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

KT

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • OMEGA X — Cosmopolitan Korea July 2026 Cover Portrait

    Jun 27, 2026
    in Feeds
    OMEGA X — Cosmopolitan Korea July 2026 Cover Portrait

    They arrived as a patchwork of pasts — eleven members, each carrying the aftertaste of other groups and survival shows…

    Gen Z, history, Japan, K-pop, KT, LG
  • What’s the worst K-pop opinion you’ve ever heard?

    Jun 25, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m making a video about the wildest, most ridiculous K-pop takes people have ever heard. I’m not looking for unpopular…

    K-pop, KT
  • The Korean Emotions behind BTS’s ARIRANG [Part 3/3]

    Jun 25, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    PART 1 PART 2 [Note: the lyric translations I refer to were provided by doolset lyrics] One More Night One…

    BTS, KT, purpose, Suga
  • To draw K-pop fans beyond Seoul, Korea leverages their ‘BIAS’

    Jun 24, 2026
    in News
    To draw K-pop fans beyond Seoul, Korea leverages their ‘BIAS’

    For millions of global music fans, a “bias” is not a prejudice but a favorite K-pop artist. Korea’s tourism officials…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, KT, Seoul, Tourism, travel
  • Genuinely blown away by f(x) Chu……..

    Jun 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Watched the Seulgi, Karina, Winter and Irene stage. I found the hook to be pretty catchy and then I listened…

    KT, LG
  • Weekly Social Media Thread

    Jun 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Did you see something on TikTok or Insta that made you go, “Hmmm?” Do you want to discuss some issue…

    KT, Social Media
  • My Top 3 Underrated Boy Group Title Songs For The 1st Half of 2026 That I Hope People Will Check Out

    Jun 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    As someone who checks out songs from both popular and less popular groups, I wanna write an appreciation about my…

    history, Kia, KT, travel
  • Charting vs Big live crowds, which makes the group more popular and succesful in your eyes

    Jun 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Yesterday I saw a fanwar going on between 2 fandoms, going back and forth bragging about their groups achievements ​…

    KT
  • The main, but often underestimated, sign of a successful release

    Jun 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Many K-pop fans like looking at charts and collages that rank groups by different numbers, such as streams, views, or…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, KT, Question, Social Media
  • Likey by Twice and Allergy by I-dle are sister songs

    Jun 17, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I rewatched Likey for the first time in a while and just watched Allergy for the first time, and they…

    fail, KT, Sex, Social Media
  • Does anyone know more or similar songs to this??

    Jun 17, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZpc0hXBugX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== So Evan or Heeseung recently posted Love Song by MEMI to his ig. I was wondering if anyone knew…

    KT
  • KAIST unveils breakthrough that could slash AI data center cooling power

    Jun 16, 2026
    in News
    KAIST unveils breakthrough that could slash AI data center cooling power

    As artificial intelligence systems demand ever more computing power, a team of Korean researchers says it has found a way…

    KT, Putin, travel
  • What was science like before King Sejong?

    Jun 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I am currently writing a fictional story from the Joseon era and i have yet to choose a proper time…

    history, Joseon, KT
  • I’m getting pretty excited for the new boy group Wayfboys

    Jun 14, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I believe it is pronounced “wave” boys or something like that. The group has 5 members: Andrew (’03 and Korean-American),…

    KT, Social Media
  • The TXT baby variety show is getting weird, and idk how to feel about it

    Jun 14, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m a moa, and i personally haven’t watched this show because i have no interest in it, but i have…

    KT, Sex
  • ZEROBASEONE From Zero to the Top

    Jun 13, 2026
    in Feeds
    ZEROBASEONE From Zero to the Top

    Five members. One name. An entirely new altitude. How ZEROBASEONE rewrote the rules of reinvention and made the climb look…

    Discussion, history, Japan, K-pop, K-pop industry, KT, Seoul, Social Media
  • Weekly Social Media Thread

    Jun 13, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Did you see something on TikTok or Insta that made you go, “Hmmm?” Do you want to discuss some issue…

    KT, Social Media
  • NO FEAR ON THE FLOOR: RIIZE Are Ready to Make the World Dance

    Jun 11, 2026
    in Feeds
    NO FEAR ON THE FLOOR: RIIZE Are Ready to Make the World Dance

    The Floor Is Theirs There’s a moment — right at the cusp of a new era — when a group…

    Gen Z, history, Japan, K-pop, KT, purpose, Seoul, Tokyo
  • Netflix hit inspires Korea tourism push aimed at turning viewers into visitors

    Jun 11, 2026
    in News
    Netflix hit inspires Korea tourism push aimed at turning viewers into visitors

    Korea is betting that the power of a Netflix hit can do more than entertain audiences — it can also…

    KT, squid game, Tourism, travel
  • ICONIC BY MISTAKE: How LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT & KATSEYE Are Rewriting K-Pop’s Future

    Jun 10, 2026
    in Feeds
    ICONIC BY MISTAKE: How LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT & KATSEYE Are Rewriting K-Pop’s Future

    A three-space narrative across a graveyard, a dental clinic, and a stage becomes the defining moment of HYBE’s girl group…

    Gen Z, history, Japan, K-pop, KT, Medical, Social Media, Teenager
  • Jennie’s stage clips from Governor’s Ball

    Jun 9, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I came across jennie’s clips from the governor’s ball concert and they are so good???? Like she always had an…

    KT
  • ENHYPEN’s Jay Between Two Worlds

    Jun 9, 2026
    in Feeds
    ENHYPEN’s Jay Between Two Worlds

    Park Jong-seong has always occupied the beautiful, uncomfortable space between identities. Now, in Polo Ralph Lauren and on the cover…

    Advice, Celebrity, driver, family, Japan, Korean Art, KT, Photography, Seoul, Tokyo
  • I’m really disappointed with Le Sserafim spamming AI-generated TikTok content for BOOMPALA

    Jun 8, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    They’ve been spamming a bunch of shorts and tiktok videos, all edited using AI to promote BOOMPALA. Just look at…

    KT, Social Media
  • HYBE is really effective at creating the “HYBE family” image, and I hope JYP does the same

    Jun 8, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Some of Hybe’s actions recently, even though criticized, actually build a stronger “Hybe family” brand. By placing their artists comeback…

    family, KT
  • I wish the k-pop remix epidemic would end

    Jun 8, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I know artists all over the world use remixes to help boost numbers especially for charts like bbhot100, which i…

    K-pop, KT, purpose, Social Media
  • Shinee Popular Doesn’t Seem To Match Up Reddit Hype (

    Jun 7, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    As a 5th gen kpop fan, I’m trying to gauge shinee popularity. I have seen so many posts in reddit…

    KT
  • People who used to hate k-pop now like it just because it’s trendy

    Jun 7, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Wow I LOVE how I was bullied in elementary school for liking k-pop and now the same people are listening…

    K-pop, KT
  • 3 Years have passed since the Cupid Debacle

    Jun 6, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    In June of 2023 the 4 Original Members of Fifty Fifty filed for an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts…

    KT, Social Media
  • Weekly Social Media Thread

    Jun 6, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Did you see something on TikTok or Insta that made you go, “Hmmm?” Do you want to discuss some issue…

    KT, Social Media
  • Let’s talk about GOALS. Is it true that Lisa does not have any control over the music assigned to her? A FAIR TAKE.

    Jun 6, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Fans keep saying that Lisa did not write GOALS and based on the songwriting credits, that is true. However, I…

    Discussion, KT, Question
  • BURN Bright, Burn Free – &TEAM step into the light

    Jun 4, 2026
    in Feeds
    BURN Bright, Burn Free – &TEAM step into the light

    The Howl That Became a Flame Before they were icons, they were contestants. Before the sold-out arenas and the million-copy…

    Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, Kia, KT, Photography, purpose, Tokyo, Warning
  • Instead of Kpop Ranking Talent on TikTok counting Stage Presence as one of their point, they should’ve count idol’s ability to play instruments instead

    Jun 3, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    This post is only towards those who doesn’t mind watching Kpop Ranking Talent on TikTok. If you said, “who cares?”,…

    Discussion, KT, Question
  • Am I the only one who gets nervous when they see how… unorganized kpop group’s channels are?

    Jun 2, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I dont know if this makes sense, but I’ve been feeling really anxious about how unorganized the content is in…

    KT
  • ioi comeback was everything i dreamed of

    Jun 2, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    ioi just finished their 2 day concert on korea last weekend (judging from clips it was a blast, their encore…

    KT
  • What 3 groups would you consider to be leading 5th gen right now?

    May 31, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Based on a variety of criteria (domestic charting, international charting, album sales, touring, social media presence,…) what 3 groups do…

    KT, Social Media
  • Representing the KBO outside of Korea!

    May 31, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Representing the KBO outside of Korea!

    In my town, the local minor league baseball team had a Star Wars theme night tonight. We haven’t been to…

    KT, Lotte, Question
←Previous Page Next Page→

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Celebrity Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Curiosity Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family Gen Z 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 Koreans Korean Semiconductor Korean Technology KT 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 Ukraine Warning

Latest Korean News

  • Finance minister resumes G20 trip after brief cancellation amid Cabinet reshuffleAugust 30, 2026
    Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, who was included in President Lee… Read more: Finance minister resumes G20 trip after brief cancellation amid Cabinet reshuffle
  • SME biz sentiment up for 2nd month for Sept. but still below parAugust 30, 2026
    Korean smaller companies’ business outlook rose for the second consecutive… Read more: SME biz sentiment up for 2nd month for Sept. but still below par
  • Ticket scalping surges ahead of Seoul fireworks festival amid legal loopholeAugust 30, 2026
    Ticket scalping is once again rampant ahead of the Seoul… Read more: Ticket scalping surges ahead of Seoul fireworks festival amid legal loophole
  • President’s falling approval ratingAugust 30, 2026
    President Lee Jae Myung, whose approval ratings remained in the… Read more: President’s falling approval rating
  • Why foreign tourists are trading palaces for peaks in KoreaAugust 30, 2026
    Overseas visitors to Korea are increasingly choosing mountain peaks over… Read more: Why foreign tourists are trading palaces for peaks in Korea

Latest Community Feeds

  • Your thoughts on Gabriela by Katseye? Like it or hate it?August 31, 2026
  • What are some of your favorite fall songs?August 31, 2026
  • Hanwha Aerospace signs deal to export K9 howitzers to SpainAugust 31, 2026
  • Inside Seoul’s rapidly growing urban running sceneAugust 31, 2026
  • Feeling a bit conflicted after spending so much money on K-pop the past year as an adultAugust 31, 2026
  • Kevin Moon was not talking about Lesserafim and I don’t get why people say he was.August 31, 2026
  • TOP 10 SONGS on this week’s YOUTUBE MUSIC KOREA✨️ I find it so interesting to see how different the domestic vs western kpop spaces’ popular songs are and this week paints such a perfect picture, like I.O.I or Rescene are such Korean GP specific hits for exampleAugust 31, 2026
  • My friend moved to Australia at 9 and I’ve never once thought of him as a gyopo in 5+ years of knowing himAugust 31, 2026
  • What happened to the lore that some 4th gen groups had? Did we got an end?August 30, 2026
  • Which Kpop idol do you think is the most powerful vocalist?August 30, 2026
  • South Korea continues rising up and onward in terms of Military Technology.August 30, 2026
  • Stray Kids have become the first foreign male artist to hold a solo concert at Japan’s National Stadium!August 30, 2026
  • Has there or will there ever be another Chuu or JooE type idol?August 30, 2026
  • Ok but why is Katseye’s Hootie Frutti actually a bangerAugust 30, 2026
  • What does it take for a girl group to be called “the biggest girl group in the world” by global media outlets?August 30, 2026
  • Do you like TUIDE’s music/concept? Or do you think it’s “boring”?August 30, 2026
  • as a blink of 6 years, my biggest concern with blackpink has always been their lack of communication and i think it’s starting to limit their artistryAugust 30, 2026
  • It’s so amazing Enhypen won their first ever Grand Slam in music showsAugust 30, 2026
  • Korean retail investors buy $7 billion in U.S. stocks amid Kospi slumpAugust 30, 2026
  • Woman sentenced to life imprisonment for killing 2 men with laced drinks – The Korea TimesAugust 30, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (25,278)
    • Community (18,807)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (5,131)
  • 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