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Tag: Seoul tourism

  • A Global Stage for Korean Culture: ‘Unboxing Korea’ Takes Over Belgium

    The Korean Cultural Center in Belgium and the EU will host a large-scale cultural festival, “Unboxing Korea: Scoop the Trend,” in the heart of Brussels from October 18 to 19 (local time).

    Now in its second year, the festival offers visitors a chance to experience the full spectrum of Korean culture — from K-culture, K-beauty, and K-food to K-tourism — all in one place. The event aims to showcase both the emotional depth and industrial power of modern Korean culture.

    The festival will take place across two main venues.
    At the Korean Cultural Center, guests can explore the K-Beauty Zone and K-Tourism Zone, while Place de la Chapelle, one of Brussels’ most popular spots, will transform into the K-Culture Zone and K-Food Zone.

    A highlight of the K-Culture Zone will be the “K-pop Demon Hunters Zone”, created in collaboration with Netflix EU, where visitors can try on hanbok and traditional accessories for photo experiences. There will also be K-pop cover dance performances and traditional craft workshops, offering European audiences a hands-on taste of Korean creativity.

    At the K-Food Zone, Korean rice-based food companies will present tteokbokki, traditional liquor cocktails, and Korean-style desserts. The K-Beauty Zone will feature small and medium enterprises showcasing their products through personal color analysis sessions and live makeup demonstrations. The K-Tourism Zone will include Korean travel tarot readings, Jeju keyring crafts, and photo booth experiences.

    “Unboxing Korea” serves as more than just a festival — it’s a global cultural exchange platform that blends Korea’s artistic spirit with its contemporary lifestyle and industry trends.

  • Gyeongbokgung Opens Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong to Public

    For the first time in years, the interiors of Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong at Gyeongbokgung Palace—normally off-limits to the public—will be open for special tours starting October 15.

    The Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office under the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 1st that it will operate a program titled “Light and Shadow of Joseon: A Special Stroll at Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong” every Wednesday to Friday from October 15 to 31.

    Built in 1873, Geoncheonggung is historically significant as the site where Korea’s first electric lights were installed in 1887. King Gojong and Queen Myeongseong resided here during the late Joseon Dynasty. The complex consists of Jangandang, the king’s quarters, and Gonnyeonghap, the queen’s residence.

    Hyangwonjeong, constructed atop a pond, was a royal retreat renowned for its architectural beauty in the late Joseon era. Visitors who join the special program will be guided by professional docents through the interiors of both Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong. Reservations open at 2 p.m. on October 2 via Nol Ticket (https://nol.interpark.com). Each session is limited to 20 people (maximum two tickets per person), with an admission fee of 10,000 KRW (including palace entry).