Location    Climate   Language   Lifestyle - Food   History   Religion   Tradition Art    Shopping
Major Shopping Districts     Events

Cultural Festivals      Performances & Exhibitions      Traditional Performances     Regular Performances      International Events

2003 Universiade in Daegu - 08/21/2003 - 08/31/2003

Address : Daegu
Daegu, the time-honored educational and historical city, will host the Summer Universiade from August 21 to 31, 2003. Sponsored by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), students from all over the world will compete in this biennial sporting event. Since the Universiade began in 1959 in Turin, Italy, the event continues to be a premier university sporting event.

This Universiade will be hosted by Daegu city. It is located in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula and is famous for its textile industry and apple produce. In the past, the booming textile industry in Daegu destroyed the local environment. However, it is now widely recognized as a clean and green city, with environmentally conscious programs such as tree-planting and conservation initiatives. With the hosting of the Universiade, Daegu has aspirations of becoming an environmentally friendly city with established hi-tech industries.

The theme and spirit for this Universiade is summarized in an acronym of DAEGU (Dream, Advance, Equalize, Green and Unite). The mascot for the games named "Dreami" embodies the theme of the Daegu Universiade with the rainbow colours symbolizing aspirations for a clean environment for the youth. For eleven days, the Daegu Universiade will promote the "Dream for Unity" transcending all barriers or differences. The Summer Universiade consists of 10 compulsory sports and up to three optional sports. The ten Compulsory Sports are Athletics, Basketball, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Swimming, Diving, Waterpolo, Tennis, Volleyball; optional sports are Taekwondo, Judo and Archery. As well as these sports games, visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural events around Daegu during the Universiade.

Main Event
Exhibition of Works Made by Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property Functions, Flag Festival, Universiade Folk Customs and Aerobics Festival, Celebrative Fireworks, Daegu International Fashion Festival in Celebration of Summer Universiade 2003, Cultural Performances at Duryu Park, University Students' Club Festival, Performances by Korea's Major Performing Groupsl, Cultural Events for the FISU Members

Duration: October 21, 2003-October 31, 2003 (11 days)
Participants: 11,000 executives and athletes from 170 countries
Venue: 504 Daeheung-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu
Website: http://www.universiade-daegu.org (Eng/Fra/Jap)
Inquiries: Korea Travel Phone 1330 and +82-2-982-2626

Abroad -> Daegu
Air
From Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao and Osaka: Take a direct flight.
From other cities: Transfer at Incheon International Airport.

Seoul -> Daegu
Air: 19 flights per day / 55 minutes flight time / Korean Air +82-2-984-0111 & Asiana Airlines
Train: Seoul Station (Seoul Subway Line No.1 or 4) -> Daegu Station
Saemaeulho Train / 06:15 -11:30 / 28 trains per day / 30 minute intervals
Express Bus: Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line No.3) -> Daegu
06:00 -20:30 / 10-20 minute intervals

Korean Spirit 2003 - 06/25/2003 - 08/17/2003

Address : Seoul, Gyeongju, Seorak, Jeolla-do province and etc.
The "Korean Spirit 2003" is designed for overseas children to experience Korean history, custom, language and culture. This is the sixth year of the Korean spirit program and this year there will be four sessions from June 25th though August 17th. Each session will be 11 days in length. The program consists of learning traditional Korean culture through visiting local city areas and being immersed in Korean language and history. The program is taught by Korean Language Society, which has the finest instructors. This program is especially for students who have visited Korea before and want to participate in a choice among historic Korean places, learning traditional Korean culture, or basic Korean language courses. Parents can look at the children's activities at http://www.isson.com(in Korean) We are pleased to introduce this program to second generation Korean-Americans who want to learn traditional Korean culture and language. We hope to have many participants in this unique program.
Period: June 25 to Aug 17,2003

Inquiries: 3F, Yangjae Bldg. 261, Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-130, Korea
TEL: +82-2-574-5550/8612-4 FAX: +82-2-3463-7829/574-8667
E-mail: koreanspirit@isson.com
Website: http://www.isson.com/koreanspirit/koreanspirit.htm
Accommodations: Youth training center, Kolon Hotel (1st class)
Related Links: http://www.isson.com , http://www.klpt.co.kr

Itinerary:
Seoul -> Youth training center -> Gyeongju / Seorak / Jeolla-do province

The Hi Seoul Quarter Marathon for Foreigners - 05/25/2003 - 05/25/2003

Address : Seoul, Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5, Exit 5)
The municipal authority of Seoul and the Korea Herald will jointly organize the first "Hi Seoul Quarter Marathon for Foreigners" under the theme of "We are Seoulites" on May 25, 2003.

The aim of this marathon is to improve the relationship between Seoul citizens and foreigners living in the city, to enhance the image of Seoul as an open city, and to organize an event in which foreign countries can be part of.  About 5,000 foreigners are expected to participate in the event, which starts at Gwanghwamun.

The Hi Seoul Quarter Marathon for Foreigners, the first of its kind in Korea, is intended to deliver a massage of world peace, to promote Seoul as a leading city in sports event internationally, as well as to bring together expatriates residing in Seoul.

Date: May 25, 2003 (Sunday, 09:00~ )
Meeting PointMeeting Point: Three-way junction in front of Donga Ilbo building
Route: Gwanghwamun ↔ Cheonggyecheon(stream)
Courses: 5km or 10km
Qualification:
- Expatriates residing in Seoul (up to 3,500 are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis
- Koreans related to foreign participants, for example, their family members, co-workers, community members, etc. (up to 1,500)
Application
- Period: March 24 ~ April 24, 2003
- How to Apply: Homepage (http://www.himarathon.co.kr/en/member/member_agree.asp)
Participation Fee: 20,000 won
Supply Items: Number card, medal, guideline book, souvenirs (T-shirt, cap, etc.)
Awards: First to sixth place prize for both male and female categories (A trophy and a certificate will be granted for each winner); group prize
Organizers: Seoul City Hall, Korea Herald-Naeway Economic Daily
Inquiries: marathon@himarathon.co.kr/Tel.(+82-2) 727-0381~4

Seoul Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5 or Seoul Subway Line 1 or 2, City Hall Station, Exit 4.

World Human Network Community Festival - 06/23/2003 - 06/28/2003

Address : Seoul, Korea
Since the success of the first WHNC festival in 2000, the World Human Network Community has built up a large home-stay network in Korea, through which hosts and guests share knowledge, culture and heart.
The WHNC is now preparing for the 2nd World Human Network Community Festival, in June 2003, and invites people from around the world to visit the homes of Korean host families especially during this period. The purpose of the festival is to promote and provide a hopeful vision for world peace-the year 2003 happens to be the 50th anniversary of the Korean War cease-fire Armistice.

Hosts and guests are urged to experience fascinating cultural attractions together. The opening ceremony is on the second day of the festival, June 24, and the next day WHNC volunteers will serve as guides to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, where all are invited to pray together for world peace and the reunification of Korea. That evening, participants will open a multi-cultural flea market, introduce themselves to each other and exchange culture and souvenirs. On June 27 there will be a closing ceremony and a donation party. Beyond the festival events, hosts and guests are encouraged to map out activities on their own. The festival doesn't require an entrance fee, but guests are asked to make a donation and to prepare an appreciation gift from their home countries for their host families.

Duration: June 23 to June 28 (7 days)
Location: Seoul , DMZ area of east coast
Inquires: World human Network Community Center, Seoul.
Tel: 82-2-2205-3333, Fax: 82-2-2205-2600
Website: http://www.whnc.org
Accommodation: All designated WHNC Korean host family’s house
Tourism information: Korea National Tourism Organization Tel: 82-2-7299-600
Directions: All guests will be picked up by their Korean host families at the airport and escorted by WHNC during the festival.

SIFE 2003 (Seoul International Food Expo 2003) - 05/14/2003 - 05/18/2003

Address : Indian Hall, COEX, Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu,Seoul
Taste the world!
Taste the differences!

A nation’s culinary culture serves an index of its cultural level. Introducing delicacies from around the globe, the Seoul Worldwide Food Expo 2003 will help internationalize Korean culture through the culinary exchange and present a new vision for the food and tourist industries. The Expo will present a universe of flavor and a plethora of cultural events and exhibitions.

The World and Korea Pavilions, respectively, will present seasonal cuisine from around the world, and feature live demonstrations of traditional Korean food preparation. Visitors can taste and enjoy one of the most varied and pleasing culinary experiences imaginable. Some 200 food companies will also be presenting their products.

Representative chefs of several nations, and other skilled professional as well as amateur chefs, will participate in group, individual and student competitions. Visitors may enjoy live demonstrations in the art of cooking.
Cooking classes, special-recipe demonstrations, and various other events and games will provide enjoyment and a valuable educational experience. To contribute to the festive mood there will be percussion performances, how-to-make cocktail demonstration, fashion show, folk music and folk drama from various countries, and musical concerts. A scrumptious spread of local and international delights awaits, featuring fabulously beautiful dishes and yummy concoctions.

Period: May 14 (Wed.) -18 (Sun.)
Sponsors: Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Korea Cooks Association,
Korea Travel Association of Traditional Food
Place: Indian Hall, COEX.
Web Site: http://www.food-expo.or.kr
Information: TEL. 733-6238/ FAX. 722-6366/E-Mail. cook@food-expo.or.kr

Exit 5 of Samsung Station, Seoul Subway Line 2. walk about 5 minutes into Indian Hall,COEX.

Hi Seoul Festival - 05/24/2003 - 05/25/2003

Address : Around the Seoul City Hall Plaza, Gwanghwamun Gate
Hi Seoul Festival will be held on May 24 and the May 25 around Gwanghwamun Gate and City Hall Plaza. Seoul citizens as well as foreigners will enjoy this festival together under the slogan of “Open Your Seoul.” It will offer a variety of exciting programs-performances and concerts, a marathon, food festival, parades, and more. Some of the main events are Concert of Youth, Variety Performance, and Parade for Citizens. Concert of youth, which is techno, hip-hop, and rock concerts, will be held for the youth at the City Hall Plaza on May 24. The Variety Performance presents music, dance and video that are inspired by the images of Seoul on May 25. Seoul’s Grand Annual Jongmyo Daeje Royal Ancestral rite has been incorporated into the festival. There will also be the Korean Traditional Music Festival, a giant flea market for open barter, and lotus-lantern making. A thousand visitors from twenty five countries will put on exotic folk and special-skill performances, and a world food festival. Information centers in front of Seoul City Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and Korea First Bank at Jonggak will provide drinking water and volunteer interpreters and brochures in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

Date: 14:00-24:00, May 24 and 09:00-22:30, May 25
Venue: Around the Seoul City Hall Plaza, Gwanghwamun Gate, Cheonggyecheon, and Deoksugung Palace.
Program: (http://www.hiseoulfest.org/hiseoul/e_h_composition_02.asp)

Tourist Information: Tel. +82-2-1330 (English, Japanese, and Chinese)
Website: http://www.hiseoulfest.org (English and Japanese)

- Seoul City Hall: Exit 5 from City Hall station on Seoul Subway Line 1 and 2.
- Gwanghwamun Gate: Gwanghwamun station on Seoul Subway Line 5.
- Deoksugung Palace: a 3-minute walk from City Hall station on Seoul Subway Line 1 and 2.
- Seoul Museum of History: a 15-minute walk from exit 7 of the Gwanghwamun station of the Seoul Subway Line 5
- Open Square: a 150-m walk from the Gwanghwamun stationon of the Seoul Subway Line 5 to Gyobo Building
- The Koreana Hotel and The Seoul Metropolitan Council: a 5-minute walk from exit 6, Gwanghwamun station on Seoul Subway Line 5

PiFan, the 7th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival - 07/10/2003 - 07/19/2003

Address : Puchon, Gyeonggi-do
To the joy of movie fanatics, PiFan, the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, is celebrating its 7th birthday this year, from July 10 to 19.
With romance, fantasy, and adventure as the main themes, this year PiFan features 190 special films from 35 countries, each playing twice.
Special programs include the “Allure and Passion of Bollywood," "Guy Maddin Special" and "The Golden Age of Hong Kong Films: A Shaw Brothers Retrospective," in which fans of martial arts movies can reminisce about Hong Kong's golden era. The "Fukasaku Ginji Memorial Program" will also be presented.
Bollywood is India’s film industry, which generates more movies each year than does Hollywood, with a more artistic, creative flair. The "Allure and Passion of Bollywood" introduces some great films full of dance and music from some truly creative minds.

Date: July 10 – 19, 2003
Venue: Puchon, Gyeonggi-do-Puchon Civic Center, Puchon City Hall, Boksagol Cultural Center, Sosa-gu Office, and Cine-all theater
Inquiries: Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival Office (Tel. +82-32-345-6313)
Website: http://www.pifan.com(Korean / English)
Tourist Information: Tel. +82-31-1330 (English/ Japanese/ Chinese)

Tickets
- General admission 5,000 won
- First showing, last showing ticket or nighttime ticket 10,000won
- Korean masterpiece short film and outside screen movie for free

To Puchon Civic Center- Take the Bukbuyeok exit at Songnae station off the Seoul subway line 1. Then take a 10-minute ride on a shuttle bus to the Civic Center.
To Puchon City Hall- Take the Bukbuyeok exit at Songnae station off the Seoul subway line 1. Then take a 10-minute ride on a shuttle bus to the City Hall.
To Boksagol Cultural Center- Take #2 exit at Songnae station off the Seoul subway line 1. Then walk about ten minutes.
To Sosa-gu Office- Take the Bukbuyeok exit at Songnae station off the Seoul subway line 1. Then take a 15-minute ride on a shuttle bus to the Sosa-gu Office.
To Cine-all theater- Take #2 exit at Songnae station off the Seoul subway line 1. Then walk about five minutes.