Seoul's National Folk Museum draws record number of foreign visitors SEOUL, January 5 (AJP) - Over a million foreign tourists visited the National Folk Museum in central Seoul last year. According to tallies compiled by the museum and released on Monday, out of 2.28 million total visitors, about 1.35 million were foreigners, the highest among museums in South Korea. Overall admissions rose about 58.3 percent from 1.44 million in 2024, while foreign visitors increased by 103 percent. The country's largest museum showcases everyday life and culture including historical and traditional rituals, seasonal customs, and folklore, attracting many foreign visitors as it sits at the heart of Seoul near Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the top attractions for international travelers. Based on its survey conducted last year, the museum said foreign respondents cited informative displays and exhibitions as the top reason for their visit, followed by various hands-on programs and a tour package with Gyeongbokgung Palace. "As the museum marks its 80th anniversary this year, we will make efforts to enhance visitors' experiences by offering more programs and revamping shops and other facilities,” said the museum's director Jang Sang-hun. Meanwhile, the museum held a New Year's Day event, giving a welcome gift to its first visitor, who came from Ho Chi Minh City, visiting with her family. 2026-01-05 17:30:20

Nearly 90% of South Koreans use streaming services SEOUL, December 15 (AJP) - Nearly 90 percent of South Koreans use online streaming services and platforms, with an average of 2.1 subscriptions per person, according to a survey by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency. The survey, based on face-to-face interviews with 6,554 people conducted over three months starting in July, found that 54.2 percent of subscribers were paid users. YouTube led with 85.4 percent of users, followed by Netflix at 47.6 percent, Coupang Play at 18.9 percent, and TVING at 13.1 percent. Smartphones were the most popular devices for accessing the services (91.7 percent), followed by TVs (31.5 percent) and PCs (10.6 percent). Average viewing times were 101 minutes on weekdays and 128 minutes on weekends. Users spent an average of 10,909 Korean won (about US$7.60) per month on paid services and were willing to pay up to 14,076 won. But their preferred subscription price was 7,939 won, reflecting a cost-saving trend, with 64.7 percent of users taking advantage of discount offers. Among Netflix and TVING users, 34.8 percent said they could tolerate ad-supported options in exchange for lower subscription fees, and 87.3 percent of them were willing to continue using such plans. But users of YouTube Premium for ad-free viewing rose to 20.6 percent, up 6 percentage points from a year earlier. About 58.6 percent of respondents said they watch shorts and other brief videos because they don't take up much time and allow them to focus on the most engaging parts. Among these viewers, 33.3 percent clicked on in-video shopping links, and 31.4 percent went on to make purchases. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-15 11:05:41

UNESCO official expresses regret over redevelopment project near Jongmyo Shrine SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Lazare Eloundou Assomo, head of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, reiterated the need for a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) amid controversy over a redevelopment project near Jongmyo Shrine. During a meeting in Paris, France on Wednesday with Huh Min, head of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), Assomo expressed strong regret over the project. The controversy began after the Seoul Metropolitan Government abruptly decided late last month to raise the height limit for the area, which is slated for redevelopment into an urban complex. The KHS worries that raising the height limit from 71.9 meters to 145 meters could diminish the historical and cultural value of the UNESCO World Heritage site, designated in 1995 for its unique architectural landscape and historical significance as a royal ancestral ritual space. Assomo had previously sent a letter on Nov. 15, urging the South Korean government to conduct a survey to assess potential impacts on the values of the World Heritage site before proceeding with the project. Huh explained the country's efforts and commitment to preserving the ancient shrine’s values in line with UNESCO's recommendations. Huh also met with Khaled El-Enany, the new UNESCO Secretary-General the previous day, to discuss preparations for next year's World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan, outlining the plans and seeking UNESCO's support. Promising his attendance at the meeting, El-Enany praised South Korea's efforts to preserve its national heritage and cultural assets and pledged UNESCO's full support. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-27 11:10:16

National Museum of Korea set to open new gallery showcasing Islamic art SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - The National Museum of Korea is set to open a new gallery featuring Islamic-themed art on its third floor starting Saturday. The exhibition is divided into three themes: religious art, cultural expansion, and court culture and manuscripts, covering Islamic art from the 7th to the 19th century. The first section showcases the essence of Islamic calligraphy, from early Quran manuscripts on parchment to large manuscripts from the Timurid Empire. Architectural elements like mihrab panels, mosque lamps, and prayer carpets are adorned with arabesque and geometric patterns, creating a sacred atmosphere. The gallery's dome and octagonal design are expected to enhance the immersive experience. The second section features astrolabes and celestial globes, highlighting Islamic curiosity about new worlds. Glass, ceramics, and metalwork crafted by Islamic artisans demonstrate the fusion of diverse artistic traditions. The third section focuses on the artistic and scholarly achievements of the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires. Luxurious carpets, textiles, and jewelry reflect imperial authority and sophistication. Manuscripts, supported by royal patronage, are celebrated as comprehensive cultural heritage, blending religion, literature, history, and science. An online preview of the gallery, led by curator Kwon Hye-eun, is scheduled for streaming on the museum's YouTube channel Friday evening. On Saturday at 1:00 p.m., Dr. Munia Sheikhab Abudaya, assistant curator at the museum will give a lecture on Islamic art. Visitors can attend on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservations are necessary. Yoo Hong-jun, director of the museum, expressed hope that visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and appreciate the diversity and coexistence of human cultures. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-21 13:55:08

Crowds flock to Gyeongju museum after APEC summit SEOUL, November 5 (AJP) - A couple of exhibition rooms and halls at the Gyeongju National Museum, which were used as the main venues for last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city, are set to open for general admission, starting this week. Capitalizing on the momentum from the city's successful hosting of the multilateral gathering, the museum is running a special exhibition from Thursday through the end of next month, featuring the actual tables where global leaders met, official diplomatic protocol items, and memorabilia from various sideline meetings and events. Visitors will be allowed to tour the summit's various venues including those where President Lee Jae Myung met with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. They can also take photos at several photo zones set up throughout the museum. Located in the heart of the city, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that flourished for over 1,000 years, the museum is known for its rich collection of artifacts and other relics of historical and cultural significance. "We are pleased to present this special exhibition, offering visitors an immersive journey into the spaces and atmosphere of the recently concluded summit," said the museum's director Yoon Sang-deok, expressing his excitement. Meanwhile, another exhibition there showcasing ornate, gold-plated ancient crowns has become a hit after news spread that a replica was among the lavish gifts given to Trump during his visit. Swamped with hordes of visitors, the museum has capped daily admissions at 2,250, allowing only 150 people per session. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-05 14:17:11

Park Bo-gum to promote hanbok globally in time for Chuseok SEOUL, October 2 (AJP) - A series of giant billboard ads featuring actor Park Bo-gum is set to appear in several major cities overseas including Times Square, New York next week, coinciding with Chuseok, one of the country's biggest holidays. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Thursday, the ads showing Park in hanbok or traditional Korean dress will light up the streets of New York, Milan, and Tokyo for a week, starting from Chuseok Day, which falls on Oct. 6 this year. In Seoul, it will be displayed on the exterior wall of Shinsegae Department Store's main branch in central Seoul throughout the whole month of October. Through similar ads in past years, figure skating star Kim Yu-na, singer-turned-actress Suzy, and actress Kim Tae-ri promoted the beauty of hanbok, along with its modern interpretations and variations. The ads are part of the ministry's project to promote hanbok globally through collaborations with talented designers and artists. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-02 10:16:22

Large-scale expo in Spain to promote Korean culture and products overseas SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - Amid the resurgence of the Korean Wave, fueled by the global popularity of K-pop, a large-scale expo will be held in Spain next week to promote Korean culture and products overseas. The expo comes in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries will run for three days in Madrid from Sept. 28 to 30, featuring participation from various industries including music, gaming, food, cosmetics, and tourism. It is the second of its kind, after the inaugural expo held in Toronto in August last year. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the expo will also provide business consultations for those interested in making inroads into the South Korean market. Various programs including exhibitions, performances, and interactive events are expected to amuse participants and other visitors during the expo. On the opening day, singer-songwriter Hong Isaac, known for several of his hit drama soundtracks, will perform on stage along with other singers including Ben and Cho Yu-ree. SIU, the creator of the country's largest portal Naver's hit webtoon series "Tower of God," will hold an autograph signing session for European fans. Over 60 South Korean companies including 20 cosmetics retailers will participate and seek new business opportunities in Europe. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-17 10:48:33