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News

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Iran war cost hits $38 billion, forecast to rise $3 billion a month, CBO says

    Sep 15, 2026
    in News

    WASHINGTON — The six-month-old U.S. war against Iran has cost $38 billion so far and that amount is projected to…

  • Inside Korea’s esports training camp, where gamers get Olympic-style care

    Sep 15, 2026
    in News

    BUSAN — When the elevator doors opened at Busan e-sports Arena in central Seomyeon on Sept. 5, a black partition…

    Busan, Faker, KT, travel
  • Bessent defends ‘modest’ cost of US-Japan joint yen intervention

    Sep 15, 2026
    in News

    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday defended his agency’s participation with Japan in a joint currency intervention to prop…

    Japan, Tokyo
  • Prince Harry and Meghan move children to new school over security concerns

    Sep 15, 2026
    in News

    LONDON — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan , have moved their two children to a new school over security…

    Discussion, family
  • Seoul bus strike averted after last-minute wage deal

    Sep 15, 2026
    in News

    Seoul city buses will operate normally Wednesday after labor and management reached a last-minute wage agreement early in the morning,…

    Seoul
  • DPK says it will take controversy over gender minister nominee ‘seriously’

    Sep 11, 2026
    in News

    The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said Friday it will take the controversy over the nomination of Rep. Yong…

    Controversy, Lawmakers
  • Chicken dishes give wings to Chuncheon tourism, fuel local economy

    Sep 11, 2026
    in News

    CHUNCHEON, Gangwon Province — Famous for its stir-fried and grilled chicken dish, known in Korean as dakgalbi, Chuncheon has long…

    Fame, Tourism
  • Nuveen sees growing institutional opportunity in Korea’s rental housing

    Sep 11, 2026
    in News

    Global asset manager Nuveen sees Korea’s housing market becoming increasingly accessible to institutional capital as the country’s traditional lump-sum deposit…

    history, Seoul
  • [TEST DRIVE] Lexus NX 450h+ reveals sporty side

    Sep 11, 2026
    in News

    For a brand long associated with quiet, effortless cruising, Lexus has built a surprisingly spirited side into its NX 450h+…

    Seoul, travel
  • Traditional court music meets ballet at Gyeongbok Palace

    Sep 11, 2026
    in News

    This autumn, the historic grounds of Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul will serve as the backdrop for a rare cultural…

    Baekje, family, Joseon, Peace, Seoul
  • Korea mulls acquiring Westinghouse stake in US investment package

    Sep 10, 2026
    in News

    Korea and the United States are reportedly discussing a possible Korean investment in Westinghouse Electric, as plans to include the…

  • Korea, EU seek stronger supply chain ties as industry rules evolve

    Sep 10, 2026
    in News

    Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with senior European Union officials to press for closer industrial cooperation and raise concerns…

  • Engine shutdown caused fatal Army helicopter crash in Feb.: military

    Sep 10, 2026
    in News

    A sudden engine failure has been identified as the main cause behind the deadly crash of a military helicopter in…

    fail, Military, Seoul
  • [COVER STORY] Marathons at city centers inconvenience residents

    Sep 10, 2026
    in News

    Approximately 40,000 runners participated in the Seoul DongA Marathon on March 15. The race began on a Sunday morning at…

    Seoul
  • Porcelain in spotlight: Kim Jiana redefines VIP space at Frieze Seoul

    Sep 10, 2026
    in News

    Inside the bustling halls of Coex, artist Kim Jiana accomplished something unprecedented for Asia’s premier art market. Winner of the…

    LG, Seoul
  • Lotte expands global hiring push into Indonesia

    Sep 9, 2026
    in News

    Lotte is taking its search for global talent to Indonesia, where it brought together about 600 job seekers Wednesday in…

    Lotte
  • Korea Heritage Service to hold ‘Heritage Week’ themed around Korean food culture

    Sep 9, 2026
    in News

    The Korea Heritage Service, together with the Korea Cultural Heritage Utilization Council, will run “2026 Korea Heritage Week” throughout October…

    history, Japan, Joseon, Korean Food, Seoul
  • Deaf K-pop group Big Ocean returns with ‘Love Sign,’ most mature release yet

    Sep 9, 2026
    in News

    The world’s first Deaf idol group, Big Ocean, dropped its digital single “Love Sign” on Wednesday, its first release in…

    K-pop
  • North Korea eyes 2nd straight title at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

    Sep 9, 2026
    in News

    North Korea’s women’s football team continued to showcase its dominance at the youth level, cruising to a 2-0 victory over…

    North Korea, travel
  • Korea, Japan seek new chapter in 40 years of tourism ties

    Sep 9, 2026
    in News

    Korea and Japan are marking four decades of tourism cooperation this week with talks in Mokpo aimed at turning a…

    Hyundai, Japan, Tourism, travel
  • Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian capital kill 2 people, ending pause in attacks

    Sep 8, 2026
    in News

    KYIV, Ukraine — Two people were killed and at least 10 injured after Russia struck the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with…

    Military, Ukraine
  • China’s Huawei Technologies faces racketeering trial in New York

    Sep 8, 2026
    in News

    NEW YORK — Huawei Technologies, a leading Chinese tech company, faces a criminal racketeering trial in New York over charges…

    Blacklist, Crime, Lotte, North Korea, Protest
  • How ‘The Odyssey’ hit box office milestone in Korea

    Sep 8, 2026
    in News

    Director Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” surpassed 10 million tickets sold on Sunday, just 33 days after its release in Korea,…

    Question
  • EU warns of chilling new terror menace 25 years after 9/11 as online youths seek violent thrills

    Sep 8, 2026
    in News

    BRUSSELS — A quarter of a century after the Al-Qaeda attacks on the United States, jihadist groups still pose a…

    fail
  • HD Hyundai, Philippines to deepen cooperation on naval modernization

    Sep 8, 2026
    in News

    HD Hyundai is seeking to expand cooperation with the Philippine government on efforts to modernize the Philippine Navy and strengthen…

    Hyundai, Seoul
  • Seoul invites pampered pups for ‘Petlympic’ glory

    Sep 7, 2026
    in News

    Move over, human swimmers and marathon runners: Korea is gearing up for a far more chaotic, tail-wagging display of athletic…

    Peace, Seoul
  • Seoul expands guided night walks through historic districts

    Sep 7, 2026
    in News

    Under the glow of neon signs and high-rise buildings, Asia’s late-night economies are usually associated with bustling night markets, rooftop…

    Seoul, Shopping
  • Mom’s Touch doubles down on Tokyo by moving HQ to Shinjuku, opening 6th store

    Sep 7, 2026
    in News

    Mom’s Touch, the Korean burger and fried chicken chain, said Monday it has relocated its Japan corporate office to Shinjuku,…

    Japan, Tokyo
  • GPT-6 Astra aces Korean college entrance exam

    Sep 7, 2026
    in News

    An analysis showed OpenAI’s new artificial intelligence (AI) model earned a perfect score on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)…

    history, Korean History, Korean Language, Question
  • SNU professor finds key to improving stability of LMR EV batteries

    Sep 7, 2026
    in News

    Seoul National University professor Lim Jong-woo, in collaboration with LG Energy Solution, has identified a key factor behind gas generation…

    fail, LG, LG Energy, LG Energy Solution, Seoul
  • GPT-6 Astra aces Korean college entrance exam

    Sep 7, 2026
    in News

    An analysis showed OpenAI’s new artificial intelligence (AI) model earned a perfect score on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)…

    history, Korean History, Korean Language, Question
  • Lee’s inclusive Cabinet: Right idea, wrong people

    Sep 6, 2026
    in News

    There is a Korean saying that reminds leaders of the importance of putting the right people in the right positions:…

    Justice, Question, request
  • Uncle Sam awakens after attacks

    Sep 6, 2026
    in News

    Uncle Sam awakens after attacks

  • Seoul fireworks show attracts 1 million spectators

    Sep 6, 2026
    in News

    Some 1 million spectators visited the country’s largest annual fireworks show in Seoul, its organizers said Sunday, with many more…

    history, Seoul
  • Nicotine-like products expose blind spot in e-cigarette rules

    Sep 6, 2026
    in News

    A new regulatory blind spot is emerging around nicotine-free and nicotine-imitation products, following a law revision that brought liquid e-cigarettes…

    Warning
  • Democratizing the law: AI is the answer

    Sep 6, 2026
    in News

    Korea is widely recognized as one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations. The country is investing heavily in artificial…

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Latest Korean News

  • Iran war cost hits $38 billion, forecast to rise $3 billion a month, CBO saysSeptember 15, 2026
    WASHINGTON — The six-month-old U.S. war against Iran has cost… Read more: Iran war cost hits $38 billion, forecast to rise $3 billion a month, CBO says
  • Inside Korea’s esports training camp, where gamers get Olympic-style careSeptember 15, 2026
    BUSAN — When the elevator doors opened at Busan e-sports… Read more: Inside Korea’s esports training camp, where gamers get Olympic-style care
  • Bessent defends ‘modest’ cost of US-Japan joint yen interventionSeptember 15, 2026
    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday defended his agency’s… Read more: Bessent defends ‘modest’ cost of US-Japan joint yen intervention
  • Prince Harry and Meghan move children to new school over security concernsSeptember 15, 2026
    LONDON — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan , have… Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan move children to new school over security concerns
  • Seoul bus strike averted after last-minute wage dealSeptember 15, 2026
    Seoul city buses will operate normally Wednesday after labor and… Read more: Seoul bus strike averted after last-minute wage deal

Latest Community Feeds

  • I’m bored at so many 5th gen groups debuting with very poor actual (singing) talent.September 15, 2026
  • KpopThoughts Weekly Thread – (September 15)September 15, 2026
  • BTS ‘Swim’ Hits 900 Million Spotify Streams in Record TimeSeptember 15, 2026
  • Revisiting the discussion with all K‑pop girl group fans: Who do you think is the “greatest center in K‑pop girl group history”? My pick is Jennie from BLACKPINK — the King LeBron of girl groups.September 15, 2026
  • I can’t believe a lot of K-pop idols are the same age or younger than meSeptember 15, 2026
  • What is the most interesting Kpop song you’ve heard in the last few years?September 12, 2026
  • taeyang reaction to his meme ? Boy man taeyangSeptember 12, 2026
  • I’m Bored and Have An Account For BUGS! Let’s Find Some New Music Together!September 11, 2026
  • Chayeon (tripleS) started a youtube channel very similar to Woni’s (Rescene)September 11, 2026
  • DON’T HATE ME, but why does tarzzan get so much hate?September 11, 2026
  • Question for K-pop stans who also are fans of Hannah Montana (or at least understand the premise of the show) 👀September 11, 2026
  • Within a few hours, Stray Kids will headline the Rock in Rio festival, the first K-pop artist to do soSeptember 11, 2026
  • Ateez then and now – Am I the only one who … ? (Unpopular Opinion, probably.)September 11, 2026
  • Unpopular Opinion. Do you agree with my opinion?September 11, 2026
  • What was South Korea like during the 9/11 attacks?September 11, 2026
  • S. Korean, Iranian FMs hold phone talks amid Seoul weighing possible Hormuz deploymentSeptember 11, 2026
  • How ‘Oppagate’ puts Kim Seung-won’s Justice Ministry nomination and Korea’s legal overhaul under pressureSeptember 11, 2026
  • What’s one thing an idol did/say that made you go “oh they’re genuinely a kind person”September 11, 2026
  • I’ve had a change of heart.. I think it’s totally fine for groups to lipsync at concertsSeptember 11, 2026
  • I don’t know but I have this thought that Huh Yunjin would fit better if she debuted in KATSEYESeptember 11, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (25,735)
    • Community (19,180)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (5,197)
  • 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

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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