[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

CJ E&M set to build massive 'Korean Wave' theme park, The Korea Times explores the first time Korea and Western world made contact, the majority of Koreans will be going on holiday over Chuseok, and see how one eco-friendly fashion designer is hoping to tame Korea's 'wasteful' wedding culture.

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"South Korean Media Firm CJ E&M to Build Massive Complex For All Your Hallyu Needs"

Look out for a massive new complex in Goyang in the future because CJ E&M is planning a $1.2 billion theme park dedicated to promoting South Korea's biggest cultural export, "Hallyu". There will also be an impressive shopping mall, a cutting-edge cinema (including the "hyper-realistic 3D Screen X"), top-notch hotels and other inviting commercial services and experience. Visitors will also be enthralled by the latest technologies in virtual reality, robotics and artificial intelligence. "As the complex will be approximately 20 and 35 minutes away from Gimpo and Incheon international airports, respectively, it will be conveniently accessible to tourists who come to the country pursuing their love for hallyu content".

...READ ON NEXT SHARK

"Korea's first encounter with Western world"

South Korea's relationship with the modern world at large is a complex and fruitful one. The so-called 'Korean Wave' continues to spread around the world gaining favour, while Korea itself has proven incredibly adaptable in response to global influences. In this interesting feature on The Korea Times, writer Jung Min-ho reveals when and how South Korea and the Western world first made contact. "For a long time, many people believed it was Jan Janse de Weltevree, a Dutchman who was washed ashore in 1653, and then Joao Mendes, a Portuguese trader whom they thought arrived 50 years before him..."

...READ ON THE KOREA TIMES

"[Graphic News] Koreans eye trips during long Chuseok break"

Chuseok, a major holiday/autumn festival in Korea, takes place this year from October 4 to 6. Traditionally, the three days are dedicated to celebrating a good harvest with close family, usually in one's hometown; there are also some special dishes that are enjoyed around this time of year (e.g. songpyeon) and gift giving. Chuseok is a very busy period in Korea: a recent survey indicated that around 90% of the country are planning to go on holiday next month, with Seoul being the top destination.

...READ ON THE KOREA HERALD

"Designer seeks to change wedding culture"

Lee Kyoung-jae is a fashion designer with a green thumb who is hoping to raise consciousness about the materialistic, high consumption nature of weddings in Korea; yes, even those small and meaningful ones. "Rather than showing off a special day in a materialistic way, the focus is more on the meaning and less consumption, it's a wedding we design intentionally", said Lee in a recent interview with The Korea Times. In short, Lee creates eco-friendly options tailored for couples that involve significantly less waste. "I will be happy to see people have more choices in weddings and share meaning with others".

...READ ON THE KOREA TIMES