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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.

Hotel Briefs

 The Sheraton Grande Walkerhill offers two “2016 Red Monkey Packages” to celebrate New Year until Feb. 29.Both packages include a one-night stay and a “Walkerhill Red Monkeys” cushion gift.The “Hello Monkeys” package offers a one-night stay in a Douglas Room with a light breakfast served in an exclusive lounge. The package price starts from 163,000 won. The “Welcome Monkeys!” package offers a one-night stay in a deluxe room with a breakfast at The Buffet. The package price starts from 224,000 won. The cushion is an art collaboration with silkscreen artist Kim Gun-joo whose previous work includes those with Jansports, Lacoste, Toms and Chevrolet. For more information about the packages and reservations, call (02) 2022-0000. The Grand Hyatt Incheon will hold a series of Lunar New Year packages under the theme “I Love Trees” between Feb. 5 and 13.The “Fun” option in the package includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two and access to the wooden playground and Nintendo play zone. It also offers compliment

Jan 14, 2016
Hotel Briefs

Sheraton Incheon Hotel becomes Sheraton Grand Incheon

Sheraton Incheon Hotel in Songdo has gained a new name which is Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel. / Courtesy of Sheraton Grand Incheon HotelBy Kim Se-jeongSheraton Incheon Hotel in Songdo threw a party on Jan. 8 to celebrate its new name — Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel.Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has added the word “Grand” to the names of Sheraton properties in an attempt to recognize properties that showed exceptional business performances and to solidify the international hotel chain’s brand name.Starwood has “Sheraton Grande” brand around the world, which is different from “Sheraton Grand.”Properties around the world, from Beijing and Dubai to Rio de Janeiro and Edinburgh, have received the honor.The chain is expected to add “Grand” to the names of almost 100 properties by 2020, according to General Manager Richard Suter.Suter said the honor came as a surprise.“We were all surprised. Also, we were so excited (to hear the news). It is recognition for the people who work at the hotel.”He also attributed t

Jan 14, 2016
Sheraton Incheon Hotel becomes Sheraton Grand Incheon

Millennium Seoul Hilton launches Bleu Diamond membership

Millennium Seoul Hilton has launched Bleu Diamond membership that is exclusive to the hotel. / Courtesy of Millennium Seoul HiltonBy Kim Se-jeongThe Millennium Seoul Hilton has launched a Bleu Diamond membership that is exclusive to the hotel.Members can enjoy a 40-percent discount off all room rates. They can also have 10 to 33 percent discounts at all the hotel’s restaurants or bars on all orders depending on the number of guests. The hotel also gives two complimentary tickets to its Executive Health Club, which is a high-tech space.Members who order catering or a banquet for a party or wedding can receive 5 percent discount. The hotel also has partner resorts and medical facilities which members can benefit from.The list of partners are: Hilton Namhae Golf and Spa Resort; Hilton Gyeongju; Haeundae Grand Hotel; Elysian Gangchon/Jeju; Life Center Chaum; Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center; and Lao Lao Bay Golf and Resort.“This program will give Hilton’s regulars a wider range of services,” the hotel’s public relations tea

Jan 14, 2016
Millennium Seoul Hilton launches Bleu Diamond membership

1,213 weeks of fight

A police officer steps over a butterfly-shaped stick in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul on Jan. 6, during the 1,212th weekly rally denouncing the sexual enslavement of Korean women during World War II and the government’s recent agreement with Japan over the issue. The butterfly is a symbol displayed at the rallies. Some 1,000 activists, protesters and survivors of the wartime sex slavery attended the rally entering its 24th year. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chulBy Nam Hyun-wooSince 1992, Korean victims of sex slavery during World War II and their supporters have been holding rallies every Wednesday to denounce the crime against humanity and demand that Japan repent for its wartime atrocities. Fighting the heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter, they kept their protests mostly in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul and this familiar sight has continued for two dozen years, or 1,213 weeks as of Wednesday.Then there came the landmark deal between Seoul and Tokyo on Dec. 28 to resolve this long stalled issue. Japan promised one-billion-yen in compensation

Jan 14, 2016
1,213 weeks of fight
  • Separate fund planned for ex-sex slaves

Speed alpinist Ueli Steck 'addicted' to mountains

Swiss mountaineer Ueli Steck blows climbing chalk on his hands during an interview with The Korea Times at an indoor climbing center in Nonhyeon-dong, southern Seoul, Tuesday. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-sukBy Nam Hyun-wooWhile moviegoers here who watched the recent alpine movie, “The Himalayas,” enjoyed the scenes showing how dangerous and demanding it is to ascend mountains, some climbers set themselves even riskier challenges to overcome.Ueli Steck, whose nickname is “The Swiss Machine,” is among those who attempt increasingly difficult challenges. Among various endeavors undertaken, one attempted by only a few climbers is a timed ascent of a mountain. The 39-year-old has accumulated an impressive list of record achievements.One of his most recent and admirable feats was when he scaled 82 peaks in the Alps, the elevation of which averages 4,000 meters above sea level. Only a few alpinists are able to do this, and Steck achieved it in just 62 days last August.Ueli Steck holds onto a grip on an artificial wall at an indoor climbing center in Nonhyeon-dong

Jan 14, 2016
Speed alpinist Ueli Steck 'addicted' to mountains

2016 brings world-class musicians to Korea

Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Seoul Arts Center on Jan. 28-29. / Courtesy of VinceroBy Kwon Ji-youn This year, world-class orchestras are set to return to Seoul with compelling programs; ensembles are looking to visit the capital for the first time; ballet troupes will mark 400 years since Shakespeare’s death; and young pianists are seeking to keep the home fires burning with recitals and records for their Korean fans.Here is 2016’s classical line-up: From around the world The 520-year-old Vienna Boys’ Choir will hail the New Year with concerts at the Seoul Arts Center (SAC) on Jan. 24. The choir, the world’s best-known boys’ choir and one of three imperial Austrian musical groups along with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera, bring a program of sacred and folk music unique to the ensemble, and during its stay in Korea, it will host a special round of auditions to recruit local talent.The Vienna Boys’ Choir / Courtesy of CrediaThe Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will a

Jan 7, 2016
2016 brings world-class musicians to Korea

Three festivals chosen as best culture and tourism events

Hwacheon Sancheoneo (mountain trout) Ice FestivalBy Chung Ah-youngThree festivals ― Hwacheon Sancheoneo (mountain trout) Ice Festival, Gimje Horizon Festival and Jarasum International Jazz Festival ― have been selected as the best events for this year among some 1,000 events nationwide. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently announced 43 festivals that will be recognized as 2016 Culture Tourism Festivals. The selection has been made through on-the-spot evaluations and expert opinion. The 43 events are in four categories: Premier, Top, Outstanding, and Up-and-Coming festivals.Three Premier Festivals have received positive reviews from not only Koreans but foreigners. Jarasum International Jazz FestivalThe Gimje Horizon Festival has taken place from late September to early October every year since 1999 around Byeokgolje Reservoir in Gimje, North Jeolla Province. Based on Korea’s farming culture, the festival shows the amazing skyline and horizon of the vast agricultural area.The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a popular winter event that allows visitor

Jan 7, 2016

LCCs face fiercer competition in 2016

Competition among the nation’s low-cost carriers is expected to further intensify this year because airlines are buying more planes and expanding their air routes in order to attract more travelers from full-service carriers. / Korea Times fileBy Chung Ah-youngLow-cost carriers (LCCs) here are expected to compete more fiercely than ever this year as they are buying more planes and expanding their routes to attract more travelers from full-service carriers. Also, Air Seoul, a newcomer, affiliated with Asiana Airlines, the nation’s second largest carrier, plans to launch operation this year as it has recently obtained a license from the government. The budget carriers have exponentially grown over the last 10 years, threatening the positions of the nation’s premium carriers ― Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. With lower fares, no-frills airlines make profits for charging fees on food or beverages by reducing conventional services. In Korea, Jeju Air was established as the first low-cost carrier in 2005. T’way AirAccording to the

Jan 7, 2016
LCCs face fiercer competition in 2016

Drinking culture in Korea centuries past

People sleeping on the streets around 1900-10 / Courtesy of Robert Neff collectionBy Robert NeffNew Years has arrived and many people will celebrate it with friends and family. Undoubtedly, alcohol will play a large part of this celebration ― especially beer.It is unclear when beer was introduced into Korea but more than likely it involved Western warships. One drinking incident took place in August 1875 when a British warship ― sailing along the coast of Korea ― was visited by a group of local Korean dignitaries. The Koreans were given a tour around the ship and then, in a sign of friendship, drinks were exchanged.The senior Korean offered makgeolli to his host who described it as “whitish in colour and sour in taste.” The British captain answered by commanding a keg of pale ale to be brought out and served to the Koreans who gave “no signs of pleasure or disgust” while drinking it.A decade later, a couple of Englishmen stopped at a Korean inn located halfway between Jemulpo (modern Incheon) and Seoul. Wanting to be friendly, the men shared thr

Jan 3, 2016
Drinking culture in Korea centuries past

Tour explores Korea's traditional brewing culture

Artisan Kim Taek-sang glues flour dough to a pot used for distilling soju to prevent vapor from escaping. / Courtesy of Gastro Tour SeoulBy Yun Suh-youngCalifornia has its beer-hopping tours and Europe has a variety of winery tours. Visiting beer breweries and wineries in Western countries has become a common tour program while traveling, whereas such tours are yet to be fostered in Asia.In Korea, the concept of an alcohol-specific tour, such as visiting a brewery or distillery dedicated to creating a specific alcohol, had been unexplored until Gastro Tour Seoul run by Veronica Kang started taking tourists on them from last year."I wanted to bring out the interest in tourists, both foreign and local, about Korea's traditional drinks and the people behind making them," said Kang, while guiding the reporter to a soju artisan's workshop as part of a Brew Master Tour she organized."I wanted to share the stories of the artisans who strive to keep our tradition and culture alive. Through listening to their stories and experiencing our traditions, I hope to help foreigners understand our fo

Jan 3, 2016
Tour explores Korea's traditional brewing culture
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