Korean language

A teacher gives an online class at school, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Seoul, South Korea, April 9, 2020. 

South Korean high school seniors are eager to return to the classroom

Education

South Korean high school seniors will be the first students to return to the classroom after the coronavirus delayed the start of the academic year. For many, the pandemic didn’t just disrupt their education; it cast their entire futures into uncertainty. 

A black and white photo of a large family

For many, international adoption isn’t just a new family. It’s the loss of another life.

hand phone illustration by  Leslie Agan

If you’re placing a phone call to North Korea, it may be answered on a ‘hand phone’

Culture
The Univoca smartphone app gives users the North Korean versions of South Korean words.

Korean is virtually two languages, and that’s a big problem for North Korean defectors

Media
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watches a display at a military air show with Air Force officers in May 2014.

Kim Jong-Un is back! Who cares?

Global Politics

In culturally homogenous South Korea, tentative steps toward multiculturalism

South Korea has long been known for its lack of cultural diversity. Even today, the country is more than 99 percent ethnic Koreans. But things are slowly shifting, with more foreigners moving to the country and having ethnically mixed children — which has presented new challenges for the government and the Korean people.

The World

2013 North Korean Mass Games ‘Even More Massive’ Than Usual

Global Politics

Monday starts the annual North Korean mass games, an annual orchestrated floor show that commemorates the anniversary of the Korean War. This year they’ll be celebrating the 60th anniversary with a special Arirang show based on the Korean folk tale.

‘Comrade Kim Goes Flying’: A North Korean Rom-Com

Arts, Culture & Media

South Korean movie goers got a rare look at a North Korean romantic comedy at the Busan International Film Festival.

The World

South Korea Opens Multicultural High School

Arts, Culture & Media

South Korea has traditionally been a homogeneous society, but now there is a growing population of culturally mixed families. It can be hard for these children to fit in, so the country has just opened its first “multicultural” high school.

The World

North Korea Trains Children as Cyber Warriors

Global Politics

North Korea is grooming kids good at math and science for a special cyber warfare program.