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travel

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Bid heats up for IGIS-owned co-living building in Seoul

    May 19, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Bid heats up for IGIS-owned co-living building in Seoul

    Creator Town Seogyo (Courtesy of Local Stitch)  An auction for a co-living building, owned by South Korea’s top real estate…

    Seoul, travel
  • Looking for a Korean Language Academy

    May 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello, I’m looking to learn Korean and want to enroll in a language academy in Seoul. I don’t live too…

    Korean Language, Seoul, travel
  • XG Drops “MILLION PLACES” Music Video and Wraps World Tour with Emotional Tokyo Dome Finale

    May 14, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    XG Drops “MILLION PLACES” Music Video and Wraps World Tour with Emotional Tokyo Dome Finale

    Photo Credits: XGALX Entertainment Global sensation XG has delivered a heartfelt gift to their fans with the release of the…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, Tokyo, travel
  • All I wanted was to attend to my fav group concert, but everything is so messed up right now I feel like I’m creating problems

    May 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I don’t know if someone will care about this, but at least I can vent. I’m a stray kids fan…

    Parents, travel
  • Why is xikers underrated in kpop more especially in 5th gen ???

    May 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    NB:Am not sure if someone have already talked about this Xikers could easily be one of the best 5th gen…

    travel
  • Korean LCCs boost travel demand to global tourist hubs

    May 12, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korean LCCs boost travel demand to global tourist hubs

    (Courtesy of Air Premia) South Korean low-cost carriers (LCCs), including Air Premia Inc. and Air Busan Co., have been expanding…

    Busan, travel
  • Korean Air, Delta to buy 25% stake in Canada’s WestJet for $550 million

    May 11, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korean Air, Delta to buy 25% stake in Canada’s WestJet for $550 million

    (Courtesy of Korean Air)  Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea’s largest full-service carrier, and its joint venture partner Delta Air…

    travel
  • Gift ideas from the US for Korean relatives in Seoul

    May 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m traveling to Korea and will be meeting my relatives (cousins, uncles/aunts, grandma) while I’m there, too. Apparently, I need…

    coffee, family, Seoul, travel
  • Need help identifying mysterious comic.

    May 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Need help identifying mysterious comic.

    Hi all. I am not from Korea but I need help identifying a Korean comic I used to read back…

    travel
  • When in S. Korea, it’s a ritual: Foreigners make stops at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven

    May 5, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    When in S. Korea, it’s a ritual: Foreigners make stops at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven

    CU at Incheon International Airport “When you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair,”…

    Chinese Tourists, coffee, Japan, K-pop, Korean Food, KT, Lotte, Lotte World, purpose, Seoul, Shopping, Social Media, Tourism, travel
  • Planning to travel to Korea this summer as a dual citizen

    May 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Wife received Korea passport and citizenship in 2013, when she was 23 already. Her family went through the whole process…

    family, travel
  • First time traveler, may I ask who celebrity is this?

    May 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    First time traveler, may I ask who celebrity is this?

    Was walking around the coex mall and saw bunch of people waiting for this person. I guess he’s a famous…

    Celebrity, travel
  • TVXQ Changmin Appreciation Post after Tokyo Dome

    May 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I want to start by saying that I have been a fan of TVXQ for 16 years, and with the…

    family, Japan, Parents, study, Tokyo, travel
  • 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
  • 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
  • drug testing as an international student

    Apr 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I (20f) am going to Seoul for a culture exchange program at Kyung Hee University for a month. I was…

    Seoul, travel
  • Question regarding travel to Korea from Canada but first going to Philippines.

    Apr 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello I’m trying to find out if we need any special vaccines for this trip. We are Canadian traveling to…

    Question, Seoul, travel
  • CLOSE YOUR EYES Unveils Dreamy Esquire Korea May 2025 Pictorial Ahead of Debut Fan Meeting: Members Profile & Exclusive Details

    Apr 24, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    CLOSE YOUR EYES Unveils Dreamy Esquire Korea May 2025 Pictorial Ahead of Debut Fan Meeting: Members Profile & Exclusive Details

    Photo Credits: Esquire Korea. UNCORE (언코어)  Hero Image: K Station TV The rising K-pop group CLOSE YOUR EYES has captivated fans…

    K-pop, K-pop industry, Seoul, travel
  • Korean hotels bask in rising foreign visitors; travel agencies in trouble

    Apr 22, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korean hotels bask in rising foreign visitors; travel agencies in trouble

    Foreign tourists taste Korean food at a cultural festival in Seoul on April 18, 2025 (File photo by Yonhap) Hotels…

    Donald Trump, Hyundai, K-pop, Korean Food, Koreans, martial law, Seoul, travel
  • The amusing stories of how K-fans stanning nugu idol

    Apr 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I just found this interesting thread on Korean forum about how k-fans told the reality of stanning real nugu idols.…

    travel
  • 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
  • Buying phones in Korea: Korean edition or Korean only phones

    Apr 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    So this would technically be a travel related post however I doubt anybody in the koreatravel subreddit knows anything about…

    family, Question, travel
  • S.Korea’s medical tourism thrives on weak currency

    Apr 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea’s medical tourism thrives on weak currency

    Foreign tourists in Seoul  Foreign visitors to South Korea jumped nearly 20% early this year, largely driven by a sharp…

    Ewha, Japan, KT, martial law, Medical, Seoul, Tourism, travel
  • Finding my father’s family in Korea, running out of ideas

    Apr 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi, I am traveling to Korea for the first time this summer since I emigrated 25 years ago to the…

    Advice, family, Parents, travel
  • Korean Food List

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Is anyone able to send me a list of the top 15-20 Korean dishes I can expect to see in…

    Korean Food, travel
  • 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
  • Koreans cut spending in March, except on health, education

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Koreans cut spending in March, except on health, education

    A kids clinic in Seoul is crowded with pediatric patients  South Korean consumers exhibited recessionary spending behavior in March, cutting…

    Jeju, Koreans, Medical, Seoul, Survey, travel
  • hot take: i hope kpop grps dont tour in the us for the next 4 years

    Apr 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    1st off: sorry to bring politics here (i dont think its against the rules) with the shitstorm that is united…

    Politics, travel, Warning
  • Where are some good places in Korea for couples to visit?

    Apr 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m danish and going to visit my Korean girlfriend for 3 months this summer. We are looking for things to…

    travel
  • A Swedish Grandmother’s 55-Year-Old Keepsake: A Korean Boy’s Dream | [단독] 스웨덴 할머니가 55년 고이 간직한 한국 소년의 꿈

    Apr 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    A Swedish Grandmother’s 55-Year-Old Keepsake: A Korean Boy’s Dream | [단독] 스웨덴 할머니가 55년 고이 간직한 한국 소년의 꿈

    “The 4,400 won you sent for June was received well. I used the money you sent from the faraway country…

    Busan, Korean War, Medical, Parents, Social Media, travel
  • S.Korea’s foreigners-only casinos bask in return of Chinese high rollers

    Apr 10, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea’s foreigners-only casinos bask in return of Chinese high rollers

    Casino at Mohegan Inspire in Yeongjong Island (Courtesy of News1) South Korea’s foreigners-only casinos are witnessing a significant rise in…

    Busan, fail, Japan, Jeju, Koreans, Lotte, Seoul, travel
  • K-eta question

    Apr 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, my husband and I are travelling to Korea for a week. We are Canadian citizens, and have been…

    Question, travel
  • Is There Van Life In Korea?

    Apr 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Is There Van Life In Korea?

    I was leaving Seoul when I stopped at the Seoul Meeting Plaza expressway service area in Yangjae. I parked next…

    driver, Seoul, travel
  • 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
  • Two vietnamese songs has gone viral in Korea. Does this change the perception koreans have of Vietnam?

    Apr 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hoang Thuy Linh – See Tinh 7dnight – Khong Sao Ca These songs has gone viral with korean public. Do…

    Koreans, travel
  • Strong momentum in non-US markets, digital real estate: Principal AM CEO

    Apr 2, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Strong momentum in non-US markets, digital real estate: Principal AM CEO

    Principal Asset Management President and CEO Kamal Bhatia speaks during an interview with The Korea Economic Daily on March 25,…

    Donald Trump, history, Japan, martial law, Perspectives, Seoul, travel
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Latest Korean News

  • Samsung gears up for foray into space infrastructure industryMay 20, 2025
    South Korea-US joint space telescope SPHEREx successfully launched in March… Read more: Samsung gears up for foray into space infrastructure industry
  • Hamilton Lane invests in IMM infrastructure fund in secondary dealMay 20, 2025
    (Courtesy of Getty Images)  Global private market investor Hamilton Lane… Read more: Hamilton Lane invests in IMM infrastructure fund in secondary deal
  • Seoul’s prime office transactions rise 6% in Q1 despite weak sentimentMay 20, 2025
    Savills Korea’s Q1 2025 Seoul Prime Office Report Despite mounting… Read more: Seoul’s prime office transactions rise 6% in Q1 despite weak sentiment
  • S.Korea’s crypto market doubles to $77.5 bn as 20% of population tradesMay 20, 2025
    (Courtesy of Getty Images) South Korea’s cryptocurrency market surged to… Read more: S.Korea’s crypto market doubles to $77.5 bn as 20% of population trades
  • KIC discusses post-US tariff infrastructure strategy with pension fundsMay 20, 2025
    KIC manages $189.4 billion in assets as of the end… Read more: KIC discusses post-US tariff infrastructure strategy with pension funds

Latest Community Feeds

  • baekhyun is finally on lee mujin service!May 20, 2025
  • Can someone help me understand the nutrition label on these anchovy broth tablets?May 20, 2025
  • In the case of ex or inactive members under SM EntertainmentMay 20, 2025
  • Oi Muchim (Spicy Cucumber Salad)May 20, 2025
  • Gosari preparationMay 20, 2025
  • NEW Albums that are No Skips: CurrentlyMay 20, 2025
  • Lee Jae-myung targets youth vote with push for crypto ETFs, won-backed stablecoinsMay 20, 2025
  • Kimchi jjigae and banchan at Damda (담다) on aBloor st W in TorontoMay 20, 2025
  • 2 senior prosecutors offer to resign amid controversy over probe into ex-first ladyMay 20, 2025
  • How likely is it that South Korea will allow dual citizenship in the future?May 20, 2025
  • wanna learn kpop dances, but oh gosh why is it so awkward lmao😭May 20, 2025
  • No Brand Ice Cream expired??May 20, 2025
  • Tottenham vs Man united watchparty in Seoul?May 20, 2025
  • Ex-ICC president urges Ukraine to file ICC case against North KoreaMay 20, 2025
  • Presidential candidates offer slogans, not economic strategyMay 20, 2025
  • Shin Ramyun noodles copycat recipe? (not spice pack – noodles)May 20, 2025
  • Can I soak tteok overnight?May 20, 2025
  • Do DVD rooms in Seoul have cameras now?May 20, 2025
  • Adidas and Dior confirm personal data leaks affecting Korean customersMay 20, 2025
  • How do you define your “ult” group or soloist? What characteristics separate an “ult” from other artists you may follow?May 20, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (8,661)
    • Community (5,343)
    • Entertainment (506)
    • News (2,812)
  • 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

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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