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CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.

Seoul turns underground municipal gallery into Pokémon destination

Seoul City Hall is trading bureaucratic gray for Pikachu orange. The Seoul Gallery, an underground exhibition space owned by the municipal government, is preparing to welcome an unusual resident: An exclusive Pikachu dressed in traditional Korean clothes, brought to life through a high-profile civic partnership. Beginning Friday and running through Oct. 11, the basement level of City Hall will host a special Pokémon GO autumn picnic event. The collaboration arrives as the gallery approaches a special milestone of one million visitors since its grand opening in February 2026, cementing its status as an unorthodox anchor for public engagement in Korea’s bustling capital. City officials are leaning into global pop culture as a nontraditional way to bridge the gap between citizens and the municipal government. Inside the venue, players opening the mobile game will encounter the rare hanbok-clad Pikachu, along with themed augmented reality photo booths and digital garden projections. This playful atmosphere is seamlessly interwoven with civic education. Directly adjacent to the gaming zone

Sep 14, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Seoul turns underground municipal gallery into Pokémon destination

Seoul Design International Forum to explore life-centered urban future

Seoul will bring together architects, designers, scientists and urban policy experts this week to explore how a life-centered approach to design can shape more vital cities. The 2026 Seoul Design International Forum will be held on Tuesday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza under the theme, “Vital Cities: Designing New Possibilities for Life.” The free event will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will be livestreamed through the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Korean- and English-language YouTube channels. The forum, now in its seventh year, comes as the capital seeks to broaden its approach from human-centered design to what city officials describe as life-centered design — an approach that considers people alongside plants, animals and other living things that coexist in urban spaces. “Human-centered design has long been important, but there is now growing discussion of life-centered design, a concept that emphasizes the coexistence of people with other living organisms in urban environments,” Choi In-kyu, director-general at the city’s design policy bureau, told The Korea Times. The

Sep 14, 2026By Jung Min-ho
Seoul Design International Forum to explore life-centered urban future

Rev. Lee Young-hoon preaches spiritual renewal in London

Rev. Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, gathered nearly 50 Korean missionaries from across Europe and the former Soviet states in London to deliver messages of spiritual renewal and outline a fresh vision for European evangelization. Lee served as the keynote speaker at the 2026 London Missionary Conference, held from Sept. 7-10 at London Full Gospel Church. Organized to help missionaries rediscover their spiritual purpose and deepen their theological roots, the four-day gathering brought together 47 missionaries serving across Europe and the former Soviet states. During an academic seminar and workshop on Tuesday, Lee delivered a lecture titled "Full Gospel Faith and Theology." He shared the core teachings of Full Gospel faith, focusing on faith in God and the power of the Holy Spirit in daily life. "God is a God of justice and at the same time a God of love," Lee said. "Emphasizing only justice leads to legalism, while emphasizing only love can result in a false sense of grace." He stressed that learning the Bible and experiencing the Holy Spirit must go together

Sep 13, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Rev. Lee Young-hoon preaches spiritual renewal in London

Former T-ara member Ryu Hwa-young marries businessman in Seoul

Actress and former T-ara member Ryu Hwa-young is getting married Saturday to a businessman three years her senior. Ryu, 33, is set to hold a private wedding ceremony at an undisclosed location in Seoul, attended only by family members and close acquaintances from both sides. The couple first met through an acquaintance before developing a romantic relationship. Ryu announced the date of their wedding on social media in April, saying, "On top of the excitement, I gained certainty, and now we want to walk the same path together." A day before the wedding, Ryu shared her excitement with followers, saying, "Thanks to all your support, the two of us will make our grand entrance tomorrow." Born in 1993, Ryu debuted as a member of K-pop girl group T-ara in 2010. She left the group in 2012 and subsequently pursued an acting career. She has appeared in television series including "Hello, My Twenties!," "My Father Is Strange," "Mad Dog" and "Player 2: Master of Swindlers," as well as the film "Exist Within." This article from Xportsnews was adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Ti

Sep 12, 2026By Xportsnews
Former T-ara member Ryu Hwa-young marries businessman in Seoul

Korea's hottest new cultural exports take center stage at The Hyundai Seoul

Forget cheap plastic keychains and generic refrigerator magnets. Korea is elevating the humble travel souvenir into a high-design art form, debuting its premier lineup of culturally rooted artisanal goods in the heart of Yeouido. Starting Friday, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) unveiled "Korea Select 25," an exclusive 10-day showcase at The Hyundai Seoul running through Sept. 20. Staged on the department store’s lively fifth floor, the pop-up introduces the 25 winning entries of the 2026 Korea Tourism Souvenir Contest to the public for the first time. The crown jewel of this year’s competition — securing the prestigious Presidential Award — is a handcrafted brass tableware set titled "The Brilliant Stage of Baudeogi, Unfolded on the Dining Table." Drawing inspiration from the traditional folding fans used by Baudeogi, Korea’s legendary 19th-century female folk performer from Anseong, the "bangjja yugi" (forged bronze) collection seamlessly blends historic performing arts with modern lifestyle aesthetics. The choice of venue reflects a broader shift in how international vis

Sep 12, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Korea's hottest new cultural exports take center stage at The Hyundai Seoul

Seoul, Bangkok teens bridge history and culture to build global friendships

Sixty teenagers from Seoul and Bangkok have wrapped up a dynamic five-day cultural exchange, forging cross-border friendships while tracing the deep historical roots connecting Korea and Thailand. The initiative, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, brought 30 students from Bangkok to the Korean capital from Monday through Friday. Running continuously since 2008, the long-standing exchange bridges youth from both metropolises through hands-on cultural immersion and shared heritage. Joined by 10 chaperones and city officials, the delegation kicked off the week Monday at Gwanghwamun Square’s “Garden of Gratitude.” Together, the students paid tribute to Thailand’s pivotal role in the 1950-53 Korean War. Thailand was among the first nations to dispatch food aid and deployment forces — including land, naval and air units under the United Nations Command — where Thai soldiers earned the legendary moniker “Little Tigers” for their bravery on the battlefield. Beyond historical reflections, the itinerary plunged participants straight into Seoul’s modern rhythm. The group

Sep 11, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Seoul, Bangkok teens bridge history and culture to build global friendships

Unplug, unwind at Seoul Botanic Park's autumn haven

Escape the fast-paced energy of the capital and step into an urban sanctuary in western Seoul, as Seoul Botanic Park invites travelers and residents to slow down and reconnect with nature. Running from September through November, the park is launching 20 immersive seasonal programs — ranging from guided eco-walks to hands-on botanical workshops — designed to bring children, families and solo explorers closer to Korea’s vibrant autumn wildlife and flora. The programs span four areas, including native plants, insect and bird observation, and garden design, with activities tailored to different ages and interests, Seoul Botanic Park said. Children can learn about plant survival strategies, make crafts, cook seasonal food, tend gardens and plant succulents through programs held at Children’s Garden School. Among them is “Our Plant Story,” which explores native plants found at the park, along with “Little Botanist,” “Yum Yum Plant Table” and “Climate Hero Expedition.” Family programs move beyond indoor instruction, inviting participants outdoors to search for grasshoppe

Sep 11, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Unplug, unwind at Seoul Botanic Park's autumn haven

Ditch the commute and hit the mat at Seoul Museum of Craft Art

Trade the rush-hour crush for sunset views, quiet mindfulness and creative spark at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art — located in the heart of central Seoul, just steps from Anguk Station at the entrance to historic Insa-dong and Bukchon — as it opens its doors after dark this fall. Residents and travelers alike are invited to unwind through open-air yoga on the museum grounds, evening heritage runs through historic Bukchon and hands-on traditional craft workshops. The programs are designed to give residents more ways to use the museum as an evening leisure space, while supporting Seoul’s efforts to expand nighttime cultural activity. The first yoga and meditation sessions begin Sept. 19 and continue through Oct. 14, with six sessions scheduled at 6:30 p.m. in outdoor areas including the Craft Yard and rooftop. Participants will wear headsets and follow professional instructors through yoga and meditation accompanied by sounds including singing bowls, a traditional Korean plucked zither, handpans and gongs. About 880 people are expected to participate across the six sessions. The museum

Sep 11, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Ditch the commute and hit the mat at Seoul Museum of Craft Art

Korea's regional cities bet on culture for growth

Nestled along the banks of the Miryang River in South Gyeongsang Province, about 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, an ambitious national initiative for regional development is taking shape. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with South Gyeongsang Province and the National Council of Cultural Cities, opened the 2026 National Cultural City Fair on Friday. Running through Sunday near the historic Yeongnamru Pavilion, the four-day gathering brings together 37 designated “cultural cities” across Korea to share how local heritage can help revitalize provincial towns. Faced with severe demographic shifts and rapid rural depopulation, Korea launched its Cultural City initiative in 2019. The policy aims to empower municipalities, local artists and residents to cultivate unique cultural identities, driving local economic growth and reversing youth exodus. Over the past seven years, the program has grown into a cornerstone of regional policy, providing structural support to help smaller cities build sustainable, creative ecosystems outside the capital region. “Cult

Sep 11, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Korea's regional cities bet on culture for growth

Seocho District to host 19-and-up 'Mystery Party' beer festival

Free-flowing cold draft beer, electric DJ sets and a distinctly adults-only vibe are taking over one of Gangnam's quietest commercial pockets this autumn. The Seocho District Office announced the return of the "19-Plus Mysterious Friday Party," an adults-only street festival designed to reboot local business along Jamwonha-gil, a bustling alleyway stretch nestled between Sinsa and Nonhyeon subway stations. Set for three consecutive autumn Fridays — Sept. 11, Sept. 18 and Oct. 2 — from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event pairs neighborhood dining with unlimited beer. The entry fee for a night of bottomless drafts? A single receipt showing a purchase of at least 10,000 won (about $7.50) from any participating neighborhood vendor or eatery. While Korea is world-renowned for its high-energy nightlife, local district offices rarely orchestrate adults-focused block parties. Launched in 2024 to breathe fresh life into Jamwon-dong's independent restaurant corridor, the initiative boasts a 95 percent approval rating from previous attendees. Capitalizing on that momentum, district organizers expanded

Sep 10, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Seocho District to host 19-and-up 'Mystery Party' beer festival
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