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286. Incheon to Host World City Expo in 2009
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Author : U.E.C.
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 Korea¡¯s third-largest city and second-largest port of
href="http://english.tour2korea.com/03Sightseeing/DestinationsByRegions/Depth02.asp?Address=11614&Address2=&konum=1&kosm=m3_1">Incheon will host the World City Expo in August.
The Incheon City Hall formed in February 2007 a committee to organize the World City Expo. The non-profit organization received support from the central government. Committee executives and employees were appointed from the Incheon government and subsidiary organizations.
Experts say the majority of the world¡¯s population will keep moving to cities, so urban flight will rise as a key global issue. Under this circumstance, cooperation and exchanges among international cities are growing in importance.
 Several leading figures joined the committee, including Chairman Kang Dong-suk, a former minister of construction and transportation, and Honorary Chairman Oh Myung, a former deputy prime minister.
The committee has been promoting the Expo as a steppingstone toward increased communication and interaction among cities around the world.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the main event ground in mid-November, 2007, on a 50-hectare site in Songdo. The committee will complete groundwork by February, construction of exhibition halls by April 2009, and display by the end of June 2009.
 The main ground will house 11 exhibition halls in addition to other events and interactive centers.
Along with the 2014 Asian Games, the World City Expo 2009 is a major event that Incheon is preparing for.
The exhibition halls can accommodate 150,000 visitors. Participatory facilities with a capacity between 500 and 3,300 are the World City Hall, Korea City Hall, City Exclusive Hall, Corporate Joint Hall, Corporate Exclusive Hall, Public Body Exclusive Hall, Community Hall and World Culture Village.
Visitors also can enjoy a wide range of events and interactive exhibitions such as Future City Experience Hall for Kids, Space City, Ocean City, Plankton Experience Hall, Power Generation Experience Hall and Expo Memorial Hall.
 The major six agenda are Biking Expo, Walking Expo, Recycling Expo, Community Expo, U-City Expo, and Business Expo. The committee is organizing 65 core events and 120 cultural events in connection with ¡°2009: Visit Incheon Year¡± and in collaboration with the Incheon City Hall.
Expo officials said the event will serve as a catalyst for urban development and investment and influence the planning practices of the world¡¯s major cities.
The Expo will also showcase the history, culture, business, environment, tourism, and development plans of world cities.
Participants can use the event to build professional networks as well as strategic business exchanges among investors, companies and the administrations of many leading cities.
The committee says the Expo will attract an estimated 10 million people and the participation of 200 cities worldwide.
¡æ For further information on Incheon, click here!
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Thursday, 31 January 2008, at 11:00 am
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285. Business Closings over the Lunar New Year Holiday
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Author : U.E.C.
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2008 Lunar New Year (Seollal) Holiday Period: Feb. 6 (Wed.) - 8 (Fri.), 2008
One of the most significant holidays in Korea is Seollal, the Lunar New Year¡¯s Day. This year it falls on February 7 (January 1 on the lunar calendar).
Seollal is celebrated for a total of three days, the day before and after the actual holiday (Feb.6-8). 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 Seollal holiday.
Tourist Sites
- Independence Hall
TEL: 041-560-0114; Closed on Mondays but Open on holidays
- Korean Folk Village
TEL: 031-286-2111; Open all year round
- Namsangol Hanok Village
TEL: 02-2264-4412; Open on holidays (Closed on Tuesdays)
- The War Memorial of Korea
TEL: 02-709-3139; Open on holidays (Closed on Mondays)
- N Seoul Tower
TEL: 02-3455-9277 Open all year round
- 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 Royal Shrine
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
- Seodaemun Prison History Hall
TEL: 02-363-9750; Closed on Feb. 7 but Open on Feb. 6 and 8
- Insa-dong
TEL: 02-734-0222; Most shops are closed on holidays. May vary depending on shops.
Museums and Theaters
- 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 Korea
TEL: 02-2077-9000; Closed on Mondays but open on holidays
- Chongdong Theater
TEL: 02-751-1500; Closed on Mondays but open on holidays
- National Museum of Contemporary Art
TEL: 02-2188-6000; Closed on Mondays but open on holidays
- Seoul Arts Center
TEL: 02-580-1300; Open on holidays
-
color="blue">National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts
TEL: 02-580-3041; Open on holidays
Shopping Places
- COEX Mall
TEL: 02-6000-0114; Open all year round
- Namdaemun Market
TEL: 02-752-1913; Closed on Feb. 6-10
- Dongdaemun Market
TEL: 02-2262-0114; Closed on Feb. 7-10
- Itaewon Market
TEL: 02-794-2490, May vary depending on shops, but most shops are closed on holidays.
- Myeongdong Migliore
TEL: 02-2124-0001; To be determined
- Dongdaemun Migliore
TEL: 02-3393-0001; To be determined
- Doosan Tower (Doota)
TEL: 02-3398-3000; Closed on Feb. 6-7
-
href="http://english.tour2korea.com/06shopping/WhatToBuy/electronics_01.asp" target="_blank">Yongsan Electronics Mall Complex
TEL: 02-714-0101; Closed on Feb. 6-10
- Techno Mart (TM)
TEL: 02-3424-0114; Closed on Feb. 6-7
- Hello apm
TEL: 02-6388-1114; Closed on Feb. 6-7
- Yongsan Space 9
TEL: 02-2012-0099; To be determined
- Myeongdong Street
TEL: 02-776-6178;
May vary depending on shops, but most shops are open for business on holidays.
Department Stores and Duty Free Shops
- Lotte Department Store
TEL: 02-771-2500; Closed on Feb. 7-8
- Shinsegae Department Store
TEL: 02-727-1234; Closed on Feb. 7-8
- Hyundai Department Store
TEL: 02-547-2233; Closed on Feb. 7-8
- The Galleria
TEL: 02-3449-4016; Closed on Feb. 7-8
- Kim's Club
TEL: 02-530-5149~9; Closed on Feb. 7, Open on Feb. 6 and 8
- E-mart
TEL: 1588-4349; Open all year round
- Duty Free Shops
Open all year round
Bookstores
- Kyobo Bookstore
Tel: 02-397-3500 (Jongno) or 1544-1900 (Gangnam); Closed on Feb. 7
- Youngpoong Bookstore
Tel: 02-399-5591 (Jongno) or 02-595-1497 (Gangnam); Open on holidays
Restaurants Over Seollal
Most restaurants will be closed during the Seollal holiday (Feb. 6-8), especially on the day of Seollal (Feb.7). 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.
Busan
- Jagalchi Market
TEL:051-245-2594; Closed on Feb. 7-8
- Gukje (International) Market
TEL:051-245-7389; Closed on Feb. 6-8
- Lotte Department Store in Busan
TEL:051-810-2500; Closed on Feb. 7-8
- Busan Migliore
TEL:051-922-0001; To be determined
¡Ø The above information is subject to change depending on the situation.
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Tuesday, 15 January 2008, at 1:26 pm
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284. Daehangno Marronnier Park Ice Sculpture Festival
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Author : U.E.C.
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A five-day Ice Sculpture Festival is to open at Daehangno¡¯s Marronnier Park and will run from January 12 to the 16th.
The festival will carry the theme `Korea¡¯s Beauty and the Sounds of the New Year' with 42 of Korea¡¯s Ice Sculpture Association members that are scheduled to attend. Featured works will exhibit over 10 productions including a Dabo Pagoda, Buddhist Pagoda, Inwangsan Castle, Jangseung, Seungmu, along with various other sculptures as well.
 Before the official festivities begin, 100 participants will be able to try their hand at an ice sculpting program at the ice sculpting area between the 10th and 11th. Various performances will also be held at the festival including fusion ta-ak, traditional dance, jazz, and more.
A Seoul Jongno-gu District Office representative stated, ¡°The festival will not only present ice sculpture arts, but will attract tourists with dynamic dances guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. We are also eager share the sensational charms of Korea with foreign tourists.¡±
[Things to Do in Daehangno]
- Night Tour of Daehangno
- Flea Market in Daehangno
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Friday, 11 January 2008, at 11:06 am
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283. Experience the Snow-Covered Landscapes of Hallasan
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Author : U.E.C.
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 "We invite everyone to the magnificent snow-covered world of the Hallasan Mountains." The Special Self-Governing Province of Jeju has been promoting their UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Hallasan National Park. In order to revitalize winter tourism, Jeju will be offering free shuttle buses from January 5th to February 10, making trips between Jeju International Airport-The Jeju Hotel-Hallasan Eorimok Gwangjang.
Starting the second week of January, the shuttle buses will run 3 days weekly, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and will run everyday from February 1 to the 10th. The shuttle buses will be available at the Jeju International Airport from 8AM-2PM, departing every 25-30 minutes, and from 9AM-5PM at the Eorimok entrance.
Jeju-do¡¯s head of tourism policies, Oh Chang-Hyeon, stated, ¡°The shuttle buses will be in full operation during the New Year¡¯s vacation for the people making their ways back to their hometowns and for the tourists as well.¡± He continued, ¡°This will be a whole new experience for the Chinese and Southeast Asians who live in areas where there is no snow.¡±
[Related Articles]
- Best 3 Tourist Sites Designated as a World Natural Heritage in Jeju
- Jeju Tours: Luxury vs. Budget
- UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Jeju-do Island
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Monday, 7 January 2008, at 10:57 am
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282. South Coast Cruise Tours Set to Begin in March
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Author : U.E.C.
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Starting this March, cruise tours of the country¡¯s southern coast will begin making rounds, allowing tourists to appreciate the beauty of Hallyeohaesang National Park and Dadohae Haesang National Park. This is the first time a large hotel-style excursion ship has introduced such a service along the coastal cities.
Currently offering car ferries from Busan, Korea to Osaka, Japan, Panstar Line Corp. revealed that they would start their roundtrips of the southern coastal cities as early as March, touring Busan, Tongyeong, Yeosu, Wando, and Jeju.
The cruise boat, Panstar Honey, is said to be 130£í in length and weigh 15,000 tons, and can accommodate up to 518 passengers, excluding crew members. Cruise facilities will include guest rooms, restaurants, a stage, theater, children¡¯s playroom, and a shopping mall.
Panstar is planning for 3-night/4-day cruises with a stopover where passengers can either get on or off, for an available 1-night/2-day tour as well. In addition, passengers may also board their cars and get off at whichever port they desire. Cruise rates will start at 130,000 won per person.
¡æ For more information on cruise tours in Korea, click here!
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Monday, 7 January 2008, at 10:55 am
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281. Gangwon-do's Winter Festivals to be Held
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Author : U.E.C.
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Regular winter festivities in the Gangwon-do Pyeongchang region has begun.
First off, the Pyeongchang-gun Jinbu-myeon Odaecheon area will be holding its first ¡®Pyeongchang Trout Festival¡¯ for the whole one month of January, 2008.
The festival has already begun early on December 29, with festival grounds covering more than 40,000§³, offering a wide variety of family activities such as ice fishing, lure fishing, snow sledding, ice soccer, ATVs, an igloo experience, snow rafting, and more.
From December 29, 2007 to February 17, 2008, the first ¡®Pyeonchang Light & Ice Festival¡¯ will take place on the Pyeongchanggang River in Pyeongchang-eub Yeoman-ri.
The festival was organized by the local residents under the theme ¡®A Fun & Exciting Winter with Family at Pyeongchang¡¯. A variety of events have been prepared such as barehanded trout fishing, ice ridge riding, snow sledding, and more, along with the magical lights of Luminarie to attract tourists. Also available on the festival grounds are ice pensions that resemble Korean houses from the 1970-1980¡¯s, popular movies displayed on an ice screen, and the chance to try tadpole noodles, potato ongshimi, and various other local delicacies.
 Last, but certainly not the least, is Korea¡¯s largest snow festival, Daegwallyeong Snow Flower Festival held in Pyeongchang-gun Doam-myeon Hoenggye-ri area from January 17, to Januage 21, 2008.
The Daegwallyeong Snow Flower Festival Committee has organized the festival under the theme ¡®An Exciting Vacation in the Snow¡¯ presenting snow sculptures and a magical world of ice, along with an assortment of events for a memorable time. The festival intends to offer a snow sculpture exhibition and snow tunnel of seven themes and five adventure areas for families, tourists, and couples to experience a fun vacation.
Note that a free shuttle bus runs through the Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch, Uiyaji Baram Village, and Surae Village for the convenience of the tourists.
A topless marathon, snow climbing contest, snow racing, snow rafting, igloo experience, snow sledding, folk hunting game, ice sliding, and various other events are in preparation as well.
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Thursday, 3 January 2008, at 9:52 am
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280. 2007¡¯s Final Sunset and 2008¡¯s First Sunrise Times
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Author : U.E.C.
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Sadly, the days of 2007 slowly glows dim. We will bid farewell to the last sunset of 2007 to the west of the Korean peninsula on Soheuksan-do Island at 5 :39 :51PM. On the inlands, the last sunset is predicted to be seen to the southwest in Jindo-gun Simdongni at 5 :34 :57PM.
2008¡¯s first sunrise can be witnessed on Dok-do Island on January 1st at 7 :26 :20AM, while on land, the first sun will rise in Ulsan¡¯s Ganjeolgot at 7 :31 :18AM.
¢Ã December 31, 2007 – Sunset Times by Regions
Incheon Baeknyeong-do Island 5:31:3PM
Incheon Wolmi-do Island 5:24:47PM
Gyeonggi-do Janghwa-ri 5:25:14PM
Chungcheongnam-do Boryeong Daecheon Beach 5:28:18PM
Chungcheongnam-do Taean Mallipo 5:28:29PM
Chungcheongnam-do Mohang-ri 5:28:38PM
Chungcheongnam-do Anmyeon-do Island Kkotji Beach 5:28:32PM
Jeollabuk-do Byeonsanbando 5:30:19PM
Jeollanam-do Haenam 5:33:32PM
Jeju Yongsuri 5:37:24PM
Jeju Seogwipo 5:36:1PM
Jeju Mara-do Island 5:37:31PM
¢Ã January 1, 2008 – Sunrise Times by Regions
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Monday, 31 December 2007, at 10:22 am
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279. Register Now & Run for Free at the Shirtless Marathon!
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Author : U.E.C.
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The 4th Uirimji National Shirtless Marathon to Open on Jan. 6, 2008
¢Ã Date & Time: January 6, 2008. (Sun) Assemble by 9:30AM; Uniform numbers assigned at 10:20AM;
Marathon begins at 11:00AM
¢Ã Location (race): Jecheon-si Uirimji
¢Ã Gathering Place: Korea Tourism Organization (How to get to KTO), Gather by 7:50AM, leave at 8AM.
¢Ã Sponsored by: Jecheon-si, Jecheon-si Festival Promotion Committee
¢Ã Hosted by: Jecheon Marathon Organization Committee, Mt. Geumsusan Marathon Club
¢Ã Course Information: 5km, 10km
(1) 5km: Start from Parkland ¡æ Daedosa Temple ¡æ Uirim Intersection ¡æ Jecheon Fire Station
¡æ Turn around at Marenzio ¡æ Jecheon Fire Station ¡æ Uirim Intersection ¡æ Daedosa Temple
&nnsp;¡æ Finish at Parkland
(2) 10km: Start from Parkland ¡æ Daedosa Temple ¡æ Uirim Intersection¡æJecheon Fire Station
¡æ Marenzio ¡æ Cheongjeon Intersection ¡æ Beobwon Intersection ¡æ Kookmin Bank (KB) Intersection
¡æ Turn around at the Myeong-dong Intersection ¡æ Kookmin Bank (KB) Intersection ¡æ Beobwon Intersection
¡æ Cheongjeon Intersection ¡æ Marenzio ¡æ Jecheon Fire Station ¡æ Uirim Intersection ¡æ Daedosa Temple
¡æ Finish at Parkland
¢Ã Registration
(1) Registration Period: January 4, 2008 (Fri); first 1000 people on a first-come-first-serve basis
(2) Where to Register: Jecheon Marathon Organization Committee Office
(3) Registration Fee: Free for the first 80 foreigners
** The charge for transportation and lunch is included.
(4) Registration Inquiries: 043) 641-5123~6 / FAX 043)641-5129
(5) How to Register:
- Fill out the application form (click here to download) and apply via email.
- Send Application To: haju70@hanmail.net
- Group registration is allowed.
- Homepage: jecheonmarathon.net (Korean)
- E-Mail: haju70@hanmail.net
- Phone: 043-641-5125
- FAX: 043-641-5129
¢Ã Attire
(1) Men: No top; Marathon shorts or stockings
(2) Women: Tank top, sports bra, sleeveless shirt; shorts or stockings
¡Ø The less you wear, the better your chances in winning the "photogenic prize".
¢Ã Souvenirs: souvenir medal, Jecheon herbs (only for people who complete the whole course)
¢Ã Prize
[Same for both 5km and 10 km (Men rankings 1~10 / Women rankings 1~5)]
1st Place: Certificate, Gift Certificate for Farm Produce (£Ü150,000), and local herbs specialty
2nd Place: Certificate, Gift Certificate for Farm Produce (£Ü100,000) and local herbs specialty
3rd Place: Certificate, Gift Certificate for Farm Produce (£Ü70,000) and local herbs specialty
4th Place: Certificate, Gift Certificate for Farm Produce (£Ü50,000) and local herbs specialty
5th: Certificate, Gift Certificate for Farm Produce (£Ü50,000) and local herbs specialty
6th-10th Places: Certificate, Gift Certificate for Farm Produce (£Ü30,000) and local herbs specialty
¡Ø There are no records (awards given based on marathon finishing times).
[Photogenic Prize / Group prize]
20 people: Prize worth £Ü30,000
More than 20 people: £Ü50,000
More than 30 people: £Ü100,000
¢Ã Raffle Prize: Color TV and more than 60 other various prizes. (drawing by uniform number)
** After the marathon a variety of events will take place, including a singing contest,
ROCK & Õ¥ "ROCK" Concert, and the Top 10 Most Memorable Singers Concert.
¢Ã Notes
1. Participants should be in good health, fit to complete the course registered to run.
The participant is responsible for any problem that may arise during the race.
2. If you have high blood pressure or cardiac disorder, please restrain from participating
as this is a winter race.
3. Although the race is officially insured in case of accidents or casualties, the sponsor does not hold
any responsibility as stated in the insurance clauses. Please check your health before participating.
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Friday, 28 December 2007, at 9:45 am
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278. Time to Unwind at Korea's Best Ski Resorts
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Author : U.E.C.
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 Winter is here again and, with it, the ski season. This year promises plenty of snow in Korea and therefore, the chance to unwind at ski resorts. Most Gangwon-do (Province) resorts have already opened.
Mountainous Gangwon-do is the most popular destination for skiing in the country. The province has eight of the country¡¯s 15 main ski resorts. The most popular are Yongpyong Resort, High 1, Vivaldi Park and Phoenix Park.
Muju Resort, albeit not in Gangwon-do, is also a very popular destination. All are equipped with internationally certified facilities and comfortable accommodations with various kinds of discount packages and fun programs such as concerts and festivals.
The following is an introduction to the country¡¯s most popular ski resorts.
 Yongpyong Resort
Pyeongchang-gun (County), Gangwon-do
The biggest resort as well as the first modern resort to open in Korea. It is home to 31 slopes and 15 lifts, including a 3.7-km-long gondola. A one-way ride on the gondola, which the resort says, is the longest in Asia, takes 20 minutes. The resort is located on Blawangsan, which rises 1,459 meters above sea level and is famous for its winter hiking course that overlooks fine peaks nearby. The resort caters to a lot of tourists from Southeast Asia. Shuttle buses depart from Samseong and Jamsil stations in Seoul, Bundang and Ilsan. For more information call (033) 336-8169 or visit www.yongpyong.co.kr
High One Ski Resort
Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
 A brand-new ski resort, which is opening its second ski season this year, is famous for its state-of-the-art facilities and long yet easy ski slopes. It has 18 slopes down three separate mountaintops. The longest slope is 4.2 kilometers. Its relatively steep slopes make it especially popular with advanced skiers. There is a restaurant on the top of the mountain, which gives you a fine view of the surroundings. The resort takes four and a half hours from Seoul, and for those who don¡¯t want to drive, it operates a train between the nation¡¯s two major cities, Seoul and Busan, and Jeongseon Station near the site. The transport service begins on Dec. 18. For more information, visit www.high1.co.kr.
 Daemyung Vivaldi Park
Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do
This resort attracts a lot of young skiers and snowboarders because of its exciting ski slopes with names like ¡°Hip-hop¡± and ¡°Funky.¡± It also has a year-round water theme park, Ocean Park. This year it will be running additional snowmakers and lights for night skiing. The resort also has a childcare center with babysitters. For more information, call 1588-4888 or visit www.daemyungresort.com/vp/
 Muju Resort
Muju, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province)
Muju Resort is spread out over 1,700 acres within Deogyusan National Park in the southwestern Jeolla region. Considered the most picturesque resort of all, it is the ultimate winter getaway. Its Silk Road slope is wildly popular for having the highest altitude in Korea and being one of the longest. It also has the steepest slope in Korea called Raiders. The resort also features a spa and a cross-country course. To get there, catch express buses near Euljiro, Banpo and Jamsil stations in Seoul. For more information, call (063) 322-7009 or visit www.mujuresort.com
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Article courtesy of Korea.net
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Thursday, 27 December 2007, at 10:14 am
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277. Van Gogh Exhibition to Open in Korea
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Author : U.E.C.
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One of the greatest painters the world has ever seen, Vincent Van Gogh remains, even to this day, one of the most misunderstood. Elusive, depressive yet highly prolific throughout his years, the silent painter kept to the shadows of society where he was driven to the maddening depths of poverty, living out his remaining days without any remuneration or praise for his work. Yet, such surrounding mysteries encircling the struggling Dutch genius more than a century after his death enable admirers to formulate their own sense of what he was really about. Certainly one of the industry¡¯s greatest tragedies, his untimely, spiraling demise continues to breathe interest and inspiration into the lives of students and scholars alike.
Fortunate for Seoulites, Van Gogh¡¯s most cherished works are now on display at the Seoul Museum of Art. Appropriately titled ¡°Van Gogh: Voyage Into The Myth¡±, the exhibition, which opened to the public on November 24th, features 67 artworks exclusively on loan from the Kröller-Müller Museum in Holland. The famous Dutch museum, nestled within the lushly preserved National Park de Hoge Veluwe near the quaint villages of Hoenderloo and Otterloo, is the world¡¯s second largest holder of Van Gogh¡¯s masterpieces, falling just behind Amsterdam¡¯s Van Gogh Museum. All of the works are displayed chronologically, revealing a great deal of auto-biographical insight into the mind of the reclusive painter and offer refreshing perspectives to his earlier years when he began drawing, often using his neighbors and ¡®everyday villagers¡¯ as subjects. Though not technically brilliant, Van Gogh was eager to learn and reportedly went to Antwerp and later to Paris to refine his skill. It was in Paris where he spent the remaining years of his life, and created arguably his most memorable work. Tragically, it was also where he ventured into the fields near the Ravoux Inn on the outskirts of Paris and shot himself with a revolver before retiring to his room where he died two days later, not realizing the severity of his wounds. It is said that his brother, Theo, who kept to Vincent¡¯s his side right up until his death never fully recovered from the loss. Both he and Vincent are buried next to each other at the cemetery Auvers-sur-Oise.
Despite his abundantly documented past, very little is known as to what drove Van Gogh to suicidal tendencies, putting an end to his brilliant 10-year artistic career. Countless theories have been written in the attempt to pinpoint the exact cause, but each theory was met with a great deal of resistance. Interestingly, one theory for the wide use of blurry imagery, or ¡®halo effect¡¯, in his later works suggested that the heavy lead content of the paints gave the painter lead poisoning and ultimately induced the swelling of his retina, which in turn magnified everything in his vision. Over time, it¡¯s suspected that the worsening symptoms became insufferable and drove Van Gogh to suicide. ¡®Voyage Into The Myth¡¯ is the first-ever retrospective exhibition of Van Gogh¡¯s work to be held in Korea. Impressively, falling just behind Amsterdam¡¯s 100th anniversary exhibition in 1990, it is also the world¡¯s second largest. Highlights on display include ¡°Irises¡±, ¡°Self-Portrait¡±, ¡°The Sower¡± and ¡°The Garden of The Asylum at Saint-Remy¡±. A total of 45 oil paintings and 22 drawings and lithographs have been brought from The Netherlands. Van Gogh¡¯s versatility is clearly evident and visitors will see how the artist tried to accomplish humanitarianism by conveying the crippling symptoms of poverty of the local peasantry in his early days and how his discovery of impressionism provided the inspiration needed to cement his own unique style during the late 1800s. His experimentation of colors complementing his maddening bouts of uncontrolled artistic passion concludes the exhibit, shedding light on his last days spent in Auvers-sur-Oise.
It is widely known at how little those surrounding the artist appreciated his craft at the time. But perhaps a comment made by his brother Theo at one stage in the artist¡¯s life defines it best. "Your work will not fade away in vain," he assured him. "I am confident that people will appreciate your works in the future. The only question is when." One can safely assume that such warranted praise will continue following the artist for many years to come.
¡æ For more information, click here!
Written and Photographed by Gregory B. Curley
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Wednesday, 26 December 2007, at 10:36 am
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