dramatic these natural phenomena can be, as well as the importance of monitoring and maintaining urban infrastructure to prevent such occurrences. This incident is a stark reminder of the hidden forces at work beneath our cities and the need for vigilance in managing our environment and infrastructure. Sinkholes can be found all over the world, they show us how powerful and unpredictable nature can be. By understanding where they are likely to occur, we can better prepare and protect ourselves from their impacts. Let us know your thoughts about this phenomenon in the comments below! #Seoul #SouthKorea #Sinkholes #Geology #NaturalDisasters #KarstLandscape #EarthScience #GeologicalPhenomena #SinkholeAwareness #EnvironmentalImpact #Safe #Safety #SafetyFirst #PlanetEarth

Following a stellar performance in Uncle Samsik , Byun Yo Han is back with a very underrated new crime/thriller Black Out ! We give you three reasons why Black Out should shoot to the top of your summer/fall watchlist! Synopsis Wrongfully accused of murdering two girls when he was in high school, Ko Jung Woo ( Byun Yo Han Mr. Sunshine 2018), is sentenced to ten years in prison. After serving his hard sentence, Jung Woo returns to his hometown only to be met with sadness, shame, and grief from his mother and his victims' parents. Jung Woo gets involved with Detective No Sang Cheol ( Ko Jun ) and they team up to uncover the truth about the fateful night the two girls were murdered. No Sang Cheol agrees to reinvestigate Ko Jung Woo's case. Why we're watching Byun Yo Han is amazing in his role as a wrongly accused teenager-turned-man as he portrays a young man undergoing a harrowing ordeal. Unwanted by his mother, Ko Jung Woo desperately wants to turn his life around for good as he helps out whoever he can, including his run-in with Detective No Sang Cheol when a group of bullies almost attack him at night. Here are three reasons why Black Out should be moved up your K-drama watchlist! 1. Black Out is an emotional and heart-pounding drama! Watching the first several episodes has already gotten us on a rollercoaster of emotions: sadness, anger, spitefulness, and peace! Byun Yo Han's ability to showcase his character's distress is amazing and worth the watch! 2. Amazing storyline that has us hooked all the way! Not too often do we get a chance to say, "The storyline was amazing"! But Black Out has us hooked at every episode! The suspense and character interactions are so true and real that we can't wait for the next scene/episode! With a slew of veteran actors: Kim Mi Kyung ( Knight Flower 2024), Ahn Nae Sang ( Delightfully Deceitful 2023), and Kwon Hae Hyo ( Flex X Cop 2024), Black Out will keep you glued to the screen and coming back for more! 3. Go Bo Gyeol is an excellent female lead! Little did we know that rising actress Go Bo Gyeol ( Mother 2018) is such an excellent female lead! Beautiful and supportive of her high school crush, her character Choi Na Kyeom, is always there at Ko Jung Woo's side whenever he needs her. With sincerity and natural acting, Go Bo Gyeol's talent is portrayed effortlessly in her most recent role. Have we convinced you to start watching Black Out ? Let us know your thoughts on this adrenaline-rushing/emotionally charged crime/thriller! Black Out premiered on August 16 and will run until September 28 every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 KST on MBC. #BlackOut #MBC #GoBoGyeol #ByunYoHan #crimethriller

Controversy has started to take over as regulation of online entertainment shows began in South Korea. We dive into one specific YouTube channel case that has fans and the local government asking for an apology! Since I was mostly raised in the UK, I am used to watching regulated TV shows, especially shows on the BBC, unlike in Korea where many shows have gone unregulated until recently. To get a better understanding, many complaints about offensive remarks on online variety shows have stirred up controversy over the relatively light regulation given to online-only content. This has been a problem worldwide in more recent times. however in Korea until now, it has mostly gone unnoticed. Some people argue that while the freedom given to digital platforms helps enrich Korea's content landscape, there is also a need for new regulations to guard against the potentially damaging effects of some shows, which I agree with. I think there of course needs to be some regulation in place in order to make digital platforms, safe and open to everybody. I strongly disagree that not having any regulation in place makes Korea a more enriched place, and I find it more of an excuse from regulation bodies. YouTube channel Psick Univ , featuring comedians Lee Yong Ju, Kim Min Su, and Jung Jae Hyung, recently caused controversy with comments about rural Korea. Having worked with local Korean Governments to try and put rural Korea back on the map, especially the tourist map, I can understand where these complaints have come from, as rural Korea is where most people began before making money through large corporations like LG and Samsung . The channel, which had over 3.1 million subscribers, lost over 210,000 subscribers over three weeks after posting a video titled, "We Came to Yeongyang, the Smallest City in Gyeongsang Province " on May 11th this year. In the video, the three comedians tour Yeongyang while frequently making negative comments about the place, describing a local river as "filled with manure," and locally made blueberry jelly as tasting like "a grandmother's flesh." Although I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinions to publicly posting something so negative online will only lead to a negative backlash. I have learned that working in the public light, you should never really post your own opinions, especially political views. The channel has posted a public apology "We deeply regret not having fully considered the negative impact it could have on the community." however critics and previous fans are claiming that the hosts were discriminating against people who were from these towns. What do you think? For me, I think that if you are seen as a public figure you should not post strong opinions, which can influence others easily in a negative way, however, you should have the right to be creative and create content that people will enjoy and lead to your success. I also believe that regulating online platforms is a good thing and it should have been done a long time ago to make these sites welcoming and safe for everyone who uses them. Regulation is mostly for TV shows and commercials. For example, showing alcohol adverts or using swear words after 9 or 10 PM at night when children are likely to be asleep. You can check out the channel at the center of this hot topic here: https://www.youtube.com/@%ED%94%BC%EC%8B%9D%EB%8C%80%ED%95%99 Let us know in the comments below if you think regulation of entertainment shows should happen. #PsickUniv #YouTubeChannel

At a stone's throw away from Korea's second biggest city, Gimhae is like a step back in time. We'll take you through a colorful tour of this wonderful city that is a must-visit whenever you're near Busan ! From museums to fortress walls and an awesome amusement park, there are a lot of cool things to do in Gimhae. The next time you want to head south, maybe head here. I actually spent 2 months in Gimahe back in 2020, when I first moved to Korea as part of a home stay at the Strawberry farm "Cloudberry". Here, I had a great local experience, and tried my hand at something I thought I would never do, which was working on a farm pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and you know what? I loved it! Gimhae also has a lot of rich history, and according to the legend, King Suro was one of six princes born from eggs that descended from the sky in a golden bowl wrapped in red cloth. Suro was the firstborn and led the others in setting up the six states of Gaya (가야). What I was most intrigued by when I first visited, knowing nothing about the king or queen buried in the tombs and reading the information there, was that the queen is said to be from the Indian country Ayuta today identified as Ayodhya. This is great information if you are into history like me, and because of the remoteness that Gimhae has to offer, it's the perfect place to escape the city and soak in Korea's rich history and culture on a more local level. If that isn't enough, then near the King Suro Tomb Complex , stop into the folk museum to see folk relics from the Gimhae region. On the first floor, there is food, clothing, shelter, and relics related to music. On the second floor, there are relics related to agriculture. This is worth a visit as well. When the weather is hot or even during the cold bleak winters Gimhae National Museum is also worth checking out. Built to preserve the research and cultural heritage of the Gaya Kingdom, the museum is at the foot of Gujibong where you may have just come from if you checked out the fortress first. The exterior of the museum is really interesting and showcases black bricks to represent the iron ore and charcoal famous during the Gaya Kingdom. Inside, the museum houses relics from as far back as the Neolithic Age, Bronze Age, and so on. It’s an impressive collection and pays great homage to the history of the area and the Gaya Kingdom. There’s also a fun children’s museum; it does require a reservation, however, if the spaces aren’t all full, you can go right in so be sure to ask like I did. Actually next to the Strawberry farm I stayed at, is Lotte Water Park . Gimhae is actually home to the largest water park in Korea. Roughly the size of 17 football fields, the water park is home to some of your favorite rides like a 118-meter Tornado Slide, a Tube Slide, and a Tiki River. There are indoor and outdoor wave pools and a kid's pool so something for everyone. Fly into Gimhae in the summer and you’ll have a blast… a water blast, sadly when I stayed in Gimahe it was the middle of winter, however, I have been back since and I have loved the water park, some weekends outside of the peak time they open it as a dog water park too! That's crazy!! Regardless of your interests, Gimhae despite its size has something to offer everyone, so definitely head south and check it out this year! Let us know in the comments below if you have ever been to Gimhae, and what you favorite attraction is. Tag us in your photos! #Gimhae #funthingstodo #affordablethingstodo #SouthKorea #southkoreatrip

The recent trend of using deepfake technology for "deepfake pornography" has become a serious issue in South Korea. We uncover the K-pop groups targeted by this serious crime and what netizens have been saying. Hashtags #YG_PROTECT_BLACKPINK and #ADORPROTECTNEWJEANS have been trending on X (Twitter) with K-pop fans pleading with K-pop management companies to protect their artists' from circulating on Telegram group chats. Numerous K-pop groups have also become victims of this illegal use of their image, including the rookie girl group BABYMONSTER . Deepfake technology uses AI technology powered by two machine learning models to take sample imagery, audio, and video to create a new piece of media. In the case of "deepfake pornography", the machines take photos of K-pop idols' faces and "paste it"/"combine it" with another person's body. South Korea is currently battling a "deepfake pornography" battle as one telegram account had 220,000 members "creating and sharing doctored images and videos", according to The Guardian. You can see where the different IP addresses within South Korea have spread below: South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has ordered a crackdown on digital sex crimes targeting women and girls who have become unknowingly deepfake victims. According to police data, "297 cases of deepfake crimes of a sexual nature were reported in the first seven months of the year — up from 180 cases last year." (The Guardian) The current South Korean law states that making sexual explicit deepfakes with the intention of distributing them is punishable by five years in prison and a fine of 50 million won (USD 37,000). So what are your thoughts? Do you think K-pop companies are able to protect their artists' image from deepfake pornography? Source: 1 #YG_PROTECT_BABYMONSTER #YG_PROTECT_BLACKPINK #EDAM_PROTECT_IU

What comes to your mind when you hear the word kimchi ? Korea right?! This article will explore why kimchi is growing in worldwide popularity outside of Korea and its health benefits! With many people around the world concerned about their health kimchi has became a great addition to many people's diets. I have tried European fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, which is supposed to be really good for your body, especially digestion, though with the K-Wave and all things Korea becoming trendy worldwide, including kimchi. If you were not already aware, kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made with salted, fermented vegetables. It is nutrient-dense, contains probiotics, and may help support the immune system and reduce inflammation, among many possible benefits. I have tried making oyster kimchi before, and I have to say the combination worked well I really would recommend booking yourself onto a Kimchi-making class while you visit Korea during winter! Also, have you ever wondered why Korea has an aging population? Thank you to kimchi for this! Chronic inflammation is not only associated with numerous illnesses but also accelerates the aging process, so this is a great benefit of kimchi! Kimchi has also made world headlines! Back in the UK, kimchi has also started selling various brands in UK supermarkets, and when I visited the UK last year, I was really surprised to see the number of Korean food items, including kimchi, available for purchase. Most of the kimchi for sale is imported directly from Korea. Since Brexit, the UK Government has signed closer trade deals with South Korea, and it has shown items available to buy in supermarkets. Tradition is one of the main reasons why Koreans serve kimchi at almost every meal. History shows that Koreans were already eating kimchi as early as 37 BC. During those times, it was common for the locals to make fermented dishes because of the abundance of ingredients and lack of refrigeration. Aside from this, fermented dishes were also straightforward to create. Hence, kimchi was served at every meal and even eaten as a convenient snack, and I have to say having lived in Korea for some years now, kimchi has been on my weekly shopping list. I never thought that would happen! Let us know your favorite type of Kimchi in the comments below. #kimchi #koreanfood #healthyfood #hallyu

Have you ever been asked your blood type by a Korean? Even the first time you have met someone? A little strange isn't it? Well, this article will focus on the significance of blood type in Korea and why it's so important to meet someone for the first time! “What’s your blood type?” Much like asking for a person’s horoscope here in Western countries, however, in Korea, you might be asked for your blood type instead. Both of these questions are a fun way to get a general idea of a person’s personality . In Korean culture, each blood type is associated with specific personality traits and should be taken with a grain of salt, and depending on your blood type you will fall into one of four categories. Still in 2024, 6 out of 11 Koreans according to the Korean Herald, use blood types to define someone's personality. You may feel confused as to why people ask about blood types in Korea, but don’t worry. If you are asked this by a Korean, that means that the person wants to get to know you better! Blood Type AB You’re either a psycho or a genius — those with type AB blood are often unpredictable but have a “can-do” attitude with a high level of intelligence and a variety of interests. People with this blood type seem like they're in their own world and are unique and quirky. Similarly, they can be shy and aloof, often preferring to be alone - this may lead others to think they are two-faced and cold. You are a mysterious alien that not everyone can understand.  Blood Type B You’re cool, independent, follow your own rules and don’t care about what anyone thinks of you. People with type B blood love to enjoy life to the fullest and are passionate about what fuels them. They are always curious which may also make them impulsive without knowing. However, they are also considered shallow, selfish, and lazy towards people and things they are not passionate about.  Blood Type A Conservative, timid, and often more introverted than other blood types, people with type A blood are often sensitive and find difficulty expressing emotions or trusting others. They may also take things personally and easily feel hurt. However, they can also be considerate to others, patient, and are often punctual.  Blood Type O People with type O blood are natural-born leaders and well-rounded individuals. They are outgoing and optimistic and are not afraid to say what’s on their mind. They can carry a conversation with confidence but they much rather speak with actions than words. Blood type O's are ambitious individuals who work to succeed in what they do.   I am blood type O, and I have to say that the generalization does actually sound like some of the traits that I have. For me, I am a very ambitious and driven person, and I speak my mind as well. Usually, however, I check my star signs. Due to my birthday falling in February, I fall at the end of the Aquarius calendar. A couple of years ago, I used to have a book that would tell me my horoscope by day throughout the year, or in the UK I would tend to read the daily horoscope listings in the newspaper. I do believe in genes through blood types and star signs. Let us know your thoughts on this taboo topic in the comments below. And what's your blood type? #bloodtype #personalitytest #southkorea #koreanculture

안녕하세요! Welcome to another Korean Friday lesson! Have you ever found yourself in a Korean restaurant, or perhaps you're planning to host a Korean-themed dinner party? Well, look no further! This article will help you order/host like a pro and impress your friends and family at your next get-together! Our Friday article of this week is diving into essential dining vocabulary that will come in handy when setting the table or ordering food. Inspired by the insightful Youtube video from @ rocknlearn Channel, we’re breaking down key terms like plate , napkin , and spoon . Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your Korean skills, these words will help you navigate any dining situation with ease. So, let’s set the table for a delicious language lesson! 1. The Plate – 접시 (jeopsi) 접시 (jeopsi) is the word for "plate" in Korean. It’s an essential item at any meal. ☆ Example Sentence: “저는 큰 접시 하나와 작은 접시 하나를 주세요.” (Please give me one large plate and one small plate.) 저는  (jeoneun) - I  (topic marker) 큰  (keun) - big  / large 접시  (jeopsi) - plate 하나와  (hanawa) - one and  / one and (with) 작은  (jageun) - small 접시  (jeopsi) - plate 하나를  (hanareul) - one  (object marker included) 주세요  (juseyo) - please give  / please So, the word-for-word translation is: I (topic marker) big plate one and small plate one (object marker) please give. 2. The Napkin – 냅킨 (naepkin) 냅킨 (naepkin) is the term for "napkin." It’s useful for keeping things tidy during meals. ☆ Example Sentence: “냅킨이 필요해요. 식사 중에 손을 닦으려고요.” (I need a napkin. I want to wipe my hands during the meal.) 냅킨이  (naepkini) - napkin  (subject marker) 필요해요  (pillyohaeyo) - is needed  / needs 식사  (siksa) - meal  / dining 중에  (jung-e) - during 손을  (son-eul) - hand  (object marker included) 닦으려고요  (dak-eulyeogoyo) - to wipe  / intend to wipe So, the word-for-word translation is: Napkin (subject marker) is needed. During meal, hand (object marker) to wipe intend. 3. The Glass – 잔 (jan) In Korean, 잔 (jan) refers to a "glass." It’s used for drinking beverages. ☆ Example Sentence: “물 한 잔 주세요.” (Please give me a glass of water.) 물 (mul) - water 한 (han) - one / a 잔 (jan) - glass (or cup) 주세요 (juseyo) - please give So, the word-for-word translation is: Water one glass please give. 4. The Fork – 포크 (pokeu) 포크 (pokeu) is the Korean word for "fork." It’s a common utensil used in many dishes. ☆ Example Sentence: “포크가 필요해요. 이 음식은 포크로 먹어야 해요.” (I need a fork. This food should be eaten with a fork.) 포크가  (pokeuga) - fork  (subject marker) 필요해요  (pillyohaeyo) - is needed  / needs 이  (i) - this 음식은  (eumsig-eun) - food  (topic marker) 포크로  (pokeuro) - with a fork  (instrumental marker) 먹어야  (meogeoya) - must eat  / needs to eat 해요  (haeyo) - (polite ending) So, the word-for-word translation is: Fork (subject marker) is needed. This food (topic marker) with fork must eat. 5. The Knife – 나이프 (naipu) 나이프 (naipu) is the term for "knife." It’s used for cutting food. ☆ Example Sentence: “나이프를 사용해 주세요. 이 고기를 자를 수 없어요.” (Please use a knife. I can’t cut this meat.) 나이프를  (naipeureul) - knife  (object marker included) 사용해  (sayonghae) - use  (informal or polite form) 주세요  (juseyo) - please  (request form) 이  (i) - this 고기를  (gogi-reul) - meat  (object marker included) 자를  (jaleul) - to cut  (future form of the verb “to cut”) 수  (su) - ability  / can 없어요  (eopseoyo) - not have  / cannot So, the word-for-word translation is: Knife (object marker) use please. This meat (object marker) to cut can not. 6. The Spoon – 스푼 (seupun) 스푼 (seupun) is the word for "spoon." It’s commonly used for soups and cereals. ☆ Example Sentence: “스푼이 필요해요. 이 국을 먹으려면 스푼이 있어야 해요.” (I need a spoon. I need a spoon to eat this soup.) 스푼이  (seupun-i) - spoon  (subject marker) 필요해요  (pillyohaeyo) - is needed  / needs 이  (i) - this 국을  (guk-eul) - soup  (object marker included) 먹으려면  (meogeulyeomyeon) - if (one) wants to eat  / to eat (requires) 스푼이  (seupun-i) - spoon  (subject marker) 있어야 해요  (iss-eoya haeyo) - must be  / needs to be So, the word-for-word translation is: Spoon (subject marker) is needed. This soup (object marker) if (one) wants to eat, spoon (subject marker) must be. 7. The Table – 테이블 (teibeul) 테이블 (teibeul) is the word for "table." It’s where you’ll place all your dining items. ☆ Example Sentence: “테이블에 음식을 놓아주세요.” (Please put the food on the table.) 테이블  (teibeul) - table 에  (e) - (at/on) 음식을  (eumsigeul) - food  (object marker included) 놓아주세요  (noahajuseyo) - please put  (a polite request form of the verb "to place") So, the word-for-word translation is: Table (at/on) food (object marker) put please. 8. The Chair – 의자 (uija) Lastly, 의자 (uija) means "chair." It’s where you sit during meals. ☆ Example Sentence: “의자 하나 더 가져다 주세요. 게스트가 와요.” (Please bring one more chair. A guest is coming.) 의자  (uija) - chair 하나  (hana) - one 더  (deo) - more 가져다  (gajyeoda) - bring  (note: this is the verb "to bring" in its polite form, but in the literal sense, it translates to "bring and give") 주세요  (juseyo) - please  (a polite request form) 게스트  (geseuteu) - guest 가  (ga) - (subject marker) 와요  (wayo) - is coming So, the word-for-word translation is: Chair one more bring please. Guest (is) coming. These words and phrases will be your secret weapons for navigating dining situations, making your meals more enjoyable and stress-free. Just imagine how much smoother your next Korean dining experience will be with this vocabulary! ● The Full video : So, when you're at a Korean restaurant or sharing a meal with Koreans or Korean- speaking friends, give these words a try. We're all on this learning journey together, and we're excited to hear how these tips help you out! Do you have any favorite dining words or experiences to share? Don't hesitate to tell us or drop a comment, let's chat about it! Happy learning, and see you at the next Friday lesson! #LearningKorean #Korea #Language #LanguageLearn #Learn #Seoul #SouthKorea #KoreanFridays

Ganghwa Island has recently created an immersive art space from an old oil factory. We explain why this art museum is not your ordinary art museum and why it's perfect for everyone! Outside the megacity of Seoul, and only one hour by car, is the beautiful Ganghwa Island. Sadly, it has not been in much need of regeneration over the years, however now an abandoned oil factory situates an Art Factory "Charmgiroom"! The word "charmgiroom" is a playful take on the Korean wood for sesame oil "chamgireum" (참기름) by combining the English words "charm" and "room". The "gi" inbetween "charm" and "room" is the Chinese word for joy! This beautiful space offers an interactive and immersive art experience that is fun for all ages. This is one of the largest art spaces in Korea as it has over 23,000 square feet of upcycled art features. To get a better feel of these interactive exhibits, check out this video by @sam_wonderlands on Instagram! Every exhibition needs a centerpiece and for this exhibition in the main hall, you will notice an impressive space 8 meters tall and over 120 meters in length. This is for sure a photo opportunity that is not to be missed! You are able to also experience AI (Artificial intelligence) and more classic Van Gogh's pieces of art as well on your visit. I think the blend of old and new can work really well and lead to an unforgettable experience this summer. I have not always been the biggest fan of art, however, interactive spaces are so much more enjoyable for me, as I feel that I can get a sense and understanding by getting directly involved. For more information and tickets: https://charmgiroom.com/ Follow their official Instagram accounts for up-to-date exhibit details! https://www.instagram.com/charmgiroom.official/ Will you plan to visit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. #artexhibit #vangogh #ai #charmgiroom

Markets in Korea are still part of everyday life, and compared to the UK they are thriving. How is it that these old establishments remain THE BEST place to experience Korean culture, food, and life? We explain! I really love visiting markets in Korea, due to the vibrant colors, cheap vegetables, and delicious street food that is available to purchase for a reasonable price. Danyang is one of my favorite markets to visit because it is located inside and outside and it has various items to buy as well as very delicious garlic bread and ice cream. I noticed that Korean markets offer a sense of community which markets in the UK typically do not. I have also noticed that some of markets stalls here have been featured on TV channels such as SBS, MBC, and KBS. I think that this is pretty cool as these channels have featured local businesses which otherwise would not have been shown which is pretty cool right?! When I visited Danyang Market I tried the famous garlic bread which I have to say despite waiting in line for over 30 minutes on a cold day, it was really worth it. The locals were telling me about the different types that I should try, but as they were really sweet and big, I was only able to eat one. Korean supermarkets can be expensive for fruits and vegetables, so even in Daegu, I use the local markets for buying fruit and vegetables as I would rather get better quality items and also support locals rather than big chains. I have found that even as a foreigner I have been accepted well, and have gained a sense of community which I would not in a supermarket. I have also been seen as a regular as well which is really nice, and as a result have built a community. These markets are also popular for the lunchtime rush, with many markets offering various fresh and hot food items. Here you can fill up for a very cheap price, among the various lunchtime items is the gimbap , as it's easy to carry and light to eat. I highly recommend that you try this when you visit a Korean market. Also a lot of the time, Korean markets offer a place for people to gather. and a place for people to trade items and tell stories. This tradition has happened for centuries and is continuing which I think is great. Let's check out a snapshot video of Danyang Market! Korea’s markets remain a vibrant part of the social and commercial scene today. From the gigantic Jagalchi Seafood Market in Busan (which is the largest fish market in Korea and a MUST-visit place) to the technology-driven Yongsan Electronics Market in Seoul to the tiny neighborhood markets that dot cities and towns all across Korea, they are a place to truly appreciate the “smell of the people.” By bringing together the people who grow and make things with the people who will use them, markets build a sense of unity and tie together people and products into one community, and these have overtime became a place for tourists to visit and enjoy as well as locals. Let us know in the comments below your opinion on Korean markets and your favorite one to visit! #danyangmarket #traditionalmarket #koreanfood #koreanfoodie

Iloilo City, Philippines (August 31, 2024) – The vibrant city of Iloilo is set to host the fourth annual Iloilo-Korean Friendship Festival , a celebration of cultural exchange and enduring friendship between the Ilonggo and Korean communities.    The festival, held at the K-Town Festive Walk Iloilo, is a three-part showcase of exciting events filled with performances, club activities, and community engagement. Beyond the stage, the festival will feature a bustling atmosphere with fan club booths dedicated to various K-pop groups in Part One (1) which kicks off at 2 PM (PHT). Fans can connect with fellow enthusiasts, share their love for their favorite artists, and participate in exciting activities prepared by the organizers. This interactive element fosters a sense of community and shared passion amongst K-pop fans in Iloilo. Fans of THE BOYZ , MAMAMOO , AESPA , STRAY KIDS , THE ROSE , SEVENTEEN , TREASURE , NCT , and SHINee should look forward to this segment. The Iloilo-Korean Friendship Festival is more than just a celebration of K-pop; it is a testament to the strong cultural ties between Iloilo and Korea. The event aims to promote understanding, appreciation, and friendship between the two communities, fostering a sense of inclusivity and cultural exchange. Which starts at 5 PM (PHT) includes a short program featuring an All-Korean Fan Dance Crew “Sedjeong”. VIPs from the Iloilo Korean United Community Association, Iloilo City Tourism, The Medical City Iloilo, and King Sejong Institute Iloilo are also invited to receive appreciation. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without performances from homegrown cover groups of Iloilo K-Pop Organization.  Adding to the excitement, Part Three (3) of the festival will feature a special guest appearance by Press Hit Play, an uprising P-Pop group known for its energetic performances and captivating music. The idols are to set foot in Iloilo City for the second time around as part of their Lampara Tour. Their presence is sure to draw a large crowd and further enhance the festival's atmosphere of cultural exchange and celebration. As the festival continues to grow each year, it has become a beloved tradition in Iloilo, attracting both local and international audiences.    For those interested in experiencing the vibrant energy of the festival, the event is open to the public and promises an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, and cultural exchange.   #ILOKORFriendshipDayYear4 #FanfestWithPHP #PressHitPlay #IKO2024