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

Question

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Are there other groups with a concept as consistently implemented as Illits?

    Nov 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This is something I have talked a lot about with friends and people from the Illit fandom and I would…

    Advertisement, Question
  • Does anyone else think Eunbi’s debut title track, ‘Door,’ is the most musically interesting song in her discography, despite being completely overshadowed?

    Nov 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I wanted to post this because I genuinely think ‘Door’ is a masterpiece of K-Pop title track production that deserved…

    Crime, K-pop, Question
  • Four-way race set for IGIS Asset sale; Hanwha, Heungkuk, Hillhouse, CapitalLand shortlisted

    Nov 6, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Four-way race set for IGIS Asset sale; Hanwha, Heungkuk, Hillhouse, CapitalLand shortlisted

    IGIS Asset Management’s headquarters in Seoul The sale of South Korea’s top real estate asset management firm, IGIS Asset Management…

    Question, Seoul
  • [ANNOUNCEMENT] KPOP-ADJACENT GROUPS

    Nov 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello thinkers! About a week ago, the mods decided to revisit the question of whether or not people wanted kpop-adjacent…

    Discussion, Question
  • For those who took a break from kpop, what made you go back to it?

    Nov 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m asking this question because recently I went back to listening to kpop and consuming content related to my favorite…

    Question
  • K netizens be hating on idols for literally anything.

    Nov 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Recently I have seen k netizens hating on idols for the smallest things possible. I came across 2 cases. One…

    Crime, netizens, Question
  • Dual Citizenship and Military Service for Korean Males

    Nov 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This is a guideline for Korean Males born overseas to Korean Parents and their questions about dual citizenship with regard…

    Korean Military, Military, Parents, Question
  • Ryujin really went to flirt with women and terrorise NA PD 😭 (JYP × GAME CATERERS) Highlights – ITZY’s RYUJIN

    Oct 30, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Seriously, who knew she was such a variety Queen and forgot to tell me??? She’s my bias, but every time…

    fail, Question, Scandal, Sex
  • S.Korea obtains Trump’s nod for nuclear-powered submarines to be built by Hanwha in Philly Shipyard

    Oct 30, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea obtains Trump’s nod for nuclear-powered submarines to be built by Hanwha in Philly Shipyard

    A submarine made by Hanwha Ocean Donald Trump has approved South Korea’s long-sought plan to build nuclear-powered submarines, a move…

    Busan, Donald Trump, Hyundai, KT, North Korea, Question, request, Seoul
  • Korean Calligraphy Scroll – Storage?

    Oct 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I have a Korean calligraphy scroll and need to move it and roll it up, but when I roll it,…

    Korean Art, Question
  • ChatGPT now available on KakaoTalk, S.Korea’s top messaging app

    Oct 28, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    ChatGPT now available on KakaoTalk, S.Korea’s top messaging app

    Kakao CEO Chung Shina (left) chats with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Feb. 6, 2025 (Courtesy of Kakao) ChatGPT, the…

    Kakao, Question, Seoul
  • NPS sees $630 mn loss tied to MBK-owned Homeplus; vows GP selection reform

    Oct 27, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    NPS sees $630 mn loss tied to MBK-owned Homeplus; vows GP selection reform

    Kim Tae-hyun, chairman of the National Pension Service, answers lawmakers’ questions during an annual parliamentary audit on Oct. 24, 2025…

    apology, fail, Lawmakers, Question
  • How to address the toxic portions of the K-pop fanbase between an individual and broader perspective.

    Oct 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    How do you handle toxic users in K-pop? This came to mind when I happened across a comment that was…

    Discussion, history, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Question
  • Done with Korean military!

    Oct 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I finished last week lol Just random shit from my experience: -Everyone was so kind and understanding of my situation…

    Korean Military, Military, Question
  • Suho (EXO) Elegantly Redefines K-Pop Sophistication in DAZED Korea November 2025: A Journey of Style, Identity, and Poised Confidence

    Oct 23, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    Suho (EXO) Elegantly Redefines K-Pop Sophistication in DAZED Korea November 2025: A Journey of Style, Identity, and Poised Confidence

    Photo Credits: SM Entertainment DAZED Korea Suho’s upcoming feature in DAZED Korea’s November 2025 issue has been previewed and showcases…

    Cheese, Japan, K-pop, Question
  • Thoughts on the Golden Disc 40: List of 40 influential figures in kpop history

    Oct 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    They chose 40 for the 40th anniversary of the awards. From the site: Here are 40 influential figures in the…

    BTS, history, LG, Question
  • do views on an artist’s youtube channel include mv views uploaded under company channels?

    Oct 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    hey guys, random question 😅 i’ve been wondering — when you look at a group’s youtube channel (their profile page…

    Question
  • US, S.Korea wrap up high-level tariff talks; test of political will in Trump, Lee’s hands

    Oct 23, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    US, S.Korea wrap up high-level tariff talks; test of political will in Trump, Lee’s hands

    South Korea’s Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom (center) and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (right) leave the Commerce Department building after…

    Donald Trump, Japan, Question, Seoul, Stress
  • S.Korea’s trade chiefs head back to US for talks with Lutnick, skip overnight stay

    Oct 22, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea’s trade chiefs head back to US for talks with Lutnick, skip overnight stay

    South Korea’s Chief Presidential Policy Officer Kim Yong-beom (second from right) and Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan (third from right) depart…

    Discussion, Donald Trump, Japan, Question, Seoul
  • Just give me your honest opinion about New Jeans

    Oct 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I am genuinely curious about their impact within the kpop scene and beyond that ….Yesterday, I was watching a post…

    BTS, Japan, Question
  • Samsung’s Galaxy XR blends AI, immersion at half the price of Apple’s Vision Pro

    Oct 22, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Samsung’s Galaxy XR blends AI, immersion at half the price of Apple’s Vision Pro

    Samsung Galaxy XR (Courtesy of Samsung Electronics) Samsung Electronics Co. wants to make artificial intelligence wearable. Its new Galaxy XR…

    Putin, Question, Samsung, Samsung Electronics, TCL
  • Question for dried anchovies

    Oct 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I wanted to make sundubu jjigae today and wanted to use dried anchovies for the stock. When I came home…

    Jjigae, Question, Sundubu Jjigae
  • How I think TXT members would be in a fight

    Oct 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I wanna preface that I’m in no way trying to instigate (I am. Would love to see them fight. Y’all…

    Justice, Question, Warning
  • Trump signals breakthrough in US-Korea tariff talks ahead of APEC summit

    Oct 21, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Trump signals breakthrough in US-Korea tariff talks ahead of APEC summit

    US President Donald Trump (right) speaks during a meeting with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House on…

    Discussion, Donald Trump, Japan, KT, Question, Seoul
  • Seoul court acquits Kakao founder of stock manipulation charges

    Oct 21, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Seoul court acquits Kakao founder of stock manipulation charges

    Kakao Corp. founder Kim Beom-soo (center) leaves Seoul Southern District Court after being acquitted of stock manipulation charges on Oct.…

    BTS, Controversy, fail, Kakao, Question, Seoul
  • What group/soloist’s lyrics stand out for you?

    Oct 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone! I thought it might be fun to discuss lyrics a bit today. I’m someone who loves words and…

    Discussion, Question
  • General question

    Oct 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I am from 🇯🇴 Jordan. I am interested in whether they have ever heard about Jordan. I want to know…

    Koreans, Question
  • boy groups or girl group stans or stans of both

    Oct 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I have a question for people who are only gg/only bg stans and I mean no offence it’s why are…

    Question
  • How advanced are Korean toddlers?

    Oct 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    My Koreans parents who live in Korea are worried that my 2.5 yr toddler is delayed in speech. They say…

    Koreans, Parents, Question
  • Have you ever interacted with an idol before they became famous?

    Oct 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It might be a silly question, but I’m genuinely curious if any of you have ever interacted with an idol…

    Ewha, Question
  • Do I need an ETA for a connecting flight?

    Oct 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello everyone. I have a question regarding my next flight. I’m a​ Mexican citizen and right now I am in…

    Jeju, Question, Seoul
  • Japchae breakfast

    Oct 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Japchae breakfast

    Apologies for my terrible knife skills with the tamago, lol! I was impatient. Yeah, I made tamago strips for this…

    Pork, Question
  • Two Korean men were stopped by police from leaving for Cambodia

    Oct 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    The airport police has deployed four officers at Cambodia flight gates to prevent young Koreans from getting involved in crimes…

    Crime, fail, family, Koreans, purpose, Question
  • Why I think the W gala dinner was a good thing

    Oct 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Even though I do agree that it’s just an extravagant party for rich and famous people the event will have…

    purpose, Question
  • Seoul, Washington in ‘last-mile’ trade talks; US seen softening on up-front payment demand

    Oct 17, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Seoul, Washington in ‘last-mile’ trade talks; US seen softening on up-front payment demand

    Korean Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol (right) meets with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to exchange views on bilateral issues on…

    Discussion, Donald Trump, Question, Seoul
  • Politicians at Unification Church events over the past 10 years

    Oct 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Politicians at Unification Church events over the past 10 years

    🇰🇷Domestic South Korean Speakers – 오세훈 (Oh Se-hoon, Seoul Mayor) – 박형준 (Park Heong-joon, Busan Mayor) – 이용섭 (Lee Yong-seop,…

    Busan, Donald Trump, Japan, Question, Seoul
←Previous Page 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

  • China’s economy builds early momentum in 2026 as global risks mountMarch 16, 2026
    BEIJING — China’s economy began the year on a firmer… Read more: China’s economy builds early momentum in 2026 as global risks mount
  • KakaoMap tests ultraprecise bus tracking ahead of BTS concertMarch 16, 2026
    Kakao is launching a pilot program for ultraprecise bus location… Read more: KakaoMap tests ultraprecise bus tracking ahead of BTS concert
  • TUESDAY, March 17, 2025March 16, 2026
    432-Saint Patrick, aged about 16, is captured by Irish pirates… Read more: TUESDAY, March 17, 2025
  • Seoul shares close over 1% higher despite oil price hikesMarch 16, 2026
    Korean stocks finished over 1 percent higher Monday on gains… Read more: Seoul shares close over 1% higher despite oil price hikes
  • TV shifts toward soothing, heartfelt reality showsMarch 16, 2026
    Korean television is quietly shifting from shock to solace, with… Read more: TV shifts toward soothing, heartfelt reality shows

Latest Community Feeds

  • If heaven had a taste, it would be Bossam!March 16, 2026
  • Should I go to an artms concert in august?March 16, 2026
  • Repost: Academic Study regarding Weverse, Enhypen and Fan-Idol Interactions/RelationshipsMarch 16, 2026
  • Air China to resume direct flights to North Korea on March 30March 16, 2026
  • Snow day, stuck inside, need a non-spicy tteokboki recipeMarch 16, 2026
  • Trying to understand the hype around K-Pop Demon Hunters and why it’s Oscar-worthyMarch 16, 2026
  • My Homemade Banchans!March 16, 2026
  • Gov’t to provide free sanitary pads in public facilitiesMarch 16, 2026
  • If you live in Korea, I recommend eating BHC seasoned chicken.March 16, 2026
  • US trade probes hit Korea’s already struggling steel, petrochemical sectorsMarch 16, 2026
  • Blog of jailed Telegram sex ring leader shut down after post bragging about prison awardMarch 16, 2026
  • Hueningkai is seriously underrated and everyone needs to knowMarch 16, 2026
  • Korean fans are so lucky!!! They are getting a cruise trip and a Huge citywide project/event to experience BTS’s new music in Seoul.March 16, 2026
  • what kpop unpopular opinion you have that others may agree?March 16, 2026
  • Nonspicy Kongbul. Serving with Rice 🥩🍚March 16, 2026
  • Petty Lawsuits Surge as Koreans Choose Courts Over CompromiseMarch 16, 2026
  • 김치 순두부찌개 Kimchi sundubu jjigaeMarch 16, 2026
  • Yubuchobap 유부초밥March 15, 2026
  • Homemade Kong GuksuMarch 15, 2026
  • NaengmyeonMarch 15, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (18,653)
    • Community (13,253)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,294)
  • 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