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Korean Identities Beyond Borders

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Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • BOK turns more dovish after 25 bp rate cut; 2025 growth outlook halved

    May 29, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    BOK turns more dovish after 25 bp rate cut; 2025 growth outlook halved

    Bank of Korea Gov. Rhee Chang-yong speaks during a press conference after  the central bank cut its policy rate by…

    Donald Trump, martial law, Question, Seoul
  • A question for vegans/vegetariens living in korea.

    May 28, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    So one day I heard from a friend that she knew someone that is vegetarien(or vegan can’t quite remember) tried…

    Question
  • This is a question that only Koreans get asked.

    May 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Fuck this is so fucking funny lol submitted by /u/Forsaken_Vacation793 [link] [comments]

    Koreans, Question
  • Attrakt’s CEO lost a ₩300M defamation lawsuit against SBS ‘Unanswered Questions’ over FIFTY FIFTY exposé. The court found the show’s claims about financial opacity & member treatment to be true, not false. A complete victory for ‘Unanswered Questions.’

    May 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    After all the talk about SBS being biased… about the girls being liars.. the court has ruled in favor of…

    KT, Question
  • Why is INFINITE so little known internationally?

    May 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It’s a question I’ve been asking myself, not necessarily about their current comeback (because of course, over time, a group…

    K-pop, Question
  • When you click on a post, do you read it?

    May 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I know it sounds like a dumb question, but those are low-key the best kind. I know there really isn’t…

    Question
  • LGBT questions

    May 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey guys, I know that there are going to be pride parades going on soon and while I do want…

    Daejeon, Koreans, LG, Question, Seoul, travel
  • citizenship inquiry

    May 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    hello everyone! i have a question that pertains to my boyfriend (22M). so, we have an international trip soon that…

    Advice, family, Parents, Question
  • In your opinion, what is the most “K-Pop” K-Pop song that exists? Like, what encapsulates the genre best for you?

    May 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Personally, to me, I know it’s very subjective and kind of a tough question but I think it would be…

    K-pop, Question
  • Which IdolxIdol paring or IdolxActor would you send to “We Got Married”

    May 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    For context: I saw the reality show “We Got Married” being mentioned in another post and I thought of this…

    Question
  • Why do a lot of Big Tech Companies not have Korean translation?

    May 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This may be a weird question, but I have been trying to either find English-Korean and Korean-English dictionaries from companies…

    Japan, Question
  • Korean bbq question

    May 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi. I was wondering if someone could guide me. United States here. At Korean bbq restaurants the meal is served…

    Question
  • Ever wondered what a Korean medicine clinic is like? (I work part-time at one near Gyeongbokgung)

    May 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey! I’m working part-time at a Korean traditional medicine clinic (한의원) near Gyeongbokgung Palace, and I’m kind of curious how…

    Question, Seoul, Stress
  • Question about Traditional Korean Decorative Symbols

    May 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Question about Traditional Korean Decorative Symbols

    Hi. I’m an artist who works as a volunteer developer on the Rebirth rogue server for the classic MMO City…

    Question
  • “Better Dead Than Co-Ed”: Korean Women’s University Erupts in Mass Protest, Property Damage, and DDoS Attacks Over Unconfirmed Rumors of Male Admissions in Arts Departments

    May 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    “Better Dead Than Co-Ed”: Korean Women’s University Erupts in Mass Protest, Property Damage, and DDoS Attacks Over Unconfirmed Rumors of Male Admissions in Arts Departments

    At Dongduk Women’s University, a single rumor has done what no midterm exam or tuition hike ever could: it ignited…

    Discussion, Politics, Protest, Question, Social Media
  • Family Registration question – ELI5

    May 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi All I’m not sure if this is even possible. I was born in Taegu (what I was told but…

    family, Parents, Question
  • Help with a Korean legal form

    May 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I have a legal/real estate question regarding property in Korea. My father-in-law, who lived in Korea, passed away recently. My…

    Parents, purpose, Question
  • A couple of more questions about gaming in Korea?

    May 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey guys! So, I asked several questions about video games in Korea in the AskaKorean community and I am grateful…

    Question
  • CJ Korean BBQ Sauce, Kalbi Question

    May 11, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    CJ Korean BBQ Sauce, Kalbi Question

    I have a bunch of questions about the CJ Korean BBQ Sauce for Kalbi bottle. I bought two bottles of…

    Question
  • Why the difference in backlash between KIOF and Blackpink?

    May 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    First of all, I’m not trying to attack either group here, this is a genuine question. Both KIOF and Blackpink…

    Question
  • Meet alaKarte- Frustrated with pc + general merch trading- a couple of us got together and built a kpop safe-space/ marketplace [Testers and Feedback wanted]

    May 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello everyone, Since I started collecting pcs and then other merch, I’ve been frustrated with the stress of making sure…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, LG, Question, Stress
  • why super junior still active compared to younger sm groups and other 2nd gen groups (question from fan)

    May 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    hello this is not negative because i am a new fan who became one very recently and i really like…

    Question
  • 60 year old In California addicted to K-Pop

    May 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    My gosh,… I think I am addicted and I feel kinda weird about it. Let me tell you why. First…

    K-pop, Question
  • When is the latest a male Korean citizen can enlist in the military?

    May 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Sorry to ask about kpop here, but this question always generates misinformation in kpop forums because people just guess based…

    Military, Question
  • Second Generation Overseas Korean Citizen

    May 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m a Korean-born Canadian, who, after a mountain of paperwork, was approved to become a Second Generation Overseas Korean Citizen…

    family, Question, travel
  • you should be aware that kard ignore and fund the genocide of ukrainians

    May 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    before I start, I beg you not to react to this like “music is out of politics”, “kpop is out…

    Politics, Question, Ukraine
  • KATSEYE’s Gnarly is easily the worst song I’ve heard in a long time

    Apr 30, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Where do I even begin? Let’s start with the lyrics, they’re atrocious from start to finish. Here’s a few highlights…

    history, KT, Question
  • Why Loona is my favorite romantic concept

    Apr 30, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I heard it pointed out once that we say sex is taboo, then talk about sex basically all the time.…

    Affinity, fail, family, Question, Sex
  • Appreciation post about Zane Low interview with Jhope

    Apr 30, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It’s been awhile since I watched a BTS interview, but it appeared in my recommendations. The interviewer questions were amazing,…

    BTS, Question
  • Dual citizenship and Military Exemption for Korean adoptee

    Apr 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I am a Korean adoptee and US Citizen. I’m 37 (will be 38 next month). I applied for recovery of…

    Military, Question, request, travel
  • Do Korean Universities Allow Master’s Without a Bachelor’s? (Non-Traditional Background)

    Apr 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m researching master’s programs in Korea (especially AI) but have a non-traditional academic background. Hoping to get insights from those…

    Advice, germany, Question
  • Is it offensive to ask a Korean man to verify himself online? (Dating)

    Apr 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi there, Recently had a holiday in Korea and did a bit of swiping on tinder while I was there.…

    Curiosity, Question
  • SKT hack: Do I need a new SIM? How do I replace it? Your questions answered.

    Apr 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    SKT hack: Do I need a new SIM? How do I replace it? Your questions answered.

    submitted by /u/madrobot52 [link] [comments]

    KT, Question
  • Seoul mulls joint review of Alaska LNG project with Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam

    Apr 27, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Seoul mulls joint review of Alaska LNG project with Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam

    South Korea is one of the world’s top LNG buyer South Korea has proposed forming a consortium with Japan, Taiwan…

    Discussion, Donald Trump, Japan, Question, request, Seoul, Stress, study
  • Is this a good choice ? I got a masters+phd scholarship offer from a private university in seoul(sejong)

    Apr 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Should I take it and if I learn language can I get a job in R&D. If you have an…

    Question, Seoul
  • Beauty Standards

    Apr 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m currently doing an EPQ (kind of like a thesis) about beauty standards in South Korea. The actual title is…

    Question
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Latest Korean News

  • Hanjin KAL, LS expand alliance to defense business against Hoban GroupMay 30, 2025
    South Korea’s Hanjin Group and LS Group are tightening their… Read more: Hanjin KAL, LS expand alliance to defense business against Hoban Group
  • Hanwha Ocean to team up with Polish shipyards for Navy project bidMay 30, 2025
    Monika Kozakiewicz, CEO of Nauta Shipyard (left); Eoh Sung-chul (center),… Read more: Hanwha Ocean to team up with Polish shipyards for Navy project bid
  • SpaceX’s Starlink, Eutelsat’s OneWeb land in Korea for LEO satellite servicesMay 30, 2025
    An image of Hanwha Systems’ low-earth-orbit satellite communication system using… Read more: SpaceX’s Starlink, Eutelsat’s OneWeb land in Korea for LEO satellite services
  • NPS logs 0.87% return from investment in first quarterMay 30, 2025
    NPS building  The National Pension Service (NPS), South Korea’s state-run… Read more: NPS logs 0.87% return from investment in first quarter
  • Korea Post to commit $150 mn to mid-cap infrastructure fundsMay 30, 2025
    Korea Post’s logo Korea Post will commit $150 million to… Read more: Korea Post to commit $150 mn to mid-cap infrastructure funds

Latest Community Feeds

  • First quarter marriages in Daejeon up 34.3%, while Seoul saw an increase of 17.6%May 30, 2025
  • Any group/fandom you grew out because the concept/style changed?May 30, 2025
  • The current top 5th gen boy group competition is between SM, HYBE, and WakeOneMay 30, 2025
  • Pr@file1747May 30, 2025
  • Mental Health issues and it’s relationship with kpopMay 30, 2025
  • There has to be a better way for multi stans.May 30, 2025
  • Moving to Korea !May 30, 2025
  • Lee Jae-myung blames himself for son’s comments, demands legal action against distortionMay 30, 2025
  • The end of Butterfinger Pancakes? Anyone enjoyed then over the years?May 30, 2025
  • The award for most confusing k-pop song I’ve ever encountered based on the title goes to…May 30, 2025
  • Seoul trials quality-of-life updates for city’s Bus Information TerminalsMay 30, 2025
  • iCloud payment declined NHMay 30, 2025
  • What’s THE song of your favorite groups?May 30, 2025
  • If there was one app for K-pop fans, what would you want it to include?May 30, 2025
  • Rewarding myself after recovering from a stomach virusMay 30, 2025
  • Karina fans angry at Lee Jun-seok for sharing photo of Karina hinting her support for PPP: “secondary victimization”May 30, 2025
  • Does “I Feel Good” (BOYNEXTDOOR) give anyone else Block B vibes?May 30, 2025
  • Fried enoki with yangnyeom sauceMay 30, 2025
  • banchan day (I’m exhausted)May 30, 2025
  • HYBE Raided for Insider Trading – The News Has Hit TMZ So I think it’s SeriousMay 30, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (8,959)
    • Community (5,564)
    • Entertainment (530)
    • News (2,864)
  • 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

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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