Lifestyle - The Korea Times

South Korea refutes China's claim on industrial standard for kimchi

At Eyang village in South Jeolla Province's Hwasun County, people from social welfare agencies make kimchi for elderlies living alone and people with disabilities on Nov. 27. Courtesy of Hwasun County OfficeKimchi is not just fermented cabbage but a central part of Korea's food culture, and the process of making it has already been recognized as a global standard for nearly two decades, Seoul's agriculture ministry said Monday. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs made the remark to refute Chinese media's claim that Beijing has won a certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for its kimchi making process.The ministry said Beijing won ISO certification for pao cai, another type of pickled vegetable consumed in China, which "has nothing to do with kimchi." "We need to understand that pao cai is different from kimchi," the ministry said.China began the process of standardizing pao chai in 2019, and five ISO members ― China, Turkey, India, Iran and Serbia ― last week approved categories of pao cai, according to the ISO document, which said

Nov 30, 2020

South Korea refutes China's claim on industrial standard for kimchi

Kimchi controversy: China's cultural provocation

Remains of two Silla people found in castle wall of Wolseong Palace site in Gyeongju

Part of the excavation of Wolseong Palace and the west rampart. / Courtesy of Cultural Heritage Administration By Kwon Mee-yooThe remains of two Unified Silla era people were found in the ramparts of the Wolseong Palace excavation site in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (GNRICH) revealed Friday. The discovery came during excavation and academic research on the west rampart and the approach road between Gyerim Forest and Wolseong. The bodies of the two men in their 50s found in the castle walls are considered the first case in Korea of "Insingonghui," or human sacrifice, in the process of building a rampart. According to legend, an embankment or building would not collapse if a person was buried under a cornerstone.The excavation of the west rampart of Wolseong was conducted in a bid to identify the palace gate site. The bodies were found between a base construction layer and an artificial ground laye

Nov 27, 2020By Kwon Mee-yoo

Remains of two Silla people found in castle wall of Wolseong Palace site in Gyeongju

Enjoy Korean royal desserts at Kohojae

A server at Korea House serves chrysanthemum tea for the autumn dessert course in Seoul on Nov. 19. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-sukBy Kwon Mee-yooAs Korean food continues to gain influence internationally, relatively lesser-known traditional Korean desserts are receiving renewed attention.Korea House in central Seoul launched Kohojae, a second brand specializing in traditional Korean confectionery, earlier this year. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and traditional Korean architecture with a variety of Korean sweet treats once served to royalty. "Nowadays Koreans are familiar with desserts as there are so many cafes serving a variety of confections. Trendy youngsters are always looking for something new and dessert is no exception. At Kohojae, they find new desserts, not from abroad but from our own tradition," Jin Na-ra, manager of the marketing planning team at Korea House, said.The royal desserts are served at Munhyangru, one of the annexes of Korea House. The name Munhyangru means a palace with fragrances.The two-hour tea session is available upon reservation and the locati

Nov 26, 2020By Kwon Mee-yoo

Hotel Lobby

By Jun Ji-hyeInterContinental Seoul COEX offers winter packages With the winter season fast approaching, InterContinental Seoul COEX is presenting two types of winter packages for guests to choose from.Guests can select between “Afternoon Tea” and “Wonder Hour” which are held at The Lobby Lounge on the ground floor of the hotel, and enjoy it during an overnight stay at the hotel. The Afternoon Tea package includes The Lobby Lounge's afternoon tea set made from seasonal ingredients. Chestnut opera, persimmon mousse, mugwort “injeolmi” (rice cake) rolls and various other desserts as well as sandwiches are served with coffee or tea. The Wonder Hour package offers a voucher for two that provides unlimited wine, drinks and food during the night hours. As the promotion offers three types of beer and 10 types of wine ― with no limit on consumption ― and also includes 30 types of snacks, it is a good choice for joyful year-end gatherings. Both packages are available until Dec. 30 excluding Dec. 24 and 25.All guests

Nov 26, 2020By Jun Ji-hye

US lowers travel advisory to Level 2 for Korea

People wearing face masks to help protect against the spread of the coronavirus walk at the Cheonggye Stream during launch time in Seoul, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. APThe United States has lowered its travel warning for South Korea by a notch to Level 2, which advises its citizens to use "increased caution" while traveling to the Asian country, the latest travel advisory posted on the website of the State Department showed Tuesday.The department had a Level 3 travel advisory placed on South Korea since Aug. 6."South Korea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within South Korea," the latest advisory said of the reason for the change.It noted a 14-day mandatory quarantine remains in effect for travelers from the United States to South Korea.South Korea has seen a recent spike in the number of infections, but its daily cases still remain well below 400.As of Tuesday (Seoul time), the country has reported a total of 31,353 confi

Nov 25, 2020

US lowers travel advisory to Level 2 for Korea

1 in 2 Koreans say quality of travel depends on items they pack

By Jun Ji-hyeChoi Joo-na, a 32-year-old office worker in Seoul, never forgets to pack her Polaroid camera and instant film into her luggage whenever going on a trip. For her, the Polaroid camera is a medium that records the moments and joy of her trip as well as being an inanimate travel companion.“I want to capture my enjoyment of the trip through instant analog photography as I believe this heightens the experience and moments during my trip,” she said.Like Choi, 55 percent of Korean millennial travelers believe that the quality of their experiences during the trip can vary depending on the travel items they pack with them, according to a recent survey conducted by global online travel agency Expedia.The company surveyed 300 Koreans aged between 20 and 39 from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, focusing on what they considered “essential” items for their travel and the reasons behind this.In the survey, nine out of 10 respondents said they have their own special travel items they always pack with them, and nearly 30 percent have felt these items to be like actual travel co

Nov 25, 2020By Jun Ji-hye

1 in 2 Koreans say quality of travel depends on items they pack

Michelin announces 3-star restaurants in Seoul, adds new eco-friendly rating

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, speaks during an online event called “Michelin Star Revelation Seoul 2021: Jewels of Korea,” Thursday. Courtesy of Michelin KoreaBy Park Ji-wonCover image for “The Michelin Guide Seoul”The French tire company Michelin Group announced 32 starred restaurants Thursday, including two three-star restaurants, in the fifth edition of “The Michelin Guide Seoul” for 2021, released on Thursday. It also introduced the Michelin Green Star, a new rating category to designate eco-friendly restaurants.Two upscale restaurants ― La Yeon and Gaon ― won the French food guide's three stars for five consecutive years since the introduction of the book's Seoul version in 2016. Seven two-star restaurants and 23 one-star restaurants, which include four new restaurants, were also announced. Michelin has been awarding stars ranging from one to three after secretly inspecting restaurants from the entire spectrum of the local food scene every year.Mitou, Muni, L'amant Secret and 7th Door, which won one star ea

Nov 20, 2020By Park Ji-won

Michelin announces 3-star restaurants in Seoul, adds new eco-friendly rating

Turkish herbal teas and their health benefits

Turkish Linden tea is known to be effective against the flu, colds and coughs. / Courtesy of Turkish Ministry of Culture and TourismBy Jun Ji-hyeIt has become more important than ever for people around the world to keep themselves in good health and boost their immune systems to combat COVID-19 amid the prolonged pandemic. Turkey has many practices that help people stay strong and healthy, such as drinking natural herbal teas very often.According to the World Tea Report compiled by the International Tea Committee, Turkey took the first place for highest consumption of tea, with an annual 3.5 kilograms per capita. In 2019, 260,000 tons of tea were consumed in Turkey. Turks taking the first place in this field was not surprising, since the country has a habit of drinking tea, from breakfast all through the day until bedtime in the evening.The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism introduced Turkish herbal teas from various plants, noting that some of these herbal teas strengthen the immune system, while some are good for fighting disease. The ministry added, however, due to their var

Nov 19, 2020

Turkish herbal teas and their health benefits

Hotel Lobby

By Jun Ji-hyeWestin Chosun Seoul introduces champagne promotion The Westin Chosun Seoul has introduced a champagne promotion dubbed, “Bubbly Night Out,” with three different champagnes offered at reasonable prices at the Lounge & Bar located on the lobby floor. During the promotion available until Nov. 30, Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut and Louis Roederer Brut Premier are discounted up to 50 percent.Veuve Clicquot is distinctive for its yeasty, baked flavors combined with primary aromas of apple, pear and lemon, complemented by a sweet finish.Containing flowery and fruity aromas entwined in firm acidity, Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut is sweet on the palate and slightly bitter at the end. Louis Roederer Brut Premier is a structured wine framed in regular acidity, a full-bodied wine with delicate aroma of fruits and May tree, stored for over three years on average.The Lounge & Bar will also offer a sharing platter that pairs well with the champagne. The chef's special side menu offers perfect pairin

Nov 19, 2020

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas offers early bird room promotion

A junior suite room at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas / Courtesy of Grand InterContinental Seoul ParnasBy Jun Ji-hyeThe Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas is holding its “Re-opening Early Bird Promotion” in November before the official re-opening of the hotel on Dec. 1 after 11 months of remodeling.The hotel said it is offering early bird rates to express its gratitude to guests who have waited for the re-opening, noting that the promotion is ideal for people looking for an affordable hotel stay where they can be the first to experience the completely refurbished rooms and enjoy the hotel's signature luxury services, as well as shopping and cultural facilities directly connected to the hotel building. The promotion includes an overnight stay in a room fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, breakfast for two at Grand Kitchen with a revamped menu, a newly designed InterContinental signature teddy bear, two movie tickets for Megabox COEX and complimentary amenities that come with macarons and a house wine selected by the hotel's head sommelier. All early bird gue

Nov 12, 2020

Travel & Food

Travel & Food

South Korea refutes China's claim on industrial standard for kimchi

Remains of two Silla people found in castle wall of Wolseong Palace site in Gyeongju

Enjoy Korean royal desserts at Kohojae

Hotel Lobby

US lowers travel advisory to Level 2 for Korea

1 in 2 Koreans say quality of travel depends on items they pack

Michelin announces 3-star restaurants in Seoul, adds new eco-friendly rating

Turkish herbal teas and their health benefits

Hotel Lobby

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas offers early bird room promotion

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