[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Geoje Island Flower Festival The free flower festival will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday at the Geoje Agricultural Development Institute, which also serves as a theme park in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. Over 100 different types of chrysanthemums and 250 kinds of camellias will be showcased. Artworks like paintings and photos shedding light on the region will be on exhibit as well. Check out the latest at geoje.go.kr. Pink Muhly Festival Admire the shining pink muhly g

Nov. 1, 2024

[단독] MCM, ‘롯데 칼리버스’와 내주 가상 스토어 연다

글로벌 패션 브랜드 MCM이 빠르면 다음 주 7일 롯데 메타버스 플랫폼 칼리버스와 가상 플래그십 스토어를 연다. 브랜드 첫 메타버스 스토어로 지난 8월 칼리버스가 공개된 지 두 달 만이다. 칼리버스는 롯데이노베이트 자회사로 롯데그룹에서 소프트웨어를 개발한다. 김동규 롯데 칼리버스 대표는 31일 본지와의 인터뷰에서 “이르면 7일 런칭을 한다”며 늦더라도 “11월 상반기는 벗어나지 않는다”고 했다. 다만 칼리버스에서 당장 직접 구매는 불가능하다. 플랫폼과 연동된 MCM 공식 홈페이지 등으로 연결된다는 뜻이다. 김 대표는 “이미 존재하고 있는 웹사이트에 연동되는 게 1차고 거기서 많은 사용자들이 우리 사이트 안에서도 쇼핑이라는 행위를 하는 게 확인이 돼야 한다”며 새 시장이 형성됐다고 판단할 만한 충분한 데이터가 필요하다는 입장이다. 앞으로 다양한 글로벌 명품 브랜드와의 협업도 전개된다. 김 대표는 지난 3월 명품 브랜드

Oct. 31, 2024

[Exclusive] MCM to open flagship store in Lotte’s metaverse next week

Luxury fashion and leather goods company MCM plans to launch its metaverse flagship store on a platform powered by Lotte Innovate as early as Nov. 7, joining global luxury brands tapping into the virtual world with a digital second life. MCM products can be purchased directly on the platform Caliverse once a market develops, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. “Initially, we will link users interested in buying to the official MCM website. We’ll see how that pan

Oct. 31, 2024

[From the Scene] Anti-LGBTQ+ rally exposes divide

It was almost 2 p.m., churchgoers descended on Seoul Plaza and the crowds were growing by the minute. A buoyant mood took over as a pastor announced the start of the Sunday service in the plaza, part of planned worship gatherings spanning from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul Station, as well as around Yeouido Park. The rallies across the capital were organized by conservative Protestant groups led by the Communion of Churches in Korea, one of Korea’s four biggest ecumenical Protestant groups.

Oct. 29, 2024

Deoksugung exhibition to explore traditional crafts

An annual exhibition of traditional Korean crafts by select master artisans will take place from Tuesday to Nov. 10 at Deoksugung, one of the five palaces of the Joseon era (1392-1910) in Seoul. The exhibition entitled “Brilliance” will showcase 24 pieces by four artisans: Park Seon-hee, a “maedeupjang,” or decorative knots master; Ahn Yoo-jin, a “dancheongjang,” or decorative painting mater; Yoon Soon-il, a “somokjang,” or master carpenter; and Le

Oct. 28, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Fall colors at Beartree Park Hiking trails and a scenic route that meanders through Beartree Park in Sejong City will be rewarding for those seeking fall foliage. Jazz performances will take place at the Autumn Festival, which will run through Nov. 10 at the park from 9 a.m. to sunset. Admission for adults is 13,000 won ($9.43). Pets and food are banned. For more information, visit beartreepark.com. Iksan in blossom Through Sunday, the Iksan Ten Million Blossom of Chrysanthemum Festiva

Oct. 25, 2024

Korean artists shine in inaugural Gucci Cultural Month

A photo exhibition of prominent South Korean artists opened Tuesday as part of the inaugural Gucci Cultural Month, a campaign launched by the Italian fashion house to promote the diversity and creativity of Korean culture. “Dual Narratives: Honoring the Visionaries,” running for eight days through Tuesday, explores fresh angles to look at film director Park Chan-wook, pianist Cho Seong-jin, conceptual artist Kim Soo-ja and contemporary dancer Ahn Eun-me. Master photographer Kim Yong-

Oct. 23, 2024

Exhibition reflects on mortality, journey to afterlife

At first glance, wooden figurines on display in glass cases appear inviting -- some look like a souvenir at a gift shop -- until you take a closer look. “I wasn’t actually aware that the exhibition is about death,” said Erwin Nieto, 35, a tourist from the Philippines who happened to drop by the exhibition “Kokdu” at the National Folk Museum of Korea on Tuesday. “But you know, reading the documents, the copies, it actually tells you there’s comfort in dea

Oct. 22, 2024

Saatchi Gallery to showcase digitally rendered traditional Korean gardens

An exhibition of digital artworks exploring Korea’s Joseon-era (1392-1910) gardens will run through Oct. 27 at Saatchi Gallery in London as part of a Korean government project to showcase Korean content using the latest technologies. The Byeolseo gardens were where retired Joseon officials, looking for a life with nature, ruminated on beauty and life while surrounded by scenic landscapes. Four representations modeled after the extant Byeolseo gardens in South Jeolla Province will be showca

Oct. 18, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Hangang River Festival Outdoor enthusiasts should check out the Hangang River Festival, running through Sunday at Yeouido, Banpo and Ttukseom Hangang Parks. Kayaking and river cruises as well as fireworks are some of the highlights, in addition to music performances. For more information, go to festival.seoul.go.kr/hangang. Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale Mark your calendar for the 2024 Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale in Icheon, a city in Gyeonggi Province known for ceramics. Through Sunday, 26 ar

Oct. 18, 2024