Dutch architecture and design have played a leading role in the global scene with their functional yet playful qualities. Dubbed “the world’s largest artificial paradise,” the Netherlands has developed distinctive architectural and design styles in battling floods and other natural disasters as much of its land is below sea level. The key architectural and design qualities of the Netherlands can be seen in Seoul at a new special exhibition put together by the Korea Foundation, the state-funded a

Rare original prints by the late Robert Capa are on exhibit in Seoul for the first time to mark the centennial of the photographer’s birth and the 60th anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War. Hailed as the world’s greatest war photographer, Capa captured moments that became iconic war images and inspire many photojournalists and filmmakers like Steven Spielberg to this day. The exhibition features 160 photographs selected from the 937 photographs of the Capa collectio

From classics to cult, movies of different genres are being screened at an annual summer film festival in Seoul. The 2013 Cine-Vacances Seoul, in its 8th year, is showing 28 movies categorized into four sections at Seoul Art Cinema in Insa-dong, Seoul. The cinema is a non-profit cinematheque ― a film archive with small venues that screens mostly classic and art-house films. It screens some 500 films from various countries and receives over 60,000 visitors every year.  The films taken out of the

Rock group Kings of Leon are getting less serious with age, as the band prepares to bring “young and fun” new music on Friday to their fans across the world in a quirky collaboration with comedian Fred Armisen.Kings of Leon, formed by Followill brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared and cousin Matthew, are marking a decade in the music industry since their debut album “Youth & Young Manhood” was released in 2003.After a hiatus in 2012, Kings of Leon are back on the road to support their upcoming sixth st

Cancellations of trips to Japan by Korean travelers are increasing after recent news reports of a massive radioactive water leak from the Fukushima nuclear plant in the country. According to a local news report, 40-50 tourists of Mode Tour, one of Korea’s major travel agencies, cancelled their trips right after the news was broadcast. Some 200 customers of the company ultimately scrapped their plans to visit Japan, according to the report. Also, Hanjin Travel reported 10-20 cancellations per day

NEW ORLEANS (AP) ― Bob Hope entertained 11 presidents at the White House, hosted the Academy Awards 19 times and told thousands of jokes to some 10 million U.S. troops over the course of four wars.Now the long life and legacy of the beloved actor and comedian, who died 10 years ago at age 100, is being celebrated at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, where the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum has brought the “Bob Hope: An American Treasure” traveling exhibition.More than 160 mement

TAOS, New Mexico (AP) ―Snow and frigid temperatures didn’t stop thousands of screaming teenagers from crowding into the Washington Coliseum in the nation’s capital for the Beatles first live concert on American soil.And not having a flash didn’t stop photographer Mike Mitchell, then just 18 years old, from using his unrestricted access to document that historic February night in 1964 using only the dim light in the arena.Ghostly shadows and streams of light filled some negatives. With the help o

NEW YORK (AP) ― Comic and daytime television host Ellen DeGeneres was picked to host the Academy Awards for the second time.Show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced DeGeneres’ selection Friday. The movie awards show will air on ABC on March 2.“There are few stars today who have Ellen’s gift for comedy, with her great warmth and humanity,” the producers said in a statement. “She is beloved everywhere.”DeGeneres quipped: “I am so excited to be hosting the Oscars for the second time. You

As soon as the rainy season ends, sweltering heat blankets the nation, prompting those who haven’t gone on vacation to head to the beaches, go camping or enjoy the quiet, empty city. August is the best time for summer shopping as some summer essential items go on sale. Before getting ready for the long-awaited vacation, some trends are worth keeping in mind. They may help you score some items that will make your holiday a blast. Exotic prints for beach-goersBold prints are in style for this seas

The Shilla Seoul reopened on Thursday after seven months of renovation. The highly anticipated reopening of the capital’s upscale hotel revealed facilities that the hotel claims to be “the best in the world.” “The core concept of the renovation was making our hotel a place where every day becomes a luxury,” Choi Tae-young, general manager of The Shilla Seoul, told reporters at Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the official reopening. “Whether it’s business, rest, dining or leisure, The Shill

Important ancient Korean artifacts that were to be the highlight of an upcoming exhibition on the art of the ancient kingdom of Silla at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will not be displayed as the Cultural Heritage Administration ordered they remain in Korea due to risks of potential damage. One of the artifacts, the gilt-bronze Buddhist statue “Pensive Bodhisattva” from the Silla Kingdom (B.C. 57-A.D. 935), was to have been the highlight of the new exhibition “Silla: Korea’s Golden

An extensive collection of Korean print works that date from the 1950s to present is on view in Manila as part of Korea’s cultural promotional event taking place throughout Southeast Asia. The art exhibition, “Fifty Years of Korean Contemporary Printmaking,” showcases about 80 prints that illustrate both the artistic heritage and development of Korean printmaking spanning some 50 years at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. “I am hopeful that the exhibition of ‘Fifty Years of Korean Contemporary

Jordan Matter, a New York-based photographer, has been shooting dancers in everyday settings ― out in a park, on a pedestrian walk, in a subway and restaurant. The dancers’ bodies in motion against the mundane backdrops create images that people have never seen before: a man’s body drawn up in the air; a woman jumping a dozen times higher than the average woman does when her boyfriend proposes with an engagement ring. The photographs capture the thrill and adrenaline rush that people desire as t

PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province ― The lush green mountains of Daegwallyeong in Gangwon Province are the idyllic setting for the premier summer classical music event that the Great Mountains Music Festival and School, organized by the Gangwon Art and Culture Foundation, has become over the past decade.Saturday evening’s gala concert was a vibrant testimony to how far the festival has come. The 1,300-seat Music Tent, built specifically with the annual music festival in mind, was packed with classica

BAYREUTH, Germany (AFP) ―Russian conductor Kirill Petrenko received standing ovations at the end of the second installment of Frank Castorf’s new production of Richard Wagner’s “Ring” cycle at the world-famous Bayreuth Festival on Saturday.The 41-year-old maestro is making his debut in the legendary Festspielhaus theater on the town’s fabled Green Hill this season.And he seems already to have won the hearts of the ultra-critical Wagnerians after just two nights, with his alert, transparent and s

NEW YORK (AP) ― Jennifer Aniston is dismissing rumors surrounding her upcoming wedding to Justin Theroux and is setting the record straight.The 44-year old actress was promoting her new film, “We’re the Millers,” on Saturday when she told the Associated Press that she and Theroux are doing fine, and have not set a date, postponed their wedding, or argued about where to get married.Aniston and Theroux began dating more than two years ago. They got engaged last summer, but their lack of wedding pl

BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP) ― A Hillary Rodham Clinton miniseries timed to precede the 2016 presidential election is part of NBC’s effort to create “event” programming that will draw viewers to the shrinking world of broadcast network TV, NBC’s programming chief said Saturday.“We need to be in the event business. I think you’re going to hear that from every broadcast network,” said Bob Greenblatt, NBC Entertainment chairman.The four-hour miniseries “Hillary,” starring Diane Lane as the former

Boracay was named the best island in the world by Travel+Leisure Magazine in 2012. The small island in the Philippines’ Visayas archipelago boasts clean beaches, tropical palm trees and crystal clear waters. The 4-kilometer stretch of White Beach makes for some of Boracay’s most iconic photos. Its powdery fine sand and warm climate make it a perfect destination for honeymooners, families and friends. Bulabog Beach features large waves and strong winds year round, making it a hot spot for windsur

Germany attracts millions of people from around the world to Oktoberfest every September. But those living in Seoul can celebrate the traditional German event at The Grand Hilton Seoul. The hotel, located in northern Seoul, invites guests for an evening of celebration with beer and traditional German food on Sept. 7. The largest Oktoberfest event in Korea draws more than 1,000 people every year.  Originated in Munich, the festival started as a celebration of the marriage between Crown Prince Lud

Irish artist Jesse Jones holds a deck of tarot cards and asks audience members to put their hands on the card deck and think of a question related to the relationship between South and North Korea. She asks the audience again to speak about their questions. A member of the audience raises a hand and asks, “Will there be any changes in the Kim Jong-un regime?” A tarot card reader picks six random cards, telling the past, present and future and collective unconsciousness. According to the reading,