The Korea Times

Artisan behind Korea's legendary baduk boards

His right index finger tells the entire story before he utters a single word. Unable to straighten naturally and stuck resting lifted upward, misshapen from more than six decades of pressing down on hand planes, it is the quiet, undeniable badge of a craftsman who has spent a lifetime shaping raw timber into pieces of living history. At 75, Shin Wan-sik bears the physical toll of 60 years dedicated to an ancient craft. He commands 70 percent of Korea's domestic baduk board market through his company, Six Brothers Baduk. Baduk is more commonly known internationally as "go." Virtually every landmark event in modern Korean baduk has unfolded over his creations. Recently a custom board made by Shin was presented by Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Chinese President Xi Jinping during an APEC summit in Gyeongju in 2025. His influence reaches far beyond diplomatic gifts: One of his boards was used in the historic match between Lee Se-dol and AlphaGo, as well as the personal boards favored by legendary masters Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho — the real-life inspirations behind the film "The Ma

Sep 15, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Artisan behind Korea's legendary baduk boards

Travel & Food

Food journey through Korea's administrative capital

There is a striking dual identity in Sejong, the nation's administrative capital. Looking down from a cafe on the 49th-floor of a building in the city's newest district, nothing appears aged. Neat grids of avenues, government complexes, lakes and arboretums unfold like a master architect’s blueprint. However, a short drive into the old district reveals an entirely different rhythm —narrow market alleys lined with fish stalls, retro signs, train tracks and young artisans quietly setting up shop inside weathered brick houses. "Sejong Osik," or "Five-Meal tour" is an effort to bridge these contrasting worlds. Launched by Sejong's city government and the Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation, the two-day, one-night culinary tourism program reveals the gastronomic potential of Korea's administrative capital. The tour draws inspiration from King Sejong the Great, who is said to have eaten five meals a day. The program takes participants to some of the city’s notable restaurants, markets and cafés to try a full range of culinary delights. Pork ribs The journey begins with local hearty fa

Sep 15, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Food journey through Korea's administrative capital

Books

How a London-based author is redefining kimchi

When Jihyun “Kimmy” Kim reflects on her childhood in Korea, her mind lands on the everyday rhythm of a family dining table. “There would be rice, my mother’s doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) or miyeokguk (seaweed soup), and kimchi would always be there. As a child, I hardly noticed it because it was so normal," she recalled during a recent interview with The Korea Times. Growing up in Korea, kimchi was simply part of everyday life — always present, rarely discussed and taken entirely for granted. Yet when Kim relocated to the United Kingdom in 2008 following her marriage, that quiet background fixture suddenly became a lens through which she viewed her distance from home. “I never really planned to start a kimchi business. It happened quite naturally after living in the U.K. ... In a way, I had to leave Korea to really appreciate something that had always been part of my life.” Kimchi misconceptions Living abroad exposed a striking disconnect between the cultural institution Kim knew and the way Western diners understood it. Overseas, kimchi was frequently reduced to a t

Sep 14, 2026By Park Jin-hai

How a London-based author is redefining kimchi

Shows & Dramas

'The Scandal' unleashes forbidden passion in reimagined Joseon

High-society secrets and forbidden passion collide in "The Scandal," Netflix’s bold Joseon-era reimagining of the classic 1782 novel "Dangerous Liaisons." Helmed by acclaimed director Jung Ji-woo, best known for films "Happy End" (1999) and "Eungyo" (2012), the series follows Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin) — a mastermind too extraordinary for the era’s rigid social boundaries — as she orchestrates a perilous wager with the ultimate playboy, Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook). When an innocent woman, Hui-yeon (Nana), becomes the target of their bet, a dangerous web of intrigue, rebellion and uncontrollable desire threatens to shatter society’s strictest taboos. "The late Joseon era was far more sophisticated and nuanced than we usually imagine," Jung explained during a press conference at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Seoul, Wednesday. "I wanted to capture that elegance on screen while exploring the complex, unseen dynamic between Lady Cho and Hui-yeon — a relationship never portrayed quite like this before." The novel was previously brought to life in the hit 2003 film "Untold Scandal,

Sep 9, 2026By Park Jin-hai

'The Scandal' unleashes forbidden passion in reimagined Joseon

Shows & Dramas

Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung return for deeper conflict in 'Made in Korea' Season 2

The Disney+ original series “Made in Korea” returns for its second season with an even more intense narrative than before, shifting from an episodic structure to a singular, continuous arc spanning six episodes. Following its debut season — which ranked as the most-watched Korean original on Disney+ globally in 2025 and secured major accolades at the Baeksang Arts Awards — the drama leaps forward nine years in time from the last season. Set against the political backdrop leading up to the Dec. 12 military coup of 1979, Season 2 focuses on the power vacuum created by the assassination of the president. Unlike the first season, the entire six-episode installment delivers one overarching narrative. "If Season 1 featured distinct stories for each episode, Season 2 is one continuous rush from Episode 1 to 6," director Woo Min-ho said during a news conference at the Conrad Seoul hotel Wednesday, adding that viewers will find the new run significantly more immersive. "If Season 1 felt like a fight between kids, Season 2 feels like a battle among adults." Woo emphasized that while histor

Sep 2, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung return for deeper conflict in 'Made in Korea' Season 2

Shows & Dramas

How Ryu Jun-yeol tackled two roles in Netflix's series 'Mousetrap'

Korean actor Ryu Jun-yeol stepped into double-duty territory for his latest project, tackling a dual role for the first time in the Netflix original series "Mousetrap." The psychological thriller, directed by Kim Hong-sun, follows Moon-jae (Ryu), a novelist whose identity, face and life are stolen by a mysterious figure known as "the Rat." The chase escalates as loan shark No-ja (Sul Kyung-gu) fights to recover his lost funds, while detective Sun-yong (Lee Kyu-hyung) pursues the truth. Following its release on Aug. 28, the series quickly climbed the charts. By Sept. 1, "Mousetrap" reached No. 6 on Netflix's global TV show rankings via FlixPatrol, entering the Top 10 in 49 countries, including Korea, France, India, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. "I’ve been getting so many calls from people around me since the show came out," Ryu said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Tuesday. "I can really feel the response firsthand." Ryu admitted he was drawn to the script early on, even before the ending was finalized, curious about the fate of a man stripped of hi

Sep 1, 2026By Park Jin-hai

How Ryu Jun-yeol tackled two roles in Netflix's series 'Mousetrap'

Travel & Food

5 photo spots for perfectly timed September snaps in Seoul

For modern travelers, a photo is no longer just a souvenir after the end of a trip but rather the very reason to begin one. To capture their own distinct vision of Korea’s capital, visitors are increasingly venturing beyond traditional tourist sites and venturing into new neighborhoods, often hiring professional photographers to frame their journey. To mark the arrival of September's crisp breezes and autumn tints, the Seoul Tourism Foundation has released a curated guide to the city's most beautiful spots, mapped out by the best hour to visit for photography. By following the shifting daylight across the metropolis, visitors can capture Seoul’s unique aesthetic in its best light. Morning at Gyeongbok Palace The primary royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty in Jongno District in central Seoul, Gyeongbok Palace offers its most tranquil and beautiful side immediately after opening. Stepping into the quiet grounds before crowds arrive allows soft morning light to illuminate the intricate "dancheong" paintwork under the eaves while casting a warm glow over traditional hanbok attire. Renting

Sep 1, 2026By Park Jin-hai

5 photo spots for perfectly timed September snaps in Seoul

Trends

Inside Seoul's rapidly growing urban running scene

Park Eun-kyung, a former running club leader, recently joined a group session around Gyeongbok Palace organized by On Your Mark, a specialized running brand. "The Gyeongbok Palace loop is 2.5 kilometers, making it perfect for a 5 km run with two laps, and the flat, beginner-friendly terrain is a huge plus. Being a popular landmark, it's especially beautiful at sunset. It's also great for discovering hidden gem-like neighborhood cafes myself," she shared. Fueled by social media workout check-ins, the "puppy run" has become a viral hit among younger runners. Using GPS tracking apps, runners map out the shape of a dog on a digital map. This creative "art run" sweeps through Seochon, Samcheong-dong and Gwanghwamun, with runners navigating the alleyways to outline detailed features like ears, a tail and legs. Park noted, "The running culture itself is evolving, with more diverse and frequent events. Programs like 'My Pace Morning,' where city streets are closed to traffic from 7 to 9 a.m. so people can freely walk, run or cycle, seem to be gaining traction." She added that non-competitive, l

Aug 31, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Inside Seoul's rapidly growing urban running scene

Others

Digital creators, gov't join forces to reclaim facts about Korea

For social media feeds, gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) often get dismissed as Japanese sushi, and kimchi’s signature bite is mistaken for a splash of vinegar. To Cookim, a YouTuber with 1.6 million subscribers, those lazy comparisons miss the point entirely. "Gimbap isn't 'Korean sushi.' It’s a completely distinct dish with its own history, flavor and identity," says Cookim (@Cookim97), whose channel banner reads like a personal mission statement: Korean food to the world. That drive is clear in one of his viral videos, which racked up over 120,000 views in seven months. In it, he sets the record straight on kimchi, patiently explaining that its famous sourness comes from slow, traditional fermentation — not a splash of vinegar. His work goes beyond solo videos. Partnering with FACTS: KOREA — a cultural accuracy initiative run by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism — Cookim released a series of long- and short-form videos tackling widespread culinary myths, pulling in thousands of views. He isn't acting alone. Cookim belongs to a growing wave of digital creators part

Aug 31, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Digital creators, gov't join forces to reclaim facts about Korea

Others

TikTok creators turn K-culture curiosity into real-world spending: survey

For global fans watching content creator Jittomeok, whose username is @daygamin on online platform TikTok, broadcast her Korean food "mukbangs," falling in love with K-culture no longer stops at the screen. Through live interactions with her 1.1 million followers — particularly across Southeast Asia — what begins as curiosity about a dish quickly transforms into everyday lifestyle choices, from buying Korean cosmetics in Thailand to booking flights to Seoul. Her story offers a vivid window into a broader cultural shift. Speaking as an invited guest at a press conference at the Hotel Eliena in Gangnam District, Seoul, Wednesday, Jittomeok described how short-form video is reshaping global cultural exchange. "I can genuinely feel the incredible popularity of K-beauty overseas," she said during the press conference held to unveil the K-Culture on TikTok: Driving Global Economic Impact report, reflecting on how her online interactions led to selling Korean beauty products in Thailand and securing advertising contracts abroad. "K-dramas and K-pop are already widely loved, but that interes

Aug 26, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Park Jin-hai

Read more

Artisan behind Korea's legendary baduk boards

Food journey through Korea's administrative capital

How a London-based author is redefining kimchi

'The Scandal' unleashes forbidden passion in reimagined Joseon

Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung return for deeper conflict in 'Made in Korea' Season 2

How Ryu Jun-yeol tackled two roles in Netflix's series 'Mousetrap'

5 photo spots for perfectly timed September snaps in Seoul

Inside Seoul's rapidly growing urban running scene

Digital creators, gov't join forces to reclaim facts about Korea

TikTok creators turn K-culture curiosity into real-world spending: survey

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