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Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • How come so many Korean products have this warning?

    Jun 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    How come so many Korean products have this warning?

    Are they safe to eat? submitted by /u/lovedepository [link] [comments]

    Warning
  • BOK chief warns against aggressive policy rate cuts, sees need for stimulus

    Jun 12, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    BOK chief warns against aggressive policy rate cuts, sees need for stimulus

    Bank of Korea Gov. Rhee Chang-yong Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong on Thursday signaled a cautious approach to monetary…

    Discussion, Seoul, Stress, Warning
  • South Korea accelerates stablecoin framework amidst global race

    Jun 11, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korea accelerates stablecoin framework amidst global race

    (Courtesy of Getty Images)  Just one week after electing President Lee Jae-myung, an apparent backer of stablecoin adoption, South Korea…

    Japan, Seoul, Warning
  • KAI seals $700 mn FA-50 fighter jet export deal with Philippines

    Jun 4, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    KAI seals $700 mn FA-50 fighter jet export deal with Philippines

    FA-50 light fighter jets (Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries) Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) on Tuesday signed a $700 million…

    Military, Warning
  • “If Japan loses, Koreans will fight each other, divided by foreign powers”: June 1945 warning by Korean collaborator (박춘금, 朴春琴) who urged authorities to redirect Korean nationalism into support for Imperial Japan

    May 31, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This is a translation of a Japanese newspaper roundtable discussion from June 1945, held just two months before Imperial Japan’s…

    Discussion, fail, germany, Japan, Koreans, Question, Warning, World War
  • FIFTY FIFTY’s Keena, who recently announced her hiatus, is suffering from PTSD After 2 Hour Interrogation with ASI.

    May 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Warning: mentions of PTSD symptoms. FIFTY FIFTY’s agency has confirmed that Keena has halted activities due to PTSD. On May…

    KT, request, Stress, Warning
  • US auto parts tariffs into force; Korea avoids heavy hit

    May 4, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    US auto parts tariffs into force; Korea avoids heavy hit

    Cars are lined up for loading onto ships at a port in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Provice (Courtesy of Yonhap) The US…

    automotive, Donald Trump, Hyundai, Warning
  • BOK stands pat; rate cut likely within 3 months as economic growth slows

    Apr 17, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    BOK stands pat; rate cut likely within 3 months as economic growth slows

    Bank of Korea Gov. Rhee Chang-yong speaks during a press conference after  the central bank kepts its policy rate unchanged…

    Donald Trump, martial law, Politics, Seoul, Warning
  • Red Shadow March

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    [Verse 1] I know you wanted me to stay But I can’t ignore the twisted verdict from the trial today…

    Democracy, Koreans, Seoul, Warning
  • 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
  • Full text of the Constitutional Court’s reading of the verdict on Yoon’s impeachment/removal

    Apr 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Below is an AI translation of the reading of the verdict, followed by the original Korean text. Thanks to u/Lazy-Bicycle8741…

    Democracy, Discussion, fail, history, Justice, Lawmakers, LG, martial law, Military, Politics, purpose, Question, request, Warning
  • Getting old backups of Kakao Talk logs

    Mar 27, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I had an Android that I used until 2023 with KakaoTalk installed. Then I switched to an iPhone. There was…

    Kakao, Warning
  • Tesla supplier L&F to invest $10 mn in Mitra Chem for US LFP production

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Tesla supplier L&F to invest $10 mn in Mitra Chem for US LFP production

    (File photo downloaded from Mitra Chem’s website) L&F Co., a South Korean electric vehicle battery materials supplier to Tesla Inc.,…

    Donald Trump, Warning
  • Red flags even before Homeplus crisis: Sales fall, credit ratings cut

    Mar 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Red flags even before Homeplus crisis: Sales fall, credit ratings cut

    A Homeplus outlet in Seoul (File photo by Yonhap) Even before South Korea’s second-largest hypermarket chain Homeplus Co. was put…

    fail, Lotte, Seoul, Shopping, Stress, Warning
  • 2025.Ver Aoki Jinei

    Mar 8, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    2025.Ver Aoki Jinei

    political hatred warning Something more ridiculous happened than aoki jinei. Ji Gwi-yeon, this Fing piece of st, released someone who…

    Warning
  • Dunamu slapped with 3-month business suspension order

    Feb 26, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Dunamu slapped with 3-month business suspension order

    (Courtesy of News1 Korea) Dunamu Inc., the operator of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, is hit with a three-month…

    fail, Punishment, Warning
  • One-third of Korean petrochem bonds incur valuation losses

    Feb 24, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    One-third of Korean petrochem bonds incur valuation losses

    The Daesan petrochemical indusrtry complex in South Chungcheong Province South Korean institutional investors, including banks, insurers and securities companies, have…

    BTS, Hyundai, LG, Lotte, Warning
  • Did I buy Gochugaru and is it SAFE?

    Feb 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Did I buy Gochugaru and is it SAFE?

    Hi I just wanted to know if this is safe to make my first ever kimchi batch this weekend –…

    Kimchi, Warning
  • Real estate debt outshines corporate credit: Savills

    Jan 14, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Real estate debt outshines corporate credit: Savills

    Cyrus Korat, co-founding partner of DRC Savills Investment Management Private credit has been among the top picks for alternative investors…

    BTS, Warning
  • Political crisis ups downside risk to S.Korea’s economy: S&P, Moody’s

    Jan 10, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Political crisis ups downside risk to S.Korea’s economy: S&P, Moody’s

    Containers at a port in Incheon (Courtesy of Yonhap) Global credit rating agencies warned of looming downward pressure on South…

    Donald Trump, Ewha, martial law, Tourism, Warning
  • South Korea’s forex reserves drop to 5-year low in 2024

    Jan 7, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korea’s forex reserves drop to 5-year low in 2024

    The Korean won ended at a 27-year low on December 30,  2024 (Courtesy of Yonhap)  South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves…

    martial law, Warning
  • “Yoon’s Martial Law, a South Korea GDP Killer… 51 Million Citizens to Pay in Installments” Forbes’ Warning

    Dec 30, 2024
    in Community
    “Yoon’s Martial Law, a South Korea GDP Killer… 51 Million Citizens to Pay in Installments” Forbes’ Warning

    submitted by /u/ShadowWhisperer_007 [link] [comments]

    martial law, Warning
  • Lead in Store-bought Products?

    Dec 29, 2024
    in Community

    I’ve recently started cooking Korean food in an attempt to try some dishes that are not easy to find at…

    fail, Korean Food, Warning
  • A deep dive into T.O.P and the insanity of the kpop industry.

    Dec 9, 2024
    in Community

    Before starting, just a fair warning that this post will skim over subjects like EDs, suicide, and other mental health…

    Controversy, Crime, Curiosity, Fame, family, Punishment, Scandal, Warning
  • Korea’s credit fundamentals remain firm amid political crisis: Fitch

    Dec 6, 2024
    in News
    Korea’s credit fundamentals remain firm amid political crisis: Fitch

    Protesters demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation and police in front of the parliament building  South Korea’s credit stayed unscathed…

    martial law, Military, Protest, Warning
  • Addressing the online discourse surrounding QWER.

    Nov 24, 2024
    in Community

    Warning, heavy topics ahead. Some of you may have heard of the tragic incident involving a Korean streamer named Jammi95.…

    Controversy, Discussion, history, Question, Sex, Sexual Harassment, Warning
  • What do you think? Should we learn from anti-Japanese guerrillas? (Warning: This post is not spreading NK propaganda)

    Nov 21, 2024
    in Community
    What do you think? Should we learn from anti-Japanese guerrillas? (Warning: This post is not spreading NK propaganda)

    submitted by /u/Familiar-Zombie-691 [link] [comments]

    Japan, Warning
  • Allies Fret Over Trump Presidency as Authoritarian Axis Challenges U.S.-Led Order

    Nov 7, 2024
    in News
    Allies Fret Over Trump Presidency as Authoritarian Axis Challenges U.S.-Led Order

    Donald Trump is returning to the White House as the world is embroiled in two widening regional wars, America’s rivals…

    Democracy, Donald Trump, Ewha, fail, germany, Japan, KT, LG, Military, North Korea, Peace, Putin, Pyongyang, Social Media, Survey, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Warning, World War
  • Korea’s household debt sees ‘balloon effect’ as rules tightened in Seoul

    Nov 3, 2024
    in News
    Korea’s household debt sees ‘balloon effect’ as rules tightened in Seoul

    A customer seeks to take out a mortgage loan from Kookmin Bank, South Korea’s largest lender South Korea’s household loan…

    Busan, LG, request, Seoul, Stress, Warning
  • Why I can’t do multi-fandom thing ?(rant warning)

    Oct 21, 2024
    in Community

    Hello everyone I genuinely don’t know how to explain this whole thing without mentioning the group in question but with…

    K-pop, Question, Teenager, Warning
  • Would you like to see a show like “Rock of Love” staring a K-pop idol? Do you think it could work?

    Oct 18, 2024
    in Community

    Recently, I have been watching clips of the show “Rock Of Love with Bret Michaels” on YouTube. The show stars…

    K-pop, Sex, Warning
  • Are any of these suitable for vegetarians?

    Oct 15, 2024
    in Community
    Are any of these suitable for vegetarians?

    My friend from Korea left these and really don’t like throwing away food. I’m pretty sure they aren’t suitable for…

    Warning
  • A closed-down, indoor zoo in Daegu, Korea, leaves 271 animals, including Lions, trapped in horrendous conditions. Warning: Animal Abuse

    Oct 13, 2024
    in Community, Feeds
    A closed-down, indoor zoo in Daegu, Korea, leaves 271 animals, including Lions, trapped in horrendous conditions. Warning: Animal Abuse

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

    daegu, Warning
  • Don’t panic y’all. It was just a warning against propaganda leaflets

    Oct 13, 2024
    in Community, Feeds

    Just in case ppl were confused submitted by /u/gooblydoo [link] [comments]

    Warning
  • Foreigners in Seoul: be careful of ‘We Together Foreigners Support Center’!!!

    Oct 12, 2024
    in Community, Feeds
    Foreigners in Seoul: be careful of ‘We Together Foreigners Support Center’!!!

    It is a relatively new group that supports foreigners in acclimating with Korea, finding jobs, helping with resumes, etc. But…

    Busan, Korea Jobs, Korean Military, Military, Seoul, Warning
  • Whatever happened to fan death?

    Oct 12, 2024
    in Community, Feeds
    Whatever happened to fan death?

    As was discussed heavily in the post about Korean superstitions, fan death used to be rife in Korea. Literally everyone…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, Koreans, Medical, Politics, Warning
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Latest Korean News

  • SK Hynix leads Samsung in customized HBM; lands Nvidia, Microsoft dealsJune 19, 2025
    The exterior of SK Hynix’s semiconductor plant in Icheon, Gyeonggi… Read more: SK Hynix leads Samsung in customized HBM; lands Nvidia, Microsoft deals
  • South Korea unveils $14.6 billion 2nd extra budget to spur growthJune 19, 2025
    South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (left) speaks at a cabinet… Read more: South Korea unveils $14.6 billion 2nd extra budget to spur growth
  • Mirae Asset debuts AI-recommended ETF on NYSE to invest in US bondsJune 19, 2025
    Mirae Asset’s headquarters in Seoul Mirae Asset Financial Group, one… Read more: Mirae Asset debuts AI-recommended ETF on NYSE to invest in US bonds
  • POSCO inducted into World Steel Dynamics’ Hall of FameJune 19, 2025
    POSCO Group CEO Chang In-hwa receives a Hall of Fame… Read more: POSCO inducted into World Steel Dynamics’ Hall of Fame
  • Lockheed Martin, KAI to expand partnership to future defense, aerospace techJune 19, 2025
    The FA-50 light attack aircraft jointly developed by Lockheed Martin… Read more: Lockheed Martin, KAI to expand partnership to future defense, aerospace tech

Latest Community Feeds

  • Why do you think the peak in a group’s career is when their fans no longer enjoy their current work as much?June 19, 2025
  • Homemade Kimchi JjigaeJune 19, 2025
  • Hate for ILLIT’s concept is just so stupidJune 19, 2025
  • Quintuplets leaving the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital on June 19, after being born on Jan 31 in what is the first recorded case of quintuplets in the countryJune 19, 2025
  • Samgyup in home ganto rin ba kayo pag cravings tas low budget heheJune 19, 2025
  • Help identifying modern Korean fictionJune 19, 2025
  • Ever tried a free Korean cooking class in Seoul?June 19, 2025
  • South Korea faces backlash over soaring rice prices despite government buybacksJune 19, 2025
  • RAW SOFT SHELL CRABJune 19, 2025
  • Are these Korean Cities really eco and people friendly?June 19, 2025
  • Mexican looking for my Father-in-lawJune 19, 2025
  • South Korea’s last circus, Dongchoon, holds up as it marks centennialJune 19, 2025
  • Any foreigner friendly kiss rooms?June 19, 2025
  • Korean eco-friendly vehicle sales surpass internal combustion engines for first timeJune 19, 2025
  • Funny comments I saw on KoreaJune 18, 2025
  • What are the differences between the language in North and South Korea around individuality?June 18, 2025
  • Genuine appreciation for StrayKids, Chan and why I think moving to threads is a great move.June 18, 2025
  • Homemade Kimchi Fried RiceJune 18, 2025
  • Bolgogi recommendationsJune 18, 2025
  • Dakbokkeumtang…June 18, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (9,532)
    • Community (5,997)
    • Entertainment (581)
    • News (2,952)
  • 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

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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