K-wave AI News

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

The Seoul ASEAN Hall has opened in central Seoul, aiming to boost Korea-ASEAN cooperation in culture, tourism, and beyond.

The venue will serve as a multipurpose space for permanent and special exhibitions, as well as various ASEAN-related events.

To mark its opening, an inaugural fruit-themed exhibition was held last Friday, attended by some 100 dignitaries, including Foreign Ministry officials, ambassadors from ten ASEAN nations, and representatives from the cultural, arts, and business sectors.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Busan has increased by more than 20% compared to last year.

According to the Busan Tourism Organization, nearly 1.4 million foreign visitors came to the city between January and May this year, up about 24% from a year earlier.

The annual tally topped one million in April, posting the fastest pace since records began.

The southern port city is aiming to attract three million international tourists this year by enhancing tour programs and convenience for visitors.

The musical "The Great Gatsby," portraying the rise and fall of dreamers through dazzling visuals and lyrical melodies, officially opened last Friday at Seoul's GS Arts Center.

Adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, the original production is led by Shin Chun-soo, CEO of OD Company, who made history as the first Asian to serve as a lead producer on Broadway.

Following its successful Broadway and West End run, the show is now making its original production debut in Korea.

Shin says he enjoys the creative journey with staff from the U.S., UK, as well as Korea, and will continue bringing quality productions to audiences worldwide.

The musical runs through November 9.

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