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

Social Media

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • 5 days of silence after misunderstanding – is this common in the Korea dating culture?

    May 27, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone. I need some cultural reality checks because my anxiety is telling me stories I don’t trust. I’m a…

    Advice, Koreans, Old Korea, Social Media
  • Senator Andy Kim Injured in Tear Gas Incident at ICE Protest

    May 26, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Senator Andy Kim Injured in Tear Gas Incident at ICE Protest

    Korean-American Democratic Senator Andy Kim, alongside Governor Mikie Sherrill and others, visited the front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement…

    Donald Trump, fail, family, Medical, Military, Protest, Social Media
  • STILL HERE, STILL US: WANNA ONE RECLAIM THE MOMENT

    May 26, 2026
    in Feeds
    STILL HERE, STILL US: WANNA ONE RECLAIM THE MOMENT

    The Cover Ten individual covers. One unified story. For the June 2026 digital edition, ELLE Korea does something that feels…

    BTS, Global Expansion, Japan, K-pop, LG, Military, Photography, purpose, Seoul, Social Media
  • Weekly Social Media Thread

    May 23, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Did you see something on TikTok or Insta that made you go, “Hmmm?” Do you want to discuss some issue…

    KT, Social Media
  • Frustrated Indian youth flock to political party led by cockroach

    May 22, 2026
    in News
    Frustrated Indian youth flock to political party led by cockroach

    NEW DELHI — It began as a satirical online project. Now millions of young Indians are flocking to it as…

    Protest, Social Media
  • I’m started to feel a disconnect with my ults

    May 22, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    This is my first time posting something here so I’m not sure if it’s appropriate but I’m looking for some…

    Advice, Scandal, Social Media
  • i’m genuinely concerned on and2ble’s debut plan

    May 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    i think they’re moving a little bit too fast? when they released the tour show, i’m already eh? i’m not…

    Curiosity, Question, Seoul, Social Media
  • BORN THIS WAY, REBORN EVERY ERA: G-DRAGON OWNS VOGUE KOREA — AND THE WORLD

    May 21, 2026
    in Feeds
    BORN THIS WAY, REBORN EVERY ERA: G-DRAGON OWNS VOGUE KOREA — AND THE WORLD

    THE COVER THAT STOPPED THE INTERNET Before the ink was dry, before the first collector’s copy shipped from Seoul, the…

    Celebrity, Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, KT, LG, Military, Photography, purpose, Question, Seoul, Social Media, Stress, Teenager, Warning
  • NO LABELS, NO LIMITS: YEONJUN TAKES THE WORLD HIS WAY

    May 21, 2026
    in Feeds
    NO LABELS, NO LIMITS: YEONJUN TAKES THE WORLD HIS WAY

    TXT’s Choi Yeonjun lands Harper’s BAZAAR Men China — and the cover couldn’t fit him more perfectly THE FRAME BEFORE…

    Affinity, Discussion, history, Japan, K-pop, KT, purpose, Social Media
  • Suing Youtubers might not be a smart move for agencies

    May 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    It’s bizarre to think that there are so many defamation lawsuits in kpop space. A multi-millions company suing youtubers and…

    LG, Social Media
  • Horse shaped baguettes

    May 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Horse shaped baguettes

    In Korea, horse shaped baguettes became a seasonal trend this year as part of the Year of the Horse celebrations.…

    Social Media
  • Were fans less delusional in 2nd/3rd gen?

    May 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Were fans less parasocial in past? I’m curious about 2nd and 3rd gen idols. Nowadays, idols can be in contact…

    Social Media
  • (LEAD) Starbucks Korea chief fired over ‘Tank Day’ event on pro-democracy anniv.

    May 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    (LEAD) Starbucks Korea chief fired over ‘Tank Day’ event on pro-democracy anniv.

    SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) — The head of Starbucks Korea was dismissed Monday after the coffee chain faced strong backlash…

    apology, coffee, Controversy, Democracy, family, history, martial law, Military, Seoul, Social Media
  • May 18 Promotion Sparks Controversy for Starbucks Korea

    May 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Starbucks Korea faced major backlash after a May 18 promotional event called “Tank Day” sparked controversy across South Korea. The…

    apology, Controversy, Military, Social Media
  • R U Next? – Reflecting on HYBE’s “rigged” survival show after 3 years

    May 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Next month marks 3 years since RUNext? aired in June 2023. If you aren’t familiar, RUNext? was the survival show…

    Scandal, Social Media
  • Domestic reactions to BABYMOSNTER’s CHOOM and why it hasn’t clicked in Korea

    May 17, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Since BABYMONSTER’s last domestic hit DRIP back in 2024, which peaked at #11 on Melon, it feels like BM haven’t…

    Koreans, Social Media
  • Misinformation about May 18 Democracy Uprising rises despite new law

    May 17, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Misinformation about May 18 Democracy Uprising rises despite new law

    Misinformation and disparagement of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement increased significantly last year, despite a 2021 law aimed at…

    Celebrity, Democracy, history, Korean Military, LG, Local News, Military, modern history, Naver, New Law, North Korea, Protest, Pyongyang, Social Media
  • Weekly Social Media Thread

    May 16, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Did you see something on TikTok or Insta that made you go, “Hmmm?” Do you want to discuss some issue…

    KT, Social Media
  • Genuinely hope that u/godok_drinker is making his guttural slurping sounds EXTRA loud for the haters 👹

    May 16, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Genuinely hope that u/godok_drinker is making his guttural slurping sounds EXTRA loud for the haters 👹

    “Not genuine, only for content and clicks.” Whaaat? He’s creating curated content? On social media?! You’re so repulsed yet you…

    Social Media
  • Japan’s Self-Critical Left vs Korea’s Patriotic Left

    May 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m asking this as a Japanese person. This is something I’ve felt for a long time, and it’s about the…

    Japan, Military, Social Media
  • BIBI in Full Bloom: Rewriting Pop on Her Own Terms

    May 15, 2026
    in Feeds
    BIBI in Full Bloom: Rewriting Pop on Her Own Terms

    The Cover That Feels Like a Turning Point There’s a specific kind of stillness in BIBI’s Cosmopolitan Korea x Rieti…

    Curiosity, Gen Z, history, Japan, K-pop, KT, Seoul, Social Media, study, Tokyo, Warning
  • Dua Lipa sues Samsung for $15 million for allegedly using her image to sell TVs

    May 11, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Dua Lipa sues Samsung for $15 million for allegedly using her image to sell TVs

    Lipa‘s lawyers have attached screenshots of social media postings and comments in the filing claiming that the pop star’s image…

    Samsung, Social Media
  • Wonhee has played a huge role in Illit’s reputation in SK improving a lot

    May 9, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I just saw that Illit’s new song It’s Me just peaked on the Melon Top 100 at 7. It’s their…

    Social Media
  • Weekly Social Media Thread

    May 9, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Did you see something on TikTok or Insta that made you go, “Hmmm?” Do you want to discuss some issue…

    KT, Social Media
  • Japan’s Gen Z protests feature K-pop tunes, light sticks

    May 6, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    Japan’s Gen Z protests feature K-pop tunes, light sticks

    Across Japan, a growing number of people from the MZ generation (born between the 1980s and early 2000s) are taking…

    Discussion, Ewha, Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, MZ generation, Protest, Social Media, Tokyo
  • is anyone here going to jaehyun fancon tour?

    May 6, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    hi everyone! im from the Philippines and planning to go overseas for the fancon. is anyone here familiar with the…

    Seoul, Social Media
  • Seoul expands digital reach to connect with residents during Family Month

    May 6, 2026
    in News
    Seoul expands digital reach to connect with residents during Family Month

    The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s 120 Dasan Call Foundation announced Wednesday it is significantly expanding its smart consultation services throughout May…

    family, Seoul, Social Media
  • IOK is ruining Ablume’s(former Fifty Fifty’s members) momentum and it’s so sad

    May 5, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    No new MV No EP No album No promo No new socmed posts No festival booking No events No fanmeetings…

    KT, Social Media
  • Thoughts on the song CHOOM after some time has passed

    May 4, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m interested in the general kpop fans opinions on just the song CHOOM, not the whole album. Monstiez and regular…

    Social Media
  • Controversy no more? Koyote’s Shinji ties the knot in star-studded wedding

    May 4, 2026
    in News
    Controversy no more? Koyote’s Shinji ties the knot in star-studded wedding

    Shinji of veteran K-pop group Koyote has officially begun a new chapter, marrying singer Moon Won in a lavish wedding…

    Celebrity, Controversy, family, K-pop, Social Media
  • Weekly Social Media Thread

    May 2, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Did you see something on TikTok or Insta that made you go, “Hmmm?” Do you want to discuss some issue…

    KT, Social Media
  • Trump to raise EU auto tariffs to 25%, citing noncompliance

    May 2, 2026
    in News
    Trump to raise EU auto tariffs to 25%, citing noncompliance

    WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he will increase the tariffs charged on cars and trucks from…

    Donald Trump, Social Media
  • Sun Never Sets: Taeyang x W Korea x Piaget

    May 1, 2026
    in Feeds
    Sun Never Sets: Taeyang x W Korea x Piaget

    There is a particular kind of gravity that belongs only to artists who have survived their own legend — who…

    BTS, Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, LG, Military, Photography, purpose, Social Media
  • If the easea rollout was a deliberate commentary on how disingenuous and silly it is to be a predebut stan then bravo

    Apr 30, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    The ‘group’ easea was promoted in all the ways you’d expect for a new group. Interesting teaser, a video teasing…

    Crime, Social Media
  • Why are people suddenly supporting VVS? / VVS lyrics are weird and inappropriate part II

    Apr 28, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I recently stumbled upon a huge hype for a girl group VVS on all major social media. People are in…

    K-pop, LG, Sex, Social Media, Teenager
  • KiiiKiii x PANDORA: Every Key Unlocks a New Universe

    Apr 28, 2026
    in Feeds
    KiiiKiii x PANDORA: Every Key Unlocks a New Universe

    In a single year, KiiiKiii went from uncut gems to the undisputed jewels of fourth-gen K-pop — and their Marie…

    Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, Kakao, KT, Photography, purpose, Seoul, Social Media
Next Page→

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Celebrity Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Curiosity Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family Gen Z 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 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 Soju Stress study Suga Survey Tokyo Tourism travel Warning

Latest Korean News

  • Trump gathers Cabinet as he looks to seal deal to end warMay 27, 2026
    WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with his… Read more: Trump gathers Cabinet as he looks to seal deal to end war
  • Lee to hold press conference on June 8 marking 1st anniversary of inaugurationMay 27, 2026
    President Lee Jae Myung will hold a press conference early… Read more: Lee to hold press conference on June 8 marking 1st anniversary of inauguration
  • Almonty Korea Tungsten donates festival winnings to elderly residentsMay 27, 2026
    Employees of Almonty Korea Tungsten turned a tug-of-war victory into… Read more: Almonty Korea Tungsten donates festival winnings to elderly residents
  • Korea deploys drones to regrow scorched woodlandsMay 27, 2026
    In a novel marriage of automotive innovation and environmental conservation,… Read more: Korea deploys drones to regrow scorched woodlands
  • 2 men stabbed at LG Electronics office in Seoul; suspect in custodyMay 27, 2026
    Two men were stabbed Wednesday at an LG Electronics office… Read more: 2 men stabbed at LG Electronics office in Seoul; suspect in custody

Latest Community Feeds

  • sunset cruise at westseaMay 27, 2026
  • 3 months with without listen to kpop AHHMay 27, 2026
  • Noodle goodnessMay 27, 2026
  • Rooftop BBQMay 27, 2026
  • Bubble HotteokMay 27, 2026
  • Koreans in US send protest emails to Starbucks HQMay 27, 2026
  • Mulhoe(A Korean spicy cold raw fish soup)May 27, 2026
  • Fan reactions to their fav not making it to the group in survival shows are too excessiveMay 27, 2026
  • A Slow Afternoon in Sokcho’s Abai VillageMay 27, 2026
  • My top 3 Best vs Worst releases of 2026 so far+whyMay 27, 2026
  • Kpop idols fasting alot/eating disorders and excessive coffee drinking = rampant bad breath within the kpop idol industry???May 27, 2026
  • KOSPI Surges 100% in 2026 as AI Chip Stocks Trigger Korea’s Biggest Rally in DecadesMay 27, 2026
  • Yangnyeom chickenMay 27, 2026
  • Appreciation Post for Sakura Setting BoundariesMay 27, 2026
  • Anyone dealing with Korean taxes on foreign income?May 27, 2026
  • Green onion Kimchi (pa-Kimchi)May 27, 2026
  • I wonder if non-English speaking idols feel less of a connection/have a different connection to their English songsMay 27, 2026
  • What’s the best brand × K-pop idol collaboration ever?May 27, 2026
  • Kpop fans need to stop making drama from stuff that aren’t that seriousMay 27, 2026
  • Crazy coincidence – 2 idol birthday concerts in NYC in the same weekMay 27, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (21,230)
    • Community (15,367)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,654)
  • 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