Weekend Leisure & Sports Events Held in Jeju

Various leisure and sports events are scheduled to take place in Jeju on the first weekend of June. On June 4th, the 5th National Hallasan Mountain Hiking Event will be held from 09:00 to 16:00. Over 800 hikers are expected to participate in individual and group (5 people or more) races to finish the designated Hallasan Mountain hiking course within a limited time (4hrs 30min). On June 4th and 5th, the 22nd National Underwater Photo-taking Competition will be held in Seogwipo Beach. Around 300 amateur photographers, who are also certified divers, will try to take the best underwater pictures off the coasts of Munseom, Supseom and Beomseom Islands. Finally, on June 5th, the 9th Jeju Superman Triathlon will take place on the coastal road from Seogwipo Seongsanpo to Sehwa. Over 200 triathletes from across the country are expected to compete in the 173km-race combining swimming, cycling and marathon.
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1301883

Namsan Million Person Walking Festival’ to Host the Final Walk

The last of the three-part ‘Namsan Million Person Walking Festival’ walking event series will take off from Namsan Fountain Square at 10:00 on June 11th. Anyone is welcome to join the event for free, and choose to walk either a 7.5km full course or a 3.0km half course. Several performances including Samulnori (farmers’ percussion quartet) and Russian Tango will be held before the walking begins. All participants will be provided with complimentary beverages and milk, while lucky draw prize of backpacks and walking-shoes will be given away. Participants may register online prior to the festival.
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1301884

Fendi Fashion Show to Go Ahead Despite Protests

Luxury goods brand Fendi will go ahead with a fashion show at the Floating Island on the Han River in Seoul despite strong opposition from anti-fur activists.

The company said on Monday that it reached a deal with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to hold the event on June 2 as scheduled and that it will feature fur products as planned.

When the plan for the show was first revealed, animal rights groups voiced outrage that it would feature fur items, and the city government reconsidered its approval and said it would not allow it without Fendi dropping the fur products.
However, the city government changed its position again, saying, "It is virtually impossible to cancel the show since a worldwide broadcast has been scheduled. As the plan was modified to include the whole range of Fendi's fall-winter collection, we hope people do not focus only on the fur products."

Animal rights groups were angered by the latest decision, and said they will organize a protest of some 300 people at the venue on the day of show.
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/05/24/2011052400790.html

Seoul Venues Host Dano Celebrations

Various festivals and events are taking place in the run-up to Dano, one of the three major holidays in Korea together with Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day). The 2011 Dano Korean Traditional Music is scheduled to take place on June 4th at Dream Forest. It will feature 30 different types of cultural experience programs including making Dano fans and washing hair in Changpo (iris) water during the day, while staging various types of traditional and folk music as well as trot music (oldest Korean pop genre) in the evening. Meanwhile, Dano Family Event will be held on the same day at Bukchon Cultural Center. The event will offer such cultural experience programs as making traditional rice cakes and folding fans and learning tea etiquette. Visitors may reserve their spots for the cultural programs over the phone or sign up on the spot.
More info
<2011 Dano Korean Traditional Music Concert>
☞ Time & Location
13:00–21:30 / Grass Square at Dream Forest
☞ Homepage: www.seoulgugakfestival.org (Korean)
☞ Free admission


☞ Time & Location
10:00–16:00 / Bukchon Cultural Center
☞ Program fees: 10,000 won per person
☞ Reservations: +82-2-3707-8388 (Korean, English)
* Please provide your name, contact information, number of people joining the event, and desired time slots
☞ Homepage: bukchon.seoul.go.kr (Korean)

☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

2011 Summer Festivals (June – August)

June Festivals
In June, as spring comes to an end but summer has not yet kicked into full swing, towns throughout Korea are celebrating the season with festivals. A visit to one of the nation’s festivals is the perfect chance to get outside and enjoy the scenery, experience the culture of Korea, and meet the locals. Before the weather gets too warm, take a trip to the beach festival, flower festival, firefly festival, or any other of the exciting festival’s happening in Korea this month!
Haeundae Sand Festival
When: June 03, 2011 - June 06, 2011
Where: Haeundae White Sand Beach, Busan
Description: An eco-friendly celebration running under the theme of ‘Sand,’ the festival features beach-related events like sand walking paths, a Ssireum (씨름, Korean wrestling) competition, beach soccer, and beach volleyball. Hands-on experience programs are available including a ‘sandboard festival’ and making sandcastles. On the seashore, take pictures of the large sand sculptures created by the winners of the World Sand Sculpture Competition.
Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival
When: June 04, 2011 - June 06, 2011
Where: Chungcheongnam-do Seocheon-gun Hansan Mosi (Ramie Fabric) Museum area
Description: Hansan Mosi (한산모시, Ramie Fabric) is one of the world’s oldest fabric crops. On display at this unique festival are hundreds of beautiful clothes made from this humble plant. Skilled artisans guide visitors in the processing of the famed Hansan Ramie, demonstrating all the parts of the process: from how the plant is grown to how it’s spun into thread and used to make clothing.
Muju Firefly Festival
When: June 03, 2011 - June 11, 2011
Where: Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun region
(Hanpungnu Park, Namdaecheon Stream, Banditbul Stadium, Bandiland)
Description: The Namdaecheon Stream in the Muju region is a very special part of Korea; it’s a clean environment that provides the perfect habitat for fireflies. Visitors to the Firefly Festival are greeted by an unforgettable sight: tens of thousands of fireflies lighting up the warm summer night.
Gangneung Danoje Festival
When: June 02, 2011 - June 09, 2011
Where: Gangwon-do Gangneung-si Danojang
Description: The Gangneung Danoje Festival is an international celebration that has been designated as an ‘Intangible Cultural Asset’ by UNESCO. During the festival, visitors may enjoy traditional folk games played on Dano (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month) while sampling traditional Dano cuisine. Two of the main festival events are the cultural performances: ‘Danogut,’ a ritual performed to ask spirits for the good health and happiness of people; and the ‘Gwanno’ masked dance, a traditional masked dance where the ‘nobles’ and ‘commoners’ of society mingle together, their identities hidden by their masks.
July Festivals
July has a variety of refreshing, exciting festivals that will help you beat the summer heat. There’s no need to stay indoors this summer when you can visit a film festival and watch movies under the stars, roll around in the mud at the famous Boryeong Mud Festival, or enjoy a massive taekwondo demonstration. Keep reading to learn more about this month’s exciting events!
World Taekwondo Culture Expo
When: July 08, 2011 - July 13, 2011
Where: Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun Area (Muju Banditbul Stadium and Muju Resort)
Description: The World Taekwondo Expo, a representative Taekwondo festival, takes place in Muju and Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do Province. In addition to taekwondo competitions (Pumsae-movement, Gyeorugi-sparring, and Taekwondo aerobics) there will be various side programs including Taekwondo performances, cultural activities, and sightseeing tours of Muju, Buan and Jeonju.


Boryeong Mud Festival
When: July 16, 2011 - July 24, 2011
Where: Chungcheongnam-do Boryeong-si Daecheon Beach
Description: At the Boryeong Mud Festival (one of Korea’s most famous festivals) visitors slather themselves with mud for fun and to soak in the mud’s many nutrients. This zany, action-packed festival offers mud wrestling, mud slides, and a giant mud bath. To take a break from the festival mayhem, head on over to the mud massage zone for a little R&R.


Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival
When: July 21, 2011 – July 24, 2011
Where: Chungcheongnam-do Buyeo-gun Buyeo-eup Gungnamji Pond (Seodong Park)
Description: One of the major draws of this festival is the Gungnamji artificial pond, which dates back to the Baekje Period (19 BC – 600 AD). During the festival period, the surface of the pond is covered with more than 50 different kinds of beautiful lotus flowers all in full bloom. Events on the festival program include a Korean traditional music concert, a performance entitled ‘Love story in Gungnamji,’ and a lotus flower drawing program.

Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
When: July 14, 2011 - July 24, 2011
Where: Gyeonggi-do Bucheon-si Wonmi-gu Boksalgol Cultural Center, Citizens’ Hall and City Hall
Description: Movies are shown throughout the entire festival and audiences can attend discussions with film directors. This unique film festival screens movies from all over the world, including horror, mystery, thrillers, and sci-fi.


Gangjin Celadon Festival
When: July 30, 2011 - August 07, 2011
Where: Jeollanam-do Gangjin-gun Daegu-myeon Pottery Kiln Site of Goryeo Cheongja
Description: The festival is held at Gangjin, the largest production site of celadon in Korea from the 8th to the 14th century. Visitors can not only gain a deeper appreciation of Korean celadon’s impact on the global art community, but also have a chance to make their own pottery.
August Festivals
There’s no better way to cool off in the hot hot heat then by heading seaside! This month’s schedule has something for everyone; thrill-seekers can head to the Busan Sea Festival to try their hand at water sports and history buffs can check out the Great Battle of Hansan Festival to watch a reenactment of Korea’s greatest naval victory. If the heat is really getting to you, then escape into the cool of the air-conditioned cinemas and enjoy films and music at the festival in Jecheon. Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite summer shindigs.

Busan Sea Festival
When: August 01, 2011 - August 09, 2011
Where: Busan-si Haeundae-gu Haeundae Beach, other 6 Beaches and Yacht Stadium
Description: The Busan Sea Festival is a huge event that combines several other events and festivals, such as a rock music festival, a beach dance festival, and a number of water sports. Having trouble deciding which thing to try first? Take some time to relax and sunbathe on the beach while you make up your mind.


Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival
When: August 05, 2011 – August 07, 2011
Where: Incheon-si Seo-gu Haekseok-dong Dream Park
Description: Over 60 bands will be playing at this major outdoor rock festival, including several famous international groups. Past guests have included Travis, Muse, Feeder, and Gossip (formerly, The Gossip). Hot summer nights and rocking beats make for a great music festival. The festival is held in Incheon city, meaning that there are a variety of cultural activity programs and city tours readily available.


The Great Battle of Hansan Festival
When: August 10, 2011 - August 14, 2011
Where: Gyeongsangnam-do Tongyeong-si Yi Sun-Sin Park and Culture Place
Description: In 1592, the great Admiral Lee Sun Shin led Korea to victory at the naval battle of Hansan. This is one of the proudest moments in Korean history and is celebrated every year at this festival. Events on the festival’s program include a reenactment of the battle, a parade, and many hands-on activities.


Jecheon International Music & Film Festival
When: August 11, 2011 - August 16, 2011
Where: Chungcheongbuk-do Jecheon-si Jecheon Media Center and Multiplex Theater TTC Cinema
Description: Visitors to this festival can enjoy various genres of movies such as music videos, fiction films, and documentaries, as well as enjoy concerts by well-known musicians from Korea and abroad.

The 2011 Lotus Lantern Festival “Communication and Global Harmony”

The annual Lotus Lantern Festival ushering in Buddha’s birthday (which falls this year on May 10) will be held from May 6 to May 8, 2011.

According to Buddhist belief, the lighting of a lotus-shaped lantern symbolizes a devotion to performing good deeds and lighting up the dark parts of the world that are filled with agony. The lantern-lighting practice was developed throughout the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties and has been preserved through public demonstrations such as the lotus lantern service (a Buddhist memorial service held nationwide) and the lotus lantern parade.

The modern-day Lotus Lantern Festival is designed to bring multiracial and multicultural crowds together through an array of festive programs. This year’s event offers visitors the chance to make their own lantern, taste temple dishes, produce rubbings of various Buddhist shapes, and much more.

The lighting ceremony will be held in Seoul Plaza (in front of City Hall) on the evening of April 26th, but the festival will not officially kick off until May 6th, with the traditional lantern exhibition at Bongeunsa Temple. On May 7th the lantern parade (the highlight of the lantern festival) will take place, featuring more than 100,000 massive, illuminated lanterns in the shape of lotus flowers, stupas, elephants, dragons, and more. The sight of these orbs of light bobbing and swaying down the entire length of Jongno is a sight not to be missed!
For more information:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1002416

Experience Oriental Medicine at Changdeokgung Palace

A unique opportunity to experience Oriental medicinal treatments and preparation methods will be offered at Changdeokgung Palace from Thursday to Sunday on the first and second weeks of May. The event has been organized in order to meet the growing global interest in Oriental medicine, as proven by the inclusion of Donguibogam in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2009. Donguibogam, written by a Joseon Dynasty court physician Heo Jun (1537-1615) in the 17th century, is an encyclopedia of principles and practices of Oriental medicine.

Throughout the event, Oriental medical doctors dressed as Eoui (court physicians who used to treat the royal family members) will offer free pulse diagnosis and simple acupuncture treatment. A variety of hands-on programs, including traditional Yakchep (envelope for storing Oriental medicine) folding, medicinal herb grinding, Donguibogam drawing and herb tea sampling, will also be held. Up to 40 visitors per day may sign up onsite and participate in the programs on a first-come, first-served basis.

More info
☞ Event Period (Time) & Venue
May 5-8 & May 12-15 (13:00-17:00) / Seongjeonggak Pavilion at Changdeokgung Palace
☞ Admission Fees (for Changdeokgung Palace)
- Adults (ages 19 and over): KRW 3,000
- Teens (ages 7-19): KRW 1,500
- Children (ages 7 and under) & Seniors (ages 65 and over): Free
** Group discount (10+ people): 20% discount
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Grand Festival for Taekwondo Practitioners from 150 Countries Worldwide

The 2011 World Taekwondo Championships will be held May 1-6 in Gyeongju, a time-honored capital city of ancient Korea. The competition, a biennial international sports event, is the largest single taekwondo event in Korea. Matches are divided into men’s and women’s events with 8 rounds per each weight class.

This year, a record-breaking 10,000 visitors (athletes, officials, journalists and tourists) from over 150 of the 192 WTF (World Taekwando Federation) countries are expected to be in attendance. 2011 marks the second time that the competition has been held in Korea (the birthplace of Taekwondo) following the 2001 championships held in Jeju. Gyeongju, this year’s event venue, is one of Korea’s major tourist destinations and has a wide range of cultural heritages to offer those visiting the city for the World Taekwondo Championships.

More info
☞ Period: May 1, 2011 (Sun.) - May 6, 2011 (Fri.)
☞ Venue: Gyeongju Gymnasium
☞ Transportation:
* Seoul Station -> Singyeongju Station
By train(KTX), first train: 05:30am, last train: 22:00pm, 34 trains a day, travel time: 2 hrs
* Singyeongju Station -> Gyeongju Gymnasium:
Take Bus 51 from Singyeongju Station to Gyeongju Gymnasium
(Travel time: 30 min)
☞ Official Website: http://www.2011taekwondo.org/ (Korean, English)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-54-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Related Column:
Taekwondo
Gyeongju, Capital of the Silla Kingdom for a Thousand Years

Kings and Queens to be Honored at Jongmyo Daeje

Jongmyo Daeje, a royal ancestral rite performed annually in honor of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), will take place on May 1st at Jongmyo Shrine in Jongno, Seoul. The ceremony will begin with rites at Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace), where the spirit tablets of former kings and queens are enshrined. It is then followed by a royal procession called Eogahaengyeol (“eoga” refers to a royal carriage and “haengnyeol” means a parade), which is a reenactment of the kings’ travel to Jongmyo Shrine with his princes and subjects. Finally, the ceremony will end with rites at Jeongjeon Hall. Each of the Jongmyo Daeje rituals is accompanied by Jongmyo Jeryeak, an elaborate performance of court music and dance honoring the posthumous kings, to augment the ceremony’s reverent atmosphere.

Jongmyo Daeje is a perfect opportunity to experience the intangible and tangible elements of Korean cultural heritage in one place, as the ceremony itself and its venue have been recognized by UNESCO as of great historical significance. Jongmyo Daejae and Jongmyo Jeryeak were inscribed as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001, and Jongmyo Shrine has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Jongmyo Daeje 2011 Blog: http://blog.naver.com/jongmyo2011 (Korean)
☞ Jongmyo Daeje Homepage: http://www.jongmyo.net (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-3011-2637 (Korean)
☞ Related Column: Cultural Heritage Sites - Jongmyo Shrine
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1264299

TIC Cultural Events April - May, 2011

2011 Tourist Information Center Cultural Experience Event
In 2011, the Korea Tourism Organization's Tourist Information Center (TIC) is bringing back the fun-filled cultural experience event. A range of hands-on experience programs, including a chance to try on Korea’s traditional wear, the Hanbok, will be held at the TIC located on the basement level of the KTO Headquarters. It is a great opportunity for international travelers to experience Korean culture hands-on and is largely popular because it is free to participate.

The event consists of a wide range of drop-in programs, which allow visitors to dress up in Hanboks, create their own name in Korean calligraphy, make their own traditional handcrafts and play folk games. Simply check the event schedule below and join the event of your choice, reservations are not required.

For details, please refer to the Event Program below or contact the TIC.
Event Program:
* Hanbok Experience
Time: 09:30~17:30 on scheduled days
(See monthly schedule below)

Guests of all ages can take photos in various Hanbok dresses in styles for different occasions (everyday use, wedding attire, and court attire).
* Name Writing in Korean Calligraphy
Time: 13:00~17:00 on scheduled days
(See monthly schedule below)

A traditional calligrapher will write your name in Korean on hanji paper.
* Traditional Crafts
Time: 09:30~17:30 on scheduled days
(See monthly schedule below)

Visitors can make either a Jegi (Korean footbag) or bookmark (by stamping or painting images of Hanboks or traditional symbols of Korea on hanji paper).
* Play Folk Games
Time: 09:00~20:00 on Lunar New Year and Chuseok Korean Thanksgiving

Visitors can play traditional folk games such as Yut-nori (a board game), Tuho (arrow toss), Jegi-chagi (footbag) and sangmo-doligi (hat spinning).

Multilingual staff (English, Japanese, and Chinese) will assist visitors throughout the event.
For more information: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1166055

2011 Hi Seoul Festival Goers Gesture for Spring

The 2011 Hi Seoul Festival is set to take place throughout the city of Seoul from May 6th to May 10th. This year’s festival slogan, ‘The Gestures of Spring (Calling for Spring),’ represents the celebration of the coming of spring through nonverbal communication that transcends language, race and generation. More than 40 performing arts groups from 11 countries like Canada, Spain, Australia and China are expected to attend the festival.
During the festival period, various nonverbal performances by both local and overseas groups will be held at several different city landmarks. The festival will kick off with ‘Rainbow Drops,’ the creation of a human web 30 meters above the ground, at Hangang Park. Then, the festival will present a number of internationally recognized performances as well as popular local shows, including ‘Nanta’ (percussion performance) and ‘Sachoom’ (dance musical).
Moreover, there will be opportunities for visitors to partake in performances together with professional artists. For instance, a group of Seoul residents will collaborate with a team from Australia on an international exchange project to stage a theater production. Visitors can also register for participation in a thousand-person flash mob, as well as other performances involving traditional percussion instruments, traditional mask dance and tightrope walking.
In addition to the performances, multiple art exhibitions will be displayed simultaneously throughout Seoul during the festival. Reservation for indoor performances can be made online starting April 20th. There is no charge for outdoor programs.

More info

Hi Seoul Festival 2011
☞ Period & Venue
May 5–May 10
Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul Plaza , Gwanghwamun Square , Cheonggyecheon Stream , etc.
☞ Homepage: www.hiseoulfest.org (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-3290-7165 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Meet the traditional mounted guards at Deoksugung

From April 5 to the end of October, visitors to Deoksugung Palace can meet with traditional mounted guards during the royal guard-changing ceremony. The guards ride through the street from the palace to Bosingak every Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Link:http://www.korea.net/news.do?mode=detail&guid=54488

Lotus Lanterns to Light up Jongno

The 2011 Lotus Lantern Festival is set to take place around Jogyesa Temple, Insa-dong and Jongno from May 6th to May 8th.

Following the Light Ceremony in the evening of April 26th, the festival will commence on May 6th with the opening of a traditional lantern exhibition at Bongeunsa Temple. Throughout the festival period, a variety of programs, including folk performances and traditional temple meal sampling, will be offered. Visitors will also be able to craft their own lotus lanterns and paint Buddha.

One of the festival’s highlights is the street parade, which will be held on May 7th on the streets of Jongno. The parade will feature over 100,000 lanterns of diverse sizes and shapes such as lotus, pagoda, elephant and dragon.

As a traditional festival held annually around Buddha’s Birthday, the Lotus Lantern Festival aims to bring Seulites and international visitors together in harmony.


More info
Lotus Lantern Festival
☞ Lotus Lantern Festival
http://llf.or.kr/main.asp (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Spanish)
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2011-1744 (Korean, English) / +82-2-722-2206 (Korean, English)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)