My Impression of Korea - Korea.net

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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
EVENTS Biennale Transforms Busan into a Giant Gallery BY HAN ARAN KOREA.NET STAFF WRITER (From top) Hong Hyun-sook’s “The Magic Words of the Wind” German artist Irene Hoppenberg’s “Transition” Kim Kye-hyeon’s “Bouquet” Yang Ju-hae’s art on sand Art is everywhere in the southeastern city of Busan as the Busan Biennale is underway throughout the port city. The Busan Biennale kicked off with a large-scale exhibition of contemporary art on Sept. 6, only a day after the opening of its more internationally renowned rival, the Gwangju Biennale. However, unlike the Gwangju Biennale, which has no particular theme, the Busan Biennale revolves around the theme of “Expenditure,” which is based on the concept of French philosopher Georges Bataille. He argued that the process of squandering could translate into something positive. In simple words, the theme “expenditure” implies that every artwork is a result of emitting and expending energy. A total of 77 artists from 27 countries are showing sculptures and installation works at Gwangalli Beach and the nearby street galleries. Twenty-three artists are displaying their works in the Gwangalli Beach area, four at Geumryunsan Subway Station, and 50 at Minlakdong Me World. The Me World exhibition will show a multitude of distinguished video works to stimulate audiences’ imaginations. At Gwangalli Beach, contemporary and eco-friendly works of art made out of environmentally friendly materials invite visitors or anyone passing by to indulge and interact, as many works displayed this year will only be made complete through the participation of spectators. This is free of charge. Among the works on the beach and the nearby subway and cultural centers near Gwangalli are Thai artist Nipan Oranniwesna’s “City of Ghosts” and Korean artists Oum Jeong-soon’s “Walking in Mandala” and Yang Juhae’s art on the sand. Nightly performances will be held on the beach throughout the duration of the biennale. Making the most of its outdoor space, APEC Naru Park in Busan showcases sculpture-centered art pieces placed along the lakeside and forest trails in a perfect blend of art and nature, aimed at spreading the concept of public art. With the theme “Avant-Garden,” it shows 20 sculptures by artists from 13 countries. One of the interesting works in the park are “Ancestor” by American sculptor Robert Morris. Visit www.busanbiennale.org (Korean, English) or call (051) 888-6601 to 9. ■ (Photos courtesy of the Busan Biennale) 60 KOREA NOVEMBER 2008 NOVEMBER 2008 KOREA 61
Page 3 and 4: Opening a communicative space betwe
Page 5 and 6: COVER Information on Autumn Festiva
Page 7 and 8: DIPLOMACY Yonhap Yonhap President L
Page 9 and 10: GLOBAL KOREA Gugak performance at t
Page 11 and 12: NATIONAL (From top) Visitors look a
Page 13 and 14: SCIENCE World’s Largest Solar Pow
Page 15 and 16: SBS Actors Park Shin-yang (left) an
Page 17 and 18: CULTURE The dog (gae) A legendary f
Page 19 and 20: PEOPLE Jung Sung-ha Korean Guitar P
Page 21 and 22: PEOPLE Yonhap Lim performs a tradit
Page 23 and 24: TRAVEL Samcheong-dong is a sweet an
Page 25 and 26: TRAVEL A Trip Back to Olden Times S
Page 27 and 28: FOOD 1 3 2 Omegisul master Kim Eul-
Page 29: EVENTS Charity Market Turns into Mu
Page 33 and 34: BOOKS Korea: Impossible to Possible

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