Lifestyle - The Korea Times

InterviewPastor Jack Graham emphasizes gospel’s role in digital age

Jack Graham, the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas and a prominent leader of U.S. evangelicalism, said the fundamental role of a pastor remains unchanged even in the rapidly evolving era of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology. "I wouldn't say that the role of the pastor is changing," Graham said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. "What I do as a pastor and preacher is different than what someone in the 19th century would have done, but it has nothing to do with changing the responsibility of the role of the pastor overall." Graham recently visited Korea at the invitation of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)-Korea to celebrate the broadcaster’s 70th anniversary. His visit was facilitated by his longtime friend, Billy Kim, the chairman of FEBC-Korea. "This is my first time over. I don't know why I've waited so long to get here," Graham said. "My good friend, Billy Kim, has invited me many times through the years and it just never worked out. But right now is the best time, the right time, and I'm so glad that we have the opportunity to experie

May 19, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul

Pastor Jack Graham emphasizes gospel’s role in digital age

Jeonju B-boy Grand Prix: Heritage city transforms into global breaking hub

Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, known for its traditional hanok village, is pivoting from its traditional identity to become Korea's premier hub for street dance. The 19th Jeonju B-boy Grand Prix kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Samsung Culture Center of Jeonbuk National University. The major cultural event will feature more than 20 crews, including international breakdancers from Japan, China and Taiwan, competing for a total prize pool of 18 million won ($11,970). The winning crew will receive 10 million won. Jeonju cemented its position in the domestic breaking scene after local crew Last For One won the Battle of the Year competition in Germany in 2005, becoming the first Korean team to claim the international title. This unprecedented global victory broke Seoul's cultural dominance in the breaking scene, sparking regional confidence that led to the creation of the Grand Prix in 2007. The festival has rapidly evolved into an international stage, as seen when renowned Japanese crew Body Carnival won the 17th competition in Jeonju, drawing inquiries from overseas participants. The fi

May 18, 2026By Hankookilbo

Jeonju B-boy Grand Prix: Heritage city transforms into global breaking hub

BLACKPINK’s Jennie goes viral with effortlessly cool off-duty fashion photos

Jennie has gone viral online after fans noticed something unusual in a mirror selfie shared alongside her latest off-duty fashion photos. On Friday, the BLACKPINK star uploaded a series of pictures to social media with the caption, “im really bad at organizing photos.” The photos showcased Jennie’s signature effortless street style, featuring a mix of cropped sweatshirts, leather jackets, plaid skirts and colorful knitwear. Fans especially praised her layered styling, which included a blue knit top, a Superman-logo sweater and oversized leather outerwear, creating a trendy Y2K-inspired look. But it was one mirror photo that unexpectedly became the biggest talking point online. In the image, Jennie poses in front of a mirror wearing a white top paired with a black leather jacket. Some viewers said the atmosphere of her face reflected in the mirror gave off a subtly different vibe compared to the angle facing the camera directly, quickly sparking discussion across online communities and social media. Most reactions were positive, with fans focusing on Jennie’s natural charm and effo

May 16, 2026By Xportsnews

BLACKPINK’s Jennie goes viral with effortlessly cool off-duty fashion photos

Viral Bread Taxi turns Daejeon into Korea’s bakery pilgrimage capital

“The taxi is booked through the end of the year. For the bus, you can reserve through the travel site.” These were Ahn Sung-woo’s words, said from behind the wheel of his “Bread Taxi,” answering call after call from customers hoping to book his bakery tour in Daejeon. The phone has barely stopped ringing since the 64-year-old driver started Bread Taxi, a service that takes passengers to bakeries around Daejeon, and went viral on social media. His taxi has become almost as familiar as Sungsimdang, Daejeon’s famed bakery. At Daejeon Station on May 6, Ahn handed “bakery pilgrimage” certificates to passengers who had completed the bakery tour, his playful name for the route he takes through various Daejeon bakeries. The passengers beamed as they received the certificates and posed for photos. To keep up with surging demand, Ahn began operating a Bread Bus in May. Even after passengers left, reservation calls and text messages arrived every few minutes. When asked how his life changed since the Bread Taxi took off, he said, “These days are the happiest.” Ahn’s route to the

May 16, 2026By Hankookilbo

Viral Bread Taxi turns Daejeon into Korea’s bakery pilgrimage capital

Why Seoul firefighters trade fire scenes for fitness stages

"Let's go, Gangnam Fire Station!" Loud cheers rang out during the 15th annual Seoul firefighter fitness competition that was held Thursday at the Seoul Fire Academy in Eunpyeong District. The venue was filled with enthusiastic cheers from colleagues and family members for the 29 participating firefighters, who warmed up with dumbbells before taking the stage. Removing their uniform jackets, the participants took the stage and showcased their chiseled physiques built through rigorous, high-intensity training, reflecting their dedication to protecting the public. The event is more than a simple bodybuilding competition; it is designed to highlight the physical conditioning firefighters require to save lives in disaster zones. Top competitors are selected as models for a charity calendar. Now in its 12th year, the calendar project has raised approximately 1.25 billion won ($833,823) through sales and donations to fund medical treatments for 302 burn victims. Participants also spoke about their motivations. "I endured because I wanted to inspire public confidence, and it became an opportunity f

May 15, 2026By Hankookilbo

Why Seoul firefighters trade fire scenes for fitness stages

KTO selects 30 startups for open innovation program

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said Friday that it has selected 30 startups for its 2026 Tourism Open Innovation program, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between nimble tech upstarts and the country’s established corporate titans. The announcement followed a kickoff event Wednesday at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, marking the start of a series of partnerships aimed at modernizing the nation’s travel infrastructure. The program functions as a matchmaker, pairing startups with large and mid-sized enterprises to develop pilot projects using the partners' vast resources. The selection process was notably competitive, with 302 companies vying for spots — a 10-to-1 ratio that highlights a growing appetite for digital transformation within the sector. Of the 30 finalists, 10 are specialized in artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting a strategic shift toward automated and hyper-personalized travel experiences. Under the initiative, the KTO will provide each startup with up to 100 million won ($73,000) in pilot funding, supplemented by specialized consulting and dir

May 15, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

KTO selects 30 startups for open innovation program

King Sejong Institute Foundation to hold worldwide Korean language contest

The King Sejong Institute Foundation, tasked with promoting Korean language and culture abroad, will host preliminary rounds for two international competitions through June, the state-run organization said Thursday. The initiative coincides with the May 15 birthday of King Sejong, the 15th-century monarch credited with the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. The 2026 King Sejong Institute Korean Language Speaking and Writing Competition, now entering its 17th year, will challenge participants to articulate their motivations for learning the language and its practical role in their daily lives. In an expansion of its outreach, the foundation has also inaugurated the 2026 King Sejong Institute Korean Culture Competition. This new program invites students to showcase talents in three specific categories: pop dance, traditional music and traditional dance. Applications for both individual and group entries are being coordinated through local institutes worldwide. Beyond the internal prestige of the awards, the competitions serve as a primary pipeline for the foundation’s broader edu

May 15, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

King Sejong Institute Foundation to hold worldwide Korean language contest

RISD president underscores human core of creativity in AI era

Crystal Williams, president of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), underscored the enduring role of art and design in defining human identity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), stressing that creativity remains rooted in human emotion and cultural expression. “Art-making, creativity and design are fundamental to defining our humanity, shaping how we connect ideas, emotions, histories and cultures,” Williams said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. While describing AI as a powerful tool, she noted its limitations, saying it can be harnessed with care and consideration but cannot independently generate human emotion or nuance. Founded in 1877, RISD has long positioned itself as a pioneer in art and design education. Emphasizing its legacy of challenging conventions, Williams said the institution was built on the belief that art and design are essential to society and continue to shape new generations of creative leaders. She also pointed to the broad societal impact of the school's global alumni network, which includes more than 33,000 graduates working across discip

May 15, 2026By Jung Da-hyun

RISD president underscores human core of creativity in AI era

Busan’s veteran cab drivers reveal port city’s best-kept culinary secrets

In a city shaped by winding mountain roads and coastal alleys, the most reliable restaurant recommendations don’t come from critics, but from the men and women who drive the streets for a living. Busan Metropolitan City announced Thursday the return of the 11th Busan Old Town Activation Festival, aptly dubbed "Taxchelin" — a portmanteau of "taxi" and "Michelin." Running from May 22-24, the festival celebrates the authentic local flavors endorsed by veteran cab drivers with more than a decade of experience. This year, the event expands its geographic footprint beyond the historic districts of Jung District, Seo District, Dong District and Yeongdo District to include the southern reaches of Nam District. The festivities will kick off on the evening of May 22 at Busan Station Square with an opening ceremony that bridges the gap between heritage and haute cuisine. The highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of a collaboration between Sinbalwon — a century-old dumpling house in Busan’s Chinatown — and Chef Park Ki-seop of the Michelin-recognized Sogongan Dining. Together, th

May 14, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Busan’s veteran cab drivers reveal port city’s best-kept culinary secrets

Spring harvest takes center stage at Gwanghwamun Square

A vibrant forest has momentarily taken root in Gwanghwamun Square at the heart of the capital. The Korea Forest Service and the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute launched the 2026 Forest Food Festival earlier this week, transforming the historic square into a sprawling marketplace for the nation’s seasonal mountain delicacies. The event serves as the physical centerpiece of a monthlong campaign to promote the culinary and medicinal value of Korea’s forest products. As spring reaches its peak, the festival offers urbanites a rare chance to source premium wild mountain herbs directly from the growers who cultivate them. The opening ceremony featured an unlikely culinary duo: Park Eun-sik, administrator of the Korea Forest Service, and Cho Hee-sook, the esteemed chef often hailed as the "Godmother of Hansik" (traditional Korean cuisine). Together, they led a demonstration showcasing the health benefits and gastronomic potential of forest-grown ingredients. Attendees were treated to tastings of modernized Korean dishes featuring foraged mountain greens, elevated from rustic mountain st