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Category: K-TRAVEL

  • Korea Endures Historic Heatwave: Emergency HQ Operates for Longest Period Ever

    Korea’s Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) has been in operation for 46 consecutive days as of September 8, marking the longest run since heatwaves were classified as disasters in 2019.

    The CDSCHQ was activated on July 25 when the government raised the heatwave alert to “Severe.” The previous longest activation lasted 29 days in 2023, but this year’s record is still ongoing as the alert has not yet been lifted.

    The headquarters is mobilized when more than 40% of forecasted land areas are expected to experience heat indexes above 35°C for three consecutive days.

    This summer, Korea recorded 29.5 official heatwave days—4.8 days more than last year. Between May 15 and September 6, 4,370 people suffered heat-related illnesses and 29 deaths were reported, underscoring the severity of the situation.

    Officials urged citizens to avoid outdoor activities during the day and stay hydrated, especially as heatwave warnings remain in effect in some southern regions.

  • Chipotle Expands to Asia: Seoul Chosen as First Destination

    SPC Group announced plans to bring U.S. Mexican franchise Chipotle Mexican Grill (hereafter Chipotle) to Seoul in the first half of next year. The Seoul branch will be the brand’s first store in Asia.

    According to the food service industry, SPC Group will introduce Chipotle to Korea through either a licensing agreement or a joint venture with the headquarters. Founded in 1993 in the U.S., Chipotle is a “fast-casual dining” chain offering Tex-Mex cuisine.

    The menu features burritos, tacos, and bowls made primarily with organic and gluten-free ingredients. Like sandwich chain Subway, Chipotle allows customers to choose salad, meats, beans, and cheese, which are then wrapped in a burrito or served in a bowl. The chain is particularly known for its strong “value for money.”

    Chipotle currently operates around 3,300 stores in the U.S. alone. Though it serves Mexican food, the brand has become deeply embedded in American daily life by offering healthy meals in a convenient format. Its quick adaptation to the growth of delivery demand during the pandemic gave Chipotle a new momentum for growth, solidifying its role in ushering in the “fast-casual” dining era.

  • From 1592 to K-Culture: Leeum Museum Showcases Origins of the Magpie and Tiger Icon

    The Leeum Museum of Art has opened its exhibition “Magpie and Tiger: 虎鵲 (Hojak)” in parallel with the global success of Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters(Kedehon), unveiling Korea’s oldest known Hojakdo for the first time — a 1592 painting.

    The exhibition features seven traditional and folk paintings depicting tigers and magpies. The 1592 piece, recorded as painted in the “Imjin year,” is the earliest extant Magpie and Tiger work. Unlike later folk paintings, it follows classical art conventions while incorporating scenes such as “Chulsanho” (birth tiger), “Gyeongjo” (celebration and condolence), and “Yuho” (playing tiger), marking the origin of the Hojak iconography.

    Also on display is the 19th-century folk painting nicknamed the “Picasso Tiger,” famous for its humorous expression and yellow-striped coat, which inspired the 1988 Seoul Olympic mascot Hodori. Other highlights include Shin Jae-hyun’s 1874 Hojakdo, Hopijangmakdo featuring tiger-skin patterns and poetry by Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, and Kim Hong-do’s realistic Songha Maenghodo.

    The museum noted, “This exhibition shows how the tiger from 430 years ago evolved into today’s K-culture icon.”

    The exhibition runs until November 30 on the second floor of M1, with free admission. The Leeum Store also offers goods inspired by magpie-and-tiger motifs.

  • Hangeul Museum Delays Reopening 4 Years, Plans Special Exhibitions and Tours Until 2028

    The National Hangeul Museum has canceled its planned reopening this year and will remain closed until the second half of 2028, following severe delays caused by a fire that broke out during expansion work in February.

    Based on a detailed safety inspection, the museum will integrate fire damage restoration—including structural reinforcement of the third-floor Hangeul Playground and exterior wall repairs—into the ongoing expansion project. The total project cost is estimated at 17.5 billion KRW, with construction set to begin in July 2026 and reopening targeted for October 2028.

    During the closure, about 90,000 collection items will be stored across the National Museum of Korea, the National Folk Museum, and the National Museum of World Writing. Exhibitions and educational functions will continue through partner institutions and online platforms. In particular, special exhibitions will be held at external venues to commemorate the 580th anniversary of Hunminjeongeum’s proclamation in 2026 and the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day. Additionally, the Hangeul Playground program will expand nationwide, starting in Sejong City.

    Although the reopening has been delayed by more than four years, the museum plans to continue promoting Hangeul culture through traveling and special exhibitions, as well as educational programs.

  • Philakorea 2025: Rare Stamps, K-Culture, and Global Heritage Meet in Seoul

    The World Stamp Exhibition Philakorea 2025 will be held from September 17–21 at COEX Magok Convention Center in Seoul.

    Returning to Korea for the first time in 11 years, this FIP (International Federation of Philately) officially recognized event will showcase 365 works from 65 countries, with a total of 2,002 frames of stamps on display. The exhibition aims to highlight the value of stamps not just as collectibles, but as cultural assets connecting eras and generations.

    Exhibition halls will feature seven themes including art, heritage, K-culture, and the environment. K-culture stamps featuring Korean cuisine and pop culture will also be introduced to the world. Visitors can enjoy interactive content tailored for the digital generation, such as AI-based stamp recommendations, a brainwave-powered letter-sending game, and robot-drawn portrait stamps. Photo booths that instantly transform images and graffiti stamp experiences will add to the excitement.

    Highlights include the first-ever display in Korea of the world’s most expensive stamp, the “One-Cent Magenta,” as well as Korea’s first-ever postal stamp, combining rarity with historical significance. Family-friendly programs such as coloring, “design your own stamp,” and commemorative postmark experiences will also be available.

    Admission to Philakorea 2025 is free, with pre-registration recommended for smoother entry.

  • 1,200 Drones Paint Seoul’s Night Sky with Netflix’s “K-pop Demon Hunters”

    The “2025 Hangang Light Show” was held on the evening of September 7 at Ttukseom Hangang Park in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, where more than 1,200 drones lit up the sky with a spectacular display themed around Netflix’s animation K-POP DEMON HUNTERS (Kedehon).

    Four more performances are scheduled for September 13, 20, 26, and October 18. Each show will feature 1,200 drones recreating Seoul landmarks such as Cheongdam Bridge and Bukchon Hanok Village, along with characters from K-pop Demon Hunters, leaving audiences with unforgettable memories.

  • 1,200 Drones Illuminate Seoul with “KPOP-DEMON HUNTERS” Spectacle

    The Seoul Metropolitan Government will host the “2025 Hangang Light Show (Drone Light Show)” on September 7 at 8 p.m. at Ttukseom Hangang Park.

    Additional shows are scheduled for September 13, 20, 26, and October 18. A total of 1,200 drones will illuminate the night sky over the Han River, depicting Seoul landmarks featured in KPOP-DEMON HUNTERS—such as Cheongdam Bridge and Bukchon Hanok Village—along with characters from the series, creating unforgettable memories for spectators.

    Ahead of the main drone show, a cultural performance featuring KPOP-DEMON HUNTERS cover dances and songs will take place at 7 p.m. There will also be a photo event with special costumes and face painting.

    The cultural program will be held in two parts: Part 1 from 7:00–8:00 p.m., and Part 2 from 8:15–8:45 p.m. immediately after the drone show.

    The city of Seoul advised checking announcements in advance as the schedule may change depending on weather conditions, and recommended using public transportation to avoid congestion.

    Since the drone light show takes place in the sky, it can be viewed for free from anywhere near the Hangang Park venue. Event information is available on the official website (www.seouldroneshow.com) and Instagram (@seouldroneshow_official).

  • Step Into Korea’s Hidden Gem: A Forest Revealed Only Once a Year

    Gwangneung Forest, home to the Korean natural monument bird Dryocopus javensis and designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will be open to the public on the 27th–28th.

    Normally closed to visitors, this forest is revealed only during the annual Gwangneung Forest Festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with an enriched lineup of programs.

    The festival offers forest walks, forest yoga, guided nature tours, and interactive experiences, along with busking performances, photo zones, and rest areas that combine culture with relaxation.

    Special events such as a “Forest Nap Contest” in collaboration with Yuhan-Kimberly, eco-friendly campaign booths, and YouTube content creation will add further meaning to the celebration.

    To ensure visitor convenience, Namyangju City will operate free shuttle buses from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., connecting Jinjeop Station, Kyungbok University, and the military base parking lot. The festival is open to everyone without prior registration.

  • Incheon Airport Tightens Patrol After SNS Threat to Bomb Shilla Duty Free

    A threatening post claiming that Shilla Duty Free would be bombed was uploaded on social media, prompting Incheon Airport authorities to take emergency action.

    According to Incheon International Airport Corporation and the Airport Police, at 3:22 p.m. on the 2nd, Shilla Duty Free discovered the post and reported it. Security teams immediately searched the duty-free zones at Terminals 1 and 2 but found nothing unusual.

    The threat reportedly mentioned not only Shilla Duty Free but also included a bomb threat against Everland.

    Shilla Duty Free stated, “Upon confirming the threat post, we immediately reported it to the police.” With similar online threats occurring recently, Incheon Airport and the police announced they will continue strengthened patrols and security measures as a precaution.

  • Will La Niña Arrive This Fall? Korea Expected to See Warmer, Wetter Conditions

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has projected a 55% probability of La Niña occurring this fall.

    According to the Korea Meteorological Administration(KMA), the likelihood of La Niña forming between September and November is 55%, while neutral conditions stand at 45%. Extending the outlook to October through December, the probability rises to 60%.

    La Niña occurs when sea surface temperatures in the equatorial eastern Pacific remain below average, influencing global climate patterns both directly and indirectly.

    In Korea, if La Niña develops between September and October, temperatures tend to be higher and rainfall more frequent than normal. This is because cooler waters in the tropical central Pacific strengthen anticyclonic circulation over the North Pacific, drawing in warm, humid southerly winds. Conversely, when La Niña occurs in November to December, stronger northerly winds often bring colder, drier weather. However, in recent years, other climate factors—such as Arctic sea ice and sea surface temperatures in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans—have caused November to still experience warmer and wetter conditions, leaving uncertainties in predictions.

    The KMA stated, “We are closely monitoring the possibility of La Niña and will continue to observe the impacts of changing climate factors.”

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