People visit the popular shopping district Myeongdong in central Seoul on June 24.YONHAP
It's Wednesday. Hope you've had a great week so far. Here are the stories you need to know in Korea.
In today's news, authorities warn beachgoers to stay away from shorelines, as accidents have occurred due to high waves. We take a look at Seoul's Gold Pig Restaurant, which has become popular for its premium pork and celebrity guests. Meanwhile, Korea's regions are celebrating summer with their own festivals.
What is happening? The government is warning people to be careful near Korea's coasts as a series of sudden swells caused dangerous incidents, including one death, at the beginning of this month. Between June 6 and 7, 18 coastal incidents accidents were recorded along Korea's east coast. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has called the swells "a hazardous weather phenomenon in which energy from strong waves formed in distant waters travels to the shore, causing waves to surge suddenly even when there is no wind."
Do swells occur often on Korea's coasts? Swells occur most frequently from autumn through spring, but accidents happen more often in summer when people visit the coasts. Korea's east coast is especially prone to swells due to its relatively straight coastline and lack of offshore islands.
What are authorities advising? Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the shoreline on days when swells are forecast and to follow evacuation warnings. The KMA also provides information on its swell forecasts through its information portal.
This looks delicious. Where is it? This hunk of meat is being grilled on a barbecue at the Gold Pig Restaurant in Yaksu-dong, central Seoul. The establishment is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and has grown into a highly popular place to eat Korean barbecue. It has earned a reputation for premium pork cuts and its celebrity clientele.
Celebrities? Who has been there? The restaurant has hosted A-list Korean celebrities like BTS, G-Dragon, Blackpink and IU, as well as Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth and football icon David Beckham. Some celebrity signatures also adorn the restaurant walls, with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami drawing his signature "Smiling Flowers" on the wooden door and actor James Franco sketching his Goblin character on one corner.
What makes the restaurant special? According to the restaurant's founder and CEO Park Soo-kyung, it's the meat and how it's grilled. "The meat quality of our restaurant is undoubtedly top-notch, but what I believe makes the difference at a barbecue restaurant is the grilling technique," said Park. One of the restaurant's signature touches is serving its pork with basil leaves. Park says this is her hidden weapon.
Summer festivals? Sounds fun! Yes they do. Korea's regions are celebrating summer in their own way, announcing festivals to take place in the warmer season. Visitors can look forward to helicopter rides, food festivals and cultural events.
What are these helicopter rides you're talking about? This will be taking place at the Jochiwon Peach Festival in Sejong. And the guests won't be riding in just any helicopter — they'll be soaring high in the sky on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from an Army battalion. Taking off from an Army facility, the passengers will be transported to the city's outdoor sports complex on festival grounds.
What other fun events are taking place? There are also food and cultural festivals being held across the country. South Chungcheong's Cheonan is holding a pastry-themed festival called "Pang Pang Day," while Namdae Stream in Gangneung, Gangwon, is hosting the Gangneung Danoje Festival. The Gangneung festival pays tribute to a shamanic god for wellness, peace and prosperity.
