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326. Chungmuro Int'l Film Festival to Open from Sept. 3
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Author : U.E.C.
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Chungmuro¡¯s Daehan Cinema, one of Korea¡¯s first theaters, in central Seoul was once considered to be the pinnacle of the local film industry. However, as both film production facilities and movie studios have branched out to other areas, and with multiplexes mushrooming in Seoul, it is now regarded more as a historic symbol of Korean cinema. Efforts have been underway to counter the phenomenon and an international film festival was launched last year to restore Chungmuro¡¯s reputation as being the nucleus for Korean filmmakers. This year marks the second annual Chungmuro International Film Festival. Last year, the festival emphasized the reinterpretation of classical movies from both the domestic and international film industry. However, this year's festival, which will be held from September 3rd to 11th, will shift its focus to more current films – those with the potential to soon become classics. The film festival will feature 170 films from 40 countries at the Daehan Cinema, ChungAng Cinema and Myeongbo Theater in Seoul. The festival opens with Higuchi Shinji's Hidden Forest: The Last Princess. The film is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1958 film, The Hidden Fortress. The movie was inspired by George Lucas' Star Wars. To further cement the festival¡¯s appeal, organizers have added a competition section this year in a bid to expand its coverage and attract more foreign movies for local moviegoers.  Organizers say that all foreign films in the section will be shown for the first time in Korea, and four awards will be given to movies that have the potential to become classics.
American filmmaker Michael Cimino (The Deer Hunter, The Sunchaser) is to lead the jury for the international competition section, along with four other jurors. The 11 finalists including Johnnie To's Mad Detective, Antonello Grimaldi's Quiet Chaos and Amos Kollek's Restless, and The Mermaid by Anna Melikyan will compete for a $30,000 grand prize and the rights to have their film shown at the festival¡¯s closing. Besides Higuchi's remake and the International Competition winner, other movies will also be screened for public viewing. The movies range from international classics such as Fred Zinnemann's From Here to Eternity and Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull, to more contemporary titles such as Kim Hyun-seok's Scout and Yoon Seong-ho's Milky Way Liberation Front.
The festival will also be sure to include classic films, with a host of programs honoring Douglas Trumbull, David Lean and Deborah Kerr.  In addition, the history of German cinema, Japanese director Ichikawa Kon and Korean director Jang Sun-woo will also be included, while during the "Celebrating the 40th Cannes Directors Fortnight" films that have premiered at Cannes will be screened for the benefit of local viewers.
The Silent Film Fest will review famous silent movies along with live music performances by three cinematic musical groups. Ticket reservations start from August 12th. For further information call (02) 2236-6231 or visit the homepage at http://office.chiffs.kr/eng/ ¡æ Click here for free ticket event!
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Thursday, 21 August 2008, at 11:43 am
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325. EBS Int¡¯l Documentary Festival 2008 Is Ready to Gear Up
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Author : U.E.C.
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 Outstanding documentary films are crossing the threshold of Korea.
The EBS International Documentary Festival (EIDF) will take place in Seoul from September 22nd to September 28th. EIDF, held under the theme of ¡°Colors 360°,¡± celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. One of the main purposes of EIDF 2008 is, through documentary films, to find hope in the current world where rising tensions between nations, religions, and rich and poor continue to thwart optimism.
A total of more than 40 documentaries from around the world, which deal with global warming, human rights, and social justices, will be screened at EBS Space in Dogok-dong, southern Seoul and Arthouse MOMO, a movie theater at Ewha Womans University in northern Seoul. Those documentaries will be also broadcast via EBS-TV channel for eight hours a day throughout the EIDF week. Moreover, during the festival, there will be forums, conferences, and question-and-answer sessions with directors and members of the audience.
EIDF, established in 2004 by EBS (Educational Broadcasting System in Korea), was initiated to seek, through documentaries, alternative answers to the widespread commercialism that dominates the current broadcasting environment. Since its inception, it has achieved fame as one of Asia¡¯s prestigious documentary festivals, as well as, around the globe.
For more information about EIDF 2008, call 82-2-526-2300, or visit www.eidf.org.
- A brief description of poster: EIDF 2008 poster aims to embody the spirit of documentaries, by combining the image of birds that symbolizes EIDF as well as freedom with the five Korean traditional colors (red, blue, yellow, white, and black) which represent cosmic harmony. Theme (A) poster of relatively lighter tone focuses on the 5th anniversary and the legibility of the message. On the other hand, theme (B) poster emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and passion, through wide margin and the contrast of a white bird with a red background.
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Monday, 18 August 2008, at 2:50 pm
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324. 36th Korea Tourism Photo Contest Winners
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Author : U.E.C.
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On August 6th, Korea Tourism Organization announced Joong-jong Park as this year's winner of the "36th Korea Tourism Photo Contest". The winning piece, "Palace of May at Seoul Plaza" has captured the life of the Hi Seoul Festival. It portrays the excitement of the people of Seoul and the splendid lighting seen under the night sky. Over 10,000 photos were entered for the contest. A total of 207 prizes were awarded this year, one Grand Prize, one Gold Prize, two Silver Prizes, three Bronze Prizes and 200 Honorable Mentions. Awarded foreigners were Brett Cheng(Vancouver, Canada), Doug Huffer(Gimhae, Korea) and Brandon Soliven(Seoul, Korea), who received Digital Photo Honorable Mentions for their entries, "Gyeongdong Market", "Buddha on the Coast" and "Serpent" respectively. 
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Thursday, 7 August 2008, at 11:08 am
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323. Andong - Folk Village with Mask Dance Tradition
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Author : U.E.C.
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Where in Korea can visitors feel like they have stepped back in time and get a glimpse of tradition?
It is Andong, a small city located in Gyeongsangbuk-do (province), a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seoul.
Andong is renowned for its ¡°Hahoe¡± masks and a picturesque folk village surrounded by a river, a mountain and a breathtaking pine tree forest. It also has a high concentration of people with the family name Ryu.
Andong was the headquarters of the development of Confucianism in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Though the die-hard Confucians are not around today and the place is just like a village where tradition is preserved, their lofty-minded lifestyle still remains there, attracting tourists.
Andong became more famous when Queen Elizabeth II of England visited in 1999.
On the occasion of her 73rd birthday, she visited the small provincial town of Andong and toured the traditional village of Hahoe, 24 km to the west of Andong. [Related Articles] Andong, the Home of Confucianism and the Noble Class  Andong's Hahoe Village has preserved the housing architecture and village structure of the Joseon Dynasty.
People who live there actually preserve tradition.
¡°Hahoe¡± means the river goes round the village and, befitting the name, three sides of Hahoe Village are surrounded by the Nakdonggang (Nakdong River).
Hahoe Village is also famous for the mask dance and it gives its name to the Hahoe wooden masks worn in the dance.
The Hahoe Byeongsan Mask is the oldest type of mask in Korea and is used in the Hahoe Mask Dance.
The Andong International Mask Dance Festival runs from between the end of September and October for approximately 10 days, inside Hahoe Village or at the Andong Gangbyeon Festival Grounds.
 The mask dance sits somewhere between a comedy show and a shamanic ritual, but it is more like a highly satirical dance drama, acted outdoors in a circular amphitheatre.
To get more up-close to the masks, visit the Andong Hahoe Mask Museum.
It is a two-story building exhibiting various masks from the region.
Though the size, colors and the artisans who made the works are different, the typical facial expression and wrinkled face are the same. Masks from other countries are displayed as well.
While in Andong, it may be also a good idea to look around two well-known Confucian academies: Byeongsan Seowon, which was relocated to Andong in 1572 and Dosan Seowon built there in 1574.
 By exploring these places, visitors can get a sense of how old Korean intellectuals would have led their lives and what values they cherished most.
If you get hungry, try out Andong jjimdak (spicy steamed chicken) and heotjesatbap (bibimbap-like dish served with vegetables traditionally used in ancestral rites ceremonies).
For more info, call the Tourist Information Center at: 82-54-852-6800 (English, Chinese, Japanese).
To get there from Seoul, take a bus at Dongbu Seoul Bus Terminal Station (Dong Seoul Bus Terminal Station, Subway Line No.2) in Guui-dong to Andong. Then take a No. 46 bus at Andong Station.
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Thursday, 7 August 2008, at 11:06 am
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322. Seoul Performing Arts Festival to Open in September
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Author : U.E.C.
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Founded in 2001, SPAF is one of Korea¡¯s biggest performing arts festivals and encompasses the works of both international and domestic contemporary works of drama, dance and interdisciplinary arts. It runs for one month, from mid-September to mid-October, at major venues throughout Seoul and is funded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Arts Council Korea, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Foundation for Arts & Culture.
SPAF is a festival that introduces cutting-edge, innovative and thought-provoking contemporary work. Over the past seven years, we have presented more than 409 pieces (78 from overseas artists, 331 from domestic artists and auxiliary events). This year promises to be even greater!
If you are having trouble deciding which of the eight foreign performances to see, why not see more than one! We have a solution that will help you with your dilemma that is also easy on your budget – the exclusive Global Package for foreign residents and visitors! Available from July 13th to July 31st, enjoy a 30% discount on tickets for two contemporary dance pieces from the UK and Spain and one drama piece from the US! Act fast as this promotion is only offered for a short time.
 For further information, click below!
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Wednesday, 30 July 2008, at 11:41 am
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321. 'Seoul Grand Sale 2008'Opening (Until August 31)
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Author : U.E.C.
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¡®Seoul Grand Sale 2008¡¯ event is opening in selected areas from July 19th until August 31st. This event is partnering up with major shopping centers, lodging facilities, restaurants, tourist attractions and other facilities in order to provide visitors with the most during their visit to Seoul.During the ¡®Seoul Grand Sale 2008¡¯event, duty free shops, department stores and shopping centers in the areas of Myeong-dong and Dongdamun are having sales of up to 70%. Restaurants in Seoul are planning to provide various Korean foods at lower process as well. In addition, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Everland, Lotte World, and other famous tourist attractions will offer services at discounted prices. In addition, ¡®Hi Seoul Festival 2008¡¯is opening a variety of cultural tourism festivals and cultural performances providing an enjoyable list of activities. Visitors who want to receive various discounts can get coupons from Incheon international airport, Gimpo airport, Tourist Information Centers (TIC), lodging facilities, and other public areas for their use. [Seoul Grand Sale 2008 Information]
¡Ü Date: July 19th ~ August 31st
¡Ü Location: major shopping districts, lodging facilities, restaurants, and tourist attractions
¡Ü How to receive discounts: Use discount coupons booklets located at the Incheon international airport, Gimpo airport, Tourist Information Centers, and lodging facilities
¡Ü Inquiries: Seoul Global Center +82-2-1688-0120 (English, Japanese, Chinese)
¡Ü For more information. Click here! (English, Japanese, Chinese)
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Monday, 28 July 2008, at 1:51 pm
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320. Gangwon-do Province - Popular Summer Getaways
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Author : U.E.C.
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Many try their best to avoid the crowds at popular tourist attractions during the summer months and opt instead to escape to the quiet and serene natural parks in the Gangwon region.
Reservations for lodging accommodations at the natural parks are provided online, and according to the National Recreation Forest Office, July reservations for the Gangwon Natural Parks ended on the 8th. With all lodging accommodations at maximum capacity, some of the regions popular natural parks include Micheongol, Daegwallryeong and Bangtaesan.
Arguably the main draw for visitors is the opportunity to take refuge in the beautiful valleys located inside the forests and witness abundant wildlife in their natural habitat. This refreshing vacation package away from the city offers one-night programs in log cabins from only 55,000 won ~ 70,000 won. There are also forest specialists available at the parks offering guided tours and restaurants serving delicious delicacies to add to the experience. Since everything from reservations to park guides, and forest programs are only conducted in Korean, it is highly recommended that you travel with a guide. [Additional Information]
¢Ñ Contact: +82-2-1588-3250 (Korean)
¢Ñ Reservations: National Recreation Forest Office
¢Ñ Those who will not be staying at one of the lodging facilities do not need reservations.
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Tuesday, 15 July 2008, at 3:41 pm
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319. Voices Through Portraiture! ¡°Alive Art Gallery¡± Open
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Author : U.E.C.
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What do Leonardo da Vinci¡¯s <Mona Lisa>, Michelangelo¡¯s <The Creation of Heaven and Earth>, and Andy Warhol¡¯s <Marilyn Monroe> all have in common? Well they, together with several other famous portraits will be featured in a new event where visitors will be able to have conversations with the respective artists mimicking through various screens at a new gallery soon to open in Seoul. This special art gallery, Alive Art Gallery Seoul Exhibition, opened just last march and is exclusive to Korea. Many of the great works from western artists are displayed using various media art techniques, whereby the famous portraits are seen moving and even talking. Such technology essentially brings the portraits to life, creating a very personal interactive atmosphere inside the gallery. For example, while Michelangelo is drawing <The Last Judgment>, he stops for a moment and begins to explain his art. The Mona Lisa on the other had, moves her hands and neck to greet visitors. Tickets can be purchase at the door or in advance at the official website. English, Japanese, and Chinese services are provided for foreign visitors. Multi language service equipment will be available starting from August. [Exhibition Information]
- Duration: March 7th, 2008 (Friday) - OPEN RUN
- Hours of Operation: 10:00 – 19:00 (Last ticket sold: 18:00)
- Ticket Purchase: +82-2-1588-4909 (English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Price: 17,000won (multi language service equipment rental 5,000won)
- Location: Jamsil Sports Complex Alive Gallery
- Directions: Click here
- Contact Information: +82-2-541-0310 (English, Japanese, Chinese)
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Wednesday, 9 July 2008, at 1:41 pm
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318. Experience Pixar¡¯s 20th Anniversary Showcase in Seoul
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Author : U.E.C.
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 Pixar¡¯s 20th Anniversary Showcase will run from July 2nd to September 7th at Seoul Arts Center Hangaram Design Art Gallery this year. The event will mark the 20th Anniversary of the studio and commemorate the work of those who produced <Toy Story (1995)>, <Monsters Inc. (2001)>, <Ratatouille (2007)>. Throughout the exhibition, drawings, sculptures, and original paintings, characters, and story compositions developed by Pixar artists will be showcased to the public.
Zoetrope, which is specially produced for this exhibition, will display instructional animation theory to viewers and showcase, together with Artscape, a vast scale of video settings and short film screenings as well. The exhibition will be a good opportunity to promote Pixar¡¯s presence to not only those that are interested in animation but to newer audiences as well. You may direct all inquiries to +82-2-561-4963 (Korean, English).
[Exhibition Information]
Exhibition Period: July 2nd – September 7th
Exhibition Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (Entry not permitted after 19:00)
Closed: Last Monday of every Month (7.28 / 8.25)
Admission Fee: Ages 19~65 KRW 14,000won / Ages 13~18 KRW 11,000won / Ages 4~12 KRW 8,000won
Venue: Seoul Arts Center Hangaram Design Museum 1,2 Exhibition Hall
Location: www.sac.or.kr/eng/visit/Trans.jsp (Korean, English)
Homepage: www.pixar2008.com (Korean, English)
Contact: +82-2-561-4963 (Korean, English)
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Friday, 4 July 2008, at 12:04 pm
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317. Exhibition for Korean Festivals Opens in Busan
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Author : U.E.C.
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 The 2008 Korea Festival Exhibition is back in Busan and will be on for the next five days from June 20 to 24.
This year's theme looks into new possibilities for the Korean Wave, or "Hallyu," and will be presented through stage performances, symposia and other fun cultural experiences. Various booths representing regional festivals from both home and abroad will participate. Japan's Fukuoka, which happens to be the sister city of Busan, will also take part with its own famous Hakata Dontaku Festival.
The exhibition is especially focused on live programs at every booth for the visitors to get a better picture of festivals taking place in local provinces. Some of the notable festival booths will include Andong's mask dance festival booth, which will have a small stage of its own to present vibrant movements of Korean traditional folk dance and Jinju's Namgang Yudeung Festival Booth, a flowing lantern festival in Jinju that will have a small space to float some of its lanterns.
The Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo of South Gyeongsang province will bring a dinosaur figure into their booth and set up a photo zone for families to take pictures. The Cheongju Early Printing Museum from Chungcheongbuk-do (North Chungcheong Province) for its part plans to display the process of book printing in the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), a replica of Jikji books, which are the world's oldest remaining books made using moveable metal type, among other promotional materials.
There will also be an explanatory session for two exemplary festivals, the Yangyang Song-i Mushroom Festival and the Chunchon International Mime Festival, selected as this year's best by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
All around the events there will be dozens of musical performances made up of traditional folk play such as tightrope walking, a costume parade and other participatory programs for visitors. There will be a demonstration of Korean a traditional wedding ceremony in one order, a photogenic contest, a display of world masks and places to buy local agricultural specialties.
In the meantime a meeting of East Asian tourism ministers will take place from June 22 to 24. The ministers will look around the exhibition accompanied by some 500 government officials including mayors and others related to the tourism sector.
The exhibition is to take place in BEXCO, the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center.
For location go to: http://www.bexco.co.kr/english/main/main.jsp
For more information: http://www.fk.or.kr/
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Tuesday, 24 June 2008, at 2:36 pm
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