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Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

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  • KPOP feels less melodious and more unpleasant to listen to as the years go by

    May 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It’s something that I’ve always had a lot of trouble with when it comes to 4th gen and 5th gen…

    fail
  • Bain Capital sells 6% stake in Korea’s Classys via block deal for $163 million

    May 19, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Bain Capital sells 6% stake in Korea’s Classys via block deal for $163 million

    Commercial for Classys’ beauty device Shurink Universe (File photo by Classys) Bain Capital LP has offloaded a 6% stake in…

    fail, Medical, Seoul
  • Why can‘t people just be more honest about their feelings of dislike?

    May 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Have you ever had this experience of reading a K-Pop Reddit post and having this weird feeling like something is…

    Discussion, fail, K-pop, Peace
  • reselling on Interpark

    May 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    how does reselling on Interpark work? I failed to get a ticket for a concert I was really looking forward…

    fail
  • K-Pop Reddit thinks it‘s okay to hate on certain groups depending on how their fans behave on other platforms!

    May 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    K-Pop Reddit thinks it‘s okay to hate on certain groups depending on how their fans behave on other completely unrelated…

    BTS, fail, K-pop, purpose, Social Media
  • Lotte to retake $269 mn stake in logistics arm after flopped IPO

    May 13, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Lotte to retake $269 mn stake in logistics arm after flopped IPO

    Lotte Group, South Korea’s fifth-largest conglomerate by assets, will buy back a stake in Lotte Global Logistics Co. from the…

    fail, Lotte, Seoul
  • MBK’s Lotte Card sale gains momentum amid Homeplus fallout

    May 11, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    MBK’s Lotte Card sale gains momentum amid Homeplus fallout

    Lotte mobile card interface (Courtesy of Lotte Card)  North Asia-focused private equity firm MBK Partners’ second attempt to exit Lotte…

    Controversy, fail, Hyundai, Lotte, purpose, Samsung, Shinhan Card, Shopping
  • What are some of the most iconic girl group (core) moments?

    May 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Sana: “cheesi gimbap?” Yuqi’s helicopter ride phone flying “I like girls…” “Generation?” Sua biting Siyeon’s lip in peppero game Jisoo:…

    fail, Japan
  • Korea’s Sono to sell Air Premia stake to focus on other LCC

    May 6, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korea’s Sono to sell Air Premia stake to focus on other LCC

    (File photo by Air Premia) South Korea’s top resort operator Sono Hospitality Group has decided to sell its entire stake…

    fail, family, purpose, request, Seoul
  • Why Loona is my favorite romantic concept

    Apr 30, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I heard it pointed out once that we say sex is taboo, then talk about sex basically all the time.…

    Affinity, fail, family, Question, Sex
  • WeMade accuses Shengqu Games of withholding $600 mn in royalties

    Apr 21, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    WeMade accuses Shengqu Games of withholding $600 mn in royalties

    Mir Trilogy, a franchise based on WeMade’s online game “The Legend of Mir 2” WeMade Co. on Monday asked the…

    fail
  • One of many beautiful moments in life; Epilogue: Young Forever

    Apr 20, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It has been 9 years since BTS pre-release this single for their compilation album The Most Beautiful Moments in Life:…

    BTS, fail
  • Korea not to appeal ruling in favor of Mason Capital in Samsung case

    Apr 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korea not to appeal ruling in favor of Mason Capital in Samsung case

    (File photo by Sol Lee) South Korea said on Friday it has decided not to appeal a Singaporean court’s rejection…

    Discussion, fail, Justice, request, Samsung
  • LG Chem’s medical skin-care business sale draws tepid bid

    Apr 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    LG Chem’s medical skin-care business sale draws tepid bid

    LG Chem’s skin filler products under Yvoire brand (Courtesy of LG Chem) South Korean chemical giant LG Chem Ltd.’s offer…

    fail, LG, Medical, Seoul
  • The decline in popularity of vocal oriented top groups in kpop is honestly tragic.

    Apr 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Call me a SM stan (even though I am as casual as any casual fan can be) because I think…

    fail
  • Entertaining and rewarding mediocrity will eventually be the downfall of kpop

    Apr 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I have always been very critical of people who say that “kpop idols aren’t artists” and “kpop is inferior to…

    fail, history
  • Some interesting things have been happening in the Korean music scene in the past couple months… (long post)

    Apr 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been catching up and the international Kpop community seems to have been going through a lot over the past…

    Discussion, Ewha, fail, Koreans
  • my friend‘s sister is kinda obsessed with kpop in an unhealthy way, need help

    Apr 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    my friend‘s sister is like 13 (grade 8) and is super into the kpop stuff. Some time my friend was…

    Advice, fail
  • S.Korea’s foreigners-only casinos bask in return of Chinese high rollers

    Apr 10, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea’s foreigners-only casinos bask in return of Chinese high rollers

    Casino at Mohegan Inspire in Yeongjong Island (Courtesy of News1) South Korea’s foreigners-only casinos are witnessing a significant rise in…

    Busan, fail, Japan, Jeju, Koreans, Lotte, Seoul, travel
  • SK Hynix beats Samsung to become global No.1 DRAM maker

    Apr 9, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    SK Hynix beats Samsung to become global No.1 DRAM maker

    SK Hynix 16-layer HBM3E (Courtesy of Yonhap)  SK Hynix Inc. snatched the crown from Samsung Electronics Co. to become the…

    fail, Nvidia, Samsung, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix
  • HD Hyundai Heavy, HII team up for naval shipbuilding

    Apr 9, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    HD Hyundai Heavy, HII team up for naval shipbuilding

    HII Executive Vice President and President of Ingalls Shipbuilding Brian Blanchette (left) and Joo Won-ho, chief executive of the naval…

    fail, history, Hyundai, Japan, Military
  • 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
  • 2025 South Korean Presidential Election

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This megathread is for community discussions about the upcoming 2025 South Korean presidential election. On December 3, 2024, former President…

    Discussion, fail, martial law, Military, Protest, Question
  • Adjusting Spotify Settings to Appreciate THE VOCALS (NCT DREAM)

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I recently discovered that spotify lets you adjust the audio setting while streaming—which I very much did not know. You…

    Animator, fail
  • South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ousted by court

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ousted by court

    President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the fourth hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Jan.…

    fail, history, Justice, Korean History, Koreans, Lawmakers, martial law, Military, Peace, Protest, Seoul
  • K-pop girl groups as NBA teams (East contenders version)

    Apr 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Blackpink = Boston Celtics Blackpink and the Boston Celtics are both successful ane divisive, with passionate fanbases that are known…

    Ewha, fail, K-pop
  • Info Drop Time! Let’s get to know some of your favorite groups!

    Apr 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    One thing I’ve always loved about the kpop community is how much we love introducing people to our favorite groups!…

    fail, KT
  • S.Korean court to rule on impeached President Yoon’s fate on April 4

    Apr 1, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korean court to rule on impeached President Yoon’s fate on April 4

    President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the fourth hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Jan.…

    fail, history, Justice, Korean History, Koreans, Lawmakers, martial law, Military, Protest, Seoul
  • korean education is one of the most irrational in the world.

    Mar 27, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    instead of teaching about the impacts of racism and trying to lessen racism, especially when the country is basically exterminating…

    fail, Japan, Koreans, Stress
  • South Korea’s truth commission says government responsible for fraud and abuse in foreign adoptions

    Mar 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    South Korea’s truth commission says government responsible for fraud and abuse in foreign adoptions

    “South Korea’s truth commission concluded the government bears responsibility for facilitating a foreign adoption program rife with fraud and abuse,…

    fail, Parents
  • US Chamber of Commerce sees Korea’s business penalties as trade barrier

    Mar 23, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    US Chamber of Commerce sees Korea’s business penalties as trade barrier

    Kaher Kazem, a former CEO of GM Korea Co., arrives at a district court in Incheon, South Korea, on May…

    Donald Trump, fail, Medical, Punishment
  • Shinhan REITs picked as sole bidder for BNK Digital Tower

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Shinhan REITs picked as sole bidder for BNK Digital Tower

    BNK Digital Tower  Shinhan REITs Management is expected to acquire BNK Digital Tower, an office building in affluent Gangnam, southern…

    fail, Hyundai, LG, Seoul
  • “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
  • S.Korea wary of inclusion on US ‘Dirty 15’ nations list for reciprocal tariffs

    Mar 19, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea wary of inclusion on US ‘Dirty 15’ nations list for reciprocal tariffs

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (left) stands beside President Trump during his signing off on an administrative order at the…

    Donald Trump, fail, Food Safety, Seoul
  • Samsung to expand in robotics, medtech; eyes sizeable M&As

    Mar 19, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Samsung to expand in robotics, medtech; eyes sizeable M&As

    Han Jong-hee, chief executive of Samsung Electronics, speaks at a shareholder meeting on March 19 Samsung Electronics Co. will accelerate…

    driver, fail, Medical, Question, Samsung, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix
  • SillaJen: first to use lab-grown human tissue to find best cancer drug dose

    Mar 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    SillaJen: first to use lab-grown human tissue to find best cancer drug dose

    Jeon Noo-li (left), a Seoul National University mechanical engineering professor and co-founder of biotech firm Qureator, and Yoo Sanghee, head…

    fail, Seoul, Silla
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Latest Korean News

  • Samsung gears up for foray into space infrastructure industryMay 20, 2025
    South Korea-US joint space telescope SPHEREx successfully launched in March… Read more: Samsung gears up for foray into space infrastructure industry
  • Hamilton Lane invests in IMM infrastructure fund in secondary dealMay 20, 2025
    (Courtesy of Getty Images)  Global private market investor Hamilton Lane… Read more: Hamilton Lane invests in IMM infrastructure fund in secondary deal
  • Seoul’s prime office transactions rise 6% in Q1 despite weak sentimentMay 20, 2025
    Savills Korea’s Q1 2025 Seoul Prime Office Report Despite mounting… Read more: Seoul’s prime office transactions rise 6% in Q1 despite weak sentiment
  • S.Korea’s crypto market doubles to $77.5 bn as 20% of population tradesMay 20, 2025
    (Courtesy of Getty Images) South Korea’s cryptocurrency market surged to… Read more: S.Korea’s crypto market doubles to $77.5 bn as 20% of population trades
  • KIC discusses post-US tariff infrastructure strategy with pension fundsMay 20, 2025
    KIC manages $189.4 billion in assets as of the end… Read more: KIC discusses post-US tariff infrastructure strategy with pension funds

Latest Community Feeds

  • Favorite hot weather dishes featuring gochujang?May 20, 2025
  • baekhyun is finally on lee mujin service!May 20, 2025
  • Can someone help me understand the nutrition label on these anchovy broth tablets?May 20, 2025
  • In the case of ex or inactive members under SM EntertainmentMay 20, 2025
  • Oi Muchim (Spicy Cucumber Salad)May 20, 2025
  • Gosari preparationMay 20, 2025
  • NEW Albums that are No Skips: CurrentlyMay 20, 2025
  • Lee Jae-myung targets youth vote with push for crypto ETFs, won-backed stablecoinsMay 20, 2025
  • Kimchi jjigae and banchan at Damda (담다) on aBloor st W in TorontoMay 20, 2025
  • 2 senior prosecutors offer to resign amid controversy over probe into ex-first ladyMay 20, 2025
  • How likely is it that South Korea will allow dual citizenship in the future?May 20, 2025
  • wanna learn kpop dances, but oh gosh why is it so awkward lmao😭May 20, 2025
  • No Brand Ice Cream expired??May 20, 2025
  • Tottenham vs Man united watchparty in Seoul?May 20, 2025
  • Ex-ICC president urges Ukraine to file ICC case against North KoreaMay 20, 2025
  • Presidential candidates offer slogans, not economic strategyMay 20, 2025
  • Shin Ramyun noodles copycat recipe? (not spice pack – noodles)May 20, 2025
  • Can I soak tteok overnight?May 20, 2025
  • Do DVD rooms in Seoul have cameras now?May 20, 2025
  • Adidas and Dior confirm personal data leaks affecting Korean customersMay 20, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (8,662)
    • Community (5,344)
    • Entertainment (506)
    • News (2,812)
  • 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