[Local 100] ① Haebangchon: old alleys mixed with modern stores: The "real Korea" lies hidden in alleys. Based on the Local 100, a list of cultural attractions selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea.net explores notable locations nationwide that combine history, art and people. Haebangchon has grown popular among visitors as the setting for the hit K-dramas "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019) and "Itaewon Class" (2020). (Lee Jeongwoo) By Lee Jihae Haebangchon: first town at foot of Namsan Mountain Haebangchon, just one stop away fr; 2026.05.22

Cultural program Korea Season to open in Thailand, Vietnam: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on May 20 announced its hosting of the 2026 Korea Season in Thailand and Vietnam. Shown are participants making jang (fermented sauce) at a lecture hosted by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Thailand from May 10-11. (KCC in Thailand) By Lee Dasom Thailand and Vietnam this month will host cultural and performing arts events featuring Korean culture. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Seoul on May 20 announced its joint hosting of the 2; 2026.05.22

President Lee agrees to stronger crude oil, LNG ties with Japan: President Lee Jae Myung (right) and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on May 19 hold a joint news conference at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. By Xu Aiying Photos = Cheong Wa Dae President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on May 19 agreed to raise bilateral cooperation in energy and supply chains. Both leaders announced the results of their talks at a joint news conference in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. "Given growing instability in supply c; 2026.05.22

26-man roster for nat'l soccer team for FIFA World Cup released: Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the men's national soccer team, on May 16 speaks at a news conference at KT Gwanghwamun West Building in Seoul's Jongno-gu District to announce the final roster for the FIFA World Cup in North America. (Yonhap News) By Jeong Euiseok The final roster for the men's national soccer team competing in the FIFA World Cup in North America has been announced. Head coach Hong Myung-bo on May 16 held a news conference at Onmadang of KT Gwanghwamun West Building in Seoul's J; 2026.05.20

DNA analysis to identify victims' remains in 1942 mine disaster: A Japanese civic group that honors the victims of the 1942 flooding of the Chosei coal mine in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on the Japanese island of Honshu on Aug. 25 announced its discovery of what appears to be the femur bones of a victim in an underwater study. (Korean Buddhist Avalokitesvara Order) By Kang Gahui A joint government investigation with Japan has launched DNA analysis to identify the remains of bodies excavated from the Chosei coal mine in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on the Japa; 2026.05.20

World to adopt Korea's standard for nuclear plant dismantlement: Standards proposed by Korea for the dismantlement of nuclear power plants are set to be the world's first of their kind. Shown is Kori Unit 1, the nation's first commercial nuclear power plant, undergoing the decommissioning process after 40 years of operation in the town of Jangan-eup in Busan's Gijang-gun County. (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power) By Margareth Theresia A global standard proposed by Korea for the dismantlement of nuclear power plants is set to be adopted as the world criterio; 2026.05.20

Discovery of Baekje artifacts in Japan indicate ancient links: Three gilt-bronze belt ornaments in the artistic style of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.- A.D. 660) have been discovered in the Suzu Senninzuka Tumulus in Fuji, a city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. (Fuji) By Yoo Yeon Gyeong Gilt-bronze belt ornaments from the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.- A.D. 660) have been discovered at a burial mound complex in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Fuji, a city in the prefecture, on May 7 announced completed conservation treatment for three such ornaments r; 2026.05.19

First NK sports team in 8 years arrives in South Korea: Members of the North Korean women's soccer team Naegohyang Women's FC on May 17 head for a bus after arriving at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. (Yonhap News) By Kang Gahui The North Korean women's soccer team Naegohyang Women's FC is the first sports squad from the North to visit South Korea in eight years. Naegohyang will compete in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation Women's Champions League in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Province. The team arrived in the country at 2:20; 2026.05.19

Historical sites of blockbuster film see rising tourism interest: By Lee Jihae Photos = Lee Jeongwoo Video = Park Dae Jin "The King's Warden" is the country's No. 2 all-time box office champion, with sales of 16.72 million tickets since its release on Feb. 4. The historical blockbuster has also fueled interest in visiting Yeongwol-gun County, Gangwon-do Province, to get a glimpse of where King Danjong, who reigned from 1452-55 as the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, spent his final days in exile. The tragic king was usurped by his uncle, Prince Suyan; 2026.05.19

Foundation holds prelims for Korean-language, culture contests: This is a scene from the finals last year of the annual King Sejong Institute Korean Language Speaking and Writing Competition at a King Sejong Institute branch. By Lee Jihae Photos = King Sejong Institute Foundation Branches of King Sejong Institute (KSI) worldwide are holding Korean speaking and writing contests as well as those for Korean culture to commemorate the birthday (May 15) of King Sejong the Great, who created the Korean alphabet Hangeul and unveiled it in 1446. The King Sejong I; 2026.05.19

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