News

Tracing the history of the Joseon Tongsinsa

2025/05/12 10:00

This year marks 60 years since South Korea and Japan normalized diplomatic ties. In light of the anniversary, the Seoul Museum of History is spotlighting a centuries-old goodwill mission, the Joseon Tongsinsa, with a special exhibition. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin has more. These paintings offer a glimpse into the original Joseon Tongsinsa missions, depicting the formal procession and the ships that carried the envoys across the sea to Japan. For those curious about how these centuries-old diplomatic journeys helped bridge the two countries, you can step back in time here. "This exhibition, 'Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance,' currently on at the Seoul Museum of History, is the largest-ever held on the Joseon Tongsinsa. It also marks the museum's biggest exhibition since its opening in 2002." More than 100 artifacts from both Korea and Japan are on display, some of them listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. "The Tongsinsa missions were launched after the Imjin War, at a time when Japan was still viewed as a sworn enemy. But Joseon decided to restore diplomatic ties for the peace and stability of its people. Those efforts to rebuild trust is what we've focused on." The three-part exhibition traces the history of the 12 Tongsinsa missions from the 17th to 19th centuries, from their dispatch and sea voyage, to cultural exchanges in Japan, and their return home. "As the missions continued, mutual understanding grew, and many of the artifacts on display, such as the handwritten exchanges and literary works by the envoys, reflect that deepening relationship." That human connection is captured in this painting, collected by the late Korean historian Shin Gi-su. Shin donated over a hundred artifacts related to the Joseon Tongsinsa to the Osaka Museum of History. "This painting shows an everyday interaction. An envoy on horseback is greeted by a Japanese citizen, almost like an autograph signing. While we have many records of formal diplomacy, there's little that shows how ordinary people connected with the envoys." The first part of 'Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance' will close on May 25th. The second and final phase will open on May 27th with new artifacts, until June 29th. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Lee Ok-sun, survivor of Japanese military sexual slavery, passes away at 97

2025/05/12 10:00

Lee Ok-sun, a victim and survivor of the Japanese military's wartime sexual slavery, passed away on Sunday at the age of 97. Born in Busan, Lee was taken to China at the age of 14, where she suffered three years as a sexual slave for the Japanese military. She has spoken out globally for about two decades, taking part in protests to demand an official apology from Japan and giving testimony abroad to raise awareness. Lee moved to a nursing hospital in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do Province in March last year due to health issues. With her death, the number of registered surviving victims in South Korea now stands at six.

Tracing the history of the Joseon Tongsinsa

2025/05/09 17:00

Up next in the third installment of our coverage of an ancient diplomatic mission from Korea to Japan our correspondent Song Yoo-jin takes us to an exhibition that further explores this past art of diplomacy. Do take a look. These paintings offer a glimpse into the original Joseon Tongsinsa missions, depicting the formal procession and the ships that carried the envoys across the sea to Japan. For those curious about how these centuries-old diplomatic journeys helped bridge the two countries, you can step back in time here. "This exhibition, 'Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance,' currently on at the Seoul Museum of History, is the largest-ever held on the Joseon Tongsinsa. It also marks the museum's biggest exhibition since its opening in 2002." More than 100 artifacts from both Korea and Japan are on display, some of them listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. "The Tongsinsa missions were launched after the Imjin War, at a time when Japan was still viewed as a sworn enemy. But Joseon decided to restore diplomatic ties for the peace and stability of its people. Those efforts to rebuild trust is what we've focused on." The three-part exhibition traces the history of the 12 Tongsinsa missions from the 17th to 19th centuries, from their dispatch and sea voyage, to cultural exchanges in Japan, and their return home. "As the missions continued, mutual understanding grew, and many of the artifacts on display, such as the handwritten exchanges and literary works by the envoys, reflect that deepening relationship." That human connection is captured in this painting, collected by the late Korean historian Shin Gi-su. Shin donated over a hundred artifacts related to the Joseon Tongsinsa to the Osaka Museum of History. "This painting shows an everyday interaction. An envoy on horseback is greeted by a Japanese citizen, almost like an autograph signing. While we have many records of formal diplomacy, there's little that shows how ordinary people connected with the envoys." The first part of 'Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance' will close on May 25th. The second and final phase will open on May 27th with new artifacts, until June 29th. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Arirang TV makes donation to aid wildfire recovery in Hadong-gun County

2025/05/09 17:00

In other news. The station you're watching Arirang TV has joined the campaign to support recovery efforts in Hadong-gun County Gyeongsangnam-do Province following the region's devastating forest fires back in March. According to the Hadong-gun County Office on this Friday its mayor has shared gratitude for Arirang TV's donation of two million won or some 1-thousand-4-hundred U.S. dollars raised voluntarily by its employees.

[Short-form] Korea, a recycling powerhouse

2025/05/08 14:00

Korea grabs the global spotlight with its high recycling rates. Discover how it’s done—and navigate the detailed system that can be a bit tricky!

[K-wave] "Jongmyo Daeje": Keeping Korea's centuries-old royal ritual alive

2025/05/08 14:00

On the first Sunday of every May, an ancient ritual takes place at the Jongmyo Shrine here in Seoul in memory of the deceased monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty. Our Lee Eun-hee was there this past weekend. The king, carried in a royal palanquin, travels from the palace to Jongmyo Shrine. He is escorted by rows of officials and royal guards. When they reach the shrine, this impressive scene marks the beginning of a special reenactment the "Jongmyo Daeje," a grand royal ancestral ritual from the Joseon Dynasty. "So, the Jongmyo Daeje—it's a ceremony that honors the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, and it's no ordinary event. Recognized by UNESCO, it's a rare chance to see centuries-old royal traditions come to life." The ceremony begins with placing the ancestral tablets or "shinju" of past kings and queens on the altar, followed by rites to greet and honor the spirits. With offerings of liquor, deep bows, and traditional music and dance, the ritual unfolds in solemn and precise tradition. This intangible cultural heritage was the Joseon Dynasty's grandest and most significant state ritual conducted by the king. It was first revived in 1969 and is still held on the first Sunday of May and again in November. Originally built in the late 14th century, Jongmyo Shrine is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest and most well-preserved Confucian royal ancestral shrine. This year, for the first time in six years, the ritual at the main hall, "Jeongjeon" was open to the public, following five years of restoration work. In April, a "Hwananje" ceremony was held to mark the return of the ancestral tablets of the Joseon kings and queens to their original place in the main hall. "Since Jongmyo Daeje is a meaningful event held at a cultural heritage site, I wanted to wear a hanbok and chose a traditional one." "I left at 4 AM to attend this event today I was happy to hear all the traditional music I was hoping for-it was a really special experience." "This was my first time seeing the Jongmyo Daeje, and even though I didn't know much about it, it made me want to learn more about traditional culture." "So we took the chance and came to this palace to see what was going on, what it looks like. It's very interesting I have to say." The timeless rituals of the two-hour ceremony not only honor Korea's royal heritage but also preserve a profound cultural legacy that still captivates and inspires today. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

"Jongmyo Daeje": Keeping Korea's centuries-old royal ritual alive

2025/05/07 20:00

On the first Sunday of every May, an ancient ritual takes place at the Jongmyo Shrine here in Seoul in memory of the deceased monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty. Our Lee Eun-hee was there this past weekend. The king, carried in a royal palanquin, travels from the palace to Jongmyo Shrine. He is escorted by rows of officials and royal guards. When they reach the shrine, this impressive scene marks the beginning of a special reenactment the "Jongmyo Daeje," a grand royal ancestral ritual from the Joseon Dynasty. "So, the Jongmyo Daeje—it's a ceremony that honors the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, and it's no ordinary event. Recognized by UNESCO, it's a rare chance to see centuries-old royal traditions come to life." The ceremony begins with placing the ancestral tablets or "shinju" of past kings and queens on the altar, followed by rites to greet and honor the spirits. With offerings of liquor, deep bows, and traditional music and dance, the ritual unfolds in solemn and precise tradition. This intangible cultural heritage was the Joseon Dynasty's grandest and most significant state ritual conducted by the king. It was first revived in 1969 and is still held on the first Sunday of May and again in November. Originally built in the late 14th century, Jongmyo Shrine is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest and most well-preserved Confucian royal ancestral shrine. This year, for the first time in six years, the ritual at the main hall, "Jeongjeon" was open to the public, following five years of restoration work. In April, a "Hwananje" ceremony was held to mark the return of the ancestral tablets of the Joseon kings and queens to their original place in the main hall. "Since Jongmyo Daeje is a meaningful event held at a cultural heritage site, I wanted to wear a hanbok and chose a traditional one." "I left at 4 AM to attend this event today I was happy to hear all the traditional music I was hoping for-it was a really special experience." "This was my first time seeing the Jongmyo Daeje, and even though I didn't know much about it, it made me want to learn more about traditional culture." "So we took the chance and came to this palace to see what was going on, what it looks like. It's very interesting I have to say." The timeless rituals of the two-hour ceremony not only honor Korea's royal heritage but also preserve a profound cultural legacy that still captivates and inspires today. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Volunteer tourists bring helping hands back to Korea's worst wildfire-hit regions

2025/05/07 20:00

In other news. The most devastating wildfire in the country more than a month ago has left a deep scar in the southeast, still recovering from the severe damage. But hope is there. It's for this reason that a group of "volunteer tourists" are visiting the regions. Our Park Kun-woo has their story. Weeks have passed since the worst wildfire in South Korea's history mainly scorched Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in the southeast part of the country in March. Over 99-thousand hectares of land, roughly the size of 140-thousand football fields, were affected. In hard-hit regions like Andong, signs of the disaster still remain from charred trees on once-dense forest slopes to ruined homes, warehouses, and damaged cultural heritage sites. And with recovery still underway, tourist numbers have declined. But recently, change has been made thanks to volunteer tourists visitors who come not just to travel, but to help. Wearing gloves and masks, and fueled by sincerity, they are clearing away burnt tree branches and gently cleaning cultural treasures using camelia oil amid thick dust. "I was scared when the wildfire happened, though my school wasn't very close. I can only imagine how terrifying it must've been for people living nearby. That's why I came believing that small acts like ours can lead to big changes." "Burnt tree branches like this are scattered everywhere. Just clearing one away helps bring life back to this region. And especially in a place that's full of cultural heritage, such as Andong, you get to realize how much we almost lost. That's why every small effort here truly matters." And the residents have taken notice. "The wildfire happened overnight. Everything just burned down. So it means a lot seeing these young people come all the way to this rural area to help us." After lending a hand, participants also get a chance to explore the area's beauty and history. "I'd never had the chance to visit neat places like Manhyujeong Pavilion before. Knowing it almost burned down made the visit even more meaningful." To boost recovery, the government is also rolling out campaigns to encourage more visitors, offering travel discounts and support, along with more volunteer tourism programs. And with the help of these visitors, efforts are raising hopes to bring vitality back to fire-stricken regions. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Andong.

"Jongmyo Daeje": Keeping Korea's centuries-old royal ritual alive

2025/05/07 17:00

On the first Sunday of every May an ancient ritual takes place at the Jongmyo Shrine here in Seoul in memory of the deceased monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty. Our Lee Eun-hee was there this past weekend. The king, carried in a royal palanquin, travels from the palace to Jongmyo Shrine. He is escorted by rows of officials and royal guards. When they reach the shrine, this impressive scene marks the beginning of a special reenactment --the "Jongmyo Daeje," a grand royal ancestral ritual from the Joseon Dynasty. "So, the Jongmyo Daeje—it's a ceremony that honors the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, and it's no ordinary event. Recognized by UNESCO, it's a rare chance to see centuries-old royal traditions come to life." The ceremony begins with placing the ancestral tablets or "shinju" of past kings and queens on the altar, followed by rites to greet and honor the spirits. With offerings of liquor, deep bows, and traditional music and dance, the ritual unfolds in solemn and precise tradition. This intangible cultural heritage was the Joseon Dynasty's grandest and most significant state ritual conducted by the king. It was first revived in 1969 and is still held on the first Sunday of May and again in November. Originally built in the late 14th century, Jongmyo Shrine is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest and most well-preserved Confucian royal ancestral shrine. This year, for the first time in six years, the ritual at the main hall, "Jeongjeon" was open to the public, following five years of restoration work. In April, a "Hwananje" ceremony was held to mark the return of the ancestral tablets of the Joseon kings and queens to their original place in the main hall. "Since Jongmyo Daeje is a meaningful event held at a cultural heritage site, I wanted to wear a hanbok and chose a traditional one." "I left at 4 AM to attend this event today I was happy to hear all the traditional music I was hoping for-it was a really special experience." "This was my first time seeing the Jongmyo Daeje, and even though I didn't know much about it, it made me want to learn more about traditional culture." "So we took the chance and came to this palace to see what was going on, what it looks like. It's very interesting I have to say." The timeless rituals of the two-hour ceremony not only honor Korea's royal heritage but also preserve a profound cultural legacy that still captivates and inspires today. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Volunteer tourists bring helping hands back to Korea's worst wildfire-hit regions

2025/05/07 17:00

In other news. Volunteering while traveling pundits say.. can be a rewarding experience if it's done properly and that is what a recent group of guests to the Korean city of Andong sought to do. Our Park Kun-woo files this report. Weeks have passed since the worst wildfire in South Korea's history mainly scorched Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in the southeast part of the country in March. Over 99-thousand hectares of land, roughly the size of 140-thousand football fields, were affected. In hard-hit regions like Andong , signs of the disaster still remain from charred trees on once-dense forest slopes to ruined homes, warehouses, and damaged cultural heritage sites. And with recovery still underway, tourist numbers have declined. But recently, change has been made thanks to volunteer tourists visitors who come not just to travel, but to help. Wearing gloves and masks, and fueled by sincerity, they are clearing away burnt tree branches and gently cleaning cultural treasures using camelia oil amid thick dust. "I was scared when the wildfire happened, though my school wasn't very close. I can only imagine how terrifying it must've been for people living nearby. That's why I came believing that small acts like ours can lead to big changes." "Burnt tree branches like this are scattered everywhere. Just clearing one away helps bring life back to this region. And especially in a place that's full of cultural heritage, such as Andong, you get to realize how much we almost lost. That's why every small effort here truly matters." And the residents have taken notice. "The wildfire happened overnight. Everything just burned down. So it means a lot seeing these young people come all the way to this rural area to help us." After lending a hand, participants also get a chance to explore the area's beauty and history. "I'd never had the chance to visit neat places like Manhyujeong Pavilion before. Knowing it almost burned down made the visit even more meaningful." To boost recovery, the government is also rolling out campaigns to encourage more visitors, offering travel discounts and support, along with more volunteer tourism programs. And with the help of these visitors, efforts are raising hopes to bring vitality back to fire-stricken regions. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Andong.

S. Korea celebrates Buddha's Birthday and Children's Day on May 5th, 2025

2025/05/05 18:00

It's Buddha's Birthday here in South Korea. Temples nationwide held ceremonies, with the country's largest Buddhist sect, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, having held its main ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul. Over 10-thousand people attended the ceremony, which was based on this year's theme of emphasizing peace in society and compassion in people's hearts. This year's Buddha's Birthday also falls on the same day as Children's Day, with events for kids taking place across the country. On Nodeul Island in Seoul, a circus-themed festival for children runs until 8 PM tonight. Meanwhile, at Seoul Children's Grand Park, interactive programs in kid-friendly themed gardens are available daily until 10 PM for 2 weeks.

Joseon Tongsinsa: Peacebuilding ship sets sail for Osaka

2025/05/05 18:00

A while back we covered an elaborate reenactment of a centuries-old diplomatic mission that begins in Korea and ends in Japan. That mission is now re-enacting its trip to the neighboring country having set sail from Busan last week. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin has more. The final stop on Korean soil for the Joseon Tongsinsa, Korea's diplomatic missions to Japan during the 17th to 19th centuries, was the port city of Busan. After arriving from Seoul, hundreds of envoys boarded ships bound for Japan. Every year, this historic moment is revived through the Joseon Tongsinsa Festival. Dressed in traditional Korean attire, hundreds of participants march through Busan, retracing the footsteps of the original envoys. "It's my first time participating, but it really made me reflect more deeply on Korea's relationship with Japan, such as the colonial era." "When I filled the form for this event, I did look it up, and it was like, it was a good historical piece that I got to know." And completing the recreation, the Tongsinsa ship has also been meticulously brought back to life. "This vessel, modeled after the original Tongsinsa ships, will set sail for Japan. By mid-May, the vessel is set to arrive in Osaka." This marks the first time in 261 years that the route to Osaka is being taken. The man behind this reconstruction is Hong Sun-jae, who has spent a decade bringing the historic vessel back to life. Since 2015, he's collected historical documents, studied ancient ship models, and traveled across the country to find the right timber. The ship launched in 2018, made its first voyage to Japan in 2023, and this year, it's heading farther than ever before. "This year marks 60 years since South Korea and Japan normalized diplomatic ties. Our ship will hold an arrival ceremony in Osaka on May 13th, Korea Day at the Osaka World Expo. Through this journey, we hope to promote peace and remind people that our two countries share a long history of connection, not just conflict." Having departed from Busan on April 28th, the ship will visit multiple ports in Japan, hosting exhibitions and performances, just as the Joseon Tongsinsa envoys did centuries ago to share Korean culture. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News, Busan.

S. Korea's 2024 child population lowest among 37 countries with over 40 mil. people

2025/05/05 18:00

South Korea has the lowest percentage of children out of any of the 37 countries with populations of more than 40-million. According to data released on Monday by Japan, based on a UN report, only 10.6-percent of South Korea's population in 2024 were aged zero to 14. This is lower than Japan's 11-point-4-percent. Since 2020, South Korea has had a lower percentage of children than Japan, even though Japan faced low birth rates and an aging population earlier. Italy had the third lowest figures with nearly 12-percent of its population aged 14 or younger.

S. Korea celebrates Buddha's Birthday and Children's Day on May 5th, 2025

2025/05/05 12:00

It's Buddha's Birthday here in South Korea. Temples nationwide held ceremonies at 10 AM this morning with the country's largest Buddhist sect, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, having held its main ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul. Over 10-thousand people attended the ceremony, which was based on this year's theme of emphasizing peace in society and compassion in people's hearts. This year's Buddha's Birthday also coincides with Children's Day, with events for kids taking place across the country. At Seoul Children's Grand Park, interactive programs are being offered in kid-friendly themed gardens, while on Nodeul Island in Seoul, children can enjoy a circus-themed festival.

Honoring 80 years of liberation: history lives through records

2025/05/02 17:00

Starting tomorrow for those of us here in Korea we are looking ahead to a long weekend to celebrate Children's Day and Buddha's Birthday. That being said if you have yet to make plans do consider a meaningful exhibition here in central Seoul to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation. Our Lee Eun-hee was there. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, when Korea regained independence from Japan in 1945 after 35년 of colonial rule. To mark the anniversary, and to show the daily lives of people during the colonial rule and other moments of Korea's recent history, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is holding a special exhibition called "Records, Memory of You." The displays, including official documents, diaries and literary works show more than just historical facts. They reveal the human emotions of the time-hope, sorrow and joy-so we can experience Korea's journey through the eyes of those who lived it. "This young soldier, unable to write to his illiterate father, asked a journalist to take his photo to take his photo to let him know he was alive — tragically, he was killed in action the very next day. And this stack of letters was exchanged between a couple separated by the Vietnam War, offering a glimpse into their hope to be reunited." Korea's struggle and pride are reflected in key moments in sports history. From the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where a Korean athlete won gold in the marathon but had to stand under the Japanese flag-to the nation's first international sports victory after liberation and its Olympics debut under the name "KOREA" these milestones capture the resilience and determination of a country reclaiming its identity. "Even though it was a time we never lived through, seeing over 80 years since Korea's first Olympics appearance made me feel how far our country has come, and also gave me a strange, nostalgic feeling, like I had been part of it." "I wanted to come to South Korea, to the Republic of Korea and visit and learn more about the history and arts and culture of the country. So this is actually my first stop. I arrived this morning so I'm very happy to be here and I find the exhibit to be fascinating and very emotional actually because it talks about the history of what has happened in the recent past." Held in collaboration with the Cheongju National Museum and the National Archives of Korea, the exhibition reminds us of the meaning of "Gwangbok" in Korean, meaning the restoration of lost sovereignty-and the importance of never forgetting those historic struggles. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Joseon Tongsinsa: Peacebuilding ship sets sail for Osaka

2025/05/02 17:00

A while back we covered an elaborate reenactment of a centuries-old diplomatic mission that begins in Korea and ends in Japan. WELL that mission is now re-enacting its trip to the neighboring country having set sail from Busan earlier this week. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin files this report. The final stop on Korean soil for the Joseon Tongsinsa, Korea's diplomatic missions to Japan during the 17th to 19th centuries, was the port city of Busan. After arriving from Seoul, hundreds of envoys boarded ships bound for Japan. Every year, this historic moment is revived through the Joseon Tongsinsa Festival. Dressed in traditional Korean attire, hundreds of participants march through Busan, retracing the footsteps of the original envoys. "It's my first time participating, but it really made me reflect more deeply on Korea's relationship with Japan, such as the colonial era." "When I filled the form for this event, I did look it up, and it was like, it was a good historical piece that I got to know." And completing the recreation, the Tongsinsa ship has also been meticulously brought back to life. "This vessel, modeled after the original Tongsinsa ships, will set sail for Japan. By mid-May, the vessel is set to arrive in Osaka." This marks the first time in 261 years that the route to Osaka is being taken. The man behind this reconstruction is Hong Sun-jae, who has spent a decade bringing the historic vessel back to life. Since 2015, he's collected historical documents, studied ancient ship models, and traveled across the country to find the right timber. The ship launched in 2018, made its first voyage to Japan in 2023, and this year, it's heading farther than ever before. "This year marks 60 years since South Korea and Japan normalized diplomatic ties. Our ship will hold an arrival ceremony in Osaka on May 13th, Korea Day at the Osaka World Expo. Through this journey, we hope to promote peace and remind people that our two countries share a long history of connection, not just conflict." Having departed from Busan on April 28th, the ship will visit multiple ports in Japan, hosting exhibitions and performances, just as the Joseon Tongsinsa envoys did centuries ago to share Korean culture. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News, Busan.

World's oldest person, Brazilian nun dies at 116

2025/05/02 10:00

In Brazil, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, recognized as the world's oldest person, has died at the age of 116. Sister Inah passed away on April 30 in Porto Alegre due to natural causes. Born in 1908, Lucas became a Catholic nun in her early 20s and devoted her life to religious service and teaching. She joined the Teresian Sisters religious community in 1927 and spent decades educating students. Sister Inah was blessed by the late Pope Francis in 2018. She attributed her longevity to her faith, saying that "He is the secret of life." With her passing, 115-year-old Ethel Caterham in England now holds the title of oldest living person.

Honoring 80 years of liberation: history lives through records

2025/05/01 20:00

A special exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation is now on display in central Seoul. Through pictures, poems and documents, it offers a glimpse into the lives and emotions of those who lived through Korea's turbulent past. Lee Eun-hee reports. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, when Korea regained independence from Japan in 1945 after 35년 of colonial rule. To mark the anniversary, and to show the daily lives of people during the colonial rule and other moments of Korea's recent history, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is holding a special exhibition called "Records, Memory of You." The displays, including official documents, diaries and literary works show more than just historical facts. They reveal the human emotions of the time-hope, sorrow and joy-so we can experience Korea's journey through the eyes of those who lived it. "This young soldier, unable to write to his illiterate father, asked a journalist to take his photo to let him know he was alive — tragically, he was killed in action the very next day. And this stack of letters was exchanged between a couple separated by the Vietnam War, offering a glimpse into their hope to be reunited." Korea's struggle and pride are reflected in key moments in sports history. From the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where a Korean athlete won gold in the marathon but had to stand under the Japanese flag-to the nation's first international sports victory after liberation and its Olympics debut under the name "KOREA" these milestones capture the resilience and determination of a country reclaiming its identity. "Even though it was a time we never lived through, seeing over 80 years since Korea's first Olympics appearance made me feel how far our country has come, and also gave me a strange, nostalgic feeling, like I had been part of it." "I wanted to come to South Korea, to the Republic of Korea and visit and learn more about the history and arts and culture of the country. So this is actually my first stop. I arrived this morning so I'm very happy to be here and I find the exhibit to be fascinating and very emotional actually because it talks about the history of what has happened in the recent past." Held in collaboration with the Cheongju National Museum and the National Archives of Korea, the exhibition reminds us of the meaning of "Gwangbok" in Korean, meaning the restoration of lost sovereignty-and the importance of never forgetting those historic struggles. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/05/01 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The number of foreign tourists visiting Korea last month reached over 1.6 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, that's 105% of the figure from March 2019 and an 8% increase from a year earlier. China topped the list of visitors to Korea last month with 417,000 arrivals, followed by Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. Notably, tourist arrivals from the Middle East and Africa exceeded 107% of pre-COVID levels, while those from Europe and the Americas reached 134%. The National Museum of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty fully opened today, unveiling a comprehensive look at 500 years of Joseon history. The museum is dedicated to the "Joseon Wangjo Sillok," or Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, and "Uigwe," records detailing the dynasty's administration and royal protocols. This marks the full opening of the museum about a year and a half after a partial exhibition in 2023. Located at Pyeongchang County in Gangwon-do Province, the museum houses over 1,200 artifacts from Joseon, including numerous national treasures. To commemorate the museum's full opening, a special exhibition will be held through July 13, featuring around 40 artifacts that shed light on the history of the Odaesan Archives, where the Joseon royal records were originally housed. How about spending the upcoming golden holiday surrounded by lush green tea fields? The 'Boseong Green Tea Festival' kicks off on Friday at the Korean Tea Culture Park in Boseong County, Jeollanam-do Province. Blending tradition with a modern touch, this year's festival features over 80 programs that offer a fresh take on Boseong's iconic green tea, targeting younger generations and the global market. The festival's signature event, the 'Grand Tea Party,' returns on a larger scale this year, welcoming up to 500 guests. A special K-Tea Culture Pavilion will also offer immersive experiences highlighting Korea's growing presence in the global tea scene. The festival runs through May 6. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] ‘Ipop Namu’ — the new face of spring in Korea

2025/05/01 14:00

With its many perks, the ‘ipop’ tree is quickly becoming Korea's springtime sensation!