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WOO JI-WON

woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr

$27 for a shopping bag? Costco Korea's totes become a 'must have' for foreign tourists.

Foreign visitors are snapping up Costco Korea’s reusable bags as souvenirs, driving online buzz and resale prices far above the 3,000-won retail cost.

2026.6.5

Popular character Hirono finds a permanent home with a themed store in Gwangjang Market

Pop Mart has opened a permanent Hirono themed store at Seoul’s Gwangjang Market, its fourth worldwide and the first standalone Pop Mart character store in Korea. The new shop offers Hirono figures, apparel, home decor and exclusive opening events.

2026.6.5

A statue depicting a family on their journey to seek refuge stands near the Provisional Capital Memorial Hall in Seo District, Busan. [WOO JI-WON]

Busan as a wartime capital: How the city remembers the sacrifices and solidarity born from war

In 1950, gunfire from the North shattered the dawn, forcing South Koreans to flee Seoul. They eventually reached Busan, and the city ultimately acted as their refuge, becoming South Korea’s provincial capital for a little over 1,000 days.

2026.5.28

Photo spot in Ami-dong Tombstone Culture Village [WOO JI-WON]

Move over, Haeundae: These lesser-known Busan spots are foreign travelers’ new favorites

Now firmly established as Korea's second-most-visited destination after Seoul, the southern port city is drawing visitors well beyond tourist spots like Haeundae and Seomyeon.

2026.5.15

New head of the Korean Publishers Association Kim Tae-heon, far left, speaks during a press conference held in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 13. [WOO JI-WON]

New Korean Publishers Association head discusses AI's impact, argues for 'fair compensation' for works

The new head of the Korean Publishers Association is focusing on what he calls “AI readers,” artificial intelligence systems that read books and interact with their content, as the industry adapts to the rise of AI.

2026.5.13

I'm buried in enzymes during an enzyme spa treatment. [WOO JI-WON]

Buried alive for wellness: Enzyme spas offer hot, claustrophobic way to detox

Enzyme spas in Korea, drawing from Japanese origins, offer a unique detox experience by covering participants in warm enzyme mixtures. While claustrophobic, they are gaining popularity among young wellness seekers.

2026.5.11

New Yorker dives into Jeju tradition as village's foreign 'haenyeo'

For centuries, haenyeo have plunged into the sea — up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) deep without an oxygen mask — to harvest seafood. In Yeongrak-ri, a village in Jeju, the tradition lives on through 16 divers, including New York’s Kylie Genter.

2026.5.7

DAY6's Wonpil performs during his solo concert 'Unpiltered' on Sunday at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Songpa District, southern Seoul. [JYP]

DAY6's Wonpil gets 'Unpiltered,' goes sky high in solo concert

Aladdin may have had a flying carpet to win over Jasmine, but Wonpil had a piano in the sky — that was enough to do the trick.

2026.5.4

Mary, a Pekingese, works on strengthening her leg muscles on a reformer. [WOO JI-WON]

멍멍이도 필라테스, 가족 등극 반려동물에 활짝 열린 지갑

In Gangnam District, southern Seoul, dog Pilates classes are gaining popularity among pet owners seeking to improve their pets' mobility and strength, particularly for small breeds with weaker bodies.

2026.5.1

Pilates for pups? Pets treated to human-level care as they become core family members.

2026.4.30