Aug 16, 2019

[Weekender] How far off is the ‘cashless society’?

For 35-year-old office worker Kim Seong-soo, carrying a wallet loaded with cash or plastic is a thing of the past. In Pangyo Techno Valley, where he works, he can easily buy a cup of coffee and get ...

Aug 16, 2019

[Weekender] The life and death of Korean won

South Korean banknotes and coins begin life at a factory in Gyeongsan, just outside Daegu. They are then transported to the Bank of Korea’s vault in Seoul, heavily guarded by armed security officers,...

Aug 9, 2019

[Weekender] Finding balance on fast and furious water

Trying to stand on ferociously turbulent water is definitely an effective way to get an adrenaline rush. And indoor facilities allow enthusiasts to experience that all year round, amid the growing po...

Aug 9, 2019

[Weekender] Flying above the water

On a heat-soaked afternoon in Seoul, the placid waters of the Han River suddenly burst with energy. A figure mounted on top of what looks like a futuristic water-propelled jet pack performs energetic...

Aug 8, 2019

[Weekender] Come fly with me

Even preteens can enjoy thrill of skydiving within air-blasting tunnel It looked like I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. The ferocious funnel of wind swept me off my feet, out of Seoul, and into Maseong-r...

Aug 2, 2019

[Weekender] How our ancestors beat the heat

“The arrogant sun.” This is what Koreans called the source of scorching summer heat during the Joseon era (1392-1910). Summer was always sizzling and humid here. Just how did our ancestors cope with...

Aug 2, 2019

[Weekender] Peak season

As in previous years, measures are being taken to ensure road safety, with 4.9 million vehicles expected to hit the road each day. That includes extra police personnel and drones to monitor traffic v...

Jul 26, 2019

[Weekender] Summer on ice

In South Korea, summer isn’t summer without ice. On sizzling hot days, Koreans cool down with refreshing drinks filled with ice cubes. And ice -- finely shaved until it becomes satiny -- takes cente...

Jul 26, 2019

[Weekender] Decadent, minimalist, galactic - Bingsu is anything but boring

Bingsu -- finely shaved ice mixed with red bean, sweet milky sauce and various garnishes -- is an iconic summer dessert for South Koreans. Every year, experimental chefs come up with creative new re...

Jul 25, 2019

[Weekender] Cafes, coffee brands roll out seasonal drinks

For many coffee lovers, summer signals a switch to cold brews. At Starbucks, a seasonal offering has been so well received by Korean customers that the company has just weeks ago decided to put it o...

Jul 19, 2019

[Weekender] Palaces, fortress and historic sites at night

Seoul’s royal palaces are beautiful by day but they are even more stunning by night. On top of the beauty of centuries-old architecture majestically illuminated in darkness, the serene atmosphere in...

Jul 19, 2019

[Weekender] Better at night

With humid weather and blazing heat, summer can get the best of even the most avid outdoorsman. Fortunately, South Korea has many fun things to do at night. Here’s a guide on what to do, from a horr...

Jul 12, 2019

[Weekender] What to watch out for at FINA World Championships

The 18th FINA World Aquatics Championships kick off a 17-day run in the southwestern city of Gwangju, Friday, a biennial meet of the world’s swimming and diving stars. Taking place at five different ...

Jul 12, 2019

[Weekender] Expect faster swims at Yeosu open-water races

It is quite a spectacle to watch dozens of athletes jump into the ocean at once and swim to the horizon. Athletes dive during the open-water swimming event at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships i...