Latest news with #Joseon
Tatler Asia
16 hours ago
- Tatler Asia
Ideal travel coordinates for girls who love to explore with their BFF
If you adored the film When Life Gives You Tangerines , then Jeju Island is your next must-visit. Its radiant citrus groves and lyrical landscapes seem to have leapt straight from the silver screen. The island invites you into a realm of windswept beauty winding tree-lined roads, dramatic coastal cliffs, and golden fields of blooming canola, all set the stage for unforgettable friendship moments. Above All set the stage for unforgettable friendship moments (photo: Unsplash) Above All set the stage for unforgettable friendship moments (photo: Unsplash) A stroll through the verdant O'sulloc green tea fields offers a memory to treasure. The breeze dances through your hair, the golden light gleams across the tea terraces, and laughter rings clear through the air. Suddenly, the world's cares feel far away. Above Suddenly, the world's cares feel far away (photo: Pexels) Above Suddenly, the world's cares feel far away (photo: Pexels) Why not hike with your BFF to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak at dawn? The sky blushing in pink and the sea shimmering in first light might just leave you both breathless with delight. Afterwards, settle into a cosy café in Seongeup Village, sip warm tangerine tea, and lose yourselves in conversation. Pop into a hanbok shop for a whimsical throwback to the Joseon dynasty, where playful photoshoots and spontaneous giggles are guaranteed. Wuzhen (China) Above Wuzhen, dubbed the 'Venice of the East', charms with its poetic waterways and timeworn elegance (photo: Pexels) Above This water town has preserved its serene, rustic beauty, adding a quiet romance to your voyage of discovery (photo: Pexels) Often hailed as one of China's most picturesque ancient towns, Wuzhen, dubbed the 'Venice of the East', charms with its poetic waterways and timeworn elegance. With a heritage stretching back thousands of years, this water town has preserved its serene, rustic beauty, adding a quiet romance to your voyage of discovery. Read more: 5 beautiful little-known tourist destinations in Asia Above It's the kind of stillness where time seems to slow, inviting you and your best friend to cast aside your worries (photo: Pexels) Above It's the kind of stillness where time seems to slow, inviting you and your best friend to cast aside your worries (photo: Pexels) Let the journey begin with a poetic moment, drifting gently on a quiet boat through Wuzhen's glistening canals and under its moss-covered stone bridges. It's the kind of stillness where time seems to slow, inviting you and your BFF to cast aside your worries, let your thoughts float with the current, and share whispered secrets: stories that perhaps only this peaceful setting can draw out with ease. Wandering down cobblestone alleys, you'll pass wooden shops filled with delicate handcrafted treasures, tranquil tea houses laced with gentle aromas, and stalls offering fragrant, traditional sticky rice cakes. Stroll at your own pace, and when the mood strikes, pause by the canal at a petite tea house. Sip elegant chrysanthemum tea and speak of dreams yet to come and plans still taking shape. As evening descends, Wuzhen becomes almost otherworldly. Hundreds of scarlet lanterns glow along both sides of the canal, their flickering light dancing across the water's surface and warming the night sky. This is the moment to seek out a performance—perhaps a Peking Opera or a soulful Jiangnan folk dance—to absorb the spirit of a town that has stood for more than 1,300 years. Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam) Let the golden sunshine, cerulean waters and refreshing sea breeze of Phu Quoc create the perfect setting for a new chapter in your friendship. Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscapes. It's where the two of you can unwind in style, embrace nature's splendour, and collect a trove of cherished, just-the-two-of-you memories. Photo 1 of 5 Let the golden sunshine, cerulean waters and refreshing sea breeze of Phu Quoc create the perfect setting for a new chapter in your friendship (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 2 of 5 Let the golden sunshine, cerulean waters and refreshing sea breeze of Phu Quoc create the perfect setting for a new chapter in your friendship (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 3 of 5 Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscape (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 4 of 5 Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscape (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 5 of 5 Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscape (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Above La Festa Phu Quoc, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, introduces a sleek, modern energy (photo: La Festa Phu Quoc) Above La Festa Phu Quoc, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, introduces a sleek, modern energy (photo: La Festa Phu Quoc) Above Ocean-view villas, sun-drenched terraces and breezy loungers offer the perfect setting for heartfelt chats and elegant snapshots alike (photo: La Festa Phu Quoc) The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, designed with the charm of a vibrant, vintage university, offers an unforgettable backdrop. Lounge by the infinity pool, clink glasses over cocktails at sundown, and capture those dazzling 'million-like' photos that spark laughter and delight. For a fresh take, La Festa Phu Quoc, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, introduces a sleek, modern energy. Ocean-view villas, sun-drenched terraces and breezy loungers offer the perfect setting for heartfelt chats and elegant snapshots alike. Above For sea lovers, Phu Quoc is an endless playground (photo: Unsplash) Above Don't miss a snorkelling excursion to Gam Ghi Island (photo: Unsplash) Above Soar together above the waves on a paragliding flight, take in panoramic island views (photo: Unsplash) For sea lovers, Phu Quoc is an endless playground. Sink into the powdery white sands of Bai Sao or Bai Khem, with crystal-clear waves lapping at your feet. Don't miss a snorkelling excursion to Gam Ghi Island, Mong Tay Island or the Ganh Dau reef, where a kaleidoscope of coral awaits below the surface. Craving a bit of adrenaline? Soar together above the waves on a paragliding flight, take in panoramic island views, or hop on a jet ski and test your rhythm as a duo. Whether thrilling or tranquil, these shared adventures will only bring you closer. Above A culinary journey in Phu Quoc is sure to delight even the most discerning of gourmets Above The flavours of the ocean, paired with the market's lively atmosphere, promise an experience you won't soon forget A culinary journey in Phu Quoc is sure to delight even the most discerning of gourmets. Head to Dinh Cau Night Market to sample the freshest seafood: think garlic butter grilled lobster, sweet steamed crab, and rich, creamy sea urchins. The flavours of the ocean, paired with the market's lively atmosphere, promise an experience you won't soon forget. Above Round off a fun-filled day with Kiss of the Sea, the spectacular water music show in Sunset Town (photo: Kiss Of The Sea) Above A dazzling interplay of lights, music and water (photo: Kiss Of The Sea) Round off a fun-filled day with Kiss of the Sea , the spectacular water music show in Sunset Town. A dazzling interplay of lights, music and water, set against the backdrop of the glimmering night sea, offers a romantic and satisfying close to a day filled with laughter and shared memories. Chiang Mai (Thailand) Chiang Mai, often called Thailand's 'Rose of the North', is a full-sensory experience made for two. With its dramatic mountains, ancient temples and deeply rooted local culture, it's the perfect place to explore with your best friend. If you're both drawn to adventure, Chiang Mai won't disappoint. Begin with a visit to Chiang Mai Night Safari, Thailand's largest nocturnal zoo. Aboard an open tram, you'll observe giraffes, zebras, tigers and leopards roaming under the spell of twilight. Then, for something bolder, Phoenix Adventure Park awaits. Zipline through forest canopies, test your strength on artificial rock walls or dive into a rainforest paintball match: activities designed to energise and bring out your inner thrill-seekers. A truly heartwarming highlight lies in connecting with Chiang Mai's beloved elephants. At ethical sanctuaries such as Maerim Elephant Home, Kanta Elephant Sanctuary or Mae Wang Po Ngurn Elephants Sanctuary, you'll get to learn about these gentle giants—feed them by hand, bathe them in cool streams and walk beside them through the forest. These experiences offer a profound and tender glimpse into Thailand's natural heritage. Chiang Mai is also home to sacred temples and mountain landscapes that invite reflection. Make time for Doi Suthep Temple, perched atop a mountain and accessible by climbing more than 360 steps. Its gold-plated architecture glows in the morning light, with panoramic views over Chiang Mai stretching out below. Nearby, the ancient ruins of Wat Chedi Luang exude the grandeur of Lanna architecture, while Wat Ku Tao holds historical treasures not to be missed. For a dose of nature, venture to Doi Inthanon National Park, known as the 'Roof of Thailand'. Towering at 2,565 metres, it's home to cascading waterfalls like Wachirathan and Sirithan, tranquil forest paths, and the twin royal stupas—Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Nopphon Phumisiri. Each temple and peak reveals a different facet of Chiang Mai's soul. As night descends, the city transforms. Glittering lights and the aromas of sizzling street food turn Chiang Mai into a lively playground. The famed Night Bazaar is unmissable as a treasure trove of handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans and northern tribes. Here, food becomes a journey in itself: mango sticky rice, Pad Thai, grilled skewers, charming cafés and even open-air massage spots create a vibrant street scene. Strolling side by side, sampling dishes, laughing at shared stories. These are the moments that make memories last. Sentosa Island (Singapore) A visit to Sentosa Island in Singapore is a dive into an entertainment haven where every moment is crafted to be unforgettable. From adrenaline-pumping attractions to immersive underwater explorations, from the fantasy of cinematic realms to dazzling light displays, this island offers a kaleidoscopic journey that's ideal for best friends seeking pure joy and adventure. Above At the heart of the island's excitement is Universal Studios Singapore (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) Above At the heart of the island's excitement is Universal Studios Singapore (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) Above Step through its iconic gates and you'll find yourself transported to seven distinct film-inspired worlds (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) Above Step through its iconic gates and you'll find yourself transported to seven distinct film-inspired worlds (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) At the heart of the island's excitement is Universal Studios Singapore. Step through its iconic gates and you'll find yourself transported to seven distinct film-inspired worlds. Wander along Hollywood's glitzy boulevard, lose yourself in Madagascar's wild jungle, feel the buzz of New York City, or uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt. Each zone offers its own set of games, stage shows and charming gift shops perfect for hours of fun and a few keepsakes to take home. Next door, the S.E.A. Aquarium™ invites you to embark on a mesmerising journey beneath the waves. As one of the world's largest marine aquariums, it houses over 100,000 marine creatures and 20,000 vibrant coral species, showcased in dramatic glass tunnels that offer an immersive, close-up view of the deep blue. Sentosa also brings dreams to life at Madame Tussauds Singapore, where you can strike a pose beside astonishingly lifelike wax figures of global icons. Whether it's pop legends like Michael Jackson, film stars such as Marilyn Monroe, or historical figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama, it's a celebrity-filled gallery of photo opportunities. Afterwards, unleash your daring side at iFly Singapore, where a giant wind tunnel lets you experience the exhilarating sensation of free fall, Hollywood style. Then head to Mega Adventure Park, where MegaZip sends you soaring above the jungle canopy of Imbiah Hill, and MegaJump offers a 15-metre leap for the fearless. These thrill-filled moments are the perfect way to test your limits together. Above For a sweeping view of the island, take to the skies with the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network (photo: Singapore Cable Car Sky Network) For a sweeping view of the island, take to the skies with the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network. Suspended above Sentosa, it gives you a 360-degree perspective of the island and the city beyond. Afterwards, don't miss Skyline Luge Sentosa—a unique attraction that combines the thrill of a luge ride with scenic cable car views. Glide through curving tracks like Dragon or Expedition, and feel the rush of freedom with every turn. Whether you crave speed or scenery, this is one for the memory books. NOW READ Ho Nguyet Minh of Majesty Golf Vietnam: fearless on the fairway Pride Month: 7 of the world's most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations you might not know about The living legacy of Chinatowns around the world
Korea Herald
7 days ago
- General
- Korea Herald
Savor bold flavors, cultural mash-up at fusion hansik restaurant Junghee
Junghee, nestled in heart of Seoul, creates one-of-a-kind dishes with unique mix of ingredients Ask foodies about the origin of "fusion" cuisine, and they will tell you that chef and US culinary legend Norman Van Aken introduced "fusion" into the lexicon of global cookery when he began serving Caribbean, Latin American and European food at his Florida restaurant Norman's. Fusion food is where tradition gets a little glow-up and classic flavors get a bold twist. It is a boundary-breaking culinary adventure that blends different flavors and ingredients to serve up dishes that are anything but ordinary. That is why fusion has become a leading trend in modern gastronomy, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of cuisines and giving chefs and restaurants endless room for creativity and innovation. Imagine a dish where delicate slices of raw fish are wrapped in tangy, aged kimchi ― a bold flavor pairing that is nevertheless unexpected. If you are looking for flavors that defy cultural expectations, head over to fusion hansik restaurant Junghee on Seosulla-gil in Jongno, central Seoul, on a serene and idyllic stone-walled route in the heart of Seoul. As you wander along the stone-walled path amid lush greenery lining Jongmyo ― a special shrine for the kings and queens of the Joseon era ― you will come across a modern restaurant with a warm wooden interior, nestled among Western-style eateries and pubs. One of the restaurant's signature dishes is beef rice on a griddle, which is a rich and savory creation featuring spicy stir-fried radish kimchi rice topped with cow-shaped "yukhoe," or Korean-style beef tartare, and green onion. It is also served with a raw egg yolk. Pour that yolk over the top before eating and the heat from the pot gently cooks the yolk, transforming it into a rich, creamy sauce that adds depth and enhances the overall texture and flavor of the dish. Do not forget to enjoy the scorched rice at the bottom of the pot, known as nurungji. This thin, crispy layer of browned rice forms when the rice is cooked over direct heat, adding a delightful crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor to finish off the meal. Priced at 13,900 won ($10), the dish is not so spicy, making it enjoyable for those who prefer milder flavors. Junghee's samhap, a traditional trio of fermented skate, boiled pork and aged kimchi, offers a bold and complex flavor experience. The fermented skate brings a pungent, slightly tangy funkiness that is both intense and unique. The boiled pork is tender and mild, providing a rich, savory contrast that balances the stronger flavors. The aged kimchi adds a deep, spicy, tangy kick with a satisfying crunch. Paired with seasoned cockles, which have a briny, slightly sweet seafood taste, and cham-namul, or Korean wild herbs, offering fresh notes, the dish creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: spicy, savory, tangy, fresh and umami-rich. It is a deliciously layered taste that's deeply rooted in Korean tradition, and it is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to experience authentic and vibrant flavors. Kimchi and seasoned cockles are available for refill. The dish is priced at 19,900 won. The restaurant's tweak to sujebi, a comforting Korean soup made with hand-torn wheat dough simmered in a flavorful broth, is also worth trying. It has a creamy base and features tenderly boiled bracken, truffle oil that adds an earthy aroma and gourmet touch, perilla seeds that enhance the depth of the flavor and gamtae, a type of edible seaweed that adds a subtle marine taste. Combining distinct culinary elements, the dish offers a fresh yet innovative take on traditional flavors. It is priced at 13,900 won. For those looking for something healthy, kale ssambap, priced at 10,900 won, could be an option. It consists of rice covered with kale dipped in thickened soybean paste sauce. Also try the gamtae tartare, or rice topped with Korean beef tartare mixed with gamtae, for a flavorful and nutritious experience. It is priced at 11,900 won. Junghee is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The last order is taken at 8:30 p.m.
Korea Herald
15-07-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Baby's first haircut can go a little extreme in S. Korea
A baby's first hair naturally falls out over time, but some parents in South Korea choose to shave it early. Why? The practice stems from a long-held belief, though less common today, that shaving encourages hair to grow back thicker and fuller. As in many cultures, lush, full hair is highly valued in Korea, often regarded as a symbol of health and youth. The shaved hair is often kept as a memento, stored in decorative keepsake boxes or framed for display. Some even have it crafted into a brush, following a tradition once practiced by ancestors, as a symbolic gesture of hope for the child's future. During the Joseon era (1392–1910), many Confucian scholars shaved their children's first batch of hair and turned it into a brush known as taemopil, which was believed to bring academic success. Unlike the coarse and oily hair of adults, a newborn's first hair is exceptionally soft and fine, making it ideal for crafting delicate calligraphy brushes. Making a brush from a baby's first hair is a tradition not unique to Korea; it is also practiced in countries like China and Japan. Shaving in hopes of achieving fuller hair, however, has no scientific basis. According to local medical experts, while newly grown hair may appear fuller compared to before, this is merely an optical illusion. When hair is shaved, the blunt tips of the regrowing strands can make the hair look thicker and coarser. In reality, shaving does not alter hair's structure, density or growth rate. The experts also caution that a baby's scalp is highly sensitive, and shaving might cause unnecessary irritation. Although not as extreme as shaving, a baby's first haircut is often remembered as a small yet meaningful rite of passage, a tender milestone that parents cherish among the many 'firsts.' Is it time for your baby's first haircut? What will you do with those tiny strands?
Korea Herald
11-07-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Korea Heritage Service to recruit attendees for 80th Liberation Day exhibition opening
Public invited to reflect on legacy of independence at Deoksugung's Seokjojeon Hall The Korea Heritage Service is recruiting 150 attendees to participate in the official opening ceremony of an exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The event will provide participants with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the history and cultural legacy of Korea's independence movement. 'The Radiant Heritage of Independence' exhibition will take place at Seokjojeon — Korea's first Western-style stone building, constructed in 1910 — located in Deoksugung, one of the five major palaces of the Joseon era (1392–1910) in central Seoul. It will run from Aug. 12 to Oct. 12. Applications to attend the opening ceremony will be accepted via the Korea Heritage Service's official website from 1 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Thursday. Each applicant may register up to five people, and participation is free of charge. Selected participants will be announced on the agency's website on July 23. Attendees of the opening ceremony will be treated to a series of celebratory performances, including an opening act by a children's performance troupe, and will have the chance to preview the exhibition before it opens to the public. The exhibition will examine the significance of liberation through the lens of modern-era cultural heritage. More than 110 artifacts will be on display, including nationally designated treasures such as a Taegeukgi, the Korean national flag, preserved at Jingwan Temple in Bukhansan, northern Seoul. Also on view will be historical documents related to independence activist Seo Young-hae, recognized as cultural heritage earlier this year.
Tatler Asia
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Beyond sushi: 10 raw dishes Asia has cherished for generations
2. Hwe / hoe (Korea) Korean raw fish culture doesn't come with wasabi and whispering chefs. Instead, it comes with gochujang, soju and a side of loud conversation. Hwe or hoe refers to a broad category of raw dishes, usually thin-sliced white fish, such as halibut, flounder or rockfish, served with dipping sauces and wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves. Historically, raw fish consumption was linked to Korea's coastal provinces, with records tracing its practice back to the Joseon dynasty. Unlike Japanese sashimi, it is often eaten in large, social settings. It is rowdy and ritualistic; think sashimi's wilder cousin, best chased with a shot. It also comes in the raw-meat variety. 3. Gohu ikan (Indonesia) In the eastern Indonesian province of North Maluku, gohu ikan is a refreshing raw tuna dish that deserves global attention. Made with cubed fresh tuna marinated in calamansi or lime juice, bird's eye chilli, shallots and hot coconut oil, it resembles ceviche at first glance. However, aromatic oil gives it a deeper, richer finish. Gohu ikan is often considered the Indonesian counterpart to kinilaw, though its origins are tied to the indigenous Ternate people. Even in equatorial climates, raw dishes thrive when acidity and spice do the heavy lifting. 4. Umai (Malaysia) For the Melanau people of Sarawak, umai is more than a dish. Instead, it's a tradition that dates back generations, born from fisherfolk preparing their lunch on boats using only what was fresh and available. Raw fish is sliced thin and mixed with onions, chillies and calamansi juice, often served with sago pearls or plain rice. Umai is unique not just for its Bornean roots, but for its balance of texture and heat. Once an everyday meal for workers, it's now gaining recognition in Malaysian food circles as a regional heritage food worthy of preservation. 5. Let thoke (Myanmar) Technically a salad, let thoke, which means 'hand-mixed', can involve a wide variety of ingredients, but in coastal communities, raw fish or shrimp versions exist and are eaten with lime, peanuts, fried garlic, fermented tea leaves and a riot of textures. Though less globally documented than its Southeast Asian cousins, raw seafood salad in Myanmar is deeply rooted in both regional diversity and Buddhist culinary practices, with an emphasis on freshness and balance. It's a dish that feels like a family secret: passed down, eaten fast and rarely interpreted. 6. Ika sashimi (Japan) While sushi often gets the spotlight, ika (squid) sashimi is one of Japan's most elemental expressions of raw seafood. Sweet, translucent and slightly chewy, raw squid is served either sliced into ribbons or stuffed into the mantle and sliced into coins. In Hakodate, Hokkaido (one of Japan's squid capitals), ika is sometimes served odorigui style, where it's still twitching from residual nerve activity. But don't let the drama overshadow the centuries of reverence: raw squid has been recorded in Edo-period dining, valued for its delicacy and seasonality. It's not about novelty but more about honouring the ocean in its purest form. See more: 7 of the most expensive and exclusive types of sashimi on the market 7. Pla ra-based dishes (Thailand) Pla ra, Thailand's intensely fermented freshwater fish paste, isn't eaten raw on its own. However, it forms the backbone of several Isaan dishes where raw fish and meats appear in bold, bracing forms. One example: koi pla, a spicy raw fish salad mixed with lime, chilli, shallots, roasted rice powder and often a spoonful of pla ra for deep funk. It's popular in northeastern Thailand and Laos but has been the subject of public health debates due to parasitic risks. Still, the tradition persists, grounded in cultural identity and the instinct to flavour fearlessly. It's a dish that reminds you that food is often political before it's pretty. 8. Narezushi (Japan) Before modern sushi evolved into artful nigiri and chirashi bowls, there was narezushi. This is the OG of fermented raw fish. Made by packing fish (often freshwater varieties like carp) in salt and cooked rice for months to ferment, it dates back over a thousand years. The result is pungent, soft, intensely sour and completely unlike today's sushi. Narezushi, still made in select parts of Japan like Shiga Prefecture, was originally developed as a preservation technique in a pre-refrigeration era. Today, it's more historical artefact than lunch order—but its legacy lives in every sushi roll. 9. Lao lap / koi (Laos) Often overshadowed by its Thai sibling larb, the Laotian dish koi is traditionally made with raw freshwater fish or beef, marinated with fish sauce, lime, chilli, galangal and toasted rice powder. It's bold and herbal, and despite the occasional overlap with Thai larb, the Laotian version is often raw and more aggressively seasoned. Foundational to Lao identity, the dish is best eaten fresh, by hand and without apologies. 10. San-nakji (Korea) For the adventurous palate, Korea offers san-nakji, a dish that's as famous for its immediate, startling freshness as its flavour. Tiny, live octopus (nakji) is quickly chopped into bite-sized pieces and served immediately, often with just a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The pieces are still twitching and suction cups are active, providing a unique, almost alarming tactile experience as they cling to the palate. While controversial for its perceived 'liveliness', san-nakji is a testament to the Korean emphasis on extreme freshness and distinct textures. It's not just food; it's an exhilarating culinary dare.
