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Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Korea’s golf apparel market shrinks as golf boom fizzles

    May 29, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Korea’s golf apparel market shrinks as golf boom fizzles

    A golf clothes store within a department store in Korea The heyday of South Korea’s golf apparel market seems to…

    Hyundai, Lotte, Millennials, Shopping, travel
  • Korea Inc.’s AI executives double with LG Group leading the pack

    May 28, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Korea Inc.’s AI executives double with LG Group leading the pack

    AI robot The number of executive-level artificial intelligence (AI) specialists at South Korea’s 30 largest conglomerates has more than doubled…

    automotive, Hyundai, Kakao, Korean Technology, KT, LG, LG CNS, LG Electronics, Lotte, Naver, POSCO, Samsung, Samsung Electronics, Seoul, SK Hynix, study
  • Hanwha Galleria poised to buy drink maker Pure Plus

    May 27, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Hanwha Galleria poised to buy drink maker Pure Plus

    (Screenshot captured from Pure Plus website) Hanwha Galleria Corp., a South Korean department store operator, signed a memorandum of understanding…

    coffee, Lotte
  • Seaweed, dubbed ‘Korea’s black semiconductor,’ powers its economy

    May 24, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Seaweed, dubbed ‘Korea’s black semiconductor,’ powers its economy

    Korean food at Lotte Mart’s Gandaria City Mall hypermarket Dried seaweed, widely used to make kimbap, or seaweed-wrapped rice rolls,…

    Buldak Ramen, CJ Cheiljedang, Japan, Korean Food, Korean Semiconductor, LG, Lotte, Social Media
  • Samil PwC expands global foothold with Carlyle’s Japan KFC deal

    May 24, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Samil PwC expands global foothold with Carlyle’s Japan KFC deal

    Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers headquarters in Seoul (Courtesy of Yonhap) Global accounting industry leader PricewaterhouseCoopers’ South Korean member firm expands its foothold…

    Japan, Lotte, request, Seoul, Tokyo
  • Hotel Lotte resumes global push with management deals

    May 21, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Hotel Lotte resumes global push with management deals

    Lotte World Tower in which Signiel Seoul is located (Courtesy of Hotel Lotte)  Hotel Lotte Co., South Korea’s leading hospitality,…

    Busan, Global Expansion, Korean Comapny, Lotte, Lotte World, Seoul, travel
  • Lotte Wellfood, Studio Dragon to collaborate on K-contents

    May 17, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Lotte Wellfood, Studio Dragon to collaborate on K-contents

    South Korea’s Lotte Wellfood Co. announced on Friday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with K-drama producer Studio…

    K-drama, Lotte
  • Deutsche Bank’s Korea IB head quits after country head resigns

    May 13, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Deutsche Bank’s Korea IB head quits after country head resigns

    (Courtesy of Getty Images) Cho Man Chul, managing director and head of investment banking at Deutsche Bank in Korea, has…

    KT, Lotte, Seoul
  • Lotte Global Logistics, KOBC to partner for global logistics

    May 13, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Lotte Global Logistics, KOBC to partner for global logistics

    South Korea’s Lotte Global Logistics announced on Monday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Ocean…

    Lotte
  • Chinese group tours to Korea poised for strong revival

    May 9, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Chinese group tours to Korea poised for strong revival

    Chinese group tourists shopping at Lotte Duty Free shop in Myeong-dong, Seoul on May 7, 2024 (Courtesy of Lotte Duty…

    Chinese Tourists, Hyundai, Japan, Jeju, Korean Comapny, Koreans, Lotte, Seoul, Shopping, Tourism, travel
  • Shinsegae’s day of reckoning for online ambitions

    May 8, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Shinsegae’s day of reckoning for online ambitions

    Back in 2021, South Korea’s retail titan Shinsegae Inc. beat its archrival Lotte Shopping Co. to purchase Gmarket and Auction,…

    Affinity, Coupang, fail, Korean Comapny, Lotte, Naver, request, Shopping, Warning
  • (DO NOT PUBLISH) Startups bet on affluent Gen X in Korea’s senior living market

    May 7, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    (DO NOT PUBLISH) Startups bet on affluent Gen X in Korea’s senior living market

    Rendering image of VL Lewest, a luxury senior living community under development by Lotte Hotels & Resorts in Seoul, South…

    Korean Birthrate, Korean Comapny, Lotte, Samsung, Seoul
  • S.Korea’s largest startup fair NextRise to be held in June

    May 7, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea’s largest startup fair NextRise to be held in June

    The Korea International Trade Association announced on Tuesday that the largest domestic startup fair in South Korea, NextRise 2024 Seoul,”…

    Japan, Korea Development, Korean Comapny, Lotte, LVMH, Seoul
  • Aman, Rosewood, Banyan, IHG rush to open luxury hotels in Seoul

    May 5, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Aman, Rosewood, Banyan, IHG rush to open luxury hotels in Seoul

    Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul Globally renowned hospitality companies, including Aman, Rosewood and IHG Group, are rushing to South…

    Busan, Chinese Tourists, Japan, Korean Comapny, Korean Military, Lotte, Military, myeongdong, Samsung, Seoul, Tokyo, Tourism, travel
  • Lotte Tour’s Jeju Island casino triples revenue

    May 3, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Lotte Tour’s Jeju Island casino triples revenue

    Jeju Dream Tower Casino, located on South Korea’s top tourist island of Jeju and run by Lotte Tour Development Co.,…

    Chinese Tourists, Japan, Jeju, Lotte, Tourism
  • S.Korea’s Lotte Card injects $68 mn into Vietnamese unit

    May 2, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea’s Lotte Card injects $68 mn into Vietnamese unit

    (Captured from Lotte Finance Vietnam website) Lotte Card Co., South Korea’s No. 5 credit card issuer, provided $68 million to…

    fail, Lotte, Seoul
  • Korean retailers, hotels enjoy tourist boom in May holidays

    Apr 30, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Korean retailers, hotels enjoy tourist boom in May holidays

    Foreigners at Myeong-dong, international tourists’ top destination in Seoul, on April 30, 2024 (By Bum-June Kim) South Korean retailers and…

    Chinese Tourists, fail, Hyundai, Japan, Jeju, Korean Airport, Lotte, Seoul, Shopping, Tokyo, Tourism, travel
  • Lotte Global Logistics partners with CMA CGM

    Apr 29, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Lotte Global Logistics partners with CMA CGM

    South Korea’s Lotte Global Logistics announced on Monday that it partnered with the France-based world’s third-largest shipping company CMA CGM. …

    Korean Comapny, Lotte
  • Korea’s Lotte sells Lotte Glory Properties Shenyang amid US-China dispute

    Apr 26, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Korea’s Lotte sells Lotte Glory Properties Shenyang amid US-China dispute

    A Lotte hypermarket in China South Korea’s retail giant Lotte Group has signed a deal to sell a theme park…

    Korean Food, Korean Military, Lotte, Lotte World, Military, Shopping
  • Lotte Global Logistics, Megvii to collaborate AI logistics

    Apr 25, 2024
    in Feeds, News
    Lotte Global Logistics, Megvii to collaborate AI logistics

    South Korea’s Lotte Global Logistics announced on Thursday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Megvii Technology, a…

    Korean Comapny, Korean Technology, Lotte
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Latest Korean News

  • SK Telecom gets over 340,000 users in January amid KT fee waiverFebruary 16, 2026
    SK Telecom Co., Korea’s largest mobile carrier, gained more than… Read more: SK Telecom gets over 340,000 users in January amid KT fee waiver
  • Speed skater begins looking ahead to 4th Olympics after another missed opportunityFebruary 16, 2026
    MILAN — Only minutes after ending her third Winter Games… Read more: Speed skater begins looking ahead to 4th Olympics after another missed opportunity
  • Curious about Korea’s hanbok promoted by RM? Easy ways to add it to daily lifeFebruary 16, 2026
    On the morning of Lunar New Year’s Day in 1921,… Read more: Curious about Korea’s hanbok promoted by RM? Easy ways to add it to daily life
  • Lee, PPP leader engage in clash over multi-homeowner policyFebruary 16, 2026
    President Lee Jae Myung and main opposition People Power Party… Read more: Lee, PPP leader engage in clash over multi-homeowner policy
  • Lee’s approval rating rises for 3rd consecutive week: pollFebruary 16, 2026
    President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating rose to 56.5 percent… Read more: Lee’s approval rating rises for 3rd consecutive week: poll

Latest Community Feeds

  • Trying to understand bigHit/hybe’s approach to bts comeback promotionsFebruary 16, 2026
  • Avoid this 붕어빵.February 16, 2026
  • How Korea’s dating reality show ‘Single’s Inferno’ became a lasting dating hit through five seasonsFebruary 16, 2026
  • Starbucks Korea expects to add at least 100 outlets this year – The Korea TimesFebruary 16, 2026
  • What brand and heat level of gochujang based on my spice tolerance?February 16, 2026
  • What older songs by your faves do you think could become “sleeper” hits?February 16, 2026
  • kimchi pancakeFebruary 16, 2026
  • Why do you think Lisa’s Alter Ego and Jisoo’s Amortage underperformed compared to Jennie’s Ruby and Rosé’s rosie?February 16, 2026
  • What is the correct consistency of glass noodles?February 16, 2026
  • Nami IslandFebruary 16, 2026
  • Happy Lunar New Year! -ddeok guk and moreFebruary 16, 2026
  • Beyond Star Ratings: Discover Seoul’s “Reliable Defaults” with a 27-Year LocalFebruary 16, 2026
  • Ginseng salad 인삼무침February 16, 2026
  • Korean bbq in LA koreatownFebruary 16, 2026
  • Costco Kimchi Pancake — Surprisingly Good for a Lazy DayFebruary 16, 2026
  • Cremation rates in Korea: 2000=33.5%, 2010=67.5%, 2020=89.9%, 2024=95%February 16, 2026
  • Craving for cheese dakgalbi 😋February 16, 2026
  • TWS surprises Seoul fans with Valentine’s Day chocolate eventFebruary 16, 2026
  • Is anyone else scared of Jaemin from NCTFebruary 16, 2026
  • Snack subscription boxes?February 16, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (17,888)
    • Community (12,686)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,154)
  • 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