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Democracy

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Judge Ji Guyoun’s face clearly visible in the whistleblower’s photo. The location is a high-end escort bar in Gangnam, Seoul.

    May 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Judge Ji Guyoun’s face clearly visible in the whistleblower’s photo. The location is a high-end escort bar in Gangnam, Seoul.

    (Translator’s note: Judge Ji Guyoun is in charge of the martial law-related trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was…

    Controversy, Democracy, korean democracy, martial law, Scandal, Seoul, Sex
  • A letter to Democrat party in South Korea

    May 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    A letter to Democrat party in South Korea

    I believe we must never forget the anti-feminist agenda pursued by Yoon Suk-yeol during his administration under the People Power…

    Democracy, Peace, Protest
  • Red Shadow March

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    [Verse 1] I know you wanted me to stay But I can’t ignore the twisted verdict from the trial today…

    Democracy, Koreans, Seoul, Warning
  • Birth rates: Optimist point of view

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    • This is not a political discussion. • Speaking as an outsider. • All my information is theoretical, not accurate.…

    Busan, Crime, Democracy, Discussion, financial crisis, Japan, Justice, Kimchi, Korean War, Koreans, LG, Military, squid game, Stress, Tourism
  • Lee Dong-wook, a good man

    Apr 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Lee Dong-wook, a good man

    I wasn’t sure which sub to post in, so I hope here is suitable 🙂 My questions are: To what…

    Democracy, Koreans, netizens, Question
  • The work isn’t over yet for Korean democracy

    Apr 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    The work isn’t over yet for Korean democracy

    submitted by /u/ArysOakheart [link] [comments]

    Democracy, korean democracy
  • Full text of the Constitutional Court’s reading of the verdict on Yoon’s impeachment/removal

    Apr 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Below is an AI translation of the reading of the verdict, followed by the original Korean text. Thanks to u/Lazy-Bicycle8741…

    Democracy, Discussion, fail, history, Justice, Lawmakers, LG, martial law, Military, Politics, purpose, Question, request, Warning
  • This is how I’m celebrating the resurrection of Korea’s democracy, in my dorm

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    This is how I’m celebrating the resurrection of Korea’s democracy, in my dorm

    I would have opened a can of beer but I don’t drink so 홈런볼 & peach flavored drink (i never…

    Democracy
  • 404 president not found

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    404 president not found

    Congratulations on South Korean democracy!! submitted by /u/Jealous-Researcher79 [link] [comments]

    Democracy, korean democracy
  • Can’t wait for Wikipedia to change former president Yoon page from present tense to past tense

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Let’s go! Victory for Democracy! submitted by /u/OverallAd8086 [link] [comments]

    Democracy
  • I’ll never understand the korean conservative’s view, are there any like that in other countries?

    Mar 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    We can all have different political views and reasons to support certain politicians that’s not new, especially in a democratic…

    Democracy, history, Joseon, Lawmakers, Peace, Protest, Question
  • “Yoon’s Impeachment May See US Halt Economic, Security Assistance,” Warns Morse Tan, Strong Candidate for Next Ambassador of USA to Korea

    Mar 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    “尹탄핵땐 美경제·안보 지원 중단”… 주한美대사 유력 모스 탄의 경고 – 아시아투데이 > Possible International Backlashes, Including Calling It a Coup…

    BTS, Crime, Democracy, fail, Justice, korean democracy, North Korea, Punishment, Question
  • The First Lady of Korea criticised security for not using Guns, talks of Shooting Lee Jae-myung

    Mar 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    The First Lady of Korea criticised security for not using Guns, talks of Shooting Lee Jae-myung

    What the actual fuck is happening in this country? The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Keon-hee, allegedly scolded the…

    Democracy
  • Thoughts on Political Events so Far and Its Impact on The Future?

    Jan 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    With everything that’s happened surrounding Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law and the subsequent fallout, I wanted to hear…

    Democracy, germany, korean democracy, martial law, Military, Protest, Question
  • I think there surely was election fraud (by People’s Power Party, NOT by Democractic Party)

    Jan 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    (Note: Reposted due to title that I don’t think that being accurate.) It’s not the fraud during the ballot count.…

    Democracy, martial law, Peace, Scandal
  • minds of pro-yoon claimers

    Jan 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It may be endorsement of militarized ditactorship. They think democracy is chaotic status cause there are usually pros and cons…

    Democracy, martial law
  • Korean entertainment powerhouse K Wave Media to debut on Nasdaq in Feb

    Jan 12, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korean entertainment powerhouse K Wave Media to debut on Nasdaq in Feb

    A scene from the Oscar-winning film Parasite (File photo by CJ ENM) K Wave Media Ltd., an umbrella entity of…

    Democracy, driver, purpose, Seoul
  • Opinion: The Dangerous Opinion Polls and the Choices of the People Power Party

    Jan 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Currently, numerous opinion polls are being conducted in South Korea. Among them, one of the most striking findings is the…

    BTS, Controversy, Democracy, fail, Lawmakers, LG, LGBTQ+, martial law, Military, North Korea, Protest, Question, Stress, Survey
  • Ruthless Politics of South Korea Is Rooted in Cold-War History

    Dec 18, 2024
    in News
    Ruthless Politics of South Korea Is Rooted in Cold-War History

    Protesters calling for the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol celebrate news of his impeachment in Seoul. Photo: Anthony Wallace/Agence…

    cold war, Democracy, history, Japan, Justice, Koreans, KT, martial law, Military, North Korea, Peace, Politics, Protest, Punishment, Pyongyang, Scandal, Seoul, Tokyo, World War
  • Ruling party’s Bae Hyun-jin to join impeachment vote this week, signaling crack in party unity

    Dec 10, 2024
    in Community
    Ruling party’s Bae Hyun-jin to join impeachment vote this week, signaling crack in party unity

    Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly, she said, “While many members respected the opinions of senior colleagues and refrained…

    Democracy, martial law
  • [Column] Korea at the crossroads of democracy and dictatorship

    Dec 10, 2024
    in Community
    [Column] Korea at the crossroads of democracy and dictatorship

    submitted by /u/ArysOakheart [link] [comments]

    Democracy
  • My heart hurts

    Dec 8, 2024
    in Community
    My heart hurts

    The first photo is of Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, who is left alone after all…

    Democracy, history, Korean History, Politics
  • The Rise and Fall of Martial Law and Dictatorships in Korea: A Tale of People’s Power

    Dec 5, 2024
    in History
    The Rise and Fall of Martial Law and Dictatorships in Korea: A Tale of People’s Power

    Introduction to Martial Law in Korea Martial law is a legal framework that enables the government to assume control and…

    Democracy, history, Justice, Korean War, Koreans, martial law, Military, Peace, Protest, Question
  • I blocked 707th unit soldiers from storming the National Assembly building through the front entrance last night, AMA

    Dec 4, 2024
    in Community

    Here’s what I experienced: I was going home from work at around 11pm after having heard about the martial law…

    Democracy, history, Protest, Question, Subway
  • South Korea President to Lift Martial Law After Parliament Rejects Move

    Dec 4, 2024
    in News
    South Korea President to Lift Martial Law After Parliament Rejects Move

    South Korea’s Parliament voted to end martial law just hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared the move, accusing opposition…

    Coupang, Democracy, Discussion, Justice, Koreans, Lawmakers, Medical, Military, North Korea, Politics, Protest, Question, Scandal, Seoul, Survey
  • The Evolution of Korean Democracy: A Journey Through Suppression and Resistance

    Dec 3, 2024
    in History
    The Evolution of Korean Democracy: A Journey Through Suppression and Resistance

    Ancient Foundations of Korean Governance The early governance systems of Korea can be traced back to ancient states such as…

    Baekje, Democracy, Goguryeo, Gojoseon, Goryeo, history, Japan, Japanese Occupation, Joseon, Justice, korean democracy, Korean History, Korean Language, Korean War, Koreans, martial law, Military, North Korea, Peace, Perspectives, Protest, Silla, Three Kingdom
  • Allies Fret Over Trump Presidency as Authoritarian Axis Challenges U.S.-Led Order

    Nov 7, 2024
    in News
    Allies Fret Over Trump Presidency as Authoritarian Axis Challenges U.S.-Led Order

    Donald Trump is returning to the White House as the world is embroiled in two widening regional wars, America’s rivals…

    Democracy, Donald Trump, Ewha, fail, germany, Japan, KT, LG, Military, North Korea, Peace, Putin, Pyongyang, Social Media, Survey, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Warning, World War
  • From War to Miracles: The Evolution of South Korea Amidst Global Struggles

    Aug 25, 2024
    in History
    From War to Miracles: The Evolution of South Korea Amidst Global Struggles

    The End of the Korean War: A Historical Overview The Korean War, which began in 1950, was a significant conflict…

    automotive, BTS, China Relation, cold war, Democracy, Discussion, Economic Miracle, family, history, Japan, K-pop, Korea Development, Korean History, Korean Language, Korean Military, Korean Technology, Korean War, Military, North Korea, Peace, Politics, Protest, Unification of Korea, USA Relation, World War
  • Blackpink label YG to sell its drama production unit

    May 7, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Blackpink label YG to sell its drama production unit

    Mr. Queen, co-produced by Studioplex in 2020 (Courtesy of tvN)  K-pop sensation Blackpink’s label YG Entertainment Inc. is slated to…

    Controversy, Democracy, history, Joseon, K-pop
  • A Historical Diplomacy: Korea’s Relationship with Global Superpowers

    Dec 9, 2020
    in History
    A Historical Diplomacy: Korea’s Relationship with Global Superpowers

    Introduction: The Geopolitical Significance of Korea Korea’s geographical location in East Asia has rendered it a pivotal player in the…

    Ancient Korea, automotive, Baekje, China Relation, cold war, Democracy, Goguryeo, Goryeo, history, Imjin War, Japan, Japan Relation, japanese invasion, Joseon, K-pop, Korean Art, Korean Comapny, Korean History, Korean Military, Korean Technology, Korean War, Koreans, Military, North Korea, Peace, Perspectives, Politics, Silla, Superpower Relation, Three Kingdom, travel, USA Relation, World War

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

  • Ex-TSMC executive joins Samsung Foundry to lead US expansionJune 2, 2025
    Samsung Electronics’ chip cleanroom Samsung Electronics Co. has brought a… Read more: Ex-TSMC executive joins Samsung Foundry to lead US expansion
  • S.Korea imports Canadian oil for 1st time under Trump’s 2nd termJune 2, 2025
    Prairie oil pump jacks producing oil near the town of… Read more: S.Korea imports Canadian oil for 1st time under Trump’s 2nd term
  • Korea’s stablecoin trade at $42 bn; BOK balks at non-banks’ stablecoin dealsJune 2, 2025
    BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong (left) at fireside chat with US… Read more: Korea’s stablecoin trade at $42 bn; BOK balks at non-banks’ stablecoin deals
  • Samsung, Perplexity close to AI alliance: BloombergJune 2, 2025
    Perplexity AI logo screenshot captured from the company website  Samsung… Read more: Samsung, Perplexity close to AI alliance: Bloomberg
  • Kakao Mobility to build smart infrastructure for Saudi Diriyah projectJune 2, 2025
    Kakao Mobility CEO Alex Ryu (left) and Diriyah Company Group… Read more: Kakao Mobility to build smart infrastructure for Saudi Diriyah project

Latest Community Feeds

  • American teacher in South Korea compares school lunch to U.S.—’Grotesque’June 2, 2025
  • name good reasons to vote for your candidateJune 2, 2025
  • Giant Egg Roll🥚June 2, 2025
  • I want to immigrate to UK from Korea.June 2, 2025
  • No one I hate more than bg obsessed gg fans playing fake feministJune 2, 2025
  • Far-right online troll farm in South Korea’s daycare centers?: “Rhee-Park School”, a far-eight group, found to be infiltrating preschool education and running online election misinformation. Ministry of Education to begin investigationsJune 2, 2025
  • Police Investigating Far-Right Group Accused of Manipulating Online Opinions to Sway Election l KBS WORLDJune 2, 2025
  • Spicy braised tofu Dubu-jorim 두부조림June 2, 2025
  • What is your favourite song from KiiiKiii?June 2, 2025
  • Stan twitter… how do I join the community/ is it even worth it?June 1, 2025
  • Presidential electionsJune 1, 2025
  • Home banchan suggestionsJune 1, 2025
  • This notion that Julie only apologize because they are getting cancelled is sillyJune 1, 2025
  • Larger-portion Korean instant coffee?June 1, 2025
  • Police inaction led to the murder of wife’s cousinJune 1, 2025
  • Is $3.99 a good price?June 1, 2025
  • Casual Chat – (June 01)June 1, 2025
  • Jhope just performed in Japan and the attendance was 110k ..June 1, 2025
  • Accountability goes both ways: the accuser and the accused.June 1, 2025
  • When your favourite song from a group is one that sounds nothing like the rest of their discographyJune 1, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (9,025)
    • Community (5,618)
    • Entertainment (534)
    • News (2,872)
  • 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