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Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • From lobster to Norse god: How Korean weapons get new names abroad

    Feb 17, 2026
    in News
    From lobster to Norse god: How Korean weapons get new names abroad

    Korean weapons systems are often sold overseas under different names, reflecting localization efforts and industrial partnerships with purchasing nations. A…

    family, Hyundai
  • Sleep-deprived Koreans oversleep on holidays — experts warn

    Feb 17, 2026
    in News
    Sleep-deprived Koreans oversleep on holidays — experts warn

    After the excitement of reunions fades, many Koreans report fatigue during the Lunar New Year holiday due to long travel…

    family, Koreans, Stress, travel
  • Happy Lunar New Year! -ddeok guk and more

    Feb 16, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Happy Lunar New Year! -ddeok guk and more

    Happy Lunar New Year everyone! My family had an early new year’s luncheon. My amazing mom made ddeok mandu guk…

    family, Kimchi
  • Jungkook’s Hublot Era: THE NEIGHBOR March 2026 Cover Star 

    Feb 14, 2026
    in Feeds
    Jungkook’s Hublot Era: THE NEIGHBOR March 2026 Cover Star 

    Photo Credits: The NEIGHBOR. Hublot. BigHit Music Jungkook of BTS graces the March 2026 issue of The NEIGHBOR, South Korea’s premier…

    BTS, family, Gen Z, K-pop, Military, Seoul
  • Eunjung’s Pomellato Bride Glow: T-ara Star’s Marie Claire Wedding Milestone Magic

    Feb 14, 2026
    in Feeds
    Eunjung’s Pomellato Bride Glow: T-ara Star’s Marie Claire Wedding Milestone Magic

    Photo Credits: Marie Claire Korea Mask Studio Likey Entertainment Pomellato “From T-ara’s trailblazing leader to Pomellato’s radiant bride—Eunjung redefines forever…

    BTS, coffee, Fame, family, K-pop, netizens, Seoul
  • Drinks I prepared for Lunar New Year

    Feb 10, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Drinks I prepared for Lunar New Year

    Next week is Lunar New Year, and since I have a big family gathering coming up, I decided to prepare…

    fail, family, Samyang, Soju, Suga
  • Jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge)

    Feb 10, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge)

    Dinner tonight is a rich, savory abalone porridge. I managed to snag some big abalones at a great price. I…

    family
  • K-Pop Stars Ignite ‘Romeo & Juliette’ Musical: Epic Cast Revealed!

    Feb 10, 2026
    in Feeds
    K-Pop Stars Ignite ‘Romeo & Juliette’ Musical: Epic Cast Revealed!

    This story dives into the star-studded cast of the French musical Romeo & Juliette, hitting KEPCO Arts Center from March 24…

    family, Japan, K-pop, LG, Peace
  • How the Korean film ‘Broker’ makes room for the reality of black market baby adoptions, family-making and intergenerational justice.

    Feb 9, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    How the Korean film ‘Broker’ makes room for the reality of black market baby adoptions, family-making and intergenerational justice.

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

    family, Justice
  • First time visiting Korea

    Feb 6, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello all! My family and I will be spending Spring Break in Seoul and plans to be there for 7…

    family, Seoul
  • What if Kpop Stan Twitter and Kpop Reddit existed in in 1986-1990?

    Feb 5, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    If Kpop Stan Twitter/Reddit existed in 1986 – 1990, stans would : writes out titles and other words in Korean…

    Crime, Discussion, family, Japan, Justice, K-pop, Korean Art, LG, Protest, Seoul, Sex
  • Doenjang Recipe Ideas

    Feb 4, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I accidentally bought a 1kg tub of Doenjang and now need some ideas of how to use it. I’ve never…

    family, Jjigae
  • One life ended, but 5 others saved through organ donation

    Feb 4, 2026
    in News
    One life ended, but 5 others saved through organ donation

    When Jung Kang-deok, 53, failed to show up for work on Dec. 26, a colleague noted the absence as unusual.…

    fail, family, Medical
  • Family-friendly dining spot in Hongdae for celebration?

    Jan 29, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone! 😊 I’m looking for good restaurant recommendations around Sinchon/Hongdae for a special family celebration. I’m graduating this February,…

    family, Korean Food, Parents
  • Lee withdraws nomination for budget minister amid controversy over personal issues | Yonhap News Agency

    Jan 25, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Lee withdraws nomination for budget minister amid controversy over personal issues | Yonhap News Agency

    SEOUL, Jan. 25 (Yonhap) — President Lee Jae Myung has decided to withdraw his nomination for budget minister amid mounting…

    Controversy, family, Seoul
  • I still really yearn to be an idol even after giving up multiple times

    Jan 23, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m 15, and it’s my dream to be an idol since I was maybe 8 or 9 years old. I…

    family, Sex
  • POW ‘COME TRUE’ Imaginary Scenario: Winter Dream Boys Turn Pastel Daydreams Into Reality in Individual/Group’s Concept Photos for 2026 Album

    Jan 21, 2026
    in Feeds
    POW ‘COME TRUE’ Imaginary Scenario: Winter Dream Boys Turn Pastel Daydreams Into Reality in Individual/Group’s Concept Photos for 2026 Album

    Photo Credit: GRID ENTERTAINMENT Visual concept overview POW’s “COME TRUE” concept photos unfold as a serialized “Imaginary Scenario” that runs…

    family, history
  • High exchange rates reshape holiday travel choices

    Jan 20, 2026
    in News
    High exchange rates reshape holiday travel choices

    Kim, who resides in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, had planned a trip to the United States during the Lunar New Year…

    family, Japan, Stress, travel
  • I’ve been the ‘doctor on board’ during an in-flight emergency. Airlines need better medical kits

    Jan 19, 2026
    in News

    Every holiday season, millions of Americans hop on a plane to visit friends and family. Most people are anxious about…

    family, Medical, study
  • Ex-Doosan chairman details human lives during 1st solo photo exhibition

    Jan 19, 2026
    in News
    Ex-Doosan chairman details human lives during 1st solo photo exhibition

    Park Yong-maan, a former chairman of Doosan Group, one of Korea’s oldest conglomerates, has made a surprising debut as a…

    family, Peace, Seoul
  • In Seoul, “1 Million Won Monthly Rent” Has Become Commonplace – The Asia Business Daily

    Jan 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    In Seoul, “1 Million Won Monthly Rent” Has Become Commonplace – The Asia Business Daily

    Last month, the median monthly rent for homes in Seoul surpassed 1 million won. The psychological threshold of “1 million…

    family, Seoul, Survey
  • The Koma Clan And Their Traditional Korean Clothes.

    Jan 12, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    The Koma Clan And Their Traditional Korean Clothes.

    The Koma clan (고마씨, 高麗氏) is a korean immigrant royal family descended from Goguryeo Prince Go Yakgwang who became known…

    family, Goguryeo, Japan
  • Recommend an album from armies to a local

    Jan 12, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I have no army friends to go with to me if I go to a concert and though it would…

    family
  • A bit late, but here is our New Year’s Tteokguk. (Dumplings are homemade, rice cakes are… store-bought 😅)

    Jan 10, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    A bit late, but here is our New Year’s Tteokguk. (Dumplings are homemade, rice cakes are… store-bought 😅)

    A little late to the party, but here is my homemade Tteokguk to celebrate the New Year! (Okay, full disclosure:…

    family
  • I became a producer in the Korean K-Drama Entertainment iIndustry

    Jan 6, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    I became a producer in the Korean K-Drama Entertainment iIndustry

    In 2008 I sold everything I had and flew to Seoul on a whim that soon Korea would be producing…

    family, K-drama, Seoul, travel
  • Korean Government Launches 4.5-Day Workweek Initiative

    Jan 5, 2026
    in News
    Korean Government Launches 4.5-Day Workweek Initiative

    Labors are demonstrating by demanding ‘4.5-day workweek.’ The government will begin implementing a ‘4.5-day workweek’ starting the new year. Companies…

    family
  • Happy New Year

    Jan 2, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Happy New Year

    Away from my family for this new year, but this brought some comfort. Served in dishes I made in 2025.…

    family
  • Why Bae Suzy is the Ultimate All-Rounder and still “Nation’s First Love” in 2025

    Dec 28, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    As an International Fan of Bae Suzy from India, I recently started exploring Bae Suzy’s career, after watching her in…

    Celebrity, Fame, family, Gen Z, K-drama, K-pop, LG, Millennials, MZ generation, Naver
  • Hyundai Motor Chairman’s Son’s DUI Report Deletions Spark Outrage

    Dec 27, 2025
    in News
    Hyundai Motor Chairman’s Son’s DUI Report Deletions Spark Outrage

    Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group) The Democratic Media Practice Committee of the Korean…

    family, Hyundai, Japan, Seoul
  • What do you think about people who make their opinions on kpop idols a moral dilemma issue?

    Dec 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m pretty new to kpop, but grew up like most with experiences in stan twitter/culture etc. But I noticed something…

    family
  • Attending Concerts of Groups idk Anything About

    Dec 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    hi there! title is pretty much my whole question. i recently started building my own life away from my family…

    family, Question
  • Keytruda Insurance Coverage Expands to 13 Cancer Types

    Dec 23, 2025
    in News
    Keytruda Insurance Coverage Expands to 13 Cancer Types

    Keytruda, a global blockbuster immunotherapy, recorded sales of 11 trillion won in the second quarter alone this year (Captured from MSD…

    Discussion, family, Medical
  • I think people should give Annie some grace

    Dec 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I know it’s a risk to post positively about adp here but I just wanted to say this. As someone…

    family
  • High-profile K-drama couple Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a marry after 10-year relationship

    Dec 20, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    High-profile K-drama couple Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a marry after 10-year relationship

    Actors Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a, one of the entertainment industry’s most high-profile couples, tied the knot Saturday after a…

    family, K-drama, Seoul
  • Sri Lanka tea workers struggle in poverty, flooding cost many their lives

    Dec 20, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Sri Lanka tea workers struggle in poverty, flooding cost many their lives

    CRAIGHEAD ESTATE, Sri Lanka — Arumugam Manikavalli, awakened by ferocious rain and rumbling earth, fled her home for the safety…

    family
  • Carlyle Group, Owner of A Twosome Place, Acquires KFC Korea 

    Dec 20, 2025
    in News
    Carlyle Group, Owner of A Twosome Place, Acquires KFC Korea 

    (Captured from KFC Korea website) Global private equity firm Carlyle Group will acquire chicken franchise KFC Korea. As a result, A…

    family, Japan
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Latest Korean News

  • Budget-friendly films revitalize Korean box office in early 2026February 20, 2026
    The Korean film industry is seeing a notable recovery already… Read more: Budget-friendly films revitalize Korean box office in early 2026
  • Japan PM Takaichi warns of China ‘coercion’, vows security overhaulFebruary 20, 2026
    TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned of growing… Read more: Japan PM Takaichi warns of China ‘coercion’, vows security overhaul
  • Korea mulls joining NATO initiative to fund weapons for UkraineFebruary 20, 2026
    South Korea is reviewing whether to join a NATO initiative… Read more: Korea mulls joining NATO initiative to fund weapons for Ukraine
  • Gov’t expands university-led AI, digital training for working adultsFebruary 20, 2026
    The Ministry of Education and the National Institute for Lifelong… Read more: Gov’t expands university-led AI, digital training for working adults
  • S. Korea reports 2nd foot-and-mouth disease caseFebruary 20, 2026
    South Korea on Friday reported its second confirmed case of… Read more: S. Korea reports 2nd foot-and-mouth disease case

Latest Community Feeds

  • Have you ever tried jjajang tteokbokki? ^^ It’s tastier than I expected~~ I also enjoyed the fried rice—thank you, it was delicious!February 21, 2026
  • Official lyrics and line distributions videosFebruary 21, 2026
  • Are there any groups where the members have conflicts with each other? Or maybe not a real conflict, but they don’t get along very well.February 21, 2026
  • Korean box office hit has fans review-bombing a Joseon king’s tombFebruary 21, 2026
  • My attempt at Kimchi Sundubu JjigaeFebruary 21, 2026
  • Cast iron simmered brisket (Korean suyuk) with fresh napa cabbage geotjeoriFebruary 20, 2026
  • Game mocking martial law pulledFebruary 20, 2026
  • Korean Food Wholesale in IndiaFebruary 20, 2026
  • Korean Convenience Store Snack Haul from My TripFebruary 20, 2026
  • What’s the best way to enjoy samgyeopsal?February 20, 2026
  • Im new to kpop, can you help me find songs?February 20, 2026
  • ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ stars call for Korean culture to be mainstream: “Drop the K”February 20, 2026
  • What’s the K-pop equivalent of the “Khia Asylum”?February 20, 2026
  • I did a 3,000 km (1,900-mile) bike ride across Korea, and here’s a montageFebruary 20, 2026
  • Yoon’s meal during Seollal, tteokguk, seasoned gim and kimchiFebruary 20, 2026
  • What is some kpop tea spilled by ex kpop idols?February 20, 2026
  • Buldak Cheese Ramen Omelet Recipe 🔥| Spicy Korean Fire Noodles OmeletFebruary 20, 2026
  • [Exclusive] President Lee’s Bundang home received floor area ratio benefits under special law… but private reconstruction is ‘shackled’ | [단독] 李 대통령 분당 집은 특별법으로 용적률 수혜받았는데 … 민간 재건축은 ‘족쇄’February 20, 2026
  • Will amount K-Pop tours in Europe increase/continue in 2026February 20, 2026
  • Song Young-gil Rejoins Democratic Party Amid By-Election RivalryFebruary 20, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (18,003)
    • Community (12,773)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,174)
  • 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