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Category: K-TRAVEL

  • Everland Brings Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” to Life with New Theme Zone

    Everland, operated by Samsung C&T’s Resort Division, will open a new theme zone on September 26 inspired by Netflix’s global hit KPop Demon Hunters.

    The film, which tells the story of a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits against the backdrop of Korean landmarks, has become Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time. Everland brings the world of the film to life with a traditional hanok-style entrance, giant LED screens, and OST highlights such as “Golden” and “Soda Pop.”

    The theme zone is packed with interactive experiences. In the “Huntrix” zone, visitors can enjoy shooting games and whack-a-mole, while the “Lion Boys” zone offers OST lyric challenges and a soul-offering game. A photo zone recreating an idol stage allows fans to capture special memories, and completing stamp missions will reward guests with character-themed souvenirs.

    Food and merchandise options are equally diverse. At the “Lion Boys Snack Bar,” visitors can enjoy Korean street foods like ramen and kimbap, alongside group-themed menus and 38 limited-edition items. Notably, panda x Duffy costume dolls, as well as dedicated face-painting and dress-up areas, are expected to be especially popular with fans.

  • First Asian Language at the Colosseum: Korean Audio Guide Now Available

    The Colosseum, Rome’s iconic landmark, has introduced a Korean audio guide service.

    According to Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Colosseum has added Korean to its official guide app starting this month, following agreements with local authorities. Korean is the first Asian language included, joining Italian, English, Spanish, and Ukrainian as the fifth supported language. With over 12 million annual visitors, this service is expected to significantly improve accessibility for Korean tourists.

    The system automatically plays explanations when visitors approach relics, allowing them to better understand the history, structure, and features of Rome and the Colosseum. The change reflects the global shift from rented audio devices to app-based solutions.

    The app has been available for download since early September via the Korean accounts of Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.

  • Jazz Returns to the Heart of Seoul: Janus Club Celebrates Reopening in Gwanghwamun

    Korea’s iconic jazz club Janus is entering a new era in Gwanghwamun. After closing its Apgujeong location earlier this year, the club will reopen on September 15, marking its long-awaited return.

    To celebrate, an 8-day festival featuring Korea’s top musicians will take place. On September 20, the highlight “Grand Jam Day” will showcase the essence of jazz through improvisation.

    Founded in 1978 by the late legendary jazz vocalist Park Sung-yeon, Janus has been a symbolic space in Korean jazz history. Despite challenging beginnings, it grew into the root of Korean jazz, hosting both domestic and international stars.

    The area surrounding Janus—Deoksugung Stonewall Road, Jeongdong-gil, and the Anglican Cathedral of Seoul—offers rich cultural charm. For international visitors, a night at Janus means not just enjoying a performance but also experiencing Korean history, emotions, and the vibrant nightlife of Seoul.

  • 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).