u/GJWon

Jeju Island and the Jeju Tourism Organization announced that the 'Colorful Sanji Festival' will be held in the area around Tamna Culture Plaza on August 23, 29, and 30, starting with an opening ceremony on August 22.

The event begins with an opening ceremony on August 22 at Buksu-gu Plaza featuring performances by local artists and the band Daybreak, followed by a talk concert and night run program on the 23rd hosted by singer Sean titled 'Running Mate of Sharing, A Life Running Together.'

Youth band and dance competitions will be held during the event. Side events include a kids' water park, magic and bubble shows, and a flea market, while a purchase receipt event linked with nearby businesses will also take place.

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KIAF Seoul, Korea's largest art fair, and Frieze Seoul, a world-class art fair, will open their doors simultaneously at COEX in Seoul on the 2nd of next month. Marking the fifth year of this joint hosting, which began in 2022, the event is expected to serve as a stage to gauge the potential for a rebound in the Korean art market and Seoul's competitiveness as an "Asian art hub."

The details of this year's events and major exhibits have been revealed. KIAF will be held from September 2 to 6, and Frieze from September 2 to 5.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, KIAF will feature 175 galleries from 18 countries. This includes 127 domestic and 48 international venues. Major Korean galleries such as Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Gana Art, Hakgojae, and Arario Gallery, as well as Japan's White Stone Gallery and Germany's Kornfeld Gallery, will set up booths. Twenty galleries, including 15 from overseas and 5 from Korea, are participating for the first time this year.

The theme of this year's KIAF is "Coexistence." In an era of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, the exhibition re-examines human senses and creativity and explores the relationship between humans and technology.

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Unexpectedly, the collection of cicada larvae has been banned in the Yeouido Han River Park area.

This is because some foreigners have been repeatedly collecting large quantities of cicada larvae.

It is presumed to be related to the fact that cicada larvae or adult insects are used as food ingredients in China and some parts of Southeast Asia.

According to the law, collecting insects or plants in Han River Park without permission is subject to a fine of up to 100,000 won.

The ‘Seoul World Fireworks Festival 2026 with Hanwha’ will be held in the Yeouido Hangang Park area.

Hanwha, the organizer, has moved the Seoul World Fireworks Festival, which was held in late September last year, to early September this year, taking into account the Chuseok holiday and the demand from foreign tourists.

Representative fireworks teams from a total of three countries, including Hanwha representing South Korea, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom, are scheduled to participate in the Seoul World Fireworks Festival to showcase fireworks performances featuring the unique characteristics and production techniques of each nation.

There is a reason why Korea is keeping a straight face in the face of Trump's pressure to reduce ROK-U.S. joint military exercises.

It is because they view this as a process to rapidly achieve the self-reliant defense and the recovery of wartime operational control (OPCON) recently declared by the South Korean President.

The official response is one of concern that the reduction in exercises will weaken the ROK-U.S. alliance and create a security vacuum.

On the other hand, from the perspective of recovering OPCON and establishing a defense system led by the South Korean military, they view this change as a realistic opportunity to realize self-reliant defense.

Hyundai Motor is recruiting participants for 'Forest Run 2026,' a running campaign aimed at a sustainable future.

Since 2016, Hyundai Motor has been conducting an eco-friendly social contribution campaign to raise awareness about fine dust and create clean skies, encouraging participants to contribute to forestation through tree donations.

Previously operated under the name 'The Longest Run,' the campaign was renamed 'Forest Run' last year, marking its 10th iteration, to further emphasize the significance of tree planting.

To date, approximately 250,000 cumulative participants have joined the campaign, running a total of 7.47 million kilometers and planting 30,850 trees.

This year's 'Forest Run 2026' will take place on September 12, 2026, featuring a 10-kilometer course starting from the Culture Plaza at Yeouido Park, passing Seogang Bridge, and returning to the turnaround point. For the 11th anniversary of 'Forest Run 2026,' Hyundai Motor has selected the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world's largest humanitarian aid organization, as the official recipient and is participating in the 'Half Moon Project.'

The 'Half Moon Project,' conducted in partnership with the WFP, is a project that contributes to the long-term ecosystem restoration of the Sahel region in West Africa—which has been devastated by desertification—through soil restoration, water conservation, and agricultural support.

Hyundai Motor plans to significantly increase the donation amount per participant this year, aiming to plant approximately 100,000 trees in Niger, located in the Sahel region, with a total of 6,500 participants.

Customers wishing to participate in 'Forest Run 2026' can purchase donation participation tickets at the Hyundai Shop starting from the 23rd. The ticket is priced at 50,000 KRW and is sold on a first-come, first-served basis to a limited number of 6,500 people. Further details can be found on the Forest Run page of Hyundai Motor's official website.

https://www.hyundai.com/kr/ko/brand/forestrun/information

The Spicy Braised Hairtail Street is a former fish wholesale hub that has been reborn as a famous spot for fish cuisine.

If you order barley rice in the Kalguksu Alley, a small size Kalguksu or Bibim Naengmyeon is served as a complimentary side dish. The experience of sitting huddled together on makeshift stools, so cramped that you bump shoulders with strangers, is unforgettable.

Freshly fried seed hotteok, meat dumplings, fish cake skewers, glutinous rice cakes, sundae, and bindaetteok are perfect snacks to enjoy while walking. Vegetable hotteok, filled with thin glass noodles and chives and pan-fried in oil, boasts a savory flavor distinct from the sweet seed hotteok. It appeals to the palates of foreigners as well, gaining popularity as a representative street food.

A professional tour guide who has been touring the alleys of Namdaemun Market and greeting the market merchants for over a decade.

https://airbnb.com/x/food

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Traditional tourist districts such as Myeong-dong, Gangnam, and Hongdae are the primary destinations for foreigners.

Amidst this trend, the Majang-dong Livestock Market in Seongdong-gu is emerging as a new destination. Originally known as a wholesale and retail market where Seoul residents could buy fresh meat at low prices, this place has recently begun to gain international recognition as YouTubers have successively uploaded videos of themselves buying Hanwoo beef and grilling it on the spot.

Content featuring Japanese chefs tasting Majang-dong Hanwoo garnered high viewership, and rumors spread that meat sold at butcher shops is traded at prices significantly lower than those in general distribution channels like department stores. Merchants explain that the market receives over 20,000 visitors annually, with a significant number recently being foreigners.

The appeal of Majang-dong extends beyond mere low prices. Each store legally displays the country of origin and grade (e.g., 1+, 1++), allowing foreign visitors to select meat with confidence. Another attractive feature is the system where visitors can take purchased meat to nearby restaurants to have it grilled on the spot for a small fee.

Free tasting events hosted by the market are also a draw. Experts attribute these changes to shifts in travel patterns driven by the spread of K-content. As the number of foreigners seeking to experience the everyday lifestyle and food of Koreans firsthand—going beyond simply touring famous tourist attractions—increases, non-tourist spaces like retail markets are emerging as new hotspots.

A natural trend has emerged where visitors can tour nearby "hot spots" like Seongsu-dong and Seoul Forest, and then grab a meal in Majang-dong.

Han Seo Jun's Dark allure , Decadent beauty

He exudes a strong sense of 'decadent beauty,' characterized by his signature cool and alluring aura.

His greatest charm lies in his deep, soulful eyes, which give the impression of being melancholic, wounded, or deeply agonizing over something.

His sharp jawline, prominent nose, and full yet calm lip line harmonize to create a sophisticated image.

https://www.instagram.com/seojoon\_42?igsh=cXp1OHVyZDFnM2Rr

https://youtube.com/channel/UCynCpkq9ZgHfEdwX5F0df1A?si=85QWxIroItGLuO4m

Even though they had to cancel their trips and stay home due to the rain, they welcome it. This is because the southern rural regions are suffering from a drought. It is part of Korean culture to smile and say, "It’s such a relief that the drought has been relieved!"

Within this lies the uniquely Korean sentiment of "we must all prosper together."

1. "Pumasi"

In Korea, the culture of "Pumasi"—where villagers help each other with farming—has been deeply ingrained since ancient times. That is why, even if the city where they live is fine, they worry when it doesn't rain in the countryside. Their vacation plans have been disrupted, but they feel, "Still, looking at our society as a whole, it is a much better outcome."

2. "Jeong"

When they see a farmer sighing on TV news at their parched fields due to the drought, you feel upset as if it were their own family's problem. It is a warm heart that rejoices together when someone else's worries are resolved.

3. Peace of Mind

The real reason why the rain on Liberation Day is welcome is the uniquely Korean warm meddling and sense of solidarity—the belief that it is better for everyone to prosper together rather than just enjoying oneself alone!

As Korea's representative family restaurant, Ashley Queens is a space where you can enjoy over 200 diverse premium buffet menu items unlimitedly at a reasonable price.

1. Reasonable Price and Composition: They offer reasonable price points that vary depending on whether it is weekday lunch, dinner, weekends, or holidays, and provide a wide range of cuisines including Korean, Western, Chinese, Japanese (sushi and rolls), grill, and desserts.

2. Seasonal Limited Menu Strategy: Rather than simply emphasizing low prices, they continuously introduce seasonal limited menus that reflect seasonal ingredients and specific characteristics of each time of year, providing customers with a compelling reason to visit.

3. Utilization of Dessert Time and Idle Time: By enhancing our unlimited dessert and coffee offerings, they have transformed the restaurant from a simple dining space into an alternative to a café, thereby efficiently utilizing idle time such as break times.

4. Expansion of Space and Brand Experience: Along with the expansion of store openings centered on large stores, they are maintaining the brand's freshness and expanding consumer touchpoints through differentiated interiors and the operation of pop-up stores.

The problem surrounding pro-Japanese collaborators during the Japanese colonial period is not merely a matter of the past; it remains a heated topic that continues to clash in Korean society today. Just like actress Ha Young, when the family backgrounds of famous figures are highlighted on television or in the media, the pro-Japanese history of their ancestors is often revealed, frequently sparking major social uproar.

There is a history where pro-Japanese collaborators could not be punished due to the end of the colonial era and the Cold War with the United States. Since the wealth and honor accumulated through the pro-Japanese activities of those who sold out the country continue to be passed down to their descendants to this day, the truth must be thoroughly investigated and rectified. While it may be considered excessive to hold the descendants living in the present accountable for events that happened so long ago, this is a necessary step given that the past shapes the present.

"Fandom Stage," a survival variety show featuring K-pop fandoms, has released its first two episodes on Wavve and YouTube. Its unique premise involves fans, rather than artists, becoming the protagonists to compete using skills accumulated during the so-called "fandom" process—ranging from ticket reservations to cheering methods and the creation of fan-made content. The concept reflects the characteristics of K-pop, where fans move beyond being mere consumers to becoming partners who drive the growth and activities of artists.

Ten fandoms spanning generations—from first-generation idol group god to Big Bang, Twice, and Rize—participated in the program. Yoon Doo-joon of the idol group Highlight, now in its 18th year since debut, served as the host.

The missions transformed actual fan activities into games resembling a sports day. During the ticketing war, the sight of the "Fan god" participants—long-time fans—struggling with the modern reservation system while the newer idol fandoms stretched their mouse cursors and disabled pop-up blockers provides natural humor. The unity of the fandom can also be glimpsed in the ‘Random Cheering Challenge,’ where fans run on treadmills and chant cheers as if they were playing at a concert. It is truly awe-inspiring to see the ‘SEVENTEEN’ fandom, ‘CARAT,’ memorize the names of the 13 members in order and then recite them in reverse. A pure affection, which anyone who has ever felt the ‘fan spirit’ of liking someone can relate to, permeates the entire program.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEsZjqfOby74&si=kFFadU7Nu3SpoUWO

The extreme heat wave has subsided, but the heat of the Han River swimming pool continues.

Vacationers continue to visit to escape the remaining heat with cool water activities.

The weather is noticeably cooler than it was a few days ago.

Announcements continue to be made asking people to fold their parasols to prevent safety accidents caused by strong winds.

Citizens are enjoying the rest of the summer in the noticeably subdued heat.

It feels like it's been autumn since Monday, but the weather has gotten a bit chilly. It's cool when you're in the water, but the wind is a bit cold when you're outside.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, as of August 6th, the cumulative number of users at the six Han River water play facilities was tallied at approximately 394,000.

Since its opening on June 19th, it appears to have surpassed 400,000 visitors.

Unlike during extreme heat waves, the temperature has dropped significantly, allowing you to enjoy water activities in a much more pleasant environment.

Citizens are swimming through the cool water and enjoying water activities by passing beach balls.

You can also see people lying on sunbeds and leisurely tanning.

The shade under which mats can be spread out is already fully occupied.

While cooling off from the heat is good, maintaining safety and order is also important.

Diving and smoking are prohibited here, and please follow the garbage disposal guidelines so that everyone can enjoy a pleasant summer vacation.

In 2026, six Han River swimming pools and water parks will be operated, including those in Ttukseom and Yeouido, as well as the Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji, and Yanghwa water parks. The period is from June 19th to August 30th. The fees are 5,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for teenagers, and 3,000 won for children, and 3,000 won for the water park for adults, 2,000 won for teenagers, and 1,000 won for children. The Mangwon and Jamwon swimming pools are closed due to construction, and Yeouido and Nanji also host night DJ performances.

"Ipchu Magic" is a term referring to the phenomenon where, as if by magic, the heat subsides and the air becomes cool after Ipchu, one of the 24 solar terms, has passed.

Although it remains hot this week with daytime highs reaching 32–34 degrees, the lowest temperatures in Seoul have dropped to 22–25 degrees. With the night cooling down extended, the weather can be seen as typical "Ipchu Magic" weather, offering cool mornings and evenings.

While Ipchu marks the beginning of autumn, the heat actually feels like it drops more significantly around Cheoseo. Cheoseo signifies the end of the heat and the transition into a cooler season, and Cheoseo in 2026 falls on August 23rd.

However, due to the impact of climate change, summers have recently become longer, leading to more frequent instances where heatwaves and tropical nights persist even after Cheoseo has passed. Therefore, it is better to view the current coolness not as a signal that autumn has arrived, but rather as a temporary relief after passing the peak of a prolonged heatwave.

See you in Autumn https://airbnb.com/x/seoultour

You can find kind local guides through various travel platforms, but for private cars and drivers, please ensure the vehicle has a Yellow License Plate for commercial passenger transport.

This keeps your trip safe and legal.

You can book Toue Guides through multiple travel platforms to find someone who fits your interests.

☆ Vehicles and drivers

You must be checked for commercial registration. In Korea, this usually means a Yellow License Plate.

Confirming these details beforehand helps prevent issues with safety, insurance, and local regulations.

Ask providers if the guide is experienced and if the vehicle is a licensed commercial passenger vehicle!

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The very race to show off all the training you've done so far—don't hesitate!

Hyrox is a race that combines running and workout stations, consisting of 8 repetitions of a 1km run and one workout station.

Compete solo in the Hyrox Single Open/Pro, team up with a partner in the Hyrox Double Open/Double Pro, or take on the Hyrox Relay with three friends.

https://hyroxsouthkorea.com/event/hyrox-seoul/

Two Chinese nationals, former soldiers, have been detained for wiretapping major military facilities of the South Korean and U.S. armies or for stealing military information by recruiting U.S. Forces Korea officials.

The Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency arrested a Chinese national in his 60s on charges of general treason and violating the Communications Secret Protection Act. This Chinese national, a former member of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, is accused of wiretapping communications between fighter jets and a control tower at a hotel near Gunsan Airport in North Jeolla Province, where South Korean and U.S. Air Force forces are stationed, in April 2026. He committed these crimes after installing receiving devices, including a one-way SDR receiver, an antenna, and a laptop, inside the hotel.

Police confirmed that the Chinese national had traveled to and from Korea multiple times using a tourist visa since January 2024. Military exercises by the South Korean and U.S. Air Forces took place during his recent entry.

During police questioning, the individual stated, "Listening to aircraft communications is my hobby." Deeming the statement unreliable, the police are investigating whether wiretapped communication records were leaked to the outside.

The police have also arrested and are investigating another Chinese national on charges of general treason and violating the Military Base Act for recruiting U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) officials to steal military-related data. Mr. B is suspected of recruiting personnel at Camp Humphreys (K-6), a USFK base in Pyeongtaek, from November 2021 to May of this year to steal military-related materials.

This Chinese national, a former member of the People's Liberation Army, operated a military supply store near the main gate of Camp Humphreys and continued his criminal activities for several years. He collected personnel data, including materials related to the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint South Korea-U.S. military exercise, as well as photos of command departments and inauguration ceremonies, and even filmed the movement of weapons inside Camp Humphreys.

The police had been tracking this Chinese national for several years and recently arrested him following a search and seizure operation.

Gyeongnam Province and the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation have selected and announced the ‘August Gyeongnam Travel Playlist (Summer Festival Edition)’ to help you blow away the summer heat and create unforgettable memories during the summer vacation season.

◆ Music and Media Art Adorning the Namgang River… Jinju ‘M2 (MUSIC & MEDIA) FESTIVAL’

The ‘Jinju M2 Festival,’ Gyeongnam’s representative summer night festival where music and media harmonize, transforms the gently flowing Namgang River into a special stage for a midsummer night.

Visitors can enjoy live performances by domestic musicians while feeling the river breeze, and a media art show featuring hundreds of drones illuminating the night sky offers a unique spectacle. Light displays harmonizing with the floating stage enhance the festive atmosphere, and food and beer zones set up on-site allow visitors to enjoy a variety of treats, making it the perfect place to escape the heat on a summer night.

◆ Korea’s Representative Spine-Chilling Horror Festival Hapcheon ‘Ghost Park’

The entire Hapcheon Video Theme Park, the largest film set in Korea, transforms into a massive, spine-chilling horror experience zone once the sun sets.

Experiences featuring ghosts in realistic special effects makeup and horror attractions organized by difficulty levels offer visitors a unique kind of fun. Operating primarily at night, it not only helps visitors forget the sweltering heat but also features makeup experiences and various events, allowing them to enjoy a chilling summer night.

◆ An Emotional Night Trip Under the Moonlight of Mt. Jirisan: Sancheong ‘Jirisan Moonlight Stroll’

The ‘Jungsan Duryu Ecological Trail’ in Sancheong, where you can experience Mt. Jirisan’s Cheonwangbong Peak up close, is a healing trail where anyone can walk comfortably along the clear Jungsanri Valley and beautiful natural scenery.

In particular, on August 15th, the ‘Jirisan Moonlight Stroll’ takes place, an emotional night tourism event utilizing Mt. Jirisan’s magnificent nature and the moonlight and starlight of the night sky. From night trekking under soft landscape lighting to performances, hands-on programs, flea markets, and food stalls, visitors can fully enjoy the summer nights of Mt. Jirisan accompanied by cool mountain breezes.

◆ Geumgwan Gaya Revived by Light: Gimhae ‘Gaya Theme Park Light Festival’

The ‘Voyage Toward Light’ light festival, held at Gimhae Gaya Theme Park, is a storytelling-style night festival that offers a modern reinterpretation of the founding myth of Geumgwan Gaya.

Large-scale light performances and media displays adorning various parts of the theme park present a fantastic nightscape, while jazz performances and live stages by traditional Korean music bands add to the summer night atmosphere.

Local food booths featuring small business owners from the Gimhae region are also operated at the festival grounds. Visitors can enjoy handmade baked goods and various desserts, and an art shop selling aesthetic items is also available. With plenty to see, eat, and do, this night festival is perfect for families and couples to enjoy together.