Tag: South Korea

International

South Korea Opens Royal Palaces and Joseon Tombs Free for Lunar New Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Royal palaces and Joseon-era royal tombs across South Korea are open to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience historic landmarks and seasonal traditions without admission fees.

The four main palaces in Seoul — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung — along with Jongmyo Shrine and 22 Joseon royal tomb sites nationwide, are operating without regular closure days from Saturday to Wednesday during the five-day holiday period. Admission fees are waived at all participating sites, allowing both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in Korea’s royal heritage.

Jongmyo Shrine, which is typically accessible only through guided tours at designated times, will allow visitors to explore the grounds freely during the holiday. However, all four palaces, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs will be closed on February 19 after the free-admission period ends.

A highlight of the celebrations is the “2026 Byeong-o Year Sehwa Sharing” event taking place at Heungnyemun Square inside Gyeongbokgung Palace from Monday to Wednesday. During the event, visitors receive traditional New Year paintings known as “Sehwa,” which symbolise wishes for good fortune in the year ahead.

Sehwa, meaning “New Year painting,” refers to artworks created to ward off disease, disasters and misfortune while inviting luck and prosperity. The custom dates back to the Joseon dynasty, when the king presented such paintings to his officials at the start of the year. Over time, the tradition spread among the public and became a cherished seasonal folk practice.

Today, the annual Sehwa event at Gyeongbokgung blends cultural heritage with festive celebration, offering visitors a meaningful and historic way to welcome the Lunar New Year while exploring some of Korea’s most iconic royal landmarks.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? In South Korea, Love Has 12 Official Dates a Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Did you know that in South Korea, the 14th of every month isn’t random — it’s romantic?

While much of the world circles February 14 as the only date that matters, South Korea has quietly stretched the idea of love across the entire calendar. Instead of one annual crescendo, romance unfolds in chapters.

January 14 begins softly with Diary Day. Couples exchange planners — not flashy gifts, but something symbolic. It’s about shared schedules, shared goals, shared futures. Imagine starting the year by saying, “Let’s write this together.”

February 14 follows a custom that surprises many outsiders. Women give chocolates to men. Not just to partners, but sometimes to friends or colleagues. Then comes March 14 — White Day — when men reciprocate with sweets or gifts. The back-and-forth creates anticipation. It builds momentum.

And then April 14 flips the script entirely.

Black Day belongs to singles. Instead of awkward silence about relationship status, people gather to eat jajangmyeon — black bean noodles — turning independence into a communal event. It’s ironic, playful and empowering all at once. Imagine a culture where being single gets its own social holiday.

By May 14, roses and yellow-themed dates dominate. June 14 is Kissing Day, openly celebrating affection. July 14, known as Silver Day, often marks the exchange of silver rings — subtle symbols of commitment without the weight of engagement.

August 14 encourages green outfits and nature dates. September 14 becomes Photo or Music Day — capturing memories or sharing meaningful playlists. October 14 leans into wine and red symbolism. November 14 sends couples to the cinema for Movie Day. December 14 closes the year warmly with Hug Day — and sometimes even Sock Day — practical gifts wrapped in emotional meaning.

What makes this fascinating isn’t whether every couple participates religiously. It’s that the rhythm exists at all. Twelve built-in reminders to pause. To acknowledge. To celebrate. Or simply to reflect.

It also reveals something deeper about modern Korean dating culture — how symbolism, commerce, social media and genuine emotion intersect. Cafés create themed menus. Gift shops stock color-coded items. Photo booths fill up. Instagram feeds align with the mood of the month.

Now imagine this: what if your calendar nudged you toward connection 12 times a year? Would relationships feel more intentional? Would single life feel less isolated? Would gratitude become routine instead of occasional?

In South Korea, the 14th quietly suggests that love — in all its forms — deserves more than one day of attention.

And here’s the final question: if you had to pick just one of the 14ths to celebrate, which would it be?

International

South Korea, China to Discuss Lifting Decade-Long Ban on K-Pop and K-Dramas

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral International Desk

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has said that Seoul and Beijing will hold working-level consultations on China’s long-standing unofficial restrictions on Korean cultural content, including K-pop and K-dramas. The restrictions, which have been in place for more than a decade, have made South Korean music and television dramas either unavailable or difficult to access on Chinese media platforms.

Speaking to reporters in Shanghai following meetings with senior Chinese officials, President Lee said restoring trust between the two countries would be the most important task in bilateral relations. He added that both sides had agreed to discuss the gradual expansion of cultural exchanges, though no concrete commitments were announced regarding the immediate availability of Korean content in China.

A South Korean presidential spokesperson confirmed that Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping had shared a consensus on expanding cultural cooperation in a phased manner. Echoing this view, a spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry said both sides had agreed to carry out “orderly, healthy, and beneficial cultural exchanges.”

Lee described his recent summit with Xi Jinping as an opportunity to reset ties, stating that he hoped 2026 would become the first year of full-scale restoration of Korea-China relations. The visit marked Lee’s first trip to Beijing since taking office in June and comes amid broader efforts by Seoul to stabilise regional diplomacy.

Beyond cultural exchange, Lee also raised concerns over China’s construction of maritime structures in waters between the two countries. While Beijing maintains that the structures are for fish-farming purposes, South Korea has expressed security concerns. Both leaders agreed to continue constructive dialogue on the issue.

Regional security was another key focus of the discussions, particularly in the context of North Korea. Lee said he had asked President Xi to play a mediating role in Seoul’s attempts to engage Pyongyang diplomatically. Xi reportedly cautioned that patience would be required in any discussions involving nuclear-armed North Korea.

The proposed consultations on cultural exchange are being closely watched, especially by fans of Korean pop culture, as any easing of restrictions could signal a significant shift in China’s approach to Korean music, television, and entertainment after years of limited access.

Special Occasion

It’s 11.11: Singles’ Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

It’s 11.11: Singles’ Day 2025 marks one of the most anticipated dates on the global calendar — a day that blends shopping, self-love, and cultural celebration. What started in the 1990s as a lighthearted student holiday in China has become the world’s largest online shopping event. The date, 11.11, chosen for its four solitary digits, symbolizes individuality and self-empowerment.

By 2009, Alibaba transformed Singles’ Day into a shopping spectacle, encouraging people to treat themselves. Over time, it expanded far beyond China’s borders. In 2025, Singles’ Day has grown into a multi-week retail extravaganza, with discounts, livestreams, and global participation from major platforms like JD.com, Lazada, and Shopee. This year’s festival features advanced AI-driven recommendations, virtual influencers, and interactive shopping experiences that redefine digital commerce.

But 11.11 isn’t just about shopping — it’s about cultural expression. On the same day in South Korea, millions celebrate Pepero Day, exchanging slender, chocolate-dipped biscuits that resemble the four “1”s in the date. What began as a simple marketing campaign in the 1990s has become a national day of affection, where couples, friends, and even classmates gift Pepero sticks to show love and appreciation.

In 2025, Pepero Day has gone global, with Stray Kids taking center stage as the official global ambassadors for Pepero. Their campaign — “Show Your Love with Pepero” — has captivated fans worldwide, featuring special edition packaging, pop-up events, and global marketing spanning cities from Seoul to New York. The K-pop group’s energy and connection with Gen Z have amplified Pepero Day’s reach, transforming it from a local tradition into an international celebration of love and friendship.

Together, Singles’ Day and Pepero Day turn November 11 into a global celebration of connection in every form — self-love, friendship, and romance. While shoppers in China fill virtual carts, people in South Korea fill hearts (and hands) with chocolate. The parallel celebrations highlight how one date can carry entirely different yet harmonious meanings across cultures.

In 2025, Singles’ Day reflects changing consumer behavior. With economic challenges reshaping spending habits, shoppers are becoming more mindful, prioritizing essentials, personal care, and quiet luxury. Livestream hosts and influencers continue to play a major role, blending entertainment and commerce, while sustainability takes center stage with eco-friendly packaging and greener logistics.

From shopping carts to chocolate boxes, November 11 symbolizes the joy of giving — to others and to oneself. It’s 11.11, and the world is celebrating in its own unique way — with deals, with love, and with a shared sense of connection that transcends borders.

International

G-Dragon Makes History as Youngest Recipient of South Korea’s Prestigious Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark moment for South Korean pop culture, G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) of BIGBANG has become the youngest-ever recipient of the nation’s Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Korean government for cultural achievements. The award was presented on October 23, 2025, at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards in Seoul.

The Order of Cultural Merit recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and global promotion of Korean culture and the arts. G-Dragon’s honor marks a defining moment in K-pop history — a formal acknowledgment of the genre’s transformation from a local music movement into a global cultural force.

Since debuting with BIGBANG in 2006, G-Dragon has been celebrated not only as a singer and songwriter but also as a visionary who helped shape the sound and image of modern K-pop. His artistry has transcended music, influencing fashion, design, and youth culture across continents. Tracks like Haru Haru, Fantastic Baby, and Crooked defined eras, while his solo career and creative leadership positioned him as one of Asia’s most influential figures in entertainment.

In his acceptance speech, G-Dragon reflected on his two-decade journey: from a six-year-old trainee to an artist who helped define a generation. He expressed gratitude to fans, family, and fellow artists, noting that “BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary next year makes this honor even more meaningful.”

With this award, G-Dragon joins the ranks of cultural icons recognized for their contribution to Korea’s international image. His influence extends far beyond music — bridging art, fashion, and social impact — and his recognition as the youngest recipient of the Okgwan Order underscores his enduring legacy as both a cultural pioneer and a national treasure.