Kwon Mee-yoo

Enjoying Christmas

Children dressed as Santa Claus hold candles and sing carols at a day care center in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Christmas Eve, Tuesday. Courtesy of Gwangju Buk District Office

Gyeongbok Palace unveils wall paintings with help of Gucci

Choi Eung-chon, right, head of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), observes a replica of the "Flowers and Birds" wall painting at Gyotaejeon Hall at Gyeongbok Palace, downtown Seoul, Wednesday. This copy, along with "Monkeys and Immortal Peaches," was produced through a collaboration between the KHS and Gucci, following a social contribution agreement for preserving, managing and utilizing cultural heritage. Typically closed to the public, Gyotaejeon Hall will temporarily open through Dec. 30, allowing visitors a rare glimpse of these replicated paintings. Courtesy of KHS

INTERVIEW Chef Chae Jung-eun preserves Korea's fermentation traditions in Australia

When traditional Korean fermentation techniques meet the lush landscapes of Australia, chef Chae Jung-eun crafts an authentic and personal culinary experience.

Lee Moka's debut at Hong Kong auction shatters expectations

Korean artist Lee Moka made a dazzling debut on the international art auction when her painting "I’m Not Like Me" (2020) fetched 1.65 million Hong Kong dollars ($211,328 or 300 million won) — more than quadrupling its estimate — at a Phillips sale in Hong Kong, Monday.

PHOTOS Goryeo's jade green treasures revealed

Cho Seong-jin honors Ravel's 150th anniversary with recording project

Pianist Cho Seong-jin will release a series of albums commemorating the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth in 2025. Under the Deutsche Grammophon label, Cho brings Ravel’s complete solo piano works and piano concertos to life, navigating the composer’s harmonious repertoire while cementing his status as one of the most elegant and exceptional pianists of his generation.

Sejong Institute graduates gather in Seoul

Harriet Savile Sams, right, a graduate of the King Sejong Institute London, receives an award for the best essay in the institute's learners' experience in Korea contest from Bae Jong-min, secretary-general of the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF), during a gathering of the institute's graduates and sponsoring organizations at a hotel in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of KSIF

Universal appeal of Korean literature

For over half a century, The Korea Times has nurtured aspiring translators through its Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards, celebrating the efforts of translators who connect Korean literature with global audiences. Last week's 55th award ceremony was made even more significant by a historic achievement in October — Han Kang became the first Korean writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature, a recognition that elevates not only her work but also the universal appeal of Korean storytelling.

Joseon court music exhibit travels to Sweden

The Korean Cultural Center in Sweden, in collaboration with the National Gugak Center, presents an exhibit titled "Dances & Music of the Joseon Royal Court," shedding light on the rich history and ceremonial grandeur of the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom's court music and dance.

INTERVIEW Get lost in The Met, where Korean art adventure awaits

NEW YORK — “If there’s one thing I recommend to everyone at The Met, it’s this: come here to ‘get lost,’” says Max Hollein, director and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.