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

Advice

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Tips for making chunjang at home

    Oct 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey there! Has anyone successfully made chunjang (black bean paste) at home? I haven’t been able to find any kosher…

    Advice
  • Confused about when the pre sale starts for Wonho [Stay Awake, Toronto] Any advice appreciated, is buying benefits AND a concert ticket more normal then I think?

    Oct 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    So I recently signed up to be on the emailing list to get for the pre sa le for Wonho’s…

    Advice, Parents, travel
  • Thinking about moving closer to family

    Oct 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I currently live in America and am married with a disabled younger sister who is dependent on me. Me and…

    Advice, family, Stress
  • Hiii! Need a help about Blepharoplasty!

    Oct 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Foreigner here! I’m thinking about flying to Seoul to get the double eyelid procedure done! I’m thinking about non-incisional technique.…

    Advice, Seoul, Teenager
  • Right turn on red light

    Oct 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Today I was driving and I came to an intersection, the light turned red and I sat there stopped for…

    Advice
  • 삼각김밥 & 현미밥 – help for brown rice in kimbap

    Oct 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello! I like to prepare 삼각김밥 for my work lunches but have been trying to switch to brown rice per…

    Advice, Korean House
  • Thinking of Moving to Korea for 3 Years – Looking for Advice

    Sep 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, We’re a Korean-American couple with a toddler, both born in Korea but raised in the U.S. We speak…

    Advice, family, Parents, Question, Working in Korea
  • Ubers in Korea Question

    Sep 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I was in Korea a week ago, I needed a ride from Incheon to Seoul. I have used Uber internationally…

    Advice, driver, Kakao, Question, Seoul
  • Which rice cooker? Cuckoo vs Yum Asia vs Zojirushi.

    Sep 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi all, I’m trying to finally buy a really good rice cooker and I’m kind of lost in all the…

    Advice, Question
  • why do moas mention enhypen negatively but then get upset when engenes find them?

    Sep 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    i just came accidentally the post a moa made in here a while ago and noticed how they are here…

    Advice
  • Has anyone had surface mail from Korea to India delayed this long?

    Sep 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I sent two parcels from South Korea to India via surface mail a little over 90 days ago.…

    Advice, Busan
  • What do you think about JYPE prioritizing good attitude above skills and visuals in trainees?

    Sep 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I just watched a Chimchakman podcast episode that was uploaded some months ago where NMIXX were the guests. At one…

    Advice, Crime, Discussion, Japan
  • Scholarship Advice for a Graduate Program in Korea

    Sep 20, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone! I’m a filipino and a graduating chemical engineering student. I’m going to apply for an integrated MS-PhD program…

    Advice, Korean Language, Question, Seoul
  • Recent numerous kidnapping attempts

    Sep 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Article in Korean: link *Chat GPT translation: From Seoul to Jeju: A string of child abduction attempts — was ‘money’…

    Advice, Crime, daegu, fail, Jeju, Punishment, Question, request, Seoul, Sex, Warning
  • i want to be a kpop idol and it’s making me really distraught

    Sep 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I need some advice. I recently got into kpop, and i genuinely love it.(I’m 14F btw) i’m not sure if…

    Advice, Fame, Parents
  • Advice – I want to learn Korean properly

    Sep 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Good evening wonderful people, Just looking for a way to improve my Korean skills, both to connect with my culture…

    Advice, K-pop, purpose
  • Wanting to studyu korean at a language school. Hoping to get some advice

    Sep 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi, I’m looking into studying in Seoul, Korea, for anywhere between 1 to 4 months. But all the different options…

    Advice, Seoul, study
  • Ask to local : K-beauty & wellness shops info in Korea (facials, scalp spas, massages, etc.)

    Sep 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m a local Korean(graduate student) who regularly visits aesthetic/spa/skincare/clinic spots. I see lots of travelers and residents swapping tips here,…

    Advice, Japan, Koreans, Medical, request, Seoul, travel
  • A little advice on the subway when traveling in Korea

    Sep 8, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    A little advice on the subway when traveling in Korea

    If you have any trouble using the Korean subway, press the Call button at the customer information booth. – English…

    Advice, Subway, travel
  • D-4 visa with a criminal record?

    Sep 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey all I was wondering if anyone has experience getting a D-4 visa with a criminal conviction? For context I’m…

    Advice, Question
  • Korean citizenship situation

    Sep 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    So I was born in Korea but grew up in the US and got my US citizenship at 18. My…

    Advice, Korean Military, Military, Parents
  • Black Bellflower Extract question

    Sep 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    So, I recently purchased a jar of Korean Black Bellflower extract. I opened it upon receiving to check it out,…

    Advice, KT, Question
  • Any Americans living in Korea on F6 Visa?

    Sep 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Planning to marry in South Korea to my fiance next year, so we want to get a head start on…

    Advice
  • Is it normal in Korea for 4 passengers to claim injuries after a gentle “press” and expect financial compensation. Is the system allowing fraud ?

    Sep 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice or perspective from people who know how accidents and insurance usually work in…

    Advice, Jeju, Question
  • How do the locals decide which plastic surgery clinics to go to?

    Aug 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    *pics in comments * need help finding a reputable clinic/hospital specializing in revision rhinoplasty (cosmetic) as well as another one…

    Advice, Medical, Seoul
  • ​A question about Jin’s role as the eldest member!

    Aug 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello everyone, I’ve been enjoying so much of BTS’s content and I’m really curious about the group’s dynamics. I know…

    Advice, BTS, Question
  • Partner of Australian raised South Korean adoptee, advice welcome

    Aug 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I should start by saying I (37F) and not currently with my (40M) partner, who a South Korean adoptee raised…

    Advice, Parents
  • Trying to Scare Off Old Men

    Aug 20, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Context- I am stationed in Korea through the military. Currently I am doing my work off post and thus interact…

    Advice, Military
  • Brazilian-Korean going to the korean military service. Any advice?

    Aug 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m 21 and going to korea at the end of this month to sign up to the korean military. I…

    Advice, Korean Military, Military, study
  • Question about SIM cards for my study abroad in South Korea

    Aug 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    For context, I am studying abroad this fall in Seoul and as I search around about SIM cards and eSIM…

    Advice, Question, Seoul, study
  • Help on exchange study as an ethnically Chinese Person

    Aug 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello, I’m going to Korea as an exchange student this fall as a Canadian citizen. I mostly speak english and…

    Advice, family, study
  • What are relationships like, friendship and love?

    Aug 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m going to travel, and then I’ll stay for a while, 1 or 2 years I want to make friends,…

    Advice, travel
  • Circumcision in South Korea as a foreigner?

    Aug 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello. I need some advice and I wanted to ask if it’s possible to get circumcision done as a foreigner…

    Advice, travel
  • Feeling Mentally Drained or Stressed? Offering Calm Conversations & Guided Relaxation | Online

    Aug 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey everyone, If you’re feeling overwhelmed, mentally tired, or just need someone to talk to, I’m offering calm, 1-on-1 support…

    Advice, Peace, Stress
  • Thinking of opening a small Korean noodle place in San Francisco. Would love your input!

    Aug 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I’m someone who recently moved to the Bay Area from Korea, and I’m working on opening my very…

    Advice, LG, Pork
  • President Lee meets Samsung chief amid stalled US, Korea trade talks

    Jul 25, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    President Lee meets Samsung chief amid stalled US, Korea trade talks

    Lee Jae-yong (left), chairman of Samsung Electronics, speaks with President Lee Jae-myung at a group meeting with other business leaders…

    Advice, automotive, Discussion, Donald Trump, Hyundai, LG, LG Electronics, Samsung, Samsung Electronics, Seoul
←Previous Page Next Page→

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Celebrity Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Curiosity Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family 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 Soju Stress study Suga Survey Tokyo Tourism travel Warning

Latest Korean News

  • Korea’s inheritance taxes get blame for world’s 4th-largest millionaire exodusFebruary 3, 2026
    Korea has emerged as one of the countries experiencing the… Read more: Korea’s inheritance taxes get blame for world’s 4th-largest millionaire exodus
  • The rebel returns: Lee Kun-yong and art of letting body speakFebruary 3, 2026
    The pairing of slicked-back white hair and a childlike grin… Read more: The rebel returns: Lee Kun-yong and art of letting body speak
  • CJ Olive Young partners with Polish firm to sell PB products in EuropeFebruary 3, 2026
    CJ Olive Young, the retail and distribution arm of Korea’s… Read more: CJ Olive Young partners with Polish firm to sell PB products in Europe
  • Global security outlook for 2026: Back to the jungle?February 3, 2026
    This year has dawned with a thunderbolt-like U.S. operation to… Read more: Global security outlook for 2026: Back to the jungle?
  • Seoul to deploy robots to improve disaster managementFebruary 3, 2026
    Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on Monday that… Read more: Seoul to deploy robots to improve disaster management

Latest Community Feeds

  • What rice brands are good? Im seeing insane price differences and im confusedFebruary 3, 2026
  • Gun Mandu (군만두)February 3, 2026
  • Any K-pop group that exists today has benefited from the success of BTSFebruary 3, 2026
  • Built a small site to list only authentic Korean restaurants in Germany and Czech Republic – looking for feedbackFebruary 3, 2026
  • Let’s have a friendly kpop debate. Regarding vocal, rap and dance, would you rather be the top 1 at one thing but really terrible at others or good at everything but never the best.February 3, 2026
  • KpopThoughts Weekly Thread – (February 03)February 3, 2026
  • Bruno Mars Did Not Insult BTS, His Comments Were Taken the Wrong WayFebruary 3, 2026
  • Spicy Steamed Monkfish (아구낌)February 3, 2026
  • Have you ever tried traditional Korean sweet rice, Yakbap..? ^^February 3, 2026
  • Day 9 Of ONLY Eating Food From a Korean Convenience Store 🏪🇰🇷February 3, 2026
  • Just curious anyone elsw unable to access us.oricon-group? Need to use it for research?February 3, 2026
  • Meat on the grill, chill vibesFebruary 3, 2026
  • How is this $10?February 3, 2026
  • Kpop that becomes popular in the US is some of the worst output from the industry and that’s what stops the genre from getting taken seriously. Agree or Disagree?February 3, 2026
  • KOSPI buy-side circuit breaker activated amid renewed rallyFebruary 3, 2026
  • do people still not like lucas? getting mixed opinionsFebruary 3, 2026
  • Korea to reveal details on 60,000 affordable urban housing units for youth/newlyweds this MarchFebruary 3, 2026
  • When you listen to Japanese albums from Kpop groups do you skip the songs you’ve already heard when they were released as singles?February 3, 2026
  • A 15-minute grocery run after workFebruary 2, 2026
  • corporate breakfastFebruary 2, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (17,517)
    • Community (12,400)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,089)
  • 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