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Military

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Twelve Constitutional Records Broken: Dec. 3rd Martial Law

    Apr 20, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    As this was an unprecedented, colossal political event in history, a series of monumental records bearing the phrase “First in…

    history, KT, LG, martial law, Military, travel
  • why nobody will ever do it like bts + thoughts on their future

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    international fame is very important in kpop. western fame is super important too. if you want your fame to skyrocket,…

    BTS, Celebrity, Fame, Military
  • Returned to Korea for military service—was it a mistake? Lived abroad 12+ years, just got Aussie PR, now 28

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone here might be able to offer guidance or share similar experiences. I was born in…

    Advice, Military, Parents, study, travel
  • South Korean defense industry thrives on strong overseas demand

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korean defense industry thrives on strong overseas demand

    (Courtesy of Yonhap)  South Korea’s defense industry is expected to enjoy its heyday for a while after global demand for…

    Donald Trump, germany, Hyundai, Korean Art, Military, North Korea, Seoul, Ukraine
  • Birth rates: Optimist point of view

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    • This is not a political discussion. • Speaking as an outsider. • All my information is theoretical, not accurate.…

    Busan, Crime, Democracy, Discussion, financial crisis, Japan, Justice, Kimchi, Korean War, Koreans, LG, Military, squid game, Stress, Tourism
  • With domestic dockyards fully booked, Korean shipbuilders turn overseas

    Apr 14, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    With domestic dockyards fully booked, Korean shipbuilders turn overseas

    HD Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding (HVS) in Khanh Hoa province As order books swell due to green shipping mandates, LNG demand…

    Donald Trump, Hyundai, Japan, Military, Samsung
  • HD Hyundai Heavy, HII team up for naval shipbuilding

    Apr 9, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    HD Hyundai Heavy, HII team up for naval shipbuilding

    HII Executive Vice President and President of Ingalls Shipbuilding Brian Blanchette (left) and Joo Won-ho, chief executive of the naval…

    fail, history, Hyundai, Japan, Military
  • South Korea Announces Emergency Support for Auto Sector Against U.S. Tariffs

    Apr 9, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korea Announces Emergency Support for Auto Sector Against U.S. Tariffs

    South Korea’s car exports to the U.S. stood at $34.7 billion in 2024. Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images South Korea’s government…

    automotive, Hyundai, Kia, Military
  • HD Hyundai on course for $1.55 bn order amid US-China trade war

    Apr 6, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    HD Hyundai on course for $1.55 bn order amid US-China trade war

    A container ship built by HD Hyundai HD Hyundai Co., the world’s largest shipbuilding group, is emerging as a key…

    Donald Trump, germany, Hyundai, Military, Samsung
  • Welcome to r/korea!

    Apr 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This subreddit is dedicated to discussions about Korea, covering topics such as news, culture, history, politics, and societal issues. Whether…

    Busan, Discussion, history, Kakao, Korean Art, Korean Language, Military, Politics, Question, request, Seoul, Shopping, travel
  • Full text of the Constitutional Court’s reading of the verdict on Yoon’s impeachment/removal

    Apr 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Below is an AI translation of the reading of the verdict, followed by the original Korean text. Thanks to u/Lazy-Bicycle8741…

    Democracy, Discussion, fail, history, Justice, Lawmakers, LG, martial law, Military, Politics, purpose, Question, request, Warning
  • 2025 South Korean Presidential Election

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This megathread is for community discussions about the upcoming 2025 South Korean presidential election. On December 3, 2024, former President…

    Discussion, fail, martial law, Military, Protest, Question
  • South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ousted by court

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ousted by court

    President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the fourth hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Jan.…

    fail, history, Justice, Korean History, Koreans, Lawmakers, martial law, Military, Peace, Protest, Seoul
  • Hanwha Aerospace signs $254 million deal to supply K9 howitzers to India

    Apr 3, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Hanwha Aerospace signs $254 million deal to supply K9 howitzers to India

    The Indian defense minister aboard a K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer at L&T’s armored plant in Hazira, Gujarat state (Courtesy of…

    Military
  • Hanwha Aerospace, General Atomics to build unmanned aerial vehicles

    Apr 2, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Hanwha Aerospace, General Atomics to build unmanned aerial vehicles

    An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) develped by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) Hanwha Aerospace Co., a leading South Korean…

    Japan, Military
  • Netmarble sees tailwind from new titles, BTS comeback

    Apr 2, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Netmarble sees tailwind from new titles, BTS comeback

    Netmarble rolled out “RF Online Next” in March 2025, a revamp of the old title “RF Online” released in 2004.…

    BTS, K-pop, Military, mobile game
  • S.Korean court to rule on impeached President Yoon’s fate on April 4

    Apr 1, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korean court to rule on impeached President Yoon’s fate on April 4

    President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the fourth hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Jan.…

    fail, history, Justice, Korean History, Koreans, Lawmakers, martial law, Military, Protest, Seoul
  • WINNER’s Mino admits to neglecting duties as social service worker

    Mar 31, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    In December 2024, just before his scheduled discharge, a report came out alleging that Mino frequently skipped work, showed up…

    Military, purpose, Question
  • K-pop exports boom as lifting of Chinese ban on K-wave looms large

    Mar 31, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    K-pop exports boom as lifting of Chinese ban on K-wave looms large

    BTS concert in Busan, South Korea in October 2022 (Courtesy of Yonhap) Exports of Korean popular music, or K-pop albums…

    BTS, Busan, Japan, K-pop, KT, Military, Scandal, Seoul, Sex
  • BTS’ J-Hope Shines with Artistic Brilliance in Solo Single ‘MONA LISA

    Mar 29, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    BTS’ J-Hope Shines with Artistic Brilliance in Solo Single ‘MONA LISA

    Photo Credits: BigHit Music J-Hope, the multifaceted artist from BTS, has once again captivated fans with his latest solo single, MONA…

    BTS, Japan, K-pop, Military, Social Media
  • 15 year olds should not be debuting in K-Pop

    Mar 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I think most people should agree that 15 is way too old to debut in the industry because at that…

    K-pop, Military
  • Weekly Question, General Discussion, and Meetup Thread

    Mar 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Please use this thread for any questions about common topics like travel, education, employment, immigration, military service, and any other…

    Discussion, Koreans, Military, Question, travel
  • Risk of traveling from the US?

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m traveling to Korea soon for both my wife’s family and vacation reasons. My dad will also be traveling there…

    family, Military, Question, travel
  • Hanwha Aerospace plans record $2.5 bn rights offer for plant expansion

    Mar 20, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Hanwha Aerospace plans record $2.5 bn rights offer for plant expansion

    Prototype of Hanwha Aerospace’s advanced aircraft engine Hanwha Aerospace Co., a leading South Korean defense company, said on Thursday it…

    history, Hyundai, Military
  • Korean Opinion of USA 2025

    Mar 20, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    To be fair, this is a slightly inflammatory post in a sense, unfortunately the best way for you to understand…

    Koreans, Military
  • has anyone else seen these military buoys washed up on the beach?

    Mar 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    has anyone else seen these military buoys washed up on the beach?

    submitted by /u/That-Jelly6305 [link] [comments]

    Military
  • What are the worst kpop scandals/crimes?

    Mar 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Basically the title. Some of the scandals I’m aware of are burning sun, BAP’s Himchan’s sexual assault case(s), 2NE1’s Park…

    Crime, Military, Scandal, Sex, sexual assault
  • Kim Soo-hyun Scandal

    Mar 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Kim Soo-hyun Scandal

    South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, 37, is embroiled in controversy following allegations of a six-year relationship with the late actress…

    Controversy, Military, Scandal
  • Hanwha develops cutting-edge stealth paint for next-generation warships

    Mar 11, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Hanwha develops cutting-edge stealth paint for next-generation warships

    Hanwha Ocean Co., a leading South Korean warship builder, has developed and tested an advanced stealth paint designed for the…

    daegu, Hyundai, Korean War, Military
  • How South Korea’s President Planned a Military Takeover, Then Blew It

    Mar 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    How South Korea’s President Planned a Military Takeover, Then Blew It

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

    Military
  • If a foreign child moves to south Korea with their parent and legally becomes a citizen, will the child be required to serve mandatory military time like other citizens?

    Mar 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Asked a friend this, couldn’t get a straight answer. So genuinely curious how it works. submitted by /u/MADLADCOMICS [link] [comments]

    Military
  • I am glad that NU’EST disbanded. (Sincerely, a LOVE)

    Mar 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m usually not one to post like this, but the amount of misinformation in the comments of the r/kpop post…

    Japan, Military, Stress
  • In case of an invasion would most South Korean men protect their country or flee?

    Mar 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Don’t know much about military patriotism in South Korea. Interested in the opinions of ones who are familiar with culture…

    history, Military, Peace, Question
  • After Korean men complete their mandatory military service, are they able to return back to their same jobs they had before they left?

    Mar 8, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Honestly I’m just wondering. I’m not Korean, but I’ve recently gone down a kdrama rabbit hole and it got me…

    KT, Military, study
  • Korean court cancels Yoon’s detention; Insurrection case continues

    Mar 7, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korean court cancels Yoon’s detention; Insurrection case continues

    Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gather outside Yoon’s official house in Seoul on March 7,2025 A…

    fail, LG, martial law, Military, Seoul
  • Hanwha Aerospace, L3Harris anchor Shield AI’s $240 mn funding

    Mar 7, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Hanwha Aerospace, L3Harris anchor Shield AI’s $240 mn funding

    Shield AI, founded in 2015, is an autonomy software and defense aircraft technology company (Screenshot captured from Shield AI website)…

    Military
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Latest Korean News

  • AMCHAM, ECCK warn S.Korea’s labor bill risks investment climateJuly 30, 2025
    James Kim, AMCHAM Chairman and CEO  Major foreign business associations… Read more: AMCHAM, ECCK warn S.Korea’s labor bill risks investment climate
  • Seoul rallies corporate titans in all-out bid to ward off US tariffsJuly 30, 2025
    US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (center on left) and South… Read more: Seoul rallies corporate titans in all-out bid to ward off US tariffs
  • LG Energy secures $4.3 bn LFP battery deal from Tesla in shift from CATLJuly 30, 2025
    (Courtesy of LG Energy Solution)  LG Energy Solution Ltd. on… Read more: LG Energy secures $4.3 bn LFP battery deal from Tesla in shift from CATL
  • SK Innovation to Merge SK On and SK Enmove to Strengthen Battery UnitJuly 30, 2025
    Sk Innovation reshuffles units to revive battery business. SK Innovation… Read more: SK Innovation to Merge SK On and SK Enmove to Strengthen Battery Unit
  • KPop Demon Hunters sets record as Netflix’s most-watched animeJuly 30, 2025
    Huntr/x, the girl group from the KPop Demon Hunters anime… Read more: KPop Demon Hunters sets record as Netflix’s most-watched anime

Latest Community Feeds

  • When you think of kpop, who do you see, who is the PROTOTYPE?July 30, 2025
  • What song title do you have the most of in your playlist?July 30, 2025
  • Is there any way to fix a lightstick?? 🥺July 30, 2025
  • Jip-bap (집밥) makes everything betterJuly 30, 2025
  • LIVE: Newcastle face K League all stars in first game of Korean tourJuly 30, 2025
  • US immigration authorities detain Korean green card holder – The Korea TimesJuly 30, 2025
  • Making korean corn dogs with fresh mozzarella?July 30, 2025
  • North Korean “Victory day” concert, even though they “lost” cuz they failed to conquer all of South Korea.July 30, 2025
  • i feel bad for queer idols especially those who are in relationshipsJuly 30, 2025
  • Holy Cow – Lim Youngwoong won’t be selling physical copies of his next albumJuly 30, 2025
  • I feel like kpop album versions stray away from being albums and feel more like merchJuly 30, 2025
  • Help is this safe to eat? Will it cum all over my kitchen counter if I open it?July 30, 2025
  • Is there a weird kpop pattern or am I just crazy?July 30, 2025
  • 한국 음식이 최악이라는 6974번째 영상에서 우리가 묘사되는 모습July 30, 2025
  • New Yuehua Trainees — upcoming boy groupJuly 30, 2025
  • Baegui 백의 ( 白衣 ) White clothes, widely worn by the people of KoreaJuly 30, 2025
  • Gosu musangchae from UmmaJuly 30, 2025
  • Some photos you might want as your wallpaperJuly 30, 2025
  • Thoughts on English lyrics dominating Kpop songs?July 30, 2025
  • There is an adlib in RM’s ‘out of love’ I can’t seem to place, but it seems familiarJuly 30, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (10,934)
    • Community (7,124)
    • Entertainment (656)
    • News (3,152)
  • 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