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travel

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • 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
  • Aekyung Industrial up for sale as group struggles to ease liquidity crunch

    Apr 1, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Aekyung Industrial up for sale as group struggles to ease liquidity crunch

    Aekyung’s logo South Korea’s Aekyung Group has put its flagship subsidiary, Aekyung Industrial Co., up for sale as part of…

    Jeju, LG, travel
  • xikers Unveils Stunning ‘BREATHE’ Concept Photos Ahead of 5th Mini Album Release

    Mar 31, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    xikers Unveils Stunning ‘BREATHE’ Concept Photos Ahead of 5th Mini Album Release

    Photo Credits: KQ Entertainment xikers, the rising stars of the K-pop scene, are gearing up for the release of their…

    BTS, Discussion, Japan, K-pop, Social Media, travel
  • Is 곱창전골 considered a difficult food to eat even in Korea?

    Mar 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Gopchang jeongol is one of my favorite Korean dishes but every time I would order it (before I found my…

    travel
  • What tourist card is the best way to discover Seoul and it’s surrounding?

    Mar 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi there, I am about to travel to Seoul, and wonder which travel cards i should by for the duration.…

    Seoul, travel
  • SoftBank-backed Yanolja raises stake in Modetour as No. 2 shareholder

    Mar 27, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    SoftBank-backed Yanolja raises stake in Modetour as No. 2 shareholder

    Yanolja is Korea’s top travel platform South Korea’s top travel and accommodation booking platform operator Yanolja Co. has increased its…

    family, purpose, Question, Shopping, travel
  • Solutions for Korean Travellers or Natives

    Mar 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi everyone, I was recently trying to test out a Korean purchasing proxy service that directly connected hosts and buyers…

    travel
  • Driving from Mokpo to Sokcho with no phone or map

    Mar 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    At the moment, there are two content creators traveling across Japan without a phone or map via motorcycle (linked below…

    Japan, travel
  • Life change and Korea

    Mar 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Well, come on, maybe this might be a little long but I believe there will be people willing to help…

    Japan, Peace, travel
  • Korean Air to finalize $32.7 bn deals with Boeing, GE Aerospace

    Mar 23, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korean Air to finalize $32.7 bn deals with Boeing, GE Aerospace

    Senior South Korean and US government officials such as GE Aerospace Commercial Engines President and CEO Russell Stokes (first from…

    Donald Trump, travel
  • Weekly Question, General Discussion, and Meetup Thread

    Mar 22, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Please use this thread for any questions about common topics like travel, education, employment, immigration, military service, and any other…

    Discussion, Koreans, Military, Question, travel
  • Risk of traveling from the US?

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m traveling to Korea soon for both my wife’s family and vacation reasons. My dad will also be traveling there…

    family, Military, Question, travel
  • Visited South Korea – My First Snow Experience 🇰🇷

    Mar 20, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Visited South Korea – My First Snow Experience 🇰🇷

    I grew up in a tropical country (Philippines), so experiencing snow for the first time in South Korea was absolutely…

    Discrimination, myeongdong, travel
  • How do you guys make plans for visiting Korea/Korean food trip?

    Mar 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi guys, how do you guys make plans when traveling to Korea, and making plans for food trip in Korea?…

    Korean Food, travel
  • Have you ever been picked on for your scent as an east asian?

    Mar 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Although I am Indian (who hasn’t ever been out of india but has travelled across India A LOT), I was…

    Koreans, travel
  • Solsot

    Mar 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Hi guys, in our last travel to Seoul, we ate at Solsot and kept craving it after. Do you guys…

    Seoul, travel
  • Trustworthy neurologists& cardiologists

    Mar 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I heard Korea is good for medical treatment. The doctors in my country, are very unhelpful when it comes to…

    Medical, travel
  • SM global package vs. presale for first solo concert trip

    Mar 11, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m preparing to buy tickets for my first kpop concert at Singapore Indoor Stadium (which has 2 concert dates) and…

    travel
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Latest Korean News

  • Is it Claude or Claudia?May 7, 2026
    I recently read the fascinating account of how Richard Dawkins,… Read more: Is it Claude or Claudia?
  • Egypt opens new defense complex in Seoul, deepening military ties with KoreaMay 7, 2026
    The Embassy of Egypt in Seoul on Wednesday celebrated the… Read more: Egypt opens new defense complex in Seoul, deepening military ties with Korea
  • Trump sees swift end to war as Iran reviews US peace proposalMay 7, 2026
    ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV — U.S. President Donald Trump predicted a swift… Read more: Trump sees swift end to war as Iran reviews US peace proposal
  • Major securities firms urged to extend risk capital supplyMay 7, 2026
    The country’s financial regulator said Thursday that major securities firms… Read more: Major securities firms urged to extend risk capital supply
  • Stock market investment gains still being funneled into real estate: BOK reportMay 7, 2026
    The Bank of Korea (BOK) on Thursday assessed that investors… Read more: Stock market investment gains still being funneled into real estate: BOK report

Latest Community Feeds

  • What are some weird K-pop/pop lyrics but actually slaps?May 7, 2026
  • Who among male K-pop fans here is a boy group stan?May 7, 2026
  • To new Kpop fans and 4th/5th gen fans, Twice always been huge in US even before KPDH. They have build their US fandom over the years, brick by brick.May 7, 2026
  • What combination of money is considered good luck in Korean culture?May 7, 2026
  • Which Kpop boybands are the most popular in Indonesia and PhilippinesMay 7, 2026
  • This beloved Korean snack is a ‘blood sugar bomb’: nutrition expertMay 7, 2026
  • Overseas Koreans can access public sites without Korean phonesMay 7, 2026
  • Parliament fails to pass constitutional amendment bill amid PPP boycottMay 7, 2026
  • Way to the paradiseMay 7, 2026
  • As of 2026, Korea no longer has the world’s lowest birthrate! If the current trends continue, it’s fertility rate for the year will stand at 0.96 children per women, higher than Thailand (0.78), Singapore (0.87), Taiwan (0.65) and China (0.90)May 7, 2026
  • 8 student activists detained after attempting to enter U.S. EmbassyMay 7, 2026
  • dirty work by aespa is way too overhatedMay 7, 2026
  • Solo dining is more popular than ever, much to the distaste of some restaurantsMay 7, 2026
  • Reddit friends, do you like these too..? Both zucchini pancakes and enoki mushroom pancakes are delicious too^^May 7, 2026
  • It’s getting warmer, so I made some Kong-guksu. I made it the easy way with tofu and peanut butter, not the traditional method.May 7, 2026
  • What do you guys think went wrong with IKON and WINNER to not go on to become the next and bigger BIGBANG the way BLACKPINK became the next and bigger 2NE1? I just saw IKON is recently active and it reminded how much potential they had! what are your thoughts?May 7, 2026
  • 뼈해장국May 7, 2026
  • South Korea has animated American cartoons for decades. Now, it wants the world to see its own | CNNMay 7, 2026
  • Why does no one remember Infinite’s song Dilemma?May 7, 2026
  • Looking for a restaurant quality sundubu-jjigae recipeMay 7, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (20,164)
    • Community (14,422)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,554)
  • 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