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

BTS

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • J-Hope Unveils Stunning ‘Charm of HOPE’ & ‘Killin’ It Girl’ Concept Photos Ahead of New Projects

    Jun 17, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    J-Hope Unveils Stunning ‘Charm of HOPE’ & ‘Killin’ It Girl’ Concept Photos Ahead of New Projects

    Photo Credits: BIGHIT MUSIC BTS’s vibrant rapper and dancer, J-Hope, has once again captured the hearts of fans worldwide with…

    BTS, Japan, K-pop, Social Media
  • Why many K-pop groups and idols still skips Vietnam when going on Asian tours?

    Jun 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Vietnam has one of the largest K-pop fanbases, and is also among the strongest developing countries in the world, with…

    BTS, K-pop
  • Korean vs international popularity – the trend has shifted/expanded

    Jun 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I want to re-visit this topic – an interesting topic to me as a dinasour kpop fan (yup as early…

    BTS, Japan, KT, Social Media
  • CJ CGV under pressure to shed China, Vietnam cinema assets

    Jun 16, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    CJ CGV under pressure to shed China, Vietnam cinema assets

    A CGV multiplex in Seoul (Courtesy of Yonhap) MBK Partners and Mirae Asset Securities Co. are considering divesting CGI Holdings…

    BTS, fail, Seoul
  • Working on a YouTube project about BTS — would love insights from longtime ARMYs

    Jun 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I’m part of the research team behind the YouTube channel Babu Ramachandran. We’re currently working on a long-form…

    BTS, history, Justice, travel
  • K-pop pilgrimage boosts Seoul ahead of BTS comeback

    Jun 15, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    K-pop pilgrimage boosts Seoul ahead of BTS comeback

    A banner featuring BTS member Jimin was displaced on a building near HYBE headquarters in Yongsan on June 11 With…

    BTS, history, Japan, K-pop, LG, Military, Naver, Seoul, Social Media, Suga, travel
  • K-Pop Star From20 Announces 2025 Asia and Europe Tour Dates with HELLO GLOOM

    Jun 14, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    K-Pop Star From20 Announces 2025 Asia and Europe Tour Dates with HELLO GLOOM

    Photo Credits: Way Better Kim Rae Hwan, better known by his stage name From20, is making waves in the K-pop…

    BTS, Japan, K-pop, Military
  • Is Jungkook the most loved Kpop idol in SK?

    Jun 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I am just curious. I am an ARMY since early 2023 but from what I am seeing I think that…

    BTS
  • If you had to choose a kpop bg to save you from going bankrupt, who would you pick?

    Jun 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Imagine this, You have an entertainment company but you’re about to go bankrupt. You can’t offer much to your trainees:…

    BTS
  • STAYC Unveils Summer Fashion and Exclusive Insights in MAPS Japan 2025 Vol.5 Pictorial Preview

    Jun 13, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    STAYC Unveils Summer Fashion and Exclusive Insights in MAPS Japan 2025 Vol.5 Pictorial Preview

    Photo Credits: MAPS Japan. High Up Entertainment STAYC, the rising K-pop girl group under High Up Entertainment, is stepping into…

    BTS, Fame, Japan, K-pop, Kakao, Photography, Seoul
  • Fans are concerned about how Yeosang’s (ATEEZ) treatment

    Jun 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Edit: Sorry I know this is long haha As the title suggests, I wanted to make this post just cause…

    BTS, Ewha
  • ARTMS Takes Flight with “Icarus”: Exploring the Cinematic and Club Versions and the Group’s Rising Stardom

    Jun 13, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds

    Photo Credits: MODHAUS ARTMS, one of K-pop’s most promising new girl groups, is making waves with their latest release, “Icarus.”…

    BTS, Fame, K-pop
  • BTS J-Hope and GloRilla Drop “Killin’ It Girl”: Fans React to Electrifying Collaboration and Global Tour Buzz

    Jun 13, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds

    Photo Credits: HYBE BTS’s J-Hope has once again taken the music world by storm with the release of his latest…

    BTS, Fame, K-pop, Military, Social Media
  • Why I think Woozi really messed up on Street Woman Fighter

    Jun 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    As some of you may know, Woozi produced the Leader Class song called ECHO! for the latest season of Street…

    BTS, K-pop
  • The misogyny towards Jennie anytime she gets wrapped up in Taennie rumors is disgusting

    Jun 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Let’s leave aside whether you believe they’re a thing or not. I can NOT stand the way so many people…

    BTS
  • BTS Is Back—and projected to rival JYP & YG’s combined sales in 2026

    Jun 11, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    HYBE is projected to see its performance surge by over 150% in the next two years, fueled by BTS’s highly…

    BTS, Military, Naver
  • KiiiKiii Unveils New Era with Allure Korea x Delvaux Cover and Upcoming Global Projects

    Jun 11, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    KiiiKiii Unveils New Era with Allure Korea x Delvaux Cover and Upcoming Global Projects

    Photo Credits: Allure Korea Delvaux. Starship Entertainment KiiiKiii’s latest appearance on the digital covers of Allure Korea’s June 2025 edition,…

    BTS, Japan, Photography
  • Is K-pop these days overly dependent on certain big-name groups?

    Jun 11, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    In light of BTS members completing their military service and preparing for future group activities, as well as Blackpink’s upcoming…

    BTS, K-pop, K-pop industry, Military
  • IVE’s Liz Unveils New Summer Look in PowerCircles Magazine June 2025 Exclusive

    Jun 11, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    IVE’s Liz Unveils New Summer Look in PowerCircles Magazine June 2025 Exclusive

    Photo Credits: PowerCircles Magazine Starship Entertainment IVE’s Liz is making waves across Asia as she graces the solo cover of…

    BTS, Japan, K-pop, Social Media
  • What’s the weirdest or strangest reason or way that made you stan a kpop group? (And sharing my experience too)

    Jun 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    TW: Long Story (Excuse my bad English if I said some confusing things lol) Writing this so I can share…

    BTS, Curiosity, KT
  • IZ*ONE’s IZNA Dazzles in ELLE Japan June 2025: Exclusive Photoshoot, Group Insights, and Fan Reactions

    Jun 10, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    IZ*ONE’s IZNA Dazzles in ELLE Japan June 2025: Exclusive Photoshoot, Group Insights, and Fan Reactions

    Photo Credits: ELLE Japan. WakeOne Entertainment, The June 2025 issue of ELLE Japan has set social media abuzz with its…

    BTS, germany, Japan, K-pop, KT, Social Media, Tokyo
  • Invesco, SK D&D likely to buy co-living building in Seoul

    Jun 10, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Invesco, SK D&D likely to buy co-living building in Seoul

    A rendering of Noudit Hongdae (Courtesy of Local Stitch) A consortium between US asset management firm Invesco and the real…

    BTS, Seoul, Shopping, travel
  • BTS Jin and J-Hope Celebrate ARMY 613 with Heartfelt Moments at 2025 BTS FESTA

    Jun 10, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    BTS Jin and J-Hope Celebrate ARMY 613 with Heartfelt Moments at 2025 BTS FESTA

    Photo Credits: BigHit Music BTS continues to captivate fans worldwide, and the latest highlight comes from the 2025 BTS FESTA,…

    BTS
  • what date is bts comeback??? hearing several answers

    Jun 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    wait i’m confused everyone is saying bts comeback june 13th but i thought suga doesn’t get out until the 22nd?…

    BTS, Suga
  • KATSEYE in Exclusive SSENSE June 2025 Pictorial: A Fresh Look at K-pop’s Rising Stars

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    KATSEYE in Exclusive SSENSE June 2025 Pictorial: A Fresh Look at K-pop’s Rising Stars

    Photo Credits: SSENSE. HYBE KATSEYE, the global girl group making waves in the K-pop scene, has taken center stage in…

    BTS, Japan, K-pop, Photography, Seoul, Sex, Social Media
  • Sweet & Spicy Dishes

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    What Korean dishes are sweet and spicy? Because ever since I had the sweet chili sauce from the bts collab…

    BTS, Korean Food
  • What’s a K-Pop age fact that blows your mind?

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Mine is that next year, Jin of BTS will be the same age as PSY was when he released Gangnam…

    BTS, K-pop
  • What’s going on in your respective fandoms? (June 2025)

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone👋. It’s been quite a while since I made this post, so I’m back again. I’ll go first. For…

    BTS, K-drama, Military
  • Korea to allow non-profits to buy consumer bad loans

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korea to allow non-profits to buy consumer bad loans

    President Lee Jae-myung (far right) and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung (second from right) shop at a traditional market in Seoul…

    BTS, Seoul, Shopping, Stress
  • Inwangsan hike, anyone?

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m 31F from Malaysia, KL. Planning to head to Inwangsan mountain for a hike on 15 June (Sunday) 8am –…

    BTS
  • What do you think about future of K-pop?

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I was thinking about future of K-pop and I’m not sure how it will be. To be honest I feel…

    BTS, K-pop
  • BTS may have to do a semi Eras Tour level tour for their comeback tour

    Jun 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    In the US, the normal 1-2 nights in NY, LA, Chicago, and Texas won’t be enough. Yeah they won’t do…

    BTS
  • Rate my top 10 Kpop songs of all time!!!

    Jun 8, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    4 Walls – F(x) Eclipse – Kim Lip Spring Day – BTS Genie – SNSD Replay – Shinee My Lady…

    BTS
  • Mikawon in Waikiki

    Jun 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    DO NOT COME HEREEE!!!! My friends and I came in and were treated horribly. For context, we are not korean…

    Bibimbap, BTS
  • A 70 year old family friend absolutely loves BTS (An interesting interaction)

    Jun 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Sorry for the weird title, I wasn’t sure what to put. I had a somewhat interesting interaction last week. Just…

    BTS, Ewha, family, Sex
  • K-Pop Group i-DLE Captivates in ELLEgirl Japan May 2025 Pictorial and Gears Up for Exciting New Era

    Jun 3, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    K-Pop Group i-DLE Captivates in ELLEgirl Japan May 2025 Pictorial and Gears Up for Exciting New Era

    Photo Credits: Ellegirl Japan. Cube Entertainment In the dazzling world of K-pop, i-DLE continues to capture attention, this time gracing…

    BTS, Fame, family, Japan, K-pop, purpose, Social Media, Suga
Next Page→

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family Genesis germany Global Expansion history Hyundai Japan Jeju Jjigae Justice K-pop K-pop Fans K-pop industry Kakao Kia Kimchi Korea Development Korean Comapny Korean Food Korean History Korean Military Koreans Korean Semiconductor Korean Technology Korea Zinc KT LG LG Electronics LG Energy LG Energy Solution Lotte martial law Medical Military Naver North Korea Nvidia Parents Peace 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 Ukraine Warning

Latest Korean News

  • SK Hynix leads Samsung in customized HBM; lands Nvidia, Microsoft dealsJune 19, 2025
    The exterior of SK Hynix’s semiconductor plant in Icheon, Gyeonggi… Read more: SK Hynix leads Samsung in customized HBM; lands Nvidia, Microsoft deals
  • South Korea unveils $14.6 billion 2nd extra budget to spur growthJune 19, 2025
    South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (left) speaks at a cabinet… Read more: South Korea unveils $14.6 billion 2nd extra budget to spur growth
  • Mirae Asset debuts AI-recommended ETF on NYSE to invest in US bondsJune 19, 2025
    Mirae Asset’s headquarters in Seoul Mirae Asset Financial Group, one… Read more: Mirae Asset debuts AI-recommended ETF on NYSE to invest in US bonds
  • POSCO inducted into World Steel Dynamics’ Hall of FameJune 19, 2025
    POSCO Group CEO Chang In-hwa receives a Hall of Fame… Read more: POSCO inducted into World Steel Dynamics’ Hall of Fame
  • Lockheed Martin, KAI to expand partnership to future defense, aerospace techJune 19, 2025
    The FA-50 light attack aircraft jointly developed by Lockheed Martin… Read more: Lockheed Martin, KAI to expand partnership to future defense, aerospace tech

Latest Community Feeds

  • My lunchJune 19, 2025
  • Why do you think the peak in a group’s career is when their fans no longer enjoy their current work as much?June 19, 2025
  • Homemade Kimchi JjigaeJune 19, 2025
  • Hate for ILLIT’s concept is just so stupidJune 19, 2025
  • Quintuplets leaving the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital on June 19, after being born on Jan 31 in what is the first recorded case of quintuplets in the countryJune 19, 2025
  • Samgyup in home ganto rin ba kayo pag cravings tas low budget heheJune 19, 2025
  • Help identifying modern Korean fictionJune 19, 2025
  • Ever tried a free Korean cooking class in Seoul?June 19, 2025
  • South Korea faces backlash over soaring rice prices despite government buybacksJune 19, 2025
  • RAW SOFT SHELL CRABJune 19, 2025
  • Are these Korean Cities really eco and people friendly?June 19, 2025
  • Mexican looking for my Father-in-lawJune 19, 2025
  • South Korea’s last circus, Dongchoon, holds up as it marks centennialJune 19, 2025
  • Any foreigner friendly kiss rooms?June 19, 2025
  • Korean eco-friendly vehicle sales surpass internal combustion engines for first timeJune 19, 2025
  • Funny comments I saw on KoreaJune 18, 2025
  • What are the differences between the language in North and South Korea around individuality?June 18, 2025
  • Genuine appreciation for StrayKids, Chan and why I think moving to threads is a great move.June 18, 2025
  • Homemade Kimchi Fried RiceJune 18, 2025
  • Bolgogi recommendationsJune 18, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (9,533)
    • Community (5,998)
    • Entertainment (581)
    • News (2,952)
  • 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