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

Mystery

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Rising J-Pop Group aoen Captivates with Debut Single ‘青い太陽 (The Blue Sun)’ and Striking Night Concept Photos

    Jun 2, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    Rising J-Pop Group aoen Captivates with Debut Single ‘青い太陽 (The Blue Sun)’ and Striking Night Concept Photos

    Photo Credits: HYBE Entertainment Emerging onto the vibrant J-Pop scene, aoen has officially made their debut with the mesmerizing single…

    BTS, Curiosity, Japan, K-pop, LG, Mystery, Social Media
  • Jackson Wang Captivates in Marie Claire China May 2025 Pictorial: Behind the Scenes of GOT7 Star’s Striking Photoshoot

    Apr 29, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    Jackson Wang Captivates in Marie Claire China May 2025 Pictorial: Behind the Scenes of GOT7 Star’s Striking Photoshoot

    Photo Credits: Marie Claire China. Kakao Entertainment GOT7’s Jackson Wang continues to command the spotlight, this time as the cover…

    G7, Japan, K-pop, Kakao, Mystery, Photography, Tourism
  • Did a spicy remix of soo gogi moo guk (beef radish soup). No soy added. Did it a fusion way inspired by how our school’s kitchen ajuma used to do it. She used dried anchovies as the base and I used anchovies with chili and bun bo hue powder.

    Apr 27, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Did a spicy remix of soo gogi moo guk (beef radish soup). No soy added. Did it a fusion way inspired by how our school’s kitchen ajuma used to do it. She used dried anchovies as the base and I used anchovies with chili and bun bo hue powder.

    It’s one of the best soups I’ve made. Tastes like an adult version of the original 😋 submitted by /u/Mystery-Ess…

    Mystery
  • IVE Wonyoung Shines in Vogue Korea x Kérastase April 2025 Pictorial: Behind the Scenes of Her Iconic Shoot

    Apr 9, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    IVE Wonyoung Shines in Vogue Korea x Kérastase April 2025 Pictorial: Behind the Scenes of Her Iconic Shoot

    Hero Photo Credit: Inquirer.net. Main Article Photo Credits: Vogue Korea Starship Entertainment Jang Wonyoung, the celebrated member of K-pop sensation…

    K-pop, Mystery, Social Media
  • Clearing some misconceptions about ‘Virtual idol’ thing on the rise recently.

    Mar 2, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Disclaimer : It is completely understandable if you are uninterested in Vtuber, I am not your kpop or weeb mentor…

    Ewha, Metaverse, Mystery
  • I’m becoming less and less of a kpop fan and I saw this

    Feb 28, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This was posted in /r/<living_in_korea> and I just thought it was funny. The last paragraph had me ROFFL & made…

    K-drama, Mystery, Parents
  • Red Velvet’s Seulgi Stuns in New Teasers for “Accidentally On Purpose” Solo Comeback

    Feb 27, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    Red Velvet’s Seulgi Stuns in New Teasers for “Accidentally On Purpose” Solo Comeback

    K-pop fans are buzzing with excitement as Red Velvet’s Seulgi gears up for her highly anticipated solo comeback. The talented…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, LG, Mystery, purpose
  • ONF Charts a New Course with ‘FIND THE ROUTE’ Concept (PHOTOS)

    Feb 9, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    ONF Charts a New Course with ‘FIND THE ROUTE’ Concept (PHOTOS)

    In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, ONF is set to make waves with their upcoming release, “ONF:MY IDENTITY,” the first…

    Curiosity, Japan, K-pop, Mystery, Question
  • Cha Eun Woo Captivates Fans with Elegant Pictorial in ELLE Korea’s February Issue

    Jan 31, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    Cha Eun Woo Captivates Fans with Elegant Pictorial in ELLE Korea’s February Issue

    Cha Eun Woo, the charismatic member of the popular K-pop group ASTRO, has once again stolen the spotlight with his…

    Japan, K-pop, Mystery, netizens
  • Sleeping with a fan on in a closed room

    Jan 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Growing up, I was always told to never sleep with a fan on indoors/in a room because you will die.…

    Advice, Mystery
  • North Korea Sent a Mystery Man to Lead Its Troops Fighting Ukraine

    Nov 20, 2024
    in News
    North Korea Sent a Mystery Man to Lead Its Troops Fighting Ukraine

    Col. Gen. Kim Yong Bok and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to a special forces base…

    Japan, Korean Military, Koreans, KT, Military, Mystery, North Korea, Putin, Pyongyang, Seoul, travel, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin
  • What’s a better sub for myulchi aekjeot?

    Oct 26, 2024
    in Community
    What’s a better sub for myulchi aekjeot?

    Reference – making perilla leaf kimchi. submitted by /u/Mystery-Ess [link] [comments]

    Kimchi, Mystery
  • What is the story behind this photograph?

    Oct 13, 2024
    in Community, Feeds
    What is the story behind this photograph?

    Who is that man and what happened to him? submitted by /u/wwwsuh [link] [comments]

    Mystery, Photography
  • What are these blue things?

    Oct 13, 2024
    in Community, Feeds
    What are these blue things?

    submitted by /u/david_cobain777 [link] [comments]

    Curiosity, Mystery
  • What on earth?! What is the purpose?

    Oct 13, 2024
    in Community, Feeds
    What on earth?! What is the purpose?

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

    Curiosity, Mystery, purpose
  • Mystery deepens after hundreds of cat deaths in S. Korea

    Oct 13, 2024
    in Community, Feeds
    Mystery deepens after hundreds of cat deaths in S. Korea

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

    Cat Deaths, Crime, Mystery
  • Gyebaek

    Apr 14, 2019
    in History, People
    Gyebaek

    Introduction to Gyebaek Gyebaek is a prominent historical figure in Korean history, particularly known for his role as a general…

    Baekje, Goguryeo, Historical Figure, history, Japan, Justice, K-pop Fans, Korean History, Korean Military, Koreans, Military, Mystery, purpose, Question, Silla, Three Kingdom, Unification of Korea

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family Genesis germany Global Expansion history Hyundai Japan Jeju Jjigae Justice K-pop K-pop Fans K-pop industry Kakao Kia Kimchi Korea Development Korean Comapny Korean Food Korean History Korean Military Koreans Korean Semiconductor Korean Technology Korea Zinc KT LG LG Electronics LG Energy LG Energy Solution Lotte martial law Medical Military Naver North Korea Nvidia Parents Peace 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

  • Ex-TSMC executive joins Samsung Foundry to lead US expansionJune 2, 2025
    Samsung Electronics’ chip cleanroom Samsung Electronics Co. has brought a… Read more: Ex-TSMC executive joins Samsung Foundry to lead US expansion
  • S.Korea imports Canadian oil for 1st time under Trump’s 2nd termJune 2, 2025
    Prairie oil pump jacks producing oil near the town of… Read more: S.Korea imports Canadian oil for 1st time under Trump’s 2nd term
  • Korea’s stablecoin trade at $42 bn; BOK balks at non-banks’ stablecoin dealsJune 2, 2025
    BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong (left) at fireside chat with US… Read more: Korea’s stablecoin trade at $42 bn; BOK balks at non-banks’ stablecoin deals
  • Samsung, Perplexity close to AI alliance: BloombergJune 2, 2025
    Perplexity AI logo screenshot captured from the company website  Samsung… Read more: Samsung, Perplexity close to AI alliance: Bloomberg
  • Kakao Mobility to build smart infrastructure for Saudi Diriyah projectJune 2, 2025
    Kakao Mobility CEO Alex Ryu (left) and Diriyah Company Group… Read more: Kakao Mobility to build smart infrastructure for Saudi Diriyah project

Latest Community Feeds

  • 9 June is stacked. Who are you excited for ?June 3, 2025
  • Korean Naming Conventions?June 3, 2025
  • First time making kimbap! Ft. My sous chefJune 3, 2025
  • Sharing my first makgeolli, need recommendations for store-bought snacksJune 2, 2025
  • Rice cakes expiredJune 2, 2025
  • Healthy food in Seoul?June 2, 2025
  • Kpop fans have atrociously superficial view of singingJune 2, 2025
  • Aaron and Claire’s KFCJune 2, 2025
  • has anyone else just completely fallen out of love with kpopJune 2, 2025
  • Elderflower Cheong 2025June 2, 2025
  • Why Sulli fans dislike Choiza as a fan who saw the relationship in real timeJune 2, 2025
  • Bossam and some banchanJune 2, 2025
  • Is the TV series “Bargain” getting a second season or a spinoff? Would love to see more of the aftermathJune 2, 2025
  • Banchan resources?June 2, 2025
  • Everglow should have been the next best girl groupJune 2, 2025
  • American teacher in South Korea compares school lunch to U.S.—’Grotesque’June 2, 2025
  • name good reasons to vote for your candidateJune 2, 2025
  • Giant Egg Roll🥚June 2, 2025
  • I want to immigrate to UK from Korea.June 2, 2025
  • No one I hate more than bg obsessed gg fans playing fake feministJune 2, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (9,042)
    • Community (5,633)
    • Entertainment (536)
    • News (2,872)
  • 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