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

Military

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • How can Hormuz shipping blockage be solved?

    Mar 20, 2026
    in News
    How can Hormuz shipping blockage be solved?

    LONDON — Iranian forces’ closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through global trade, with little sign of…

    germany, Japan, Military
  • Can we talk about how incredible ARIRANG’s rollout has been?

    Mar 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    About 4 years ago, I wrote a post about how much I was enjoying the promo rollout for BTS’s anthology…

    BTS, Busan, Military, Seoul
  • Promoting groups/artists I think deserve more attention-Day 3:E’LAST

    Mar 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Debut:2020 Company: E entertainment Members: 7 Rano – Leader, Main Dancer Choi in – Vocalist (recently ended military enlistment) Baekgyeul…

    Military
  • The Iran war’s muddled endgame

    Mar 17, 2026
    in News
    The Iran war’s muddled endgame

    TEL AVIV – The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran flagrantly violates international law. But so has nearly every other war since…

    Donald Trump, Korean War, Military
  • FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether US asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East

    Mar 17, 2026
    in News
    FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether US asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East

    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sidestepped questions Tuesday on whether the United States had formally asked South Korea to deploy warships…

    Discussion, Donald Trump, Japan, Lawmakers, Military, Question, request, Seoul
  • Feeling Grateful I am Here to Experience BTS’s Comeback

    Mar 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I don’t want to get too personal about struggles, but Covid and the years after were pretty devasting, and to…

    BTS, Military
  • N. Korea’s Kim, daughter test pistols together at munitions factory

    Mar 12, 2026
    in News
    N. Korea’s Kim, daughter test pistols together at munitions factory

    North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a factory for light, portable munitions, where he and his teenage daughter tested pistols…

    Military, North Korea
  • Taemin’s Radiant Glow: ELLE Korea x AHC April 2026

    Mar 11, 2026
    in Feeds
    Taemin’s Radiant Glow: ELLE Korea x AHC April 2026

    Photo Credits: ELLE Korea + AHC + SM Entertainment + EMI Records (Japan) Taemin, SHINee’s eternal maknae turned global icon, graces…

    Gen Z, history, Japan, K-pop, KT, LG, Military, Seoul, Tokyo
  • THAAD redeployment sparks fears of high altitude defense gap in South Korea

    Mar 11, 2026
    in News
    THAAD redeployment sparks fears of high altitude defense gap in South Korea

    The reported redeployment of parts of the United States’ Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from South Korea to…

    Military, Question
  • Turkish Gen. Yazıcı, a Korean War hero

    Mar 10, 2026
    in News
    Turkish Gen. Yazıcı, a Korean War hero

    Whenever I pass through Yeouido, the subtly exotic Ankara Park (Sister Park) catches my eye. Established on May 1, 1977,…

    Korean War, Koreans, Military, Seoul
  • E’LAST “Tame”: Everlasting Emotion In Their Boldest Concept Era Yet

    Mar 8, 2026
    in Feeds
    E’LAST “Tame”: Everlasting Emotion In Their Boldest Concept Era Yet

    Photo Credits: E Entertainment E’LAST’s second digital single “Tame” arrives like a slow-burning confession — a visual and emotional statement…

    history, Japan, K-pop, Military, Seoul
  • Airlift operations at USFK base signal possible shift of assets to Middle East

    Mar 8, 2026
    in News
    Airlift operations at USFK base signal possible shift of assets to Middle East

    Recent U.S. military airlift activity at a major air base in South Korea has drawn attention to the possibility that…

    Military
  • Gender minister issues apology to former sex work victims near US bases

    Mar 8, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Gender minister issues apology to former sex work victims near US bases

    Gender Equality Minister Won Min-kyong issued an apology to former sex workers Saturday whose rights were violated in now-defunct brothels…

    apology, history, Military, Prostitution, Sex
  • TXT’s 2026 MOA CON Japan: Arena Takeover Dates Revealed!

    Mar 7, 2026
    in Feeds
    TXT’s 2026 MOA CON Japan: Arena Takeover Dates Revealed!

    Photo Credits: BigHit Music MOAs, brace yourselves—TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) just dropped the ultimate Japan invasion with their Special Concert ‘2026…

    Gen Z, history, Japan, K-pop, LG, Military, Seoul, Suga
  • Dubai-Incheon direct flights resume after Iran conflict disruption

    Mar 6, 2026
    in News
    Dubai-Incheon direct flights resume after Iran conflict disruption

    Direct flights from Dubai to Incheon resumed Friday after being suspended amid escalating military conflict in the Middle East. The…

    Military
  • Hyunjin x GUESS: Stray Kids’ Visual King Redefines Denim Dynasty

    Mar 6, 2026
    in Feeds
    Hyunjin x GUESS: Stray Kids’ Visual King Redefines Denim Dynasty

    Stray Kids’ Hyunjin has been named Global Brand Ambassador for GUESS JEANS, igniting a fusion of K-pop rebellion and American…

    BTS, K-pop, Military, Tokyo
  • BTS’ V, the Celine Prince: Elegance and Power in the Hiver 2026 Teasers

    Mar 5, 2026
    in Feeds
    BTS’ V, the Celine Prince: Elegance and Power in the Hiver 2026 Teasers

    Photo Credits: Celine + THV + BigHit Music A new chapter in Paris In the lead-up to Paris Fashion Week,…

    BTS, Curiosity, Military, Mystery, Seoul, Social Media
  • Repeating past military mistakes

    Mar 4, 2026
    in News
    Repeating past military mistakes

    Repeating past military mistakes

    Military
  • Iranians in Korea express mixed reactions to death of Khamenei

    Mar 3, 2026
    in News
    Iranians in Korea express mixed reactions to death of Khamenei

    The Iran that Park Si-ma remembers was once described as the “Paris of the Middle East,” a place where women…

    Military, Seoul, Shopping
  • N. Korea ships 33,000 containers of weapons to Russia: Seoul

    Mar 1, 2026
    in News
    N. Korea ships 33,000 containers of weapons to Russia: Seoul

    North Korea is believed to have shipped some 33,000 containers of military supplies, including weapons and ammunition, to Russia as…

    Military, North Korea, Seoul, Ukraine
  • Finance minister warns of heightened market volatility amid Iran crisis

    Mar 1, 2026
    in News
    Finance minister warns of heightened market volatility amid Iran crisis

    Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said Sunday that heightened military tensions surrounding Iran are expected to increase volatility in global financial…

    Military, Seoul
  • ALPHA DRIVE ONE — ‘Burning Road’: The K-pop Vanguard Redefining Speed, Style, and Soul

    Mar 1, 2026
    in Feeds
    ALPHA DRIVE ONE — ‘Burning Road’: The K-pop Vanguard Redefining Speed, Style, and Soul

    Photo Credits: Harper’s Bazaar Korea + WAKEONE Entertainment The Turning Point of ALD1 K-pop loves a story of reinvention —…

    Discussion, Fame, Japan, K-pop, Military, purpose, Seoul, Stress, Tokyo
  • NK leader’s sister confirmed to serve as director of ruling party’s general affairs department

    Feb 28, 2026
    in News
    NK leader’s sister confirmed to serve as director of ruling party’s general affairs department

    Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was confirmed to have taken the post of director…

    Military, North Korea
  • Anthropic CEO says it ‘cannot in good conscience accede’ to Pentagon’s demands for AI use

    Feb 27, 2026
    in News
    Anthropic CEO says it ‘cannot in good conscience accede’ to Pentagon’s demands for AI use

    WASHINGTON — Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said Thursday that the artificial intelligence company “cannot in good conscience accede” to the…

    Military, purpose, Social Media
  • Army conducts live-fire drills involving AI-based combat engineering vehicles

    Feb 26, 2026
    in News
    Army conducts live-fire drills involving AI-based combat engineering vehicles

    The Army on Thursday staged live-fire drills involving combat engineering vehicles equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and topped with remote…

    Military
  • Reflection Post: I’m Not Really A Big Kpop Fan Anymore

    Feb 25, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I am not really a big Kpop fan anymore mainly because I took breaks to focus on more important things…

    BTS, Military
  • China imposes export controls on 20 Japanese entities to curb ‘remilitarization’

    Feb 24, 2026
    in News
    China imposes export controls on 20 Japanese entities to curb ‘remilitarization’

    BEIJING — China has prohibited the export of dual-use items to 20 Japanese entities that it says supply Japan’s military,…

    Japan, Military
  • S. Korean Embassy advises Korean nationals to leave Iran amid possible U.S. military strike

    Feb 23, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    S. Korean Embassy advises Korean nationals to leave Iran amid possible U.S. military strike

    The South Korean Embassy in Iran on Monday advised Korean nationals in the Middle Eastern country to leave it when…

    Donald Trump, Koreans, Military, travel
  • (4th LD) Lee, Brazil’s Lula agree to elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership

    Feb 23, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    (4th LD) Lee, Brazil’s Lula agree to elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership

    SEOUL, Feb. 23 (Yonhap) — President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to elevate…

    Discussion, Justice, Korean House, Military, North Korea, Peace, Politics, Seoul, Social Media
  • Do you think the last third gen groups will start becoming inactive within the next few years?

    Feb 23, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Lots of third gen groups have become inactive within the last few years, & there’s only a few groups I…

    BTS, Military
  • HD Hyundai proves edge with quick delivery of Philippine warship

    Feb 23, 2026
    in News
    HD Hyundai proves edge with quick delivery of Philippine warship

    Shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has delivered a newly constructed patrol vessel to the Philippine Navy five months ahead…

    Hyundai, Military
  • how do stats-obsessed fans find enjoyment in kpop… doesn’t it get tiring?

    Feb 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    this is kind of referencing a now-deleted post talking about this being a “big year for kpop” cuz of the…

    BTS, Military, Nvidia
  • Japan PM Takaichi warns of China ‘coercion’, vows security overhaul

    Feb 20, 2026
    in News
    Japan PM Takaichi warns of China ‘coercion’, vows security overhaul

    TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned of growing Chinese “coercion” in her first post-election speech to parliament on…

    Japan, Military, North Korea, Tokyo, World War
  • Korea mulls joining NATO initiative to fund weapons for Ukraine

    Feb 20, 2026
    in News
    Korea mulls joining NATO initiative to fund weapons for Ukraine

    South Korea is reviewing whether to join a NATO initiative to help finance the purchase of U.S. weapons for Ukraine,…

    Discussion, Military, Seoul, Ukraine
  • “NIS Confirms Far Right YouTuber Ko Sung guk Influenced Attacker of President Lee” | “국정원, 李대통령 테러범에 극우 유

    Feb 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    “NIS Confirms Far Right YouTuber Ko Sung guk Influenced Attacker of President Lee” | “국정원, 李대통령 테러범에 극우 유

    The National Intelligence Service said on the 12th that, in relation to the 2024 attack on President Lee Jae myung…

    Discussion, Military
  • From coastal defense to ocean power: Why South Korea needs nuclear-powered submarines

    Feb 17, 2026
    in News
    From coastal defense to ocean power: Why South Korea needs nuclear-powered submarines

    The focus of national security is shifting from territorial defense to maritime capabilities. Factors like sea lines of communication, energy…

    Military, Peace
Next Page→

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Celebrity Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Curiosity Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family 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 Korean Military Koreans Korean Semiconductor Korean Technology KT Lawmakers 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 Stress study Suga Survey Tokyo Tourism travel Ukraine Warning

Latest Korean News

  • Gov’t says economy on recovery path, warns of Middle East risksMarch 20, 2026
    Korea’s economy remains on a recovery path, but downside risks… Read more: Gov’t says economy on recovery path, warns of Middle East risks
  • Korea says LNG supply stable despite Middle East risksMarch 20, 2026
    Cheong Wa Dae said Friday that Korea’s natural gas supply… Read more: Korea says LNG supply stable despite Middle East risks
  • Third Renaissance: Center of Islamic civilization as strategy for spiritual and intellectual advancement of new UzbekistanMarch 20, 2026
    Human history demonstrates that every great advancement is built upon… Read more: Third Renaissance: Center of Islamic civilization as strategy for spiritual and intellectual advancement of new Uzbekistan
  • Ex-envoy to Brazil appointed ambassador to CanadaMarch 20, 2026
    A former South Korean ambassador to Brazil has been appointed… Read more: Ex-envoy to Brazil appointed ambassador to Canada
  • How can Hormuz shipping blockage be solved?March 20, 2026
    LONDON — Iranian forces’ closure of the Strait of Hormuz… Read more: How can Hormuz shipping blockage be solved?

Latest Community Feeds

  • Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry)- one of my favorite Korean foodsMarch 21, 2026
  • A friendly reminder that 2026 is just getting startedMarch 21, 2026
  • Mixed kimbapMarch 21, 2026
  • Sweet and Crispy Rice Cake SkewersMarch 21, 2026
  • Lee Demands SBS Apologize, Issue Correction after Report Ties Him to Crime RingMarch 20, 2026
  • GalbitangMarch 20, 2026
  • Did I do this right? (Kimchi)March 20, 2026
  • Promoting groups/artists I think deserve more attention-Day 5:TNXMarch 20, 2026
  • Grilled fish 🎣March 20, 2026
  • What I basically want to eat after a workout but I won’t – Dasol CooMarch 20, 2026
  • Cold soba noodlesMarch 20, 2026
  • Soobin saying what every idol wants to say part 4352March 20, 2026
  • TipsMarch 20, 2026
  • How is tilefish usually cooked in Korean cooking (not with raw rice, I expect!)?March 20, 2026
  • What’s your super girl group? Here’s mine.March 20, 2026
  • Some young Koreans are looking for love in bookstores, but are they reading the room?March 20, 2026
  • What makes your thoughts important enough to need a separate post from the megathread?March 20, 2026
  • Would Girls’ Generation’s discography be more popular among Gen Z and younger K-Pop fans if their Japanese albums were available on Spotify?March 20, 2026
  • Koean love this drinkMarch 20, 2026
  • [MEGATHREAD] BTS ARIRANGMarch 20, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (18,773)
    • Community (13,344)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,314)
  • 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