London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

In pictures: Songs beneath the Sacred Tree

It was a huge privilege to be one of the few members of the audience when two leading practitioners of the East Coast Byeolshin Gut tradition displayed their talents in Durham’s music department towards the end of May. Husband and wife team Hong Hyojin and Jung Younrak continue the traditions of the hereditary shaman practice, … [Read More]

K-music Festival 2026: the official press release

Here is the official press release for the 2026 K-music festival, released earlier today. Much to look forward to! Europe’s Largest Korean Music Festival Beyond Genre Boundaries 28 Sep – 23 Nov 2026 From folk traditions and experimental sound art to gaming soundtracks, jazz, hip-hop and indie rock, K-Music Festival returns to showcase the depth, … [Read More]

June events 2026

If K-pop and club music isn’t your thing, June so far seems to be a reasonably quiet month, which after such a busy May is no bad thing. Exhibitions Architect Byoung Soo Cho has a solo exhibition at the Coronet Theatre until 6 June The KCCUK’s current exhibition Icheon and Beyond — The Space Within … [Read More]

Intelligence with Soul: Dr Seunghye Sun on AI, K-Culture, and the Art of Human Connection

Jennifer Paun, who organised and hosted KCCUK Director Seunghye Sun’s valedictory talk at the University Women’s Club, gives her impressions of the evening. On the evening of Tuesday 24 March 2026, it was a great pleasure for me to welcome Dr Seunghye Sun to the University Women’s Club for her lecture, K-Everything with AI: Rethinking … [Read More]

Hangul Celluloid content is now available on LKL

Three months ago Hangul Celluloid‘s Paul Quinn made the shock announcement that he was going to close down his site, taking it offline today, 23 March. He also extended an invitation: So, for those of you who still feel there’s stuff worth grabbing from there, grab it now… ‘coz when it’s gone, it’s gone… And … [Read More]

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Recent Event updates

[Leeds] From South Korea to the World: Korean Literature in Translation

How do Korean stories travel from Seoul to readers around the world? What happens between the writer’s desk and the English-language page? And how are contemporary Korean authors reaching global audiences today? Join award-winning writers Kim Keum-hee and Hwang Bo-reum, together with translator Clare Richards and scholar Dr Eugene Kim, for a day of readings … [Read More]

Korea update with the two ambassadors

A briefing with the British ambassadors to South and North Korea, who will talk about their work and current issues on the Peninsula. After the presentations there will be a Question & Answer session and a reception with refreshments. Colin Crooks has been the British Ambassador to the Republic of Korea since 2022. He previously … [Read More]

Tabber “Modern Goth” tour in London

A new moon is rising, and with it, a brand-new chapter for Tabber. Known for pushing boundaries and creating some of the most distinctive sounds in Korean R&B and alternative music, Tabber has never been an artist who stays in one place for long. This October, he returns to Europe with a completely reimagined live … [Read More]

LUN8 2026 “Beyond the Moon” tour in London

LUN8 is a K-pop boy group that debuted on June 15, 2023. Their name carries the meaningful message of “boys who embrace the moonlight that brightly illuminates the dark night.” Since their debut, the group has garnered worldwide attention for their energetic performances, outstanding vocals, and captivating stage presence. This August, LUN8 returns to Europe … [Read More]

Ampers&One ‘Born To Define’ in London

Rookie boy group Ampers&One bring their first European tour to London this September, marking a major milestone in their fast‑rising career. Formed under FNC Entertainment, the seven‑member team — Kamden, Brian, Jiho, Siyun, Mackiah, Kyrell and Seungmo — have been building momentum since their 2023 debut with On and On, followed by tracks such as … [Read More]

The above events list includes recent updates to events which might have been uploaded some time ago (eg an update confirming venue or ticket link). A chronological listing of all event notices published, most recent first, can be found here. A list of all upcoming events can be found here.

Recent Book updates

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South Korea’s Soft Power: The Korean Wave [forthcoming]

Since Korean cultural products and entertainers have gained global popularity – the so-called Korean Wave – many studies have regarded the Korean Wave as Korea’s soft power. However, the concept of soft power remains contested in the political science literature, particularly because it is difficult to clearly distinguish it from hard power. This Element, therefore, … [Read More]

Contemporary Buddhist Movements and Alternatives in Korea: Legacy of Tongbulgyo [forthcoming]

This book provides a comprehensive exploration on the history and practices of native Buddhist movements in contemporary Korea. It begins with a historical emergence of Korean Buddhism, followed by the colonial transmission of Japanese Buddhism in East Asia. The study critically analyses the development of five distinct Buddhist sects and two alternative movements from the … [Read More]

Diary of a Korean Plant Parent: Four Seasons of Growth [forthcoming]

Acclaimed writer Kim Keum Hee invites readers into her sun-soaked Seoul apartment, where the daily ritual of nurturing her many houseplants becomes a moving meditation on resilience, hope, and the evolving seasons of a life. “Where there are roots, there is hope.” Kim Keum Hee is a self-confessed and proud ‘plant parent’. She lives with … [Read More]

Contemporary Korean Culture from the Edge: Transgression, Innovation, and Intimacy

This book is for any reader seeking to understand and engage with contemporary South Korean culture. Inspired by the term “edge”, which in Korean refers to attitudes and ideas that are new, gripping and transgressive, each chapter provides a new perspective on today’s Korea. Drawing from a range perspectives, Contemporary Korean Culture from the Edge: Transgression, Innovation, … [Read More]

Into the Light: An Anthology of Literature by Koreans in Japan

Into the Light is the first anthology to introduce the fiction of Japan’s Korean community (Zainichi Koreans) to the English-speaking world. The collection brings together works by many of the most important Zainichi Korean writers of the twentieth century, from the colonial-era “Into the Light” (1939) by Kim Sa-ryang to “Full House” (1997) by Yu Miri, … [Read More]

Korean Cocktails: From Traditional Spirits to Modern Drinks [forthcoming]

More than 75 recipes from the mixologist behind Momofuku’s iconic cocktails, the K-Margarita and the Sesame Manhattan. In Korean Cocktails, bartender Haera Shin invites readers into the world of sool — Korea’s vibrant family of traditional alcohols. From the smooth clarity of soju to the tangy effervescence of makgeolli, each bottle carries centuries of craft, … [Read More]

The above booklist includes recent updates to books which might have been uploaded some time ago (eg an update to reflect a release of cover art, or a new review). A chronological listing of all books uploaded, most recent first, can be found here.