2024 is soon coming to an end, and what better way to ring in 2025 than a trip to Korea's busiest costal city, Busan ! We cover all the important details from parking to the best time to see the first sunrise of 2025! Image: Reddit.com The Year of the Dragon is coming to an end, and what better way to ring in 2025 and the year of the snake than a trip to Korea's busiest costal city Busan! With extensive beaches, magical view points to watch the first sun rise of the New Year, Busan has a lot to offer. Last year, I visited Busan to ring in the Year of the Dragon, and I was impressed with the amount of people, variety of events and the amazing atmosphere that was displayed! If you are considering heading to Busan for New Year's Eve , then go ahead and book your accommodation, as places will sell out fast, and as it gets closer to the event the prices become more expensive. Check out the amazing 2024 display! The upcoming 2025 New Years Eve event at Gwangalli Beach , is planned to be a memorable event, with the hope of attracting visitors from across the world. This vibrant and fun atmosphere lets the city come alive, displaying mesmerizing drone shows, fireworks and live performances which will make it an unforgettable experience! As it gets closer to midnight, Gwangalli Beach has an exciting buzz, ahead of the captivating fireworks/ drone show and everyone has their phones ready to share the experience with loved ones back home. This is not all, the area also boasts cosy parks, bustling squares to rooftop terraces for visitors to enjoy the events. First sun rise of the New Year For the beautiful first sun rise of the year, Gwangalii beach is filled with people who want to make a wish and ring in the new year. The sun rise is usually around 7:20 AM - 7:30 AM in the morning. If you’re coming by car, it’s best to arrive at Gwangalli Beach before 6:30 AM and park in the car park. There is a large public parking lot behind the Minakhoe Centre, so parking is cheap! Image: Visitbusan.com Cost: Free. Age: Fun for all the family. Location: If you’re travelling by public transport, take Line 2 subway to Geumnyesan Station and take Exit 1 or 3 and walk down to the beach for about 5 minutes. If you get off at Gwangan Station, take exit 3 or 5 and walk down to Gwangalli Beach, which takes about 10 minutes. Let us know if you will be heading to Busan for New Years Eve 2025 in the comments below. #busan #nye #busannye #NYE #NYE2024 #NYE2025 #kculture #beach #droneshow #fireworks

Have you ever caught yourself humming a BTS song or searched glass skin routine at 2 AM?

The South Korean president and the French president’s first face-to-face meeting took place in South Africa. On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg , South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron . It was their first face-to-face meeting since Lee’s election, and it immediately drew attention inside the summit. The timing of the meeting was unexpected. For the first time , the two leaders openly discussed moving their relationship to a new level. At the center of their discussion was a clear goal : (to raise the bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership). Both leaders highlighted the importance of their “special relationship” and the political and historical trust between the two countries. This announcement comes at a key moment. The year 2026 marks 140 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 140 Years of Diplomatic Relations The year 2026 marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea . President Lee recalled this important milestone and invited President Macron to make a state visit to South Korea. President Macron accepted the invitation and confirmed that the visit is planned for 2026 . To mark the anniversary , many events are planned. These include cultural exhibitions, official ceremonies, scientific meetings, and economic talks. Some events will also focus on history, including the role of French soldiers in the Korean War. Key Areas of Cooperation The two presidents agreed to expand cooperation in key strategic areas. These include security , artificial intelligence , quantum technology , space exploration , civil nuclear energy , and renewable energy . President Macron also thanked South Korea for its position on major international issues, including its support for Ukraine . Both leaders said that France and South Korea face similar global challenges , such as energy transition , new technologies , and international security . Looking Ahead in 2026 Several concrete projects are expected this year. President Macron is preparing his official visit to South Korea , and a high-level Korean delegation is also expected to visit France. New cooperation agreements are planned in AI, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and green energy. Cultural and educational exchanges will also be strengthened through exhibitions, concerts, and joint events. A commemorative ceremony will take place at the French memorial for Korean War soldiers in Suwon , and the working holiday visa program will be expanded to encourage exchanges between young people. So, What Comes Next? The meeting in Johannesburg shows a clear direction. France and South Korea are poised to enter a new phase, built on shared interests, long-standing trust, and a common vision for the future. Will 2026 be a turning point in France-South Korea relations? Can this strategic partnership move from words to real action? What do you think? #politics #politicalnews #France #Johannesburg #SouthAfrica

Fans of groups like Seventeen and BTS immediately embraced the concept.

Image: K-pop Party Playlist - Photo: https://www.kpoppost.com "Don't Say You Love Me" by Jin (BTS) The

industry is often ranked into seven levels of popularity, ranging from the world-dominating "S-Tier" (like BTS

HYBE has strung together the world's best K-pop lineup with global sensations like BTS, NewJeans, and

BTS — "Blood, Sweat & Tears" For obvious reasons.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and Seoul Shinmun, in collaboration with the Philippine K-pop Convention (PKCI) and Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, were delighted to present Everyone's KPOP: Manila! This event aimed to fully engage fans in the exciting and enthralling realm of K-pop! We show you what happened at this amazing fan-driven event! The event took place on July 1, from 10 AM to 5 PM, at Level 1, Main Atrium Robinsons Galleria Ortigas. Everyone’s KPOP: Manila aims to showcase various facets of K-pop beyond its music and dance elements. Additionally, it aims to emphasize that K-pop is inclusive and can be appreciated by individuals from diverse backgrounds, much like any other genre of music. By incorporating performances, games, and activities, even those who are not familiar with K-pop can actively engage and join in this celebratory occasion! The event, which was divided into two phases, provided a wide range of exciting activities that delve into different aspects of K-pop culture! Attendees at the KPOP Playground got the option to participate in entertaining games featured on K-variety shows. Additionally, fan club booths will host a variety of engaging events both on and off the stage. Visitors can also expect challenges and the opportunity to win K-pop CDs and souvenirs. A K-pop Cosplay Show will also be held at the playground. Special performances from VER5US and G22, P-pop groups, were witnessed by the event attendees throughout the day. The 2023 KCDF, a K-pop Cover Dance Festival, featured dance groups from various parts of the Philippines displaying their remarkable skills. Experience awe-inspiring performances that capture the essence of K-pop and witness these gifted dancers breathe life into the stage. The fortunate victor of the K-pop Cover Dance Festival was given the remarkable chance to be the representative of the Philippines in Korea during the ultimate stage. They were provided with a complete K-pop idol group experience, which involved being trained by a renowned choreographer and having professional photos taken by a famous photographer. Moreover, they will embark on an unforgettable journey throughout Korea, fully immersing themselves in the lively Korean culture! What do you think about the Filipino K-pop fandom community? Let us know if you were there! Comment below! #EveryonesKPOPManila #KCDF2023 #KCCPhil #KoreanCulturePH

The first member of BTS to enlist will be Kim Seok Jin, also known as just Jin, who turns 30 in December

The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is back for another round of exciting cross-cultural music celebration! With a continuing partnership with SJA Music Institute, this event will provide invaluable insight into the Australian and Korean music industry; you don't want to miss! "AMPLIFY" Showcase at the AIM Sydney campus (Credits: AIM) What's in it for me? For music students interested in studying post-graduate degrees with the opportunity to study abroad, this is a great opportunity to network and learn about their respective fields in contemporary music. AIM has been ranked #1 in Australia for its postgraduate experience in courses and has outperformed higher education providers in the country! SJA Music Institute is the largest contemporary music institute in South Korea, and its diploma program provides a systematic and professional educational system for musicians. Activity schedule The event will include presentations from senior SJA and AIM representatives and key course and articulation details, followed by an optional dinner. Let's not forget about the live performances! Korean student, Ellie Son, performs at the "AMPLIFY" Showcase at the AIM Sydney Campus (Credits: AIM) Important dates and information: DATE Friday 7 th November VENUE SJA Music Institute, 6 Wausan-ro, 25-gil, Mapo-gu TIME 4:30 to 6:00 PM (followed by optional dinner) To confirm your participation, RSVP to Rupert.Johnstone@AIM.edu.au before 30 October .

Set to release on Friday, October 28 at 13:00 KST, Jin's new single "Astronaut" with a collaboration with the multi-Grammy award-winning group Coldplay was shared on Coldplay's Twitter feed! The group's frontman, Chris Martin, smiled as the smooth melodic sounds from the new song hit our ears! Take a listen! After the release of the song, Jin will fly to Argentina immediately to meet up with the group to premiere the song with a live audience. Check out Coldplay's tweet from their ongoing concert! Don't forget to join our online K-culture community! Become a member for FREE and win FREE monthly prizes! Let us know if you'll be buying the new single and share your thoughts and artwork with us!