koreatimes •

Busan film fest brings cinema magic, star power to Korea's 'second city'

Last Friday saw the wrapping up of the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), that electric time of the year when Korea’s oft-neglected second city is temporarily transformed into the most glamorous spot on the peninsula. This year’s fest was a resounding success, drawing industry folks, aficionados, media and festival organizers from across Asia and beyond for 10 days of movies, events, boozy soirees and enough schmoozing to power all of Los Angeles for a good month.
Wanderlust •

Art and architecture in Roppongi area, Tokyo: 5 must-see buildings - Wanderlust

When it comes to urban design, Tokyo is a treasure trove, though the sheer number of amazing structures can be overwhelming, making it difficult for architecture fans to know where to start. With this in mind, the upscale and artsy Roppongi neighbourhood is a good place to focus your exploration, as it possesses an incredible mix of both ancient and modern sites. Here are five must-see buildings in the area.
Travel + Leisure •

This Massive Lake in Mongolia Has Caribbean-like Blue Waters — and It's an Outdoor Lover's Dream

With rugged hills, pristine rivers, and impossibly vast spaces, Mongolia is gaining ground as a destination with travelers thirsty for adventure. This large, landlocked Asian nation offers natural splendor in massive doses. And though getting there may take some effort, the payoff is well worth it. Simply put, Mongolia is an outdoor lover’s dream — and Lake Khovsgol National Park is the perfect place to soak it all in. Situated in the country’s far north and surrounded by mountains, rocky shor...
The Telegraph •

The 50 best beaches in the world

The question of what constitutes the world’s best beaches will always prompt a subjective answer. There are beaches for pure indolence, where you want nothing more than to snooze under a blue sky. There are beaches for play, where families set up sun-tents and sandcastles are constructed. There are beaches for fun, where bars line the promenade and a party is never far away. There are beaches where you will not meet another soul.
National Geographic •

A neighbourhood guide to Busan

South Korea's southeastern city of Busan is a lively modern metropolis, home to the country's largest port. This once rough-and-tumble maritime hub has developed into a bustling centre for commerce, culture and technology — pockets of the old port town, however, remain thriving neighbourhoods where the past rubs shoulders with the bright, shiny and new. From colourful hillside villages to bustling beachside strips, each of Busan’s local districts offers its own unique flavour and a window into what makes the city tick. Combine this with fresh seafood and an emerging restaurant and bar scene, and it’s no wonder people are starting to take notice of Busan. Here are four of the city’s most exciting districts .
The Telegraph •

A beginner's guide to South Korea

Sticking out into the western Pacific like a rocky appendage, South Korea is one of the most rugged countries on earth, with 70 per cent of its landmass made up of mountains. Once seen as a sleepy backwater, South Korea has finally stepped into the spotlight, with an industrial, technical and pop-cultural output that boggles the mind. Just the size of Portugal, this densely packed nation of 50 million punches well above its weight when it comes to making things, especially the films, TV dramas a
CNN •

Why now is the time to visit Busan, South Korea’s ‘second city’

Editor’s Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the destination it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. Known for its fiery cuisine, cutting-edge technology and hefty pop-cultural output, South Korea is currently enjoying its moment in the spotlight. While the capital, Seoul, gets the lion’s share of attention, the country’s second city, Busan,
koreatimes •

Busan International Short Film Festival returns for 41st year

While the city of Busan is famous for its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, iconic bridge and savory pork soup, it has also carved out a rightful spot on the map of global cinema. The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is the largest of its kind in Asia, delivering a big dose of glitz, glamour and high art to South Korea’s second city every year in early October. However, despite the fact that BIFF is the town’s cultural marquee event, it’s not even the city’s oldest film festival: That honor
National Geographic •

South Korea: What’s cooking

Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and home to several wide, sandy beaches, Busan has long been where South Koreans come to unwind. But the country’s second city is now coming into its own as a culinary destination, with its boat-fresh seafood and timehonoured recipes beginning to attract international attention. Its place on the world culinary map will be established in February, when the city is set to be included in the Michelin Guide — the only South Korean destination other than the capital to be featured.
KOREA PRO •

South Korea’s Jamboree debacle: Implications for the country’s 2030 Expo bid

Allegations of financial malfeasance and lack of preparations for the event could sway BIE voters away from Korea South Korea recently hosted the World Scout Jamboree in North Jeolla Province, aiming to showcase its capacity to manage grand international events. However, the jamboree faced numerous challenges. Extreme heat and humidity affected hundreds of scouts. Issues arose from inadequate infrastructure and sanitation concerns. A typhoon’s arrival didn’t help matters, nor did the site itsel
KOREA PRO •

How Busan hopes to overcome Riyadh’s bid for the World Expo 2030

Cultural cachet meets vast cash reserves as South Korea challenges Saudi Arabia’s capital for the Expo crown As the fourth and final round of presentations for the World Expo 2030 host city begins in Paris this week, Busan — South Korea’s second-largest city — appears to be a strong contender. With a compelling story of urban transformation into a gleaming global hub and national corporate backing, the city’s passion and enthusiasm — banners, beach sand sculptures, drone shows and even a theme
Asia Times •

Viewing America’s gun crisis from the shores of Korea

One consequence of living on the other side of the Pacific is that, because of the extreme time difference, news from America hits these shores at odd times of the day (or night). This is especially true with school shootings. I’m usually fast asleep when they go down, which makes them the first item I read about when I groggily come to in the morning, slip on my readers, and take in the events I missed during my slumber from the screen of my phone. And each time it’s the same. I shake my head
National Geographic •

Four culinary experiences to try in Hokkaido

2. Try the glory of kombu seaweed Ainu cuisine may not be known internationally, but its influence punches well above its weight. This is thanks to kombu, a large edible kelp that’s both a traditional Ainu ingredient and cornerstone of Japanese cuisine — as well as a precursor to the country’s signature umami flavour. The ‘fifth flavour’, now associated with soy, miso and other fermented foods, finds its roots in this seaweed’s rich, slightly briny taste, which can be detected everywhere in Jap
National Geographic •

Discover Japan’s wild north: five of the best nature experiences in Hokkaido

A rugged rise of rock, Hokkaido is a land of pine forests, smoldering volcanoes and jagged coastline. Countless species of marine and avian creatures inhabit the island's shores at different times of the year, while the woodlands and mountains are home to some of the largest mammals in the country, including Ezo red foxes, Ezo sika deer and Ussuri brown bears. Here are five nature experiences to help you make the most of your visit. On the edge of the Sea of Okhotsk, Hokkaido’s northern shore i
National Geographic •

Carving a way forward: Toru Kaizawa on preserving Ainu traditions in Hokkaido

Hokkaido's distinctive culture will stay with travellers long after they leave. Originally hunter-gatherers, the island’s Indigenous Ainu people have a different language, religion and culture from the Japanese, all rooted in a strong connection with nature — this influence clear in local crafts. Chief among them is carving, traditionally the domain of Ainu men, who sculpt wood into tools and adorn their surfaces with patterns passed down through generations. In the 19th century, assimilation p
National Geographic •

Where to try the ancient tradition of ice fishing in Japan

Like many who make their living fishing, Noto Yoshimi is a man of few words. The wind slicing the shore of Lake Furen, on Hokkaido’s eastern shore, stings my skin, but he remains unfazed, accustomed to such arctic gusts. Squinting, he stokes the coals of a metal barbecue, gesturing for me to warm my numb hands. Then, he gazes out at the flat, frosty expanse of frozen lake ahead of us like a seasoned boxer sizing up his opponent. “Fishermen like Noto-san have been working here for around a centu
National Geographic •

Festival season: seven celebrations to experience in Busan, South Korea

Known for its expansive beaches, gleaming high-rises, fresh seafood and laid-back vibes, South Korea’s seaside city of Busan is also home to some of the most distinctive festivals in the country. Combining a trip to Busan with a festival is the perfect way to soak up the infectiously vibrant energy the place has to offer. Here are seven of the best local celebrations and festivities to book in 2023. More than 1,000 participants take to the streets in a spirited ‘Peace Parade’, featuring placards
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