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Korean Identities Beyond Borders

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LG

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • An ordinary lunch at an ordinary small Korean company

    Sep 16, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Today’s Menu 1 Seasoned Shredded radish (Musaengchae) 2 Stir-fried sweet potato stems (Goguma-julgi bokkeum) 3 Seasoned dried squid strips (Jinmichae)…

    Jjigae, LG
  • This Song Gives me Goosebumps everytime I listen to it

    Sep 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    ​ It is Sooo Goood!! Gives me Goosebumps everytime and makes me kinda emotional and also idk how to explain…

    LG
  • Revisiting the discussion with all K‑pop girl group fans: Who do you think is the “greatest center in K‑pop girl group history”? My pick is Jennie from BLACKPINK — the King LeBron of girl groups.

    Sep 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    This is genuinely difficult. It’s true that Jennie performs almost every position at a high level, and as an ambassador…

    Discussion, history, Japan, LG
  • Sweet Sabotage: How NiziU Is Rewriting Global Pop’s Aesthetic Code

    Sep 12, 2026
    in Feeds

    The Shot Across the Bow Editorial Note: Pull quotes featured throughout this cover story are curated editorial expressions by the…

    Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, KT, LG, Seoul, Tokyo
  • Chayeon (tripleS) started a youtube channel very similar to Woni’s (Rescene)

    Sep 11, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    This might be the new strategy for mid-tier groups going forward. Chaeyeon’s video randomly popped up on my feed, and…

    Celebrity, Kia, LG
  • Porcelain in spotlight: Kim Jiana redefines VIP space at Frieze Seoul

    Sep 10, 2026
    in News

    Inside the bustling halls of Coex, artist Kim Jiana accomplished something unprecedented for Asia’s premier art market. Winner of the…

    LG, Seoul
  • Kim Taehyung: The Quiet Rebel Rewriting the DNA of Global Pop

    Sep 9, 2026
    in Feeds

    Digital Cover Feature Story The strobe cuts out, leaving only a low-slung crimson glow slicing through Venetian blinds. On the…

    BTS, Curiosity, daegu, Japan, K-pop, LG, Military, Mystery, Photography, Seoul, study, Tokyo
  • I seriously don’t get what the end goal is here

    Sep 9, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Maybe it’s because it’s my algorithm because I’m black and I follow and interact with a lot of other black…

    BTS, KT, LG
  • Since when have Boy groups fallen off so HARD?

    Sep 9, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m fully expecting the die-hard boy group stans to come for my throat, but oh well. Firstly, I’m not saying…

    BTS, K-pop, KT, LG, Social Media
  • Why does Treasure feel so different from the OG YG boygroups and why dont they stand out as a YG boygroup?

    Sep 8, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    So I have always liked yg group their music totally standout like listening to groups like BigBang,Winner,ikon and girlgroups 2ne1,Blackpink…

    Japan, LG
  • fromis_9 is the Carly Rae Jepsen of K-pop.

    Sep 8, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Carly Rae Jepsen is well-regarded in the western pop musicscape as a music savant. She is very consistent with her…

    Crime, Discussion, K-pop, LG
  • SNU professor finds key to improving stability of LMR EV batteries

    Sep 7, 2026
    in News

    Seoul National University professor Lim Jong-woo, in collaboration with LG Energy Solution, has identified a key factor behind gas generation…

    fail, LG, LG Energy, LG Energy Solution, Seoul
  • Professional/trained dancers of kpopthoughts, can you tell me why SNSD members’ dancing feels different?

    Sep 7, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been watching videos of HyoSooYur recent promotion and old SNSD MVs and I noticed something. They, including the rest…

    K-pop, LG
  • BIGBANG’s New Peak and Thoughts on the Cosmos Tour

    Sep 7, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been seeing a lot of comparisons about BIGBANG and currently active K-pop artists touring. There’s talk about the choice…

    Controversy, driver, family, Japan, K-pop, LG, Question
  • Ansel Elgort Criticized for Yukata at Korean Event

    Sep 4, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Ansel Elgort Criticized for Yukata at Korean Event

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

    LG
  • I think KATSEYE continues to thrive despite the heavy backlash

    Sep 4, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    It’s kinda interesting to see and observe that this US-based global gg seems to be going well despite the odds…

    LG
  • Samyang Foods’ Tangle pasta brand gains ground in US, Europe

    Sep 4, 2026
    in News
    Samyang Foods’ Tangle pasta brand gains ground in US, Europe

    Samyang Foods, buoyed by the global success of its Buldak spicy noodle brand, is expanding its presence in North America…

    KT, LG, Samyang
  • Restaurant food: hot-stone bibimbap, bulgogi, soon tofu, steamed eggs

    Sep 4, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Restaurant food: hot-stone bibimbap, bulgogi, soon tofu, steamed eggs

    We went to a new restaurant that opened (in Flushing NY) recently, called Guldari. We ordered (as named on the…

    Bibimbap, LG
  • Views vs Sucess, Victon has amazing songs and lots of views. Where’s the fandom?

    Sep 3, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Victon is one of those groups I have come to love over the last couple years, while I wouldn’t claim…

    LG
  • A lot of us are in echo chambers, and that’s fine so long as you know you are

    Sep 3, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I feel like K-pop as a whole is prone to push us all into our own little echo chambers, reinforcing…

    Discussion, K-pop, KT, LG, Politics
  • LE SSERAFIM Owns the Dark: Inside Made My Night’s Total Takeover

    Sep 3, 2026
    in Feeds
    LE SSERAFIM Owns the Dark: Inside Made My Night’s Total Takeover

    The 2nd Single Album drops Source Music’s sharpest weapon yet — five girls, one frequency, and a version of K-pop…

    Global Expansion, Japan, K-pop, LG, Photography
  • Court rejects LG chief’s adoptive mother’s petition to end adoption

    Sep 3, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Court rejects LG chief’s adoptive mother’s petition to end adoption

    Gotta love adult adoption drama. submitted by /u/daehanmindecline [link] [comments]

    LG
  • Ateez may be breaking the wall to success in Korea after 8 years

    Sep 2, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    On a bunch of old Ateez videos, there are currently a ton of Korean comments posted within the last month…

    LG
  • What was the last truly “global hit” in Kpop?

    Sep 2, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Sorry, I should’ve been more specific 😭 I meant songs by K-pop groups, not soloists. My bad Últimamente he visto…

    K-pop, KT, LG
  • I want a dream high season 3 for 4th and 5th gen

    Sep 2, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I think a good marketing strategy for JYPE for their 4th and 5th gen’s itzy, stray kids, nmixx, kickflip, nexz,…

    Discussion, Japan, LG, Military, Peace
  • What is the consensus on Girls’ Generation first album “Girls’ Generation”? Yea or Nay?

    Sep 1, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    For me it’s one of my favorite first full albums in Kpop, it brings me so much nostalgia for Y2K…

    LG
  • STAYC: The Neon Architect of Pop’s New High-Tech Reality

    Sep 1, 2026
    in Feeds
    STAYC: The Neon Architect of Pop’s New High-Tech Reality

    The Neon Signal The air inside the venue hums before the first light cuts the dark. It isn’t just noise;…

    Japan, K-pop, KT, LG, Photography
  • Has anyone notice how Korean is coming back to Kpop?

    Sep 1, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I have a bit of a theory! During third gen, most songs had majority Korean lyrics, but the songs that…

    Japan, LG
  • A nostalgic Korean lunchbox(Yangeun Dosirak)

    Sep 1, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    A nostalgic Korean lunchbox(Yangeun Dosirak)

    A nostalgic Korean lunchbox(Yangeun Dosirak). Simple and full of history. layers: rice, kimchi, sausage, myeolchi-bokkeum, all under crispy gim submitted…

    history, Kimchi, LG
  • LG made a real 5-member girl group to sell a washer dryer. Each member is a product feature. They disband in a month.

    Sep 1, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    LG just debuted a 5 member girl group to sell a washing machine and honestly?? the song slaps 😭 so…

    LG
  • Palantir Technologies at University Job Fair?

    Aug 31, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    At a Korean University I am enrolled in (will not disclose the name), they have the usual job fair, but…

    Hyundai, Koreans, LG, Samsung
  • Kevin Moon was not talking about Lesserafim and I don’t get why people say he was.

    Aug 31, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Lesserafim didn’t feature A drag queen. The Spaghetti MV featured THREE drag artists, NANA YOUNGRONG KIM, KYAM, RINGRING. So the…

    Discussion, LG
  • Would nonfans ever admit that they were wrong about Lisa’s achievements in between 2024 and 2025?

    Aug 29, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    In between 2024 and 2025, Lisa was experiencing a world wind of misinformation after rumors had exploded about her dating…

    BBC, family, history, K-pop, LG, LVMH, Question
  • I want to stan a group but I have been reading threads and now I feel like I shouldnt anymore.

    Aug 29, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi guys,I just need some advice. I have been a Kpop fan/stan since I was 13 years old. I have…

    Advice, KT, LG
  • The Joke That Became a Blueprint: Girls’ Generation-HRS Detonate “Skibidi”

    Aug 28, 2026
    in Feeds
    The Joke That Became a Blueprint: Girls’ Generation-HRS Detonate “Skibidi”

    A YouTube bit turned real unit. A house beat that snaps into hip-hop mid-breath. Three women who’ve already survived two…

    Global Expansion, Japan, K-pop, KT, LG, Photography, Seoul
  • The disconnection between online spaces and reality is interesting

    Aug 28, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    The truth is, I’ve been pretty out of the loop when it comes to BTS, but I recently caught up…

    BTS, LG, Social Media
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Latest Korean News

  • Iran war cost hits $38 billion, forecast to rise $3 billion a month, CBO saysSeptember 15, 2026
    WASHINGTON — The six-month-old U.S. war against Iran has cost… Read more: Iran war cost hits $38 billion, forecast to rise $3 billion a month, CBO says
  • Inside Korea’s esports training camp, where gamers get Olympic-style careSeptember 15, 2026
    BUSAN — When the elevator doors opened at Busan e-sports… Read more: Inside Korea’s esports training camp, where gamers get Olympic-style care
  • Bessent defends ‘modest’ cost of US-Japan joint yen interventionSeptember 15, 2026
    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday defended his agency’s… Read more: Bessent defends ‘modest’ cost of US-Japan joint yen intervention
  • Prince Harry and Meghan move children to new school over security concernsSeptember 15, 2026
    LONDON — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan , have… Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan move children to new school over security concerns
  • Seoul bus strike averted after last-minute wage dealSeptember 15, 2026
    Seoul city buses will operate normally Wednesday after labor and… Read more: Seoul bus strike averted after last-minute wage deal

Latest Community Feeds

  • An ordinary lunch at an ordinary small Korean companySeptember 16, 2026
  • 두물머리 연핫도그 (Dumulmeori Corn Dog)September 16, 2026
  • Please recommend some good jjajangmyeon restaurants in Seoul or Jeju.September 16, 2026
  • Puradalk Halepeño Mayo ChickenSeptember 16, 2026
  • Supper Sounds GoodSeptember 16, 2026
  • Feel like I stanned Enhypen too late and I’m sadSeptember 16, 2026
  • The version of “challenges” shorts from K-Pop adjacent bands has been really fun to experienceSeptember 16, 2026
  • Kpop music award is coming (2026), what song would likely to be nominated in song of the year???September 16, 2026
  • aespa is a lot better in complaexity tourSeptember 16, 2026
  • Any good videos that would fit in this playlistSeptember 16, 2026
  • I’m giving it a popular opinion but I don’t think that Phartia fits well in with the rest of the girls a baby monsterSeptember 16, 2026
  • The song blue gangsta by Micheal Jackson sounds like a Taemin song.September 15, 2026
  • This Song Gives me Goosebumps everytime I listen to itSeptember 15, 2026
  • I’m bored at so many 5th gen groups debuting with very poor actual (singing) talent.September 15, 2026
  • KpopThoughts Weekly Thread – (September 15)September 15, 2026
  • BTS ‘Swim’ Hits 900 Million Spotify Streams in Record TimeSeptember 15, 2026
  • Revisiting the discussion with all K‑pop girl group fans: Who do you think is the “greatest center in K‑pop girl group history”? My pick is Jennie from BLACKPINK — the King LeBron of girl groups.September 15, 2026
  • I can’t believe a lot of K-pop idols are the same age or younger than meSeptember 15, 2026
  • What is the most interesting Kpop song you’ve heard in the last few years?September 12, 2026
  • taeyang reaction to his meme ? Boy man taeyangSeptember 12, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (25,748)
    • Community (19,193)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (5,197)
  • 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