Korea is a foodie paradise, and while you can get by very nicely on bibimbap and bulgogi, there’s so much more to discover. Here’s some of the treats I discovered down south on my recent trip – and thanks to Suzy in Seoul for some of the recommendations for Tongyeong, given over some splended smoked … [Read More]
LKL articles by Philip Gowman
Park Kyung-ni’s tomb in Tongyeong
For peope who like to track down literary landmarks, the tomb of Park Kyung-ni, author of the sweeping epic T’oji (Land) can be found on Mireukdo, Tongyeong, just above a memorial hall dedicated to her life and work. And for those who are short of time (like me), and like to tick off a number … [Read More]
Interview with Krys Lee in the Economist
There’s a Q & A with Krys Lee, author of “Drifting House” in the Economist: All the lonely people. Put the book on your reading list – so far, it’s the book to read this year. http://t.co/uTh7gri8 [Read More]
“A Reason to Live” and “Pain”: Two lame films to avoid
What better time to catch up on films you might not otherwise see than a long-haul flight from Seoul to London? Of the ten Korean films available on Asiana flight OZ 521 last week: I’d already seen and enjoyed two (War of the Arrows and Leafie) Two were feelgood sporting movies – not my usual … [Read More]
New Indie Music collaboration album
The Joongang Ilbo features an interesting new K-indie compilation double album – a collaboration between three indie labels – featuring almost 20 years of K-indie. “Seoul Seoul Seoul” has got to be worth checking out at YesAsia [Read More]
Ancient Silla dog breed to be listed as heritage
The Donggyeong dog breed – thought to be Korea’s oldest – is to be listed as a natural monument, joining the Jindo (a hunting dog) and the Sapsal (apparently effective for keeping ghosts away) http://bit.ly/IlE3EK [Read More]
Kang Soon-yul at Mill House Gallery
KAA chairman Kang Soon-yul participates in a group exhibition by the British Tapestry Association’s South East group at Mill House Gallery, Ecclesden Lane, Angmering, West Sussex, BH16 4DQ, 6 – 15 April. http://bit.ly/Ie9pv4 [Read More]
Flower Island: beautiful, magical, weird
Song Il-gon’s debut feature Flower Island. I didn’t have much of a clue what it was about. But it was beautiful, magical, and a little bit weird. Great performances from all concerned. Links: Full-length reviews at Otherwhere | Koreanfilm.org | Love HK Film [Read More]
Affordable art at Mokspace
Running Boy’s cartoon-like embroidery and Kyungho Park’s colourful street art at Mokspace (near the British Museum) are bright, fun and very affordable. Pay the exhibition a visit http://bit.ly/HVqQ4P [Read More]
Situated Senses 02: 30cm of Obscurity at the Old Police Station
News of an interesting group exhibition at an equally interesting venue: Deptford’s Old Police Station, which was the venue for one of Union Gallery’s shows a couple of years back. Situated Senses 02: 30cm of Obscurity Artists : Minae Kim | Sangjin Kim | Jaeyeon Chung Curator : Jay Jungin Hwang Venue : The Old … [Read More]
ID Please: a Korean group show in Peckham
News of an upcoming group exhibition by young Korean artists, in a Peckham gallery: ID, please. New Gallery London (92 Peckham Road, London, SE15 5PY) 9 – 14 April 2012 (Monday to Saturday) Private view: 6 – 9pm, Monday, 9 April 2012 Curated by Dani Daeun Kim & Yovi Jisun Song Organised by Alpha Art … [Read More]
JYP branches out into the restaurant business
K-pop supremo Park Jin Young branches out from the Kpop business to open a posh Korean restaurant in Manhattan called Kristalbelli (8 West 36th Street). Must try it next time I’m in NYC. http://bit.ly/HpeMtH [Read More]
A big thank you to all those who made my recent Korea trip so special
I’ve just come back from an action-packed 10 days in Korea: contemporary art and Joseon dynasty architecture in Seoul; contemporary music, Joseon dynasty naval prowess and great scenery in Tongyeong; mountain hiking, fine Korean tea-bowls, Koryo dynasty cotton cultivation, Kaya kingdom tombs, one of highest temples in South Korea and much more in Sancheong County. … [Read More]
National Pension Service to open London office
The Korean National Pension Service (NPS), one of the world’s biggest pension funds, is to set up a new base in London. The NPS announced the decision after a meeting between its chairman, Jun Kwang-woo, and the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, who is visiting Seoul for the Nuclear Security Summit. http://bit.ly/HBfyx3 [Read More]
Korea’s National Museum in top 10
The National Museum of Korea makes top ten most visited global art venue, according to The Art Newspaper (via the BBC) http://bbc.in/GOytcN. The same article gives a special mention to the National Folk Museum of Korea in the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung for four exhibitions attracting more than 9,000 visitors a day. [Read More]
Ill-Fated Relationship: get your manhwa in English, on the iPhone
When I was in Korea last May I met up with Kim Jin-sung, the man behind online CD merchant Mr Kwang. He told me about his project to bring manhwa, Korean graphic novels, to an English speaking audience. I was expecting something web-based. But with the advent of the iPhone, an app is as good … [Read More]