K-wave AI News

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea.

Here's our top story.

The Korean government is stepping up efforts for the preservation and transmission of intangible heritage worldwide. The National Heritage Service has signed an agreement with UNESCO to contribute to the organization's Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund. Under the five-year agreement, Korea will provide an annual contribution of one billion won, or more than 734,000 U.S. dollars, for the development of an online platform that shares the world's best practices in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Korea currently has 23 cultural elements inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, ranking fourth among the 184 convention member states.

The '2025 Seoul International Garden Show' has officially opened at Boramae Park, spanning 400,000 square meters. The event showcases 111 gardens, reflecting various themes like ecology, sustainability, and coexistence. New lifestyle programs such as "Garden Weddings" and "Garden Workations" blend leisure and nature, and the newly introduced "Inclusive Garden Tour" offers accessible routes for seniors and people with disabilities, also providing free electric wheelchair rentals. The expo also features pet-friendly zones and educational gardens for children. The largest edition to date will run through October 20.

Jeju City announced it will open six popular beaches earlier than usual this year amid forecasts of an early summer heatwave. Hyeopjae, Geumneung, Gwakji, Hamdeok, Iho, and Woljeong (협재, 금능, 곽지, 함덕, 이호, 월정) beaches will open on June 24, welcoming visitors before the usual date. Kimnyeong and Samyang (김녕, 삼양) beaches will open as scheduled on July 1. To ease the burden on visitors, rental fees for beach umbrellas and sunbeds will remain at last year's rates, ensuring affordable and enjoyable beach experiences. Starting this year, the eastern section of Hamdeok Beach has been designated as a pet-friendly area, allowing pet owners and non-pet owners to share the space harmoniously.

That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.