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

travel

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • I am excited for what BTS will do next and I need to talk about it

    Jul 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    BTS had their comeback OT7 live a few days ago, in which they were their usual chaotic selves. Beyond the…

    BTS, Military, travel
  • What are these Identification plaques called in korea during the Joseon dynasty?

    Jul 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    https://imgur.com/a/2bJPJGz I wanted to have one made for a while. I will be going to Korea this fall and want…

    identification, Joseon, travel
  • Stray Kids just wrapped up their North America leg of DominATE tour – the good, the bad, the everything in-between

    Jul 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    From New Mexico to Toronto, they did a total of 15 concerts with 30-50k attendence in each date. This leg…

    travel
  • What’s wrong with Haeundae beach?

    Jun 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    My first time travelling to SK, so far did Seoul and it was super fun! Now I’m in Busan, read…

    Busan, Seoul, travel
  • 🌏 What’s your Korea dream? I’m building a resource site for people who want to travel, study, or live in South Korea

    Jun 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey everyone! 👋 I’ve recently launched a small project called My Dream Korea (https://mydreamkorea.com/). It’s a platform in progress, made…

    Advice, Question, study, travel
  • Has anyone had (or heard of) peripheral nerve surgery at Severance Hospital in Seoul?

    Jun 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I’m considering travelling to South Korea (from Canada) for ulnar nerve revision surgery, and I’m currently speaking with…

    Medical, Seoul, travel
  • Ever tried a free Korean cooking class in Seoul?

    Jun 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Just wondering if anyone here would be interested — there’s a free Korean cooking class happening next month in Seoul,…

    Seoul, travel
  • It’s time to spend: Korean shoppers loosen purse strings on luxuries, hotels

    Jun 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    It’s time to spend: Korean shoppers loosen purse strings on luxuries, hotels

    Consumers are spending again after the presidential election South Korea’s long-dormant consumer sector is showing signs of revival, as shoppers…

    Coupang, Hyundai, LG, Lotte, martial law, myeongdong, Naver, Seoul, Shopping, travel
  • July Vacation on Seoul

    Jun 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello, our family is planning to visit korea this July, because of watching tiktok according to them July is rainy…

    family, KT, Seoul, travel
  • I thought Hwang Kwanghee was The king of variety shows

    Jun 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Even though he wasn’t always in everyone’s one, But in The early 2010s Hwang Kwanghee from ZE:A always made people…

    travel
  • T-money is officially coming to Apple Pay in Korea!

    Jun 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    T-money is officially coming to Apple Pay in Korea!

    This morning (June 16), T-money officially announced that Apple Pay support is coming soon! No more hassle of buying physical…

    Subway, travel
  • Working on a YouTube project about BTS — would love insights from longtime ARMYs

    Jun 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I’m part of the research team behind the YouTube channel Babu Ramachandran. We’re currently working on a long-form…

    BTS, history, Justice, travel
  • K-pop pilgrimage boosts Seoul ahead of BTS comeback

    Jun 15, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    K-pop pilgrimage boosts Seoul ahead of BTS comeback

    A banner featuring BTS member Jimin was displaced on a building near HYBE headquarters in Yongsan on June 11 With…

    BTS, history, Japan, K-pop, LG, Military, Naver, Seoul, Social Media, Suga, travel
  • Ateez Origins — A mini bio of Yeosang for Yeosang’s Birthday

    Jun 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Last year I posted a mini bio post on Seonghwa for his birthday. The post was well received so I…

    Busan, Chuseok, Discussion, Ewha, fail, family, history, Japan, Lotte, New Law, Parents, Pohang, POSCO, purpose, Seoul, Social Media, study, Subway, travel
  • Invesco, SK D&D likely to buy co-living building in Seoul

    Jun 10, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Invesco, SK D&D likely to buy co-living building in Seoul

    A rendering of Noudit Hongdae (Courtesy of Local Stitch) A consortium between US asset management firm Invesco and the real…

    BTS, Seoul, Shopping, travel
  • Help me pull off a Korean bbq party for 40 guests?

    Jun 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve always wanted to throw a big, farm table-style Korean BBQ feast in my garden, and I’ve finally decided to…

    family, Kimchi, Korean Food, purpose, travel
  • Korea signs definitive $19 bn Czech nuclear plant deal after twists and turns

    Jun 5, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korea signs definitive $19 bn Czech nuclear plant deal after twists and turns

    Nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic South Korea has secured its most significant nuclear export deal in over a…

    KT, Politics, Seoul, travel
  • Where do you find good restaurants in Korea?

    Jun 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hey Redditors! Quick question for anyone who’s traveled in Korea: How do you usually search for or get recommendations for…

    Korean Food, Koreans, myeongdong, Question, travel
  • How do you think Korea will evolve in the next few years?

    May 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I live in Korea and I’m just curious. How do you think the country will evolve regarding politics, human rights,…

    Politics, travel
  • OpenAI sets up subsidiary in Korea with top paid ChatGPT users outside US

    May 26, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    OpenAI sets up subsidiary in Korea with top paid ChatGPT users outside US

    Jason Kwon, Open AI’s chief strategy officer (CSO), speaks during a media briefing in Seoul on May 26, 2025 OpenAI…

    Japan, Kakao, Korea Development, Koreans, Putin, Samsung, Samsung Electronics, Seoul, SK Hynix, travel
  • Korean ginseng

    May 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Korean ginseng

    Hello everyone, i am looking to buy this for my mother, preferably in Seoul but can also travel if required.…

    Seoul, travel
  • Amazing Taxi Driver Experience in Korea – Highly Recommend for Travelers with Luggage or Language Concerns

    May 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    A few months ago, I was traveling from Korea to my home country with a friend, and as a foreigner,…

    driver, Kakao, Seoul, travel
  • 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
  • My favourite Korean dish is 떡볶이 / Tteokbokki — what about yours?!

    May 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been getting more and more into Korean food lately, and I have to say — 떡볶이 (Tteokbokki) is hands…

    Korean Food, travel
  • Found a good alternative to WOWPASS for short-term Korea travel

    May 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

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

    travel
  • Green card holder NHIS

    May 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hello everyone, My mom is 65 and just received a cancer diagnosis. She is a green card holder and resides…

    Parents, travel
  • 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
Next Page→

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Cheese Controversy Coupang Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family Genesis germany Global Expansion history Hyundai Japan Jeju Jjigae Joseon 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

  • Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z foldables: Slimmest, lightest yet smarter with AI featuresJuly 9, 2025
    TM Roh, chief of Samsung’s DX Division, showcases the Galaxy… Read more: Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z foldables: Slimmest, lightest yet smarter with AI features
  • S.Korea to overhaul retirement pension system, introduce competition for higher returnsJuly 9, 2025
    South Korea is planning a sweeping overhaul of its corporate… Read more: S.Korea to overhaul retirement pension system, introduce competition for higher returns
  • POSCO sells Chinese stainless steel JV to Chinese rival for $300 mnJuly 9, 2025
    POSCO’s stainless steel plan tin Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, Korea… Read more: POSCO sells Chinese stainless steel JV to Chinese rival for $300 mn
  • Hahn & Co. to award bonus shares to Namyang staff, retires $7.1 mn sharesJuly 9, 2025
    Namang Dairy headquarters  Seoul-based private equity firm Hahn & Co.… Read more: Hahn & Co. to award bonus shares to Namyang staff, retires $7.1 mn shares
  • Seoul vows zero-tolerance measures against unfair stock tradingJuly 9, 2025
    The Korea Exchange in Seoul South Korea’s top financial regulators… Read more: Seoul vows zero-tolerance measures against unfair stock trading

Latest Community Feeds

  • If you ever went to a concert, have they ever taken anything away during the bag check?July 9, 2025
  • I’m mad at myselfJuly 9, 2025
  • can someone explain why opening a store bought kimchi makes it more sourJuly 9, 2025
  • (07/09/2025) Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former President Yoon Seok-yeol… “Concerns Over Destruction of Evidence”July 9, 2025
  • Kodak ApparelJuly 9, 2025
  • is anyone familiar with any online korean food stores that ship to canada?July 9, 2025
  • can anyone give me some suggestions for boy groups?July 9, 2025
  • What to do with this broth ?July 9, 2025
  • Record-breaking heatwave sweeps across Korea, temperatures top 40 degrees for 1st time in early JulyJuly 9, 2025
  • Are there any kpop songs that have the same vibes as “Blue” from Yung Kai?July 9, 2025
  • idols giving gifts to fans is not the best ideaJuly 9, 2025
  • A portrait from the Joseon Dynasty showing a person with vitiligoJuly 9, 2025
  • I had burger in Korea and it had pineapple insideJuly 9, 2025
  • Woman hit by falling teen dies a day after 11-year-old daughter in same incidentJuly 9, 2025
  • Do you think there are any idols or groups who regret leaving their label to join another?July 9, 2025
  • Is the “lack of a concept/sound” of a group an issue for fans or listeners?July 9, 2025
  • JYP trademarked the name “Girl Set”. What do you think this could mean??July 9, 2025
  • I can feel myself being friedJuly 9, 2025
  • Here’s What I Think BTS 2026 Tour Will Look LikeJuly 9, 2025
  • Republic Records: You had Kpop Demon Hunters as a success, how about doing more for Twice?July 9, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (10,172)
    • Community (6,510)
    • Entertainment (617)
    • News (3,043)
  • 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