As the temperature drops, it becomes harder to get out of bed. The cold is particularly taxing for sports enthusiasts because tense muscles could make them more susceptible to injuries. Don’t even mention the biting cold and the ear-numbing winds.But for sporty souls, the cold is but a minor hurdle, as some skiers, snowboarders and skaters opt to enjoy their favorite winter sports in a cozy indoors environment. For adrenaline addicts who hate the cold, there are sports facilities that bring the

You are what you read -- and perhaps where you read at. In recent years, bookstores have been disappearing at a fast rate. Aside from major franchise bookstores in downtown areas, many small, neighborhood bookstores have closed, forced out in the digital era. But lately, bookstores have been returning in different forms. New bookstores sell more than just books, offering a wide range of goods from stationery, food and drinks to various merchandise -- anything related to lifestyle. The trend star

Welcoming 2019 at Novotel Ambassador DongdaemunNovotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residence presents the Countdown package to welcome 2019. The package includes a night’s stay at the hotel, two tickets for the Countdown Party and a late checkout option. The countdown party starts at 9:30 p.m. and ends past midnight. Jazz and other live music performances are to take place at the rooftop bar of the hotel. Guests can choose a welcome drink -- sparkling wine, gin tonic, vin chaud and lemon

Wrapping up 2018, Billboard released two lists, one ranking the 20 best K-pop albums and the other for songs. BTS, Red Velvet and Shinee’s Jonghyun were especially recognized atop the lists. Billboard picked BTS’ “Love Yourself: Answer” as the best K-pop album of the year. BTS (Big Hit Entertainment)“BTS has risen to the top of the global music industry,” commentary accompanying the list read. “They released their ‘Love Yourself’ album series, through which the group weaved a thematic discovery

The Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, an iconic winter attraction in the city, will open Friday with upgraded facilities. The ice rink will operate through Feb. 10 for a total of 52 days, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Tuesday. An artist’s impression of Seoul Plaza Ice Rink (Seoul Metropolitan Government)The rink’s design has been changed for the first time since it opened four years ago. It has also been expanded from 1,166 to 1,897 square meters, 1.5 times its previous size.In addition,

It is that time of the year. “All I Want for Christmas” plays seemingly on repeat and Santa decorations are in every window. The year has almost come to an end. For those tired of the same old alcohol-infused yearend gatherings, museums and galleries are offering a more cultured alternative to celebrating the year that was.Why not grab a beer next to Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain?” An 8-meter tall “Bearbrick” -- the collectible Japanese toy -- might give you a hug. Or just bring some art home by pu

“Newtro” has emerged as a trend in the fashion and design industries here. A combination of “new” and “retro,” the concept mixes trends of the past with fresh interpretations. And an ongoing event rides on that wave. The Seoul Design Festival taking place at the Coex Convention and Exhibition Center in southern Seoul caters to those who want to swing back to the 1980s or 1990s, with a new, creative twist.  (Seoul Design Festival)The festival’s overall theme is “Young Retro: Design Reversing Back

Santa’s visit at Mayfield Hotel & ResortMayfield Hotel & Resort has prepared Christmas events for families. The Dear Santa package includes a visit by Santa to the room where guests are staying. Santa will make a surprise visit on Christmas Eve and deliver a gift to the children. The hotel will also hold the party concert “Santa Claus is Coming to Mayfield” during which children can dance with their favorite fairytale characters. The event will be held twice -- on Christmas Eve and Christmas day

Though some might not instantly recognize the name Song Zio, the brand Songzio Homme will ring a bell right away for many in Korea, especially men who enjoy quality fashion.Fashion designer Song Zio leads Songzio Homme, a contemporary menswear brand best known for its classic lined suits made with fine textiles.Despite the brand’s fame, it has not been easy for local consumers to wear Song’s creations. Founded in 1993, Songzio Homme halted its sales in Korea in the 2000s as it focused on the Par

Kumho Art Hall, a landmark for classical music listeners, is wrapping up its Gwanghwamun era. On Tuesday, the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation announced on its official website that Gwanghwamun Kumho Art Hall would close its doors permanently as of May 1. Gwanghwamun Kumho Art Hall (Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation)The foundation revealed that it was unable to renew its lease, forcing the closure of two halls in the building in Gwanghwamun, which is currently owned by Deutsche Asset & Wealth Man

The Corea Image Communication Institute will be honoring the Korean language, YouTubers Josh & Ollie and ballet dancer Park Sae-eun with CICI Korea Image Awards. Since 2005, CICI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Korea’s image abroad, annually honors cultural figures, organizations or objects that have contributed to spreading a positive image of Korea.  Graphics depict “Hunminjeongeum Haerye,” an instruction book on Hangeul (CICI)The Korea Image Stepping Stone Award will be award

Hotel Tops 10, located in the east coast city of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is inviting locals and tourists to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the occasion of its first anniversary. Geumjin Hot SpringsOn Friday, the hotel will open up its Geumjin Hot Springs to the public for free. After a warm bath, visitors will be offered a free bowl of “janchiguksu,” or “banquet noodles,” a dish served on special occasions. The hot spring facility opened in September, reflecting the property’s former use. Loca

Each year Literature Translation Institute of Korea recognizes translators who have worked on promoting Korean literature to international readers through quality translations. This year, Masuo Omura’s Japanese translation of Lee Gi-yeong’s “Hometown” was recognized as the best translation among 167 works in 29 languages published last year and submitted for consideration. Recipients of LTI Korea Translation Awards speak during a press conference held Monday at Koreana Hotel in central Seoul. (L

Music audition programs continue to thrive on the small screen, seemingly giving fair opportunities to everyone and playing to viewers’ desire to see the heroic story of a talented individual becoming a star after overcoming insurmountable odds. The programs’ winners are basically the 21st century version of Greek heroes in the eyes of viewers.Many of the beloved shows in the genre have given birth to numerous stars in music, drama and on the big screen, and continue to entertain viewers with fr

Though Shanghai is known as the pearl of China, not much is known about eastern China beyond the megapolis. The cosmopolitan port city is actually part of Jiangsu province, a province itself as large as South Korea. Not only in size, the province also boasts rich cultural traditions and economical infrastructure, inviting tourists and business seekers. It is also one of the richest parts of mainland China.Though many international tourists do not have the opportunity to explore past Shanghai, Ji

Christmas at Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residences presents new packages for the holiday season. The Dear My Santa! package includes a night’s stay at the hotel, a Bouche de Noel Christmas cake and a do-it-yourself Christmas tree set. It will be offered from Dec. 21 to 25, with prices ranging from 249,000 won to 299,000 won. The All About Christmas! package adds extra perks, such as breakfast for two, in-room dining service and late checkout. It wil

Hanok, or traditional Korean buildings, being turned into hip cafes and restaurants are no longer newsworthy, as the touristy areas of Bukchon, Seochon and Samcheong-dong are dotted with these amalgamations of old and new. What is unique about a hanok in Dongdaemun that recently opened as a cafe-lifestyle shop is that it is very old -- more than 100 years old. The J.Hidden House, situated on a backstreet in Dongdaemun -- the fashion hub of Seoul with the Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Pla

Along with the staycation boom, lifestyle boutique hotel brand Lacasa Hotel hopes to be a big player in the hospitality market with new and renewed properties. Lacasa Hotel Seoul, located in Sinsa-dong of southern Seoul, recently renewed its penthouse floor and restaurant. After the renovation, the top floor now houses two rooms: the Loft House and Garden House.  Lacasa Hotel Seoul Lacasa Hotel SeoulThe rooms, with separate bedroom and living room spaces, are designed to accommodate brand events

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White once said, “Cooking is a philosophy, not a recipe.”Chinese chefs in Korea would wholeheartedly agree, divided as they are into different schools somewhat like early philosophers who were divided into stoicism, Epicureanism and more. Cho Nae-sung, also known as Tiao Nai Hsing, recently joined Millennium Seoul Hilton’s Chinese restaurant Taipan. Though the new appointment may look nothing out of the ordinary, it was a big move for Cho, as he was joining the very h

Buddhist temples are religious places, but temple stays offer participants a chance to look into themselves and find inner peace, regardless of their religion.For a one-day inner journey, I recently headed out to Heungguksa, located on the mountain ridges of Nogosan in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, an hour drive northwest of central Seoul.  Heungguksa (By Im Eun-byel / The Korea Herald)Because the trip was rather short, I was not expecting much seclusion. Compared to other temples, Heungguksa is mu