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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.

New express bus promises faster ride from downtown Seoul to Everland

A new express bus route linking downtown Seoul to Everland is set to slash travel times, giving residents and tourists a faster, transfer-free trip to Korea’s premier theme park, famous for its world-class roller coasters and expansive zoo. Samsung C&T Resort Group said Thursday that express bus route 4105 will begin service Saturday, providing a direct connection between Seoul Station and Everland through some of the capital's busiest commercial and tourism districts. The new route will depart from the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center and pass through Myeong-dong, Sungnyemun, Namdaemun Market and Itaewon before entering the expressway and continuing to Everland, Yongin's Cheoin District and Yangji. Until now, travelers leaving from central Seoul typically needed to transfer between buses or the subway, making the journey to Everland take about one hour and 40 to 50 minutes. The new route is expected to cut travel time to about one hour by eliminating transfers. The direct service is also expected to improve access for foreign tourists staying near major attractions such as Myeong-dong

Jul 30, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
New express bus promises faster ride from downtown Seoul to Everland

Chengdu's slow living, spicy flavors resonate with Korean travelers

CHENGDU, China — For a growing number of Koreans, Chengdu is less a dot on a map than a promise: That fans of Sichuan hotpot and mala already obsessed back home can come here to sweat over pepper-slick dishes one day, then rediscover the forgotten pleasure of doing absolutely nothing by simply sitting under a park-side tree. China’s fourth-largest metropolitan area, home to more than 21 million residents, has long been known domestically as a “land of abundance” — a basin ringed by mountains, blessed with fertile soil and, more recently, branded as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Chengdu has emerged as Koreans’ next favorite Chinese getaway not only because it’s cheaper, but because it offers exactly what many feel is missing in their busy lives: intensely flavorful food and spaces to slow down. On the plate: 24 flavors, penchant for spices Chengdu has a popular saying about the region’s love of heat: “Sichuan people are afraid food won’t be spicy enough.” In everyday life, dishes are not just hot; they are engineered to make the body sweat and cool down in Sichuan’s

Jul 30, 2026By Lee Hae-rin
Chengdu's slow living, spicy flavors resonate with Korean travelers

Yangcheon District turns Yongwangsan Skywalk into Seoul's newest nighttime hotspot

Night owls and sightseers in western Seoul have a dazzling new reason to visit the riverbanks this late summer. The Yangcheon District Office said Wednesday it is launching a regular public program at the newly opened Yongwangsan Skywalk, allowing visitors to watch stunning fireworks launched from Han River cruise ships. Yongwangsan Skywalk, an elevated circular observation deck that opened in April on Yongwangsan Mountain, has quickly become a favorite destination for both local residents and international tourists. Perched high above the treetops, the deck offers sweeping panoramic views of the Han River and the Seoul city skyline. To maximize the observatory's vantage point, Yangcheon District proactively coordinated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Han River Headquarters in June. The district requested an extension of the Han River cruise fireworks zone beyond its traditional locations at Yeouido and Nanji, stretching the display area to Anyang Stream near World Cup Bridge. The initiative proved to be a hit during trial runs on July 2 and July 8, when crowds gathere

Jul 29, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Yangcheon District turns Yongwangsan Skywalk into Seoul's newest nighttime hotspot

Explore Seoul's cinema hub: Jung District launches movie, alleyway stamp tour

Families on summer break, couples seeking unique date spots and local office workers searching for lunch options in downtown Seoul have a new incentive to explore the vibrant alleyways of Chungmu-ro and Eulji-ro. The Jung District Office said Wednesday that it is hosting the Eulji-Myeongbo Stamp Tour through Aug. 28 across the Eulji-ro and Chungmu-ro alley-style shopping district and the newly designated Seoul Film Center. Organized by the Eulji-Myeongbo Merchants Association, the promotion spans 34 local businesses located along the trendy "hip-muro" corridors — a playful portmanteau of hip and Chungmu-ro — featuring long-established eateries, hidden wine bars and eclectic cafes. The merchant group partnered with the Seoul Film Center to encourage both cultural visits and local neighborhood spending. Participating in the tour involves three straightforward steps. First, visitors show a Seoul Film Center movie ticket or upload a visit review to their personal social media accounts to receive a tour map and their first stamp at the film center's ticket booth. Next, participants visit

Jul 29, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Explore Seoul's cinema hub: Jung District launches movie, alleyway stamp tour

Seoul claims 4 spots on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026, Zest retains No. 2 ranking

Korea continues to prove its strong presence in the regional cocktail scene, with four local spots enshrined on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 list. The annual ranking, announced Tuesday night during a ceremony held in Macau, features the top drinking spots across 22 Asian cities. Zest retained its position, coming in second, while Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou took the number 1 spot. This achievement highlights the steady growth of Korea's bar industry. Zest was named the best bar in Korea for the third consecutive year. Located in Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul, it continues to draw international acclaim for its zero-waste philosophy, eco-conscious operations and deep commitment to sourcing seasonal local ingredients. Joining Zest on the list were three other prominent venues representing diverse styles. Alice, located in Seoul's Gangnam district and known for its unique atmosphere, took 13th place. Bar Cham, set inside a restored hanok in Jongno District in Seoul, placed 33rd for its focus on locally produced spirits and traditional Korean ingredients. Meanwhile, fashion-inspired newcomer

Jul 29, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Seoul claims 4 spots on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026, Zest retains No. 2 ranking

Seoul simplifies food delivery apps for international visitors

For the millions of international tourists visiting Korea, few local experiences carry as much cultural charm as ordering crispy fried chicken or steaming "tteokbokki" (chewy rice cakes simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce) directly to a picnic blanket on the banks of the Han River. For years, however, that local ritual remained frustratingly difficult for non-residents to experience, blocked by rigid digital requirements for domestic phone number verification and Korean-issued credit cards. Now, municipal authorities and private tech firms are actively tearing down those long-standing administrative barriers. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday that it had created a partnership with Woowa Brothers — operator of Korea’s dominant food delivery platform, Baedal Minjok (Baemin) — to render the nation’s famed food delivery ecosystem entirely accessible to international visitors. Under the new agreement, the delivery giant has overhauled its application infrastructure to eliminate the requirement for a Korean mobile phone subscription during checkout. International tr

Jul 29, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Seoul simplifies food delivery apps for international visitors

Foreign tourists' spending in Seoul surges more than 50 % in H1: data

The number of foreign visitors to Seoul in the first half of this year increased by more than 20 percent from the same period last year, while their credit card spending in the city surged by more than 50 percent, data from the city government showed Wednesday. Seoul attracted 8.23 million foreign tourists in the January-June period, up 21.3 percent from the first half of last year, the government said, noting their credit card spending soared 56.8 percent to 5.62 trillion won ($3.9 billion). Both the number of foreign visitors and their spending reached all-time highs in the first half, city government officials said. With spending growth far exceeding the increase in visitor numbers, Seoul tourism appears to be moving beyond a mere recovery in visitor numbers and entering a new growth phase driven by longer stays and higher consumption, they said. The city government said the shopping sector accounted for the largest share of foreign visitors' card spending, at 46.4 percent, followed by medical and wellness sectors at 24.4 percent. Foreigners' spending at large shopping malls in Seoul s

Jul 29, 2026By Yonhap
Foreign tourists' spending in Seoul surges more than 50 % in H1: data

KTO rolls out summer travel discounts to make domestic vacations more affordable

With millions of workers preparing for summer holidays, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is expanding a package of travel discounts aimed at easing vacation costs while encouraging people to explore destinations across Korea. The tourism agency said Wednesday it will introduce a series of promotional campaigns for participants in the government-backed worker vacation support program, offering discounts on regional travel products, wellness stays and leisure activities throughout the summer season. The worker vacation support program is designed to encourage domestic tourism by sharing travel costs among employees, companies and the government. Under the program, workers contribute 200,000 won ($145), while their employers and the government each provide an additional 100,000 won. The resulting 400,000 won travel fund can be used to purchase accommodations, admission tickets, travel packages and other tourism-related products through the program’s dedicated online platform, Vacation Shop. This year, the KTO is placing greater emphasis on regional tourism through partnerships with l

Jul 29, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
KTO rolls out summer travel discounts to make domestic vacations more affordable

Lotte Hotel & Resorts overhauls loyalty program, adds top-tier Diamond status

Lotte Hotel & Resorts said it will overhaul its free loyalty program, Lotte Hotel Rewards, starting in September, expanding member benefits and adding a new top-tier "Diamond" status. The company recently unified its hotel and resort websites, bringing roughly 4.7 million members under a single rewards system as it works toward 5 million members. The program allows members earn and redeem points at more than 40 hotels, resorts and golf courses worldwide, as well as through its e-SHOP online mall. The overhaul expands membership tiers from four to five — Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum and the newly added Diamond — with Diamond reserved for members who log 60 nights or 110,000 points annually. The company also eased the requirements to reach each tier: Silver now requires two nights instead of five, Gold 12 nights instead of 25 and Platinum 30 nights instead of 50. Benefits are also expanding. Gold members will newly receive breakfast vouchers, while Diamond members get up to 15 percent off at dining outlets, 3 p.m. late checkout, room upgrades, welcome amenities and club lounge access

Jul 29, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Lotte Hotel & Resorts overhauls loyalty program, adds top-tier Diamond status

Korea's signature forest trail in Jecheon wins over hikers, tourists

When local cultural guide Lee Sun-yeo first explored the mountains of Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, she found a web of narrow paths used by herbalists. All she did, in her own modest telling, was connect the disjointed paths and widen them slightly for local residents. From that work emerged one of Korea’s signature forest trails. Known as Cheongpungho Jadrakgil, the trail has become a major draw for hikers, with seven routes that preserve the landscape in its natural state. Jecheon has attracted more than 10 million visitors annually for the past three years, with Cheongpungho Lake and Jadrakgil among its leading attractions. Lee was no stranger to mountains or hiking. She had climbed to peaks across the country before becoming a cultural guide in 2008. When the Jeju Olle Trail became popular in 2010, she began developing the idea for Jadrakgil with the Jecheon city government. After two years of being stung by bees, bitten by snakes and cut by tall grass — at one point she started carrying spears to fend off wild boars — Lee, city officials and experts finally completed t

Jul 29, 2026By Hankookilbo
Korea's signature forest trail in Jecheon wins over hikers, tourists
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