Open Korea

Open Korea

Korean Identities Beyond Borders

  • News
  • History
  • People
  • Community
  • Entertainment
  • Resources
    • ☎️ Helpline in Korea
    • 🔗 Useful sites on Korea
    • 🎬 Best Korean Films
    • 📺 Best Korean Shows
    • 🎤 Best Korean Pop
    • 👥 Join the Cause
    • 💲Donor Dashboard

Entertainment

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • From Seoul to San Francisco: FIFTY FIFTY’s Love Sprinkle Tour Hits the USA!

    Oct 16, 2024
    in Entertainment
    From Seoul to San Francisco: FIFTY FIFTY’s Love Sprinkle Tour Hits the USA!

    K-pop sensation FIFTY FIFTY is gearing up to make their American debut with their upcoming “Love Sprinkle Tour” across the…

    Curiosity, Houston, K-pop, Seoul, Social Media
  • Forestella’s ‘Apocalypse’: Kang Hyungho’s Concept Photo Ignites Fan Excitement!

    Oct 16, 2024
    in Entertainment
    Forestella’s ‘Apocalypse’: Kang Hyungho’s Concept Photo Ignites Fan Excitement!

    Forestella, the rising crossover male quartet, is set to captivate fans once again with their upcoming digital single “Apocalypse.” The…

    Discussion, K-pop, K-pop industry, Social Media
  • KISS OF LIFE Electrifies Fans with “Get Loud” Music Video Release

    Oct 15, 2024
    in Entertainment

    K-pop sensation KISS OF LIFE has once again captivated audiences with the release of their latest music video, “Get Loud,”…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, LG
  • ITZY’s ‘GOLD’: The Sparkling Journey of Self-Confidence and Ambition!

    Oct 15, 2024
    in Entertainment

    K-pop powerhouse ITZY is gearing up for their highly anticipated comeback with their 9th mini-album “GOLD,” scheduled to drop on…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, LG
  • K-Pop Sensation Reborn: Introducing ABLUME, the New Girl Group Taking the Industry by Storm

    Oct 15, 2024
    in Entertainment
    K-Pop Sensation Reborn: Introducing ABLUME, the New Girl Group Taking the Industry by Storm

    In an exciting development for K-pop enthusiasts, a new girl group called ABLUME has emerged under MASSIVE E&C, a subsidiary…

    history, K-pop, K-pop Fans, KT, Peace, Photography, Seoul
  • K-pop Sensation aespa Set to Release “Whiplash” – Their Most Ambitious Mini Album Yet

    Oct 14, 2024
    in Entertainment
    K-pop Sensation aespa Set to Release “Whiplash” – Their Most Ambitious Mini Album Yet

    South Korean girl group aespa is gearing up to release their highly anticipated 5th mini album, “Whiplash,” sending waves of…

    history, K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, Seoul, Tokyo, travel
  • K-Pop Fans, Get Ready for an Electrifying Simply K-Pop CON-TOUR today!

    Oct 13, 2024
    in Entertainment
    K-Pop Fans, Get Ready for an Electrifying Simply K-Pop CON-TOUR today!

    Today, October 14, 2024, is the day you’ve been waiting for. Arirang TV’s Simply K-Pop CON-TOUR is back with a…

    Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, travel
  • Embracing Change: Inside PURPLE KISS’s Exciting ‘HEADWAY’ Album

    Oct 12, 2024
    in Entertainment
    Embracing Change: Inside PURPLE KISS’s Exciting ‘HEADWAY’ Album

    K-pop sensation PURPLE KISS is gearing up to captivate fans once again with their highly anticipated 7th mini album, “HEADWAY.”…

    Fame, K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, Social Media
  • Shingu University Festival 2024: Experience the Ultimate K-Pop Celebration!

    Oct 12, 2024
    in Entertainment
    Shingu University Festival 2024: Experience the Ultimate K-Pop Celebration!

    Excitement is building among K-pop enthusiasts as Shingu University gears up for its highly anticipated 17th October festival. This year’s…

    Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Social Media
  • Elegance Redefined: Jennie of BLACKPINK Graces W Korea’s November Issue

    Oct 12, 2024
    in Entertainment
    Elegance Redefined: Jennie of BLACKPINK Graces W Korea’s November Issue

    In a stunning display of elegance and style, BLACKPINK’s Jennie has once again graced the cover of W Korea for…

    Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Social Media
  • OMEGAX Takes Center Stage: 2024 ‘To.’ Tour Promises Unforgettable Concerts in Japan!

    Oct 12, 2024
    in Entertainment
    OMEGAX Takes Center Stage: 2024 ‘To.’ Tour Promises Unforgettable Concerts in Japan!

    K-pop sensation OMEGAX is gearing up to take Japan by storm with their highly anticipated 2024 ‘To.’ Tour. This exciting announcement…

    Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Lotte, Social Media, Tokyo
  • NewJeans’ Haerin Graces Marie Claire Korea’s November 2024 Cover in Dior Collaboration

    Oct 12, 2024
    in Entertainment
    NewJeans’ Haerin Graces Marie Claire Korea’s November 2024 Cover in Dior Collaboration

    K-pop sensation Haerin, a member of the popular girl group NewJeans, has once again captured the spotlight with her latest…

    Celebrity, Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, Social Media
  • Cheers to Two Years: Celebrating Lee Chaeyeon’s Solo Journey in K-Pop!

    Oct 11, 2024
    in Entertainment
    Cheers to Two Years: Celebrating Lee Chaeyeon’s Solo Journey in K-Pop!

    Today marks a significant milestone for K-pop fans as Lee Chaeyeon celebrates the second anniversary of her solo debut. Known…

    Fame, Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Social Media
  • XG’s ‘IYKYK’: A Cosmic Journey of Sound and Vision in K-Pop – The Video

    Oct 11, 2024
    in Entertainment

    K-pop sensation XG has once again captivated their audience with the release of their latest single “IYKYK” (If You Know…

    Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry
  • tripleS Shines Bright: Hyerin, Jiwoo, Yooyeon, and Kotone Take Center Stage on topclass Magazine Cover!

    Oct 11, 2024
    in Entertainment
    tripleS Shines Bright: Hyerin, Jiwoo, Yooyeon, and Kotone Take Center Stage on topclass Magazine Cover!

    In a dazzling display of talent and charisma, four members of the groundbreaking K-pop group tripleS have taken center stage…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, KT, Seoul
  • Empowerment and Elegance: JENNIE’s New Single ‘Mantra’ Takes Center Stage

    Oct 11, 2024
    in Entertainment

    K-pop sensation JENNIE has made her highly anticipated solo return with the release of her new single “Mantra” and its…

    Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, KT, Social Media
←Previous Page

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Celebrity Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Curiosity Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family Genesis germany Global Expansion history Hyundai Japan Jeju Jjigae Joseon Justice K-pop K-pop Fans K-pop industry Kakao Kia Kimchi Korean Comapny Korean Food Korean Military Koreans Korean Semiconductor Korean Technology KT Lawmakers LG LG Electronics LG Energy LG Energy Solution Lotte martial law Medical Military Naver North Korea Nvidia Parents Peace Photography Politics Pork POSCO Protest purpose Putin Question request Samsung Samsung Electronics Scandal Seoul Sex Shopping SK Hynix Social Media Stress study Suga Survey Tokyo Tourism travel Warning

Latest Korean News

  • Half of economists forecast 1% growth range for KoreaJanuary 25, 2026
    More than half of economic experts expect Korea’s economic growth… Read more: Half of economists forecast 1% growth range for Korea
  • PM meets Korean leaders, residents in New YorkJanuary 25, 2026
    Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has met with Korean leaders and… Read more: PM meets Korean leaders, residents in New York
  • American rock climber Alex Honnold reaches top of Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropesJanuary 25, 2026
    TAIPEI, Taiwan — American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the… Read more: American rock climber Alex Honnold reaches top of Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes
  • Pianist Kim Kang-tae wins 3rd prize at Liszt Piano Competition UtrechtJanuary 25, 2026
    Pianist Kim Kang-tae, 29, has won third prize at the… Read more: Pianist Kim Kang-tae wins 3rd prize at Liszt Piano Competition Utrecht
  • Kim, Vance establish hotline to prevent misunderstandings over Coupang issueJanuary 25, 2026
    In a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Prime… Read more: Kim, Vance establish hotline to prevent misunderstandings over Coupang issue

Latest Community Feeds

  • How do kpop idols travel constantly, get no sleep and still able to perform so well?January 26, 2026
  • Short sellers caught off guard by KOSPI’s 5,000-point breakthroughJanuary 26, 2026
  • Presidential Chief of Staff Kang travels to Canada, Norway today in defense export push for submarine and MLRS dealJanuary 26, 2026
  • Paris Baguette cakesJanuary 26, 2026
  • I’m downJanuary 25, 2026
  • Made Korean Sundae with a Soda Bottle… It Was a Mess, But So Worth It 😆January 25, 2026
  • Snowed-in meal ❄️January 25, 2026
  • Korean soup made by MomJanuary 25, 2026
  • Getting cold so I made some Doenjang-Jigae.January 25, 2026
  • Lazy student mealJanuary 25, 2026
  • Is Jackson Wang’s Music Overshadowed by His Persona?January 25, 2026
  • Ssanghwa teaJanuary 25, 2026
  • Casual Chat – (January 25)January 25, 2026
  • What I ate for meals in Korea Part 5 🇰🇷January 25, 2026
  • Is it just me or is xenophobia towards Korea getting worse lately?January 25, 2026
  • Korea moves to investigate Grok over sexually exploitative deepfake imagesJanuary 25, 2026
  • Could you be fined for AI content? What to know about Korea’s latest technology law.January 25, 2026
  • I feel uncomfortable when kpop groups/artist try to make Afrobeat musicJanuary 25, 2026
  • Lee withdraws nomination for budget minister amid controversy over personal issues | Yonhap News AgencyJanuary 25, 2026
  • Soy sauce marinated crab and shrimp — this is my ultimate comfort food. Anyone else?January 25, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (17,279)
    • Community (12,222)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,044)
  • History (41)
  • People (16)

History of Korea

  • Exploring Ancient Korea: A Journey into Pre-HistoryOctober 12, 2017
    Introduction to Pre-Historic Korea The timeline of ancient Korea before documented history is a fascinating yet challenging area of study.… Read more: Exploring Ancient Korea: A Journey into Pre-History
  • The Rise and Fall of Go Joseon and the Emergence of the Three KingdomsOctober 19, 2017
    Introduction to Go Joseon The Go Joseon dynasty, often considered a pivotal era in Korean history, emerged around the end… Read more: The Rise and Fall of Go Joseon and the Emergence of the Three Kingdoms
  • The Rise and Fall of Korea’s Three Kingdoms: A Story of Power, Conflict, and UnificationNovember 30, 2017
    Introduction to the Three Kingdoms The Three Kingdoms period in Korea, encompassing approximately from the 1st century BCE to the… Read more: The Rise and Fall of Korea’s Three Kingdoms: A Story of Power, Conflict, and Unification
  • Choe Chi-wonFebruary 14, 2018
    Introduction to Choe Chi-won Choe Chi-won, born in 857, stands as a notable figure in Korean history, specifically during the… Read more: Choe Chi-won
  • King Gwanggaeto the GreatMay 14, 2018
    Introduction to King Gwanggaeto King Gwanggaeto the Great, a pivotal figure in Korean history, ruled from 395 to 413 CE… Read more: King Gwanggaeto the Great
  • Won HyoOctober 14, 2018
    Introduction to Won Hyo Won Hyo, a prominent figure in Korean history, is celebrated for his profound impact on the… Read more: Won Hyo
  • Jang BogoApril 14, 2019
    Introduction to Jang Bogo Jang Bogo, a prominent historical figure from the Silla Dynasty, played a pivotal role in shaping… Read more: Jang Bogo
  • GyebaekApril 14, 2019
    Introduction to Gyebaek Gyebaek is a prominent historical figure in Korean history, particularly known for his role as a general… Read more: Gyebaek
  • King MuryeongSeptember 14, 2019
    Introduction to King Muryeong King Muryeong, reigning from 501 to 523 AD, stands as one of the most influential monarchs… Read more: King Muryeong
  • The Rise and Fall of the Goryeo Dynasty: A Precursor to the Joseon EraJanuary 3, 2020
    Introduction to the Goryeo Dynasty The Goryeo Dynasty, established in 918 AD by the notable general Wang Geon, marks a… Read more: The Rise and Fall of the Goryeo Dynasty: A Precursor to the Joseon Era

Open Korea

Open Korea

Korean Identities Beyond Borders

Sponsors & Partners

  • Eastern Art – Center for Non-Western Art Studies
  • Great African Railway – Connecting Young Africans in Metaverse
  • Renewable AI – Carbon Neutral Regulation in AI Training
  • ContentsWIRE – Stream quality writings and visuals for your business

Helplines in Korea

112  | Police

Call to report life-threatening situations and emergencies requiring law enforcement. Text service and location tracking service is also available.

119 | Fire & Ambulance

The fire department and health emergencies requiring ambulance service. There’s also an English reporting section on their website.

182 | Missing Persons & Stolen Vehicles

This line is also used for non-emergency reports and requests such as inquiring about the cost of a fine for a traffic violation, information on car licenses, and how to contact officers in charge of specific cases.

1339 | Korea Center for Disease Control (KCDC) Foreigner Helpline

Particularly useful during the 2015 MERS scare, the KCDC provides foreigners with information about first-aid and diseases in English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian.

1366 | Seoul Women’s Help Hotline

Not necessarily English-friendly and not outside of Seoul, this 24-hour service immediate response line for women involved in domestic abuse, sexual violence or prostitution should still be kept handy.

1330 | Korea Tourism Organization’s Travel Helpline

Tourism and translation services. The service is available 24/7 and provides information on tourist sites, transportation, restaurants, and more.

120 | Seoul Municipal Government Info

The Seoul “Dasan” helpline provides information on restaurants (Korean and international cuisines), transportation (bus, subway, taxi, etc.), Korean language schools, interpretation services, legal consulting, lost items, volunteer services, daily living in Seoul, and tourism. Available languages are Chinese, English, Japanese, Mongolian and Vietnamese from 9 am to 10 pm.

1345 | Immigration

Foreign resident can to ask just about any immigration-related question. Keep in mind that they tend to be on the negative side, as it’s the safer way for them to answer. Tip: Get their name and information so that if you visit the immigration office and get a different story you can tell them that you were told otherwise…

1331 | National Human Rights Commission of Korea

Call here to get information on human rights laws and social justice in Korea, as well as get assistance with filing a complaint and even receive counseling.

110 | National Government Call Center

This phone number is available for the public to call and inquire about anything from government policy to civil complaints. Available in 20 different languages.

Useful Official Links on Korea

Korean Arts

  • Archive of Gugak 국악아카이브
  • Artsnet 미술포탈 아츠넷
  • Digital Archive of Performing Arts 공연예술 디지털 아카이브
  • Intangible Heritage Digital Archive 무형유산 디지털 아카이브
  • Korea Digital Archives for the Arts 한국예술디지털아카이브
  • National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea 국립현대미술관
  • ​National Museum of Korea 국립중앙박물관
  • Seoul Photo Archives 서울사진아카이브

Korean Cinema

  • HANCINEMA The Korean Movie & Drama Database
  • Intangible Heritage Digital Archive 무형유산 디지털 아카이브
  • KMDb 한국영화데이터베이스
  • Korea Digital Archives for the Arts 한국예술디지털아카이브
  • Korean Annual Box Office Results 영화진흥위원회 박스오피스
  • Korean Film Archive 한국영상자료원
  • Korean Film Archive YouTube Channel
  • Korean Film Biz Zone
  • Korean Film Council 한국영화진흥위원회
  • KTV National Record Film 한국정책방송원 e영상역사관
  • North Korean film 북한영화 (통일부 북한자료센타)

Language & Literature

  • The Academy of Korean Studies 한국학 중앙 연구원
  • DLKL (한국 문학 디지털 도서관) by 한국문학번역원Digital Library of Korean Literature
  • The Korea Comparative Literature Association 한국비교문학회
  • The Korean Association of Language Sciences 한국언어과학회
  • Korean Literature Archive
  • Korean Literature Author Data Service
  • Korean Literature E-books in Multiple Languages
  • The Learned Society of Modern Korean Literature 한국현대문학회
  • The Modern Linguistic Society of Korea 한국현대언어학회
  • The Society of Korean Oral Literature 한국 구비 문학회
  • 국어 능력 인증 시험 (한국언어문화연구원)
  • 근대 문학 종합 목록 (국립 중앙 도서관)A comprehensive database for Korean modern literature. The site provides a search for authors and titles.
  • 한국 고전 종합 DB
  • 한글 학회 (Korean Language Society)

Statistical Sources

Government sources

  • Statistics Korea (KOSTAT 통계청)
  • Korean Statistical Information Sources (KOSIS 국가통계포털)
  • Open DATA Portal (공공 데이터 포털)

Themed statistics

  • Korean Social Science Data Archive (KOSSDA) 한국사회과학자료원
  • North Korean Statistics 북한통계 (KOISS)
  • 경제통계시스템 (Economic Statistics System)
  • 국가교육통계정보센터 (Korea National Center for Education Statistics & Information)
  • 노동통계 (Labour Statistics)
  • Media Statistics (Korea Press Foundation)
  • Trade Statistics (수출입통계, 관세청 Korea Customs Service)

History related sources

  • 한국역사정보통합시스템 (국사편찬워원회)
  • 한국사 데이터베이스
  • Kyujanggak Institute (규장각 한국학 연구원)Seoul National University Kyujanggak Institute for Korean studies
  • 한국학 디지털 아카이브
  • The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty 조선 왕조 실록
  • The Daily Records of Royal Secretariat of Joseon Dynasty 승정원 일기
  • 朝鮮王朝実録 (東京大学東洋文化研究所)
  • Korean Image Archive (한국 이미지 자료원)2,400 historic, original photographs of Korea (primarily focus on images captured pre-1970, and 35mm color slides) are available for research, presentation, lectures and other forms of scholarly works.
  • Sajin Taehan Min’guk (사진 대한민국)a collection of photographic records that vividly capture the people’s daily lives and social changes.
  • Academy of Korean Studies [한국학 디지털 아카이브]

Bibliographies and Indexes

  • 한국학술지인용색인 Korea Citation Index
  • KORCIS: 한국 고문헌 종합 목록 (국립중앙도서관)Korean Old and Rare Collection Information System
  • 近代朝鮮関係書籍データベース (東京大学東洋文化研究所)
  • 한국 잡지 박물관 DB