Korean gift etiquette/culture: What gifts should I bring for my good Korean friend and her family hosting me in Busan? 🇨🇦🇰🇷

Latest News from Korea

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  IU’s turbulent 2026: Drama controversy, political backlash and breakup with Lee Jong-sukJuly 13, 2026
  Singer and actor IU has endured a string of setbacks in 2026, from a historical drama controversy and politically charged online attacks to the end of her four-year relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk. On Friday, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment and Lee’s agency Ace Factory confirmed to Xportsnews that the couple had ended their relationship after dating for four years. The… Read more: IU’s turbulent 2026: Drama controversy, political backlash and breakup with Lee Jong-suk
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  Lee says will create ‘future response’ fund using extra tax revenueJuly 13, 2026
  President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that the government will use additional tax revenue expected from the ongoing semiconductor boom to create a “future response fund” aimed at investing in future industries and policies for younger generations. The president made the remarks during a meeting on state financial strategies, as the country is expected to collect higher tax revenue thanks… Read more: Lee says will create ‘future response’ fund using extra tax revenue
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  Discovering Brâncuși: From Romania to the worldJuly 13, 2026
  My long-standing interest in art and cultural heritage recently led me to attend a special event celebrating the legacy of Constantin Brâncuși (1876-1957) titled “Brâncuși – From Romania to Paris and the World,” held at the Seoul History Museum. I was invited by Romanian Ambassador to Korea Cezar Manole Armeanu to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition on July… Read more: Discovering Brâncuși: From Romania to the world
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  Youth suicides in Hong Kong hit 10-year high: court reportJuly 13, 2026
  Youth suicide cases confirmed by Hong Kong Coroner’s Court reached a decade-high last year, despite a 10 percent overall decline across the population to 1,019. According to the annual coroners’ report published last month, suicide cases confirmed by the court declined across almost all age groups, except for those aged between 10 and 19. Last year, 46 adolescents aged 10… Read more: Youth suicides in Hong Kong hit 10-year high: court report
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  Chip fabs, AI data centers put Korea’s nuclear policy back in focusJuly 13, 2026
  Korea’s energy policy is at a crossroads as the government’s ambition to become a global powerhouse in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing collides with a less glamorous reality: finding enough electricity to power it all. The Lee Jae Myung administration’s “mega project” initiative, including a new semiconductor cluster for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix Inc. in the southwestern… Read more: Chip fabs, AI data centers put Korea’s nuclear policy back in focus

Latest Entertainment from Korea

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  LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings CollectionJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: CHROMOSOME LE’V Illuminates 2026 with “Spotlight Soul” LE’V enters 2026 with a statement that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. His Season’s Greetings “Spotlight Soul” concept photos reveal a striking evolution — one that merges emotional depth with artistic clarity. The project, released as a collector’s visual experience, celebrates not just another year but LE’V’s firm grasp on identity, craft,… Read more: LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings Collection
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  KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty CodesJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: SPUR Dior Starship Entertainment A New Year, A New Iconic Pairing SPUR Magazine opens 2026 with a collaboration that feels both intimate and electric. The January 2026 Issue Pictorial Preview showcases KiiiKiii Leesol and Haum in a visual dialogue infused with Dior Addict’s luminous rebellion. Titled “Light Moves: The Addict State of Mind”, the spread captures the interplay of motion, reflection, and self-definition—a signal… Read more: KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty Codes
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  Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & IdentityJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: Hi-Hat Entertainment The Convergence of Vision and Identity The January 2026 Pictorial from ifeye × KITTO Taiwan marks a defining moment in East Asian creative media. Framed as both a celebration and an evolution, the collaboration bridges art direction, fashion narrative, and technological fluidity to capture a new generation’s pulse. More than a photoshoot, this issue acts as a visual manifesto—an exploration of… Read more: Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & Identity
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  Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover StoryJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: KLAP ENTERTAINMENT Kep1er’s Xiaoting Captures the Moment Kep1er’s Shen Xiaoting steps into 2026 as a muse of modern elegance, fronting the January 2026 Wonderland China cover with an aura that’s both futuristic and fiercely grounded. As one of the brightest stars of her generation, Xiaoting embodies the balance between aspiration and artistry that defines global pop’s next chapter. “Confidence is not just… Read more: Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover Story
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  BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional PrecisionJanuary 9, 2026
  Photo Credits: GQ Korea – Cartier – BigHit Music. – BTS V x Cartier: The Sound of Stillness and Strength For GQ Korea’s February 2026 issue, the cover unfolds like a cinematic confession. BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung)—known for his magnetic duality of mystery and warmth—joins forces with Cartier, the house synonymous with precision, artistry, and legacy. Together, they create a visual symphony that celebrates… Read more: BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional Precision

Learn People & History of Korea

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  The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan CityFebruary 7, 2025
  Ancient Beginnings: The Founding of Busan Busan, known as the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded existence of Busan can be traced to the Goryeo Dynasty, where it was referenced as a vital coastal settlement. Its strategic location along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula… Read more: The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan City
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  The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political DynamicsFebruary 6, 2025
  Introduction to Pyongyang Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, serves as a prominent symbol of the nation’s history and culture. Geographically located on the banks of the Taedong River, in the southwest part of the country, Pyongyang is situated within a strategic area that has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The city’s origins can be traced back to… Read more: The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political Dynamics
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  The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and BeyondFebruary 5, 2025
  Ancient Beginnings: The Founding of Seoul The city of Seoul, known today as the vibrant capital of South Korea, has ancient roots that trace back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, specifically the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. Evidence suggests that Seoul was originally established as a settlement given its strategic geographical advantages. Nestled within the Han River basin,… Read more: The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and Beyond
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  Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3January 30, 2025
  Introduction to Korean Traditional Games Korean traditional games have long been an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape, offering more than mere entertainment. These games, which range from simple children’s pastimes to complex community activities, hold significant cultural significance and often serve as a means of preserving history and promoting social interaction. Rooted in centuries of tradition, these games… Read more: Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3
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  Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune TellingJanuary 30, 2025
  Introduction to Saju Saju, a traditional Korean fortune-telling practice, is an intricate art that seeks to interpret an individual’s fate based on their birth date and time. The term “Saju” translates to “four pillars” in English, referring to the four critical components derived from these time markers: year, month, day, and hour. This method holds significant cultural value within South… Read more: Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune Telling