Korean pop music may have been subtly barred from China, but another powerful market has opened its doors to this Asian phenomenon. "China is no longer a viable market for K-pop touring acts," said Ellen Kong, CEO of Elf Asia, a Hong Kong promotion company specializing in K-pop. When a door closes, however, a window opens, and this time the odds are in K-pop's favor big time.

The doors to the US market opened wide for the colorful Korean music genre after K-pop band BTS made history by beating Justin Bieber and becoming the first K-pop group to win the Top Social Artist prize at the prestigious Billboard Music Awards. This marks a turning point for the band which debuted in 2013 wit a contemporary K-pop sound that fuses hip-hop, electronica and rock.

China's barring may have backfired as the pop genre does mainstream in the West. Despite not singing in English, BTS have already sold out venues in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. As it is expected, the the US market is a gateway to the worldwide market, which has welcomed the band with arms wide open. After their sold-out US tour, they toured the world, including countries like Australia and Japan.

BTS member Kim Nam-joon, known to fans as "Rap Monster" took to the stage to accept the award and thanked their friends.

"We still can't believe that we're standing here on this stage at the Billboard Music Awards," he said. "It is so great to see all the artists we admire, and we feel honored to be in this category with all these great artists right in front of us."

"And most importantly, this award belongs to all the people around the world that shine their love and light on us by the millions and make BTS proud. Please remember what we say, love yourself."

The seven-member K-pop band had a lot to thank their fans for, as they were the ones to rally a petition to an invitation for BTS to the awards. Known as ARMY (Adorable Representative MC's for Youth), BTS fanbase voted for the award on Twitter and on the awards website more than 300 million times.

"BTS was one of the first groups to fully embrace social media and completely open themselves up to fans," said CEO of Koreaboo, Flowsion Shekar, a popular content platform specializing in K-pop with a reach of over 50 million.

BTS's music infused with socially-aware lyrical themes of anti-bullying and mental health have earned them 9.7 million followers on social media and YouTube videos that have over 100 million views each. Billboard described the success of their title track "Spring Day, which reached No. 15 on the Billboard "Bubbling Under 100" chart, as "unprecedented given K-pop's history on Billboard's singles charts."

"International fans were able to really relate to them and feel like they truly knew the members individually. Most rookie groups are held tightly behind closed doors and everything is filtered or sanitized before it's shown to the public."

Although BTS is the first K-pop band to win a Billboard award, they are not the first Korean artists to do so. Unsurprisingly, it was PSY the first K-pop solo artist to win one of those prestigious awards back in 2014, for Top Streaming Song, "Gangnam Style."

From seven K-pop concert tours in the US in 2013, the number raised to 20 in 2016. While the so-called Korean Wave of pop culture has long dominated East Asia, until now it had gone unnoticed in the West, except for the global hit "Gangnam Style," which remains the most viewed video on YouTube.

The tables have turned and even Jaden Smith -the 18-year-old son of actor Will Smith, revealed plans to launch his own K-pop career and has shown his support for G-Dragon's new album on Twitter. He has also called the BIg Bang rapper his "inspiration". He uploaded a cellphone screen shot of G-Dragon's new EP "Kwon Ji Yong" as seen on the U.S. iTunes store. The image was enough to show his devotion to big bang and to spark a series of comments by Big Bang's fans. G-Dragon has also started touring in the US, regularly.

Due to South Korea's past diplomatic spat with China - China's opposition to the US-backed missile shield that is now housed in South Korea - a growing number of K-pop acts started touring in the US, according to industry experts. Good tensions are calming now. Love the World - we are one.

Co-founder of K-pop gossip site allkpop which has 10 million monthly readers, Paul Han has stated: "Around 8 years ago or so, it was very rare for K-pop artists to tour in the US, but now it has become quite common."

Korean Female Rapper ‘ARTLOVER' Announces Debut EP "Queen Of Retro" Available Nov 16

"K-Pop prodigy" - Kpopmap "Rap driven Soul Pop gem dressed up in a retro suit" - Daily Kpopnews "‘ARTLOVER' is blazing through with a fresh take" - Sweet Sweet KPop

Following the critically praised single "Want U Back", South Korean rapper ‘ARTLOVER' has announced the release of her debut EP " Queen Of Retro " and second single "Hakuna Matata", available for streaming on November 16th 2018.

The EP offers an eclectic mix of hip hop, retro pop and soul packed into an 80's outfit inspired by music from such icons as Madonna and Dolly Parton. The sound is the result of a collaboration between the singer and Swedish writer Max Billion (Mike Perry, Cazzette) who not only helped penn the four tracks but also co-produced them.

‘Queen Of Retro' is a story about love and loss with a hopeful twist. I really wish for people to be inspired by these songs." says the singer. Despite regular assignments for magazines such as ELLE and Vogue , ‘ARTLOVER' made a bold decision to drop the mascara and trade a flourishing make up career for something far more uncertain. She marked the transition into music with the release of her debut single "Want U Back" on March 2 earlier this year.

The single was accompanied by a striking music video filmed in the Swedish countryside.

The EP was mixed by Tae-Sub Lee at JYPE ( Day 6, TWICE ) and Dong-Kwang Seo (Apink, Eric Nam>.

artlover-music.com

instagram.com/artlovermusic

facebook.com/mynameisartlover

twitter.com/artlovermusic

Seoul's vibrant and multicultural atmosphere, its efficient transport and its varied entertainment offer make it an ideal destination for all sorts of travelers.

Airport Transfer to your Hotel

When it comes to air travel, it might be cheaper to fly with Korean Air if South Korea is your final destination. Once you land at the airport, you have two options to make it into the city: train and taxi. While a cab ride might be more comfortable than the train, it does take longer and it is not entirely safe as there are black market taxis and they may get somewhat aggressive when they approach you at the airport. There's always the safe option, however, of priorly booking a taxi online and you can even request an English-speaking driver. The cost varies from US$65-75 from ICN to most hotels in Seoul.

Getting Around the City

Although the easiest and fastest way to get around Seoul is by subway, traveling by bus is particularly convenient for visitors who want to get a closer look at the city sights since the bus takes tourists on routes past major attractions. If you choose to travel by metro, regardless, write down or memorize the exit number and station at the start of your trip. To make your journeys easier, download the Metro App. Getting around by taxi is also affordable and convenient, but you should have your address in Korean handy as not all drivers can communicate in English.

Customs and etiquette

Seoul may be a modern and innovative capital city, but traditional Korean customs still apply here. Although most Koreans wear Westernized clothes, visitors should still dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples and palaces.

When eating out, it is polite to use chopsticks rather than requesting Western cutlery, and avoid stabbing pieces of food with these chopsticks. Tipping is not customary in Seoul as the price of most goods and services already include a 10 percent service tax. Although tip isn't expected, it is accepted gratefully if you offer.

Money

The unit of currency in Seoul is the won (W). The best banks for foreigners to use in Seoul are Citibank, Hana Bank, Korea Exchange Bank and Shinhan Bank, and fortunately, they are scattered all over the city, which is rather convenient as the highest note of Won available is worth US$10. Therefore, most visitors will find it cumbersome to carry tons of cash on them. Seoul is a very credit card friendly city, however, and most restaurants, retails and taxis accept card payments. What you might need cash for is street food, but that won't require many notes.

Weather

There are four distinct seasons in Seoul. The best times to visit are spring and summer. Although most tourists flock to Seoul during the summer months from June to August, temperatures are quite high, so for those sensitive to the heat, it might be a better idea to visit in spring, enjoy the city in bloom. The months of autumn from September through to November are also enjoyable as the temperatures are mind and with the leaves falling from the trees, the scenery is beautiful.

Shopping

Even though clothing and accessories are inexpensive, sizing may be small. If you buy face moisturizer, you must be aware some are meant to bleach the skin - in some Asian cultures, they value pale skin and they have many products that whiten the skin. Although customer service complies with Western standards, retailers may be pushy from time to time when it involves clothing, skincare/makeup and portrait services. Leaving generic brands aside, some shops will allow to haggle with them.

Wi-Fi/Internet connection

Barring hotels, it is hard to find free Wi-Fi in Seoul. This might be fortunate, however, as it might be dangerous to use free Wi-Fi from untrusted sources, particularly when you are traveling and in a foreign country. The best solution to this dilemma is to rent a pocket Wi-Fi from one of the stores at the airport. For a reasonable price they give you a considerable amount of GB, it is supposed to be safe and you will find it extremely useful to get around, get your bearings, request an UBER, and/or book tours.

When you visit South Korea, there are certain sites, activities and events you can't miss. Whether you are into admiring Korean palace architecture, relaxing by the beach or hiking stunning trails, South Korea will capture your senses. Dotted with an interesting history, the country's interesting past is reflected on its palaces and fortresses. By visiting these historical sites, you can step back in time to the Jeseon Dynasty, which was very powerful and lasted many centuries (1392-1910). The dynasty's legacy is alive in its palaces and fortresses, and it can complies with the principles of Korean architecture and Far Eastern standards.

Changdeokgung

Built in the early 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung Palace is an outstanding example of Far Easter palace architecture and design, as the complex blends harmoniously with the natural environment. King Taejong set up a Bureau of Palace Construction to create the complex - a group of official and residential buildings set in a garden which was brilliantly adapted to the uneven topography of the 58-ha site.

Although the complex was originally built as a secondary palace to the main palace of Gyongbokgung, Changeokgung served as the main seat of the dynasty for 250 years after the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century. The reason behind this change was while both palaces were burnt down during the invasion, it was Changdeokgung the one that was reconstructed first. Thanks to this change, the complex heavily influenced the development of Korean architecture, garden and landscape planning, and related arts, for many centuries.

UNESCO listed Changdeokgung Palace as a World Heritage site back in 1997 for its palace architecture, which includes all the key components of Korean palace architecture and complies with all the Confucian principles and protocols in its spatial layout, arrangement of buildings, gardens and forested mountain landscape. Like the rest of Joseon palaces, Changdeokgung complies with feng shui for good luck and, therefore, it has a mountain behind it and a small stream in front. Out of Seoul's five main palaces, this complex is the most beautiful one.

Tours in English run at 10.30am and 2.30pm. If you want to see the palace's beautiful Huwon section, join tours that run at 11.30am and 1.30am, but make sure to book online or atleast come early as the Huwon tours are very popular and they are restricted to 50 people at a time.

Hiking Around Jeju-do

Blessed with beautiful beaches and lush countryside, Jeju-do is not only Korea's largest island but also the country's favorite holiday destination. home to the natural World Heritage Site Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, Jeju-do is not ideal for relaxation, but also for those who prefer to be active.

Whether you hike up the country's highest mountain, Hallasan, or climb the incredible tuff cone Seongsan Ilchul-bong, to watch the sun rise from the ridge of a crater, the stunning views will mesmerize you. Indeed, hiking is the top activity on the island, and that doesn't involve only Hallasan or the other hundreds of volcanoes in Jeju, but also countless walking trails scattered throughout the island. For instance, if you hike up one of the Jeju Olle Trails, you can explore rough coasts and narrow lanes lined by homes made from black lava rock. Another rewarding activity is to dive into the sea and admire bright corals.

Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress

Like Changdeokgung Palace, Hwaseong Fortress is also one of the magnificent structures built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The King Jeongjo ordered its construction (1794-1796) as a display of filial respect towards his father Jangheonseja. The Joseon king moved his father's tomb to Suwon at the end of the 18th century and then he ordered the construction of a massive walls around the 6Km-perimeter surrounding the tomb.

Pierced by four gates and equipped with bastions, artillery towers and other features, the fortress was also built with the purpose of setting up a new city with its own economic power. In fact, the complex was designed by an influential military architect who combined the latest developments in the field from both East and West.

UNESCO designated the fortress as a historic site back in January 1963 and then in 1997, it was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Apart from admiring the fortress, here you can also watch a series of performances and events held at the fortress every day. In autumn, the fortress holds the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival.