K-wave AI News

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story.

Seoul's outdoor libraries welcomed over one million visitors in the first half of this year.

Launched in 2022, the libraries returned on April 23 this year, marking 'World Book Day' at three central locations—Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun, and Cheonggyecheon.

The Seoul city government highlighted that user satisfaction reached an all-time high this year, according to its latest survey.

Officials attribute the growing popularity to the so-called "text hip" trend, a cultural movement among younger generations that embraces reading as a stylish and social activity.

The libraries will take a summer break during the peak heat of July and August and resume operations on September 5.

Korea's central city of Daejeon is shaking off its long-held image as a "no-fun city" and gaining recognition as a rising tourist hotspot.

Daejeon recently ranked 9th on online travel platform Agoda's list of "Best Budget-Friendly Destinations in Asia for 2025," making it the only Korean city to make the cut.

With an average daily accommodation cost of 126,000 won, Daejeon attracted nearly 8.5 million visitors last year, up over 3% from 2023, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Building on this momentum, the Daejeon city government plans to develop a diverse range of tourism programs aimed at encouraging longer stays and fostering a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.

The 'Daegu Chimac Festival' is in full swing at Duryu Park in the southern city's Dalseo-gu District, with tens of thousands of visitors braving sizzling temperatures to enjoy the beloved chicken-and-beer combo on a whole new level.

Attracting over one million visitors each year, it's Korea's biggest and most popular chimac festival.

More than 250 booths offer a wide range of beers and snacks this year, with popular live performances, special events, and travel packages also adding to the festive atmosphere.

The festival runs through this Sunday.

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