My Impression of Korea - Korea.net

EVENTS
World Tightrope
Walkers Compete on
Hangang
Korean tightrope walker Kwon Won-tae crosses the one-kilometer-long wire across the Han River
Yonhap
Aerialists from around the
world gathered in Seoul from
Oct. 2 to 4 to participate in
the Hangang High-wire World
Championship, an annual event
sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan
Government.
Twenty-seven performers from 14
countries — including four women —
competed to cross the one-kilometerlong
wire across the Han River in the
shortest time. The course is considered
the longest of its kind in the world.
Participants were walking a tensioned
wire, maintaining balance,
trying not to plunge into the murky
water beneath. The audience
watched with breathless interest.
There were well-known names
in the competition: Shataer
Wujiabudula, the youngest competitor
from China who won last year’s
competition; China’s Adili Wuxiuer
who has three Guinness records;
and Jade Kindar-Martin from
Sweden who also has a Guinness
record for crossing the River
Thames in London.
Korean tightrope walker Kwon
Won-tae, who led the organizing
committee, also competed with other
contestants. Kwon, 41, was a
member of Namsadang, a traditional
entertainment troupe established
during the Joseon Dynasty.
The first prize of 20 million won
($16,000) went to Yakefujiang
Maimitili from China and the special
prize for women participants was
awarded to Yeisy Yolima Oabares
Oquendo from Colombia.
“Korean traditional tightrope
walking has been modernized into
this exciting sports event. Set
around the beautiful scenery of the
Han River, this event is expected to
become a new attraction for Seoul,”
said a city official.
For more information, visit
www.x-highwire.org. ■
Yonhap
Expo Showcases Korean Ingredients
Alarge-scale food expo on Korean
agricultural and fisheries products
along with traditional dishes
was held on Oct. 13 for a week.
The Korea Food Expo 2008 was the
first food exhibition to be organized by
the Ministry for Food, Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries, aimed to promote
Korea’s “safe and good quality”
products, organizers said.
The event took place at the Agro-
Trade Exhibition Center and Citizen’s
Forest in Yangjae-dong, southern
Seoul.
The exposition showcased products
of agriculture, stock farm, fisheries and
dairy, as well as food art pieces featuring
various Korean ingredients.
One of the two exhibition halls at
the AT Center presented changing
trends in Korean dishes. In it, trends
from the last 40 years of Korea’s popular
dishes were showcased year by year.
A food magic show and a “pojangmacha,”
(outdoor snack stall) where one
can get food as well as drawings as a
service, were offered for entertainment.
By introducing the super pumpkin
weighing 80 kilograms, the expo also
aimed to demonstrate the future advancement
of agricultural technology.
The second exhibition hall concentrated
on promoting the taste, flavor
and color of Korean dishes.
Inside, there was a two-meter-high
waterfall made out of sugar, as well as
food art items using Korea’s traditional
cookies, cakes and breads featuring
the four seasons of the country.
Detailed descriptions of the efficacy
of ginseng and sun-dried salt, as
well as the goods that come from fermented
foods, like bean pastes and
kimchi were also showcased.
Events at Citizen’s Forest were
arranged for public participation and
hands-on experience.
Along with a display of 30 agricultural
products of the highest quality,
participants can experience feeding
calves, milking cows and making ice
cream.
Other programs included consultations
on what food to eat during pregnancy,
a brunch concert, and face
painting using food items. ■
Yonhap
58 KOREA NOVEMBER 2008
NOVEMBER 2008 KOREA 59