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136. Korean Music Classes Offered for Foreigners
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Author : U.E.C.
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 The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts (NCKTPA) is offering¡º Traditional Korean Music Classes for Foreigners in Korea ¡»on the weekends in the latter half of 2006 to provide foreign residents in Korea an opportunity to experience and understand Korea¡¯s traditional music.
This class began in 1993, and has lived up to the reputation of NCKTPA by providing high quality classes to foreigners. Participants can learn the gayaguem (a twelve-stringed Korean harp), the danso (a short bamboo flute), the janggu (a double-headed drum shaped like an hourglass) as well as samullori (a traditional percussion quartet), and traditional dances. These five classes are open to a total of 100 students.
The students will begin a 12-week program beginning with an orientation, and on Dec. 9, the final day, where students will give a performance to in front of their family and friends.
[ 2006 Traditional Music Class for Foreigners in Korea Program ]
¡à Term: Sep. 16 – Dec. 9, 2006 Every Saturday from 10:00 – 12:00
¡à Place: Gugak Training Center at NCKTPA, Umyeon-dang
¡à Program
¤· Classes: Janggu, Gayageum, Danso, Salmunori, Traditional Dance
¤· Final Presentation Performance: Dec. 12, 2006 (Sat) 10:30 / Gugak Training Center, Umyeon-dang
¡à To Apply
¤· Application Deadline: Aug. 28 – Sep. 14, 2006
¤· To Apply: Logon to NCKTPA homepage (www.ncktpa.go.kr) and fill out the application and
send the completed form via email or fax.
¤· Total Students Admitted: 100 Foreign residents in Korea
¡à Tuition: 30,000 won (12-week program)
¡à Teachers: Teachers from NCKTPA and other organizations
¡à Note: All instruments are provided for by NCKTPA Gugak Training Center except for the danso and
dance shoes.
¡à Inquiries: email eric@ncktpa.go.kr / Tel 580-3054 / Fax 580-3055
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Wednesday, 13 September 2006, at 5:21 pm
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135. Celebration Events During Chuseok Holiday
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Author : U.E.C.
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During the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holiday (Oct. 5-7), a variety of
traditional holiday events will be held at major tourism spots in Seoul.
Traditional cultural events will be held at Seoul¡¯s major palaces including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Korea Folk Village. The National Folk Museum of Korea also plans to open a variety of Chuseok related events. You can participate in some hands-on programs such as making Songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes) at Namsangol Hanok Village. In addition, Lotte World, Everland, and Seoul Land will be holding a traditional Korean dance performance and folk games.
 
 
* click here for more information
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Monday, 11 September 2006, at 12:19 pm
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134. Login Tourism Conference 2006
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Author : U.E.C.
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 Login Tourism Conference is scheduled to be held at Sookmyung Women¡¯s University Centennial Hall under the Theme of 'Culture, Tourism, & Technology¡¯.
Korea Tourism Organization (CEO, Kim Jong Min) and the Tourism Sciences Society of Korea is co-hosting the Login Tourism 2006, a conference that brings IT and tourism industries together at Sookmyung Women¡¯s University Centennial Hall this coming Sept. 8 – 9.
This year, Login Tourism is focusing on spreading the awareness of e-Tourism, and to share case studies regarding its tourism technology online service. Furthermore, the information shared will be used as the basis to discuss how to utilize technology more efficiently in the tourism industry. It will be the first time for ¡°Login Tourism¡± to be held in Korea.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Ulrike Gretzel from Texas A&M University, whose speech is entitled ¡®Storytelling Adaptation for Online Destination Marketing'. The speech will provide case study examples of how the current global trend of user-based contents and country promotion through the media is applied to online marketing and its future direction.
Dr. Rob Law from Hong Kong Polytech University will give a presentation on the current marketing status of major hotel engines in Hong Kong, and his analysis on what needs to be done for further development.
The case studies presentations and discussion forums are divided into four segments (business innovation, government, analysis, and tourism technology), with participants from the tourism industry, academia, research laboratories, regional governing bodies, online service companies, and IT companies. Together, the participants will share their knowledge and research results in current services, success stories, e-Tourism related information, and much more.
- Inquiries: KTO E-Tourism Planning Team, +82-2-729-9511~9514
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Friday, 8 September 2006, at 12:20 pm
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133. Business Closings During the Chuseok Holiday in 2006
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Author : U.E.C.
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2006 Chuseok Holiday Period: Oct. 5 (Thurs) ~ 7 (Sat), 2006
One of the most significant holidays in Korea is Chuseok, a Korean version of Thanksgiving. This year it falls on October 6 (August 15 on the lunar calendar).
Chuseok is celebrated for a total of three days, the day before and after the actual holiday (Oct 7 –9). Because of this, many places are closed during this holiday period. Therefore, visitors coming to Korea during this season should plan their activities in advance. The
following is information on which businesses will be opened and which will be closed during the Chuseok holiday.
Tourist Sites that Will be Opened During Chuseok
- Independence Hall
TEL: 041-560-0114; Closed on Mondays
(Open on holidays including Chuseok)
- Korean Folk Village
TEL: 031-286-2111; Open all year round
- Namsangol Hanok Village
TEL: 02-2264-4412; Closed on Tuesdays
(Open on holidays including Chuseok)
- The War Memorial of Korea
TEL: 02-709-3139; Closed on Mondays (If open on a Monday that is a holiday,
the following Tuesday will be closed), Open on holidays
- 63 City Building
TEL:02-789-5663; Open all year round
- Namsan Cable Car
TEL: 02-753-2403; Open all year round
- Hangang River Boat Cruise
TEL: 02-3271-6900; Open all year round
- COEX Aquarium
TEL: 02-6002-6200; Open all year round
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
TEL: 02-732-1932; Closed on Tuesdays, Open on holidays
- Changdeokgung Palace
TEL: 02-762-0648; Closed on Mondays, Open on holidays
- Changgyeonggung Palace
TEL: 02-762-4868; Closed on Tuesdays, Open on holidays
- Deoksugung Palace
TEL: 02-771-9951; Closed on Mondays, Open on holidays
- Jongmyo Tomb
TEL: 02-765-0195; Closed on Tuesdays, Open on holidays
- Lotte World
TEL: 02-411-4921; Open all year round
- Lotte World Folk Museum
TEL: 02-411-4761; Open all year round
- Seoul Land
TEL: 02-504-0011; Open all year round
- Everland
TEL: 031-320-5000; Open all year round
Tourist Sites that Will be Closed During Chuseok
- Seodaemun Prison History Hall
TEL: 02-363-9750; Closed on Mondays, Closed on Oct.6 but Open on Oct 5, 7
- Insa-dong
TEL: 02-734-0222; Most shops are closed on Oct. 6,
Many shops are closed on Oct 5 and 7.
Cultural Places that will be Opened During Chuseok
- The National Theater of Korea
TEL: 02-2280-4114; Open all year round
- Nanta Theater
TEL: 02-739-8288; Open all year round
- Korea House
TEL: 02-2266-9101~3; Open all year round
- The National Museum of Contemporary Art,
Korea
TEL: 02-2188-6000; Closed Jan. 1, Closed on Mondays
- Chongdong Theater [Ehwa 100th Memorial Hall]
TEL: 02-751-1500; Closed on Mondays
Cultural Places that will be Closed During Chuseok
- The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts
TEL: 02-580-3041; Closed Oct. 5, Open Oct. 6 which will hold performances
- Seoul Arts Center
TEL: 02-580-1300; The Exhibition Hall is closed every last Monday of every month.
Closed during Chuseok since there is no performances
Shopping Places Opened During Chuseok
- COEX Mall
TEL: 02-6000-0114; Open all year round
- Itaewon
TEL: 02-797-7319; About 70% of shops are open for business during Chuseok (Oct. 5-7).
- Myeongdong Street
TEL: 02-776-6178;
May vary depending on shops, but most shops are open for business Oct. 6-7.
Shopping Places Closed During Chuseok
- Namdaemun Market
TEL: 02-752-1913; Closed on Sundays, Closed for Chuseok (Oct. 6), To be announced
- Dongdaemun Market
TEL: 02-2262-0114; Closed on Sundays, Closed Oct. 5-8
- Freya Town
TEL: 02-2048-4800; Closed on Tuesdays, To be announced
- Myeongdong Migliore
TEL: 02-2124-0001; To be determined
- Dongdaemun Migliore
TEL: 02-3393-0001; Closed on Mondays, To be determined
- Doosan Tower
TEL: 02-3398-3000; Closed Oct. 5-6
- Yongsan Electronics Shopping Mall
TEL: 02-701-8200; Closed Oct. 5-7
- Techno Mart
TEL: 02-3424-0114; Closed every second & fourth Tuesday of each month, Closed Oct. 5-7
- Lotte Department Store
TEL: 02-771-2500; Closed Oct. 6-7
- Shinsegae Department Store
TEL: 02-727-1234; Closed Oct. 6-7
- Hyundai Department Store
TEL: 02-547-2233; Closed Oct. 6-7
- New Core Department Store
TEL: 02-530-5000; Closed Oct. 6-7
- The Galleria
TEL: 02-3449-4016; Closed Oct. 6-7
- Kim's Club
TEL: 02-530-5149~9; Closed Oct. 6
Restaurants Over Choseok
Most restaurants will be closed during the Chuseok holiday (Oct 5 – 7), especially on the day of Chuseok (Oct. 6). However, hotel restaurants, franchise restaurants such as Bennigans, Outback Steakhouse, and Vips, as well as some restaurants in the downtown area such as Insa-dong and Gangnam will be open during the holidays.
Bookstores that are Opened During Choseok
- Youngpoong Bookstore Jongno
TEL: 02-399-5591; Open all year round
- Youngpoong Bookstore Central City
TEL: 02-595-1497; Open all year round, Open from 13:00 on Oct. 6
Bookstores that are Closed During Choseok
- Kyobo Book Center
TEL: 02-397-3500; Closed Oct. 6
¡Ø The above information is subject to change depending on the situation.
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Friday, 8 September 2006, at 12:16 pm
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132. Geumgangsan(N. Korea) Weekend Tour For Foreigners
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Author : U.E.C.
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Since November 1998, Mt. Geungangsan has attracted over 1.3 million tourists
from South Korea so far. Ever since 2000, around 6,000 foreign tourists have
traveled to Mt. Geumgangsan. Although these tourist trips allow foreigners to
go, their services for foreigners are not so well-organized. So to improve the
quality of services, Hyundai Asan Corp. plans to launch "Special Weekend Tour" packages to Mt. Geumgangsan in North Korea for foreigners.
Hyundai Asan would like to recommend visitors to go see the beautiful autumn foilage of Mt. Geumgangsan. However, what's more meaningful is seeing North Korea and South Korea's relational ties become stronger. They are becoming more cordial and peaceful.
This new package is expected to launch on September 29th. (The next tours are scheduled on Oct.13th and 27th.) Reservation has to be made at least 2 weeks in advance. For inquires and reservations, call 82-2-3669-3726(or 3691) or e-mail
invest@hdasan.com.
 This package basically includes the following:
¨ç 2 Nights 3 Days in Hotel Oe-Geumgangsan
(Breakfast is included.)
¨è Round-trip limousine bus transportation between Seoul
and Mt. Geumgangsan
¨é English-speaking guides
(The guides will travel together from Seoul.)
¨ê The World-famous Pyongyang Moranbong Acrobatic Troupe
Performance (VIP seats will be provided.)
¨ë Traveler¡¯s insurance
¨ì Total expenses: US $660
¡Ø North-Korean delicacies are available at your expense.
click for info
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Tuesday, 5 September 2006, at 11:30 am
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131. Flash Animation - 2006 Fantasy Korea
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Author : U.E.c.
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Monday, 4 September 2006, at 12:38 pm
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130. Korea Travel¡¯s New Promotional Hall Sets Sail
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Author : U.E.C.
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 Korea Tourism Organization is running a Korea Travel Promotional Hall on a navy training fleet vessel which will be visiting 9 countries around the world including Russia, Japan, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, for 115 days from August 30 to December 22, 2006.
This navy training fleet travels around the globe each year as a part of training for navy school graduates, stopping at 9 countries and 12 ports. At each visiting country, everyone is welcome to tour the vessel and enjoy Korean classical music performances, listen to Samullori, watch a taekwondo performance, and enjoy other traditional Korean cultural performances.
This year, KTO has prepared a Korea Travel Promotional Hall on the navy vessel with a theme that presents Korea¡¯s four seasons and Korea¡¯s major drama film locations. These two promotional themes will be used to introduce Korea¡¯s major tourist attractions.
There will also be a photo exhibition showing world cultural heritages in Korean as well as age-old traditions of Korea on the vessel. The Korea Travel Promotional Hall is sailing the seven seas to introduce the beauty and charm of Korea all over the world.
For more inquiries, call: 02-819-6620¢¦3
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Monday, 4 September 2006, at 12:34 pm
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129. Seoul's Han Relaxing, Romantic Oasis
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Author : U.E.C.
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For Seoulites a Han River cruise may provide a needed romantic escape from the
fast pace of the concrete jungle. The 514-kilometer route winding through Seoul
may not be as luxurious as the legendary ¡°Titanic,¡± but it still offers a
special, romantic atmosphere with a far greater chance of a happy ending.
 Now a total of seven cruisers operated by the C&Hangang Land, come and go between seven docks at Yeouido, Yanghwa, Sangam, Chamdubong, Jamsil, Seoul Forest, and Ttukseom. They run every one or two hours a day.
The cruisers recently began diversifying more than ever, expanding beyond the
one-stop tour course into more widespread destinations of longstanding theme-oriented cultural events.
In addition to boats being decorated in the style of special themes, an increasing number of banquets for families and business workers will be held on deck. Banquets and parties - such as wedding ceremonies, convention events and family reunions - are also becoming a big theme in the boats' service.
Pirates of the Caribbean
The theme-oriented cruiser called ¡°Pirates of the Caribbean¡± launched a maiden voyage on April 1. The pirate cruiser was designed to cater to children's tastes with its awesome authentic decorations such as a five-meter-long mast drawn with a skull and a knife.
In its interior adornments, a pirate-shaped sculpture, fake cannons and guns, as well as liquor and treasure stores are on display with which passengers can have their picture taken. Crews clad in pirate costumes serve the passengers. For one and a half hours on the daytime cruising course, well-prepared pirate performances, including dances and magic shows, are performed for passengers.
During the nighttime cruise, instead of performances by pirates, a three-member
Ecuadorian band ¡°Cumbia¡± gives a mini-concert. Passengers can enjoy beers, wine and cocktails on the second floor of the deck, while observing the nighttime panoramic scene. The pirate cruiser shuttles from the Yeouido dock, Dongjak Bridge to Seongsan Bridge.
The cost is 14,600 won for adults and 7,300 won for children. For more information, call (02) 3271-6900.
Live Concert Boat
The Live Concert Boat well matches the night view from the river, along with its beautifully orchestrated live music performances. Particularly, it appeals to young couples and families who want to celebrate their anniversaries and birthdays. Passengers can enjoy live guitar performances and songs.
The boat embarks from the Yeouido dock and the Jamsil dock two times every night except Monday. Some 8 billion won will be spent on construction of the boat, which will accommodate about 500 passengers.
Buffet Boat
The Buffet Boat is regularly run five days a week, serving an array of relished buffet courses. The buffet cruise, common in Europe and Southeast Asia, embarks from the Yeouido dock at 7:30 p.m.
During a one-and-half hour tour, the buffet cruise includes piano, contra base, violin or saxophone musical performances by three members of the Seoul Pops Orchestra. The cruise is gaining popularity among foreign tourists for its delicate food services matched with the night view.
Large groups of business workers favor the buffet course for social gatherings as the boat is equipped with large-sized rooms with some 50 seats available.
The boat cruises from the Yeouido dock, the Dongjak Bridge, the Yanghwa dock and back to Yeouido. The buffets cost 45,000 won for adults and 28,000 won for children.
For more info on Hangang River Ferry Cruise
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Monday, 4 September 2006, at 12:31 pm
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128. A Discount of the Performance for S'pore Travelers
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Author : U.E.C.
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Performance: Traditional Korean Music Performance at Chongdong
Theater
Period: All year round (Except for Mondays)
Hours: 8:00pm ~ 9:20pm
Discount Benefits: Singapore travelers who print this page out and
bring with it can purchase A seat (2nd floor) tickets with a 50% discount on the price(20,000 won -> 10,000 won).
* This discount is valid from August 31 to November 30, 2006.
* When you make reservations, please let the reservation staff that you have a discount coupon issued by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). Then on the day you come to visit the theater, show this printed page at the ticket counter before you buy tickets.
Reservation and inquires: +82-2-751-1500
Location: Ehwa 100th Memorial Hall (Hwaam Hall)
How to get there:
- Take subway line No. 1 or 2 and get off at City Hall Station. Go out Exit No.1 or 12. Walk towards the Seoul Museum of Art for about 10 minutes.
- Take subway line No. 5 and get off at Seodaemun Station. Go out Exit No.5.
Walk 300m towards Kyunghyang Shinmun and turn right. Walk 300m toward Deoksugung Palace. It takes about 10 minutes.
Click here for more details on this performance
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Wednesday, 30 August 2006, at 12:11 pm
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127. An Shamanistic Marriage Ritual Performance on Sep. 3
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Author : U.E.C.
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On September 3 (Sun), 5pm, the "East Sea Shamanistic Marriage Ritual"
performance will be held at the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts (NCKTPA) located in Seocho-gu, Seoul. NCKTPA is preparing this
rarely seen event to give people a chance to see a traditional ritual performed
by Shamanists.
Historically, Shamanism is a Korean folk belief, whose rituals consist of the entire village gathering together to share food and music while performing ceremonial rituals. The Underworld Marriage Ritual is a marriage ceremony for the spirits who passed away without ever marrying. This ritual is to soothe their spirits, and allow their spirits to enter the next world in peace. The spirits of the single men and women are summoned up and enter into the dolls¡¯ bodies symbolically. The dolls are then given a simple wedding ceremony with food and music.
East Sea's female Shaman performs long incantations that can last for more than 3 days. The incantations are combined with energetic singing and dancing to move the hearts of the gods and humans. The musicians fill the air with piercing music to penetrate the skies and reach the gods with metal instruments and drums, which causes the ritual scene to go into a nebulous state. This ritual erases the distinct boundary line between the gods and humans.
 [ Brief Introduction of Ritual Performances ]
1. The Bujeonggut Ritual
This is a cleansing ritual of the designated place where the gods and morals meet, as well as the first step for all rituals.
2. The Golmaegigut Ritual
Also known as the Cheongjwagut Ritual, where the gods are invited to join the humans. The Golmaegi god symbolizes the wealth of the village and is the highest god in East Sea.
3. The Wedding Ceremony Ritual
The spirits who passed into the next world before getting married are joined in matrimony in spirit through this ritual. The spirits are symbolized by using dolls, which are offered at the
wedding ceremony.
4. Ancestors¡¯ Ritual
The female Shaman wears a traditional outfit known as the ¡°kwaeja¡± and holds a fan in her hands as she performs a singing and dancing ritual for the ancestors.
5. The Chomangjagut Ritual
This ritual is a calling of the spirits from beyond to soothe agitated spirits and console bereaved families.
6. Naerim
To find out if agitated spirits have found peace and passed on into the next world, a member of the bereaved families hold a dae(stick) to measure the joy and sorrow of the spirits.
7. The Kkonnorae(Flower song) Baennorae(Raft song), Deungnorae
This is the preparation stage of closing the ritual.
8. A Street Ritual
The rituals are brought to an end with a Street Ritual during which evil spirits are appeased and driven away.
[ Detailed Information ]
- Hours: 17:00 on September 3rd (Sun), 2006
- Admission fee: Free of Charge
- Inquiry: Tel.02-580-3300
- Location Sites: Byeolmajiteo (outdoor stage), NCKTPA
- How to get there:
* By Bus : Take either the Green bus 5413 / Blue bus 142, 406 / Red bus 1500-2
* By Subway
- Take Subway Line No. 2 Bangbae Station [exit 1], Green bus Seocho-07, 15, 17.
- Take Subway Line No.3 Nambu bus terminal Station[exit 5], Green bus Seocho-12, 4429.
- Take Subway Line No.4 Sadang Station[exit 1], Green bus Seocho-17.
- Take Subway Line No.7 Naebang Station[exit 3], Green bus Seocho-07, 15.
- To view more information on Korean Shamanism
- To view other performances of the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing
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Friday, 25 August 2006, at 12:26 pm
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