The Korean edition of the science fiction fantasy novel “Phoenix Extravagant” by Korean American author Yoon Ha Lee hit local bookshelves on Jan. 17. The book was published by Hubble, a sci-fi imprint of East-Asia Publishing Co. The English edition was released in October 2020. The three-time Hugo Award nominee for his space opera trilogy “Machineries of Empire” -- which includes “Ninefox Gambit,” “Raven Stratagem” and “Revenant Gun” --

On the day of the first full moon of the lunar calendar, which falls on the 15th day of the new year according to the lunar calendar, Koreans celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum. The history of Jeongwol Daeboreum dates back to the Three Kingdoms period. With traditional food and drinks shared among families and neighbors on this festive day, people send their wishes for a healthy and fruitful new year to the first full moon. Special days mean special dishes. On Daeboreum, ogokbap (rice mixed with fiv

Wonju boasts mesmerizing ice wall at Pandae Ice Park

Korea Foundation and the ASEAN Foundation are inviting five contemporary Korean artists to take part in the inaugural "Konnect ASEAN – Chiang Mai Print Residency for Korean artists," which will take place in northern Thailand's Chiang Mai. The monthlong program that will start in July is to provide access to print studios, public programs and other promotional activities for print artists while they work in the city. The residency program will promote collaboration and netwo

Shin Chun-soo, chief producer of OD Co., has been dealing with thyroid problems recently, a condition he described as even harder to deal with than his open-heart surgery two years ago. Shin confesses to being less and less stimulated by company. Once an extrovert, he has retreated to literature and musical books in his enduring search for inspiration. But when he talks about musicals and his upcoming projects in and outside Korea, his face lights up. Shin was originally a wannabe movie director

South Korea’s landmark illuminated billboard in southern Seoul will present “Youth” by acclaimed German artist Anne Imhof every day at 8:23 p.m. throughout the month, inspiring young people to hold out hope despite frustrating situations. The presentation is scheduled to kick off at 8:23 p.m. on Friday at Coex K-Pop Square in Gangnam, Seoul, which is the largest light-emitting diode billboard in the country. The work will also be shown at 8:23 p.m. in Hong Kong, London, Berlin,

Bowling alley with neon lights and rock-'n-'roll February has begun, but the evenings in Seoul are still quite chilly after sundown. When it feels too early to call it a day with friends or acquaintances, a special bowling alley decorated with flashy neon lights and some rock music awaits. Only a three-minute walk from Gangnam Station's Exit No. 10, Temple Strike, a bowling alley located on the basement floor of the bustling district, opens from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. the next mornin

Koreans traditionally harvested fresh vegetables in the summer to be dried and stored for the winter months. On Daeboreum, the dried vegetables are prepared as namul. Nine different types of namul are enjoyed on Daeboreum, including fernbrake, thistle, radish leaves, green pumpkin, eggplant and castor beans. The type of namul served can vary by region. These days, people keep the tradition of having namul, but try to make it simple, by having two or three different types instead of all nine namu

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul presents special dim sum brunch Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's authentic Cantonese Chinese restaurant, "Yu Yuan," presents "Weekend Champagne and Dim Sum Brunch," starting Saturday. Yu Yuan's special brunch features Hong Kong's unique food culture, yamcha, which means to enjoy a variety of food including dim sum, with tea for breakfast and lunch, with friends and family. All dishes are prepared by dim sum chef Jia Wen Li, who has more than

Hallim Park Narcissus Festival The Narcissus Festival, which began Jan. 21, will run through Feb. 19 at Hallim Park, one of the most popular tourist spots on Jeju Island. The park, reaching almost 100 thousand square meters in size, is home to various types of flowers and plants. More than a million narcissuses welcome flower lovers during its flowering season. Admission is 9,000 won ($7.38), 10,000 won and 15,000 won for children, teenagers and adults, respectively. Online reservation can be

Webtoon “Dark Moon: The Blood Altar” has recorded 100 million views worldwide as of Wednesday, Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind the superband BTS said. An original webtoon collaboration between Hybe and Naver Webtoon, “Dark Moon: The Blood Altar” is a fantasy webtoon featuring seven members of Hybe boy band Enhyphen as werewolves. The story develops as a mysterious new student Soo-ha -- a vampire -- transfers to the school and draws the attention of the werewolves. Seria

Overseas Korean schools, cultural communities and organizations can apply to receive traditional cultural items through the Overseas Koreans Foundation’s website, the state-run organization announced Tuesday. Categories of items include traditional instruments, costumes and folk games. Applications will be accepted online until Feb. 21. The project’s purpose is for Koreans abroad to maintain and inherit Korean music, arts and culture. While promoting cultural exchanges between gene