Icheon, through designation as a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2010, was recognized for its significant value as a city with a long history in ceramics that harkens back to the Bronze Age. A variety of Korea’s finest ceramics, ranging from celadon ceramics boasting the beauty of pale jade-green glaze to white porcelains characterized by the beauty of space and symbolism and Buncheong ceramics presenting liberal and simple beauty, as well as the lifestyle and architecture of Icheon, are waiting to greet visitors. As the largest and foremost ceramic culture festival in Korea, the 28th Icheon Ceramics Festival offers festive events under the theme of “Creation, Moment of Romance” from August 29 to September 21.

This year’s Icheon Ceramics Festival was originally slated for April, but has been postponed to autumn due to the ferry Sewol disaster. As it had a long time to prepare, the festival was welcoming visitors in profusion.

A variety of events and programs are provided throughout the festival and include: Calligraphy Path, a plate calligraphy demonstration and special exhibition held by 50 invited calligraphers of Korea; a trend contest exhibition for ceramic signs; an exhibition presenting a grand variation created by tradition and experimentation; pottery demonstrations by ceramic masters and rising young ceramic artists; clay and spinning wheel experiences; and ceramic sales at the Ceramics Market.

There were children in a huddle completely absorbed in playing with clay. Surrounding a gigantic clay vessel taller than the children themselves, they were drawing dolls, flowers, animals, houses and their own artwork on the smooth surface of the white porcelain clay. The vessel served wonderfully as a sketchbook for children.

Of the programs offered by Icheon Ceramics Festival, the most popular among children is the Clay Experience in which children can make their own pottery pieces. All children express their own stories and wishes through the process of making a vessel while using a spinning wheel and painting colors on the piece. Distinctive ceramic vessels are created.

For those who do not have time for firing ceramics, another experiential program is available in which children draw on pre-made ceramics. Made of the same earth, they all have different features. Each and every of one of them is unique in the world.

In addition to experiential programs for making ceramics, another program is offered that enables children to feel clay, the heart of ceramics, with their own bodies by stomping and playing on clay with bare feet. The innocent looks of the children standing on the clay must be the most natural.

A very unusual scene that can be seen only at the Icheon Ceramics Festival started to take place; that is, creating a ceramic pot much taller than an adult and wider than adults arm span. The performance runs every weekend, and potters demonstrate Gyeongsangnam-do style Taryeomjil, building up clay beads, jiggering, and Jeolla-do style Taryeomjil.

Demonstrations by ceramic artists continued. Clay, bricks, wood and water are all that is needed. It is a raku firing demonstration during which you can witness the naturally occurring magical work of glaze.

After glazing, the pot is heated in a raku firing kiln. You can instantly see the colors change depending on exposure to the air which is controlled using rice chaff. Ceramics that are completely different in color and shape from those made by firing in a traditional kiln are produced. 

At Icheon Ceramics Festival, the largest ceramic market in Korea is being held with 119 ceramics studios from Icheon participating. Presenting a variety of ceramics in all genres, transcending the traditional and the contemporary, the Ceramics Market also offers special discounts of up to 50% on selected items.

Ceramic ware for daily use as well as artistic pieces reminiscent of celadon and white celadon of the Joseon Dynasty are on display. Ceramics, despite the crude feeling of earthenware, shine as daily necessities with a luxurious finish. I would just buy them all and share good food on the dishes with family members.

With prices ranging from just two Korean won to several million won, ceramics are quite divers in their uses and features. The fact that any type of ceramic is well matched to the surrounding landscape must be the charm that all ceramics have in common.

A special exhibition can be found at the exhibition hall featuring ceramics that represent the evolution of Icheon ceramics. Visitors can vote in a Popularity Award event and receive a beautiful ceramic piece as a present by lot. The 1st Icheon Ceramic Artist Exhibition presents new designs that are suitable for the popularization and wider use of ceramics in our daily lives.

A total of three Popularity awards will be presented based on visitor votes. As it may have a significant impact on the popularization of ceramics, I carefully looked at each piece of art exhibited. All the works bear traces of great efforts and careful deliberation.

After taking a careful look at all the artwork, I voted at the ballot box. What I really liked the most about the Icheon Ceramics Festival is that there are so many programs in which visitors can actively participate. No wonder it has been continuously loved as one of the most representative festivals in the region.

In another corner of the exhibition hall, winning entries from the trend contest for ceramic signs are on display. All the pieces exhibited are stylish, created with fresh new ideas. I was struck with admiration by each and every piece in the exhibition.

This is the Grand Prize winter, a sign for a book café made using ceramics baked in the shape of a brick. The calming colors and the unique way of expressing books are impressive.

It is a sign for a café that incorporates a garden of white porcelain flowers, reminiscent of white porcelain. Decorated with flowers, befitting the title of “Flower,” this second prize winner is pleasantly simple and beautiful.

The ceramics culture continued along a walkway at the festival venue. It is the Calligraphy Path, a special exhibition featuring 50 invited calligraphers of Korea. Ceramics and calligraphy are put together through a plate calligraphy demonstration and special exhibition to create this beautiful road.

Festivals are incomplete without delicious foods. As it is the harvest season, a variety of agriculture products are offered at the festival. Agriculture products that look farm fresh and food items carefully prepared by farming families make the festival far richer.

With various items to eat and activities to watch and enjoy, the Icheon Ceramics Festival is ideal and lacks nothing. The festival provided me with a chance to think over where our ceramics culture stands and to realize once again that we should carry forward our traditional culture. I hope that Icheon Ceramics Festival spreads across the world and lets the world know the beauty of Korea’s ceramics.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9130

Broadcasting companies in the Seoul metropolitan area rush to select

the park as a location for photo coverage

◇ HallyuWorld Waterfront Park has been establishing a reputation as a location for spot coverage since it was recently selected by the MBC television network and YTN news network as a location for picture coverage for their weather reports. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

HallyuWorld Waterfront Park is loved by broadcasting companies as a location for picture coverage.

The HallyuWorld Taskforce Team of Gyeonggi Province reported that the 2^nd that HallyuWorld Waterfront Park has been earning a reputation as a location for spot coverage since it was recently selected by the MBC television network and YTN news network as a location for picture coverage for their weather reports.

After February 8, the MBC television network once again selected HallyuWorld Waterfront Park as a location of pictures for their morning program weather report of Aug 20.

Broadcasting company officials said, “It is not easy to find a place with a harmonious view of fountains, streams, and more in the metropolitan area. The HallyuWorld Waterfront Park is nicely laid out with diverse spaces.” They added, “We will come to shoot again and again as the view is beautiful not only during the daytime but also at night.”

HallyuWorld Taskforce Chief Hwang Seon-gu said, “The waterfront park has emerged as a charming place for Goyang citizens to jog and walk.” He added, “The view of the sunset and the LED lights at night are so particularly amazing that many people come for dates and to take pictures.”

Gyeonggi Province, when creating the HallyuWorld, installed harmonious lighting alongside Hallyu Stream on an approximately 600-meter section within the HallyuWorld complex following careful consideration of the night view and other various theme facilities such as the waterfront deck, observation platform, and Byeokcheon Fountain.

The night view of Waterfront Park consists of the night lighting of all facilities such as waterfronts, decks, fountains, trees and bridges, all of which feature four different sub-themes under the main theme of ‘Hallyu, New Wave Spread by Light.’

The HallyuWorld Taskforce Team will provide their full support so that many broadcasting companies will continue to come here to shoot coverage.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Roh Kyung-hee khrohh@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201409031011027055C049&s_code=C049

Gyeonggi Museum and Korean Horse Affairs Association hold special exhibition for Year of the Horse

◇ In celebration of 2015, the Year of the Horse, the Gyeonggi Museum and the Horse Museum of the Korean Horse Affairs Association are jointly hosting the World’s Horse Sculpture Exhibition. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

In celebration of 2015, the Year of the Horse, the Gyeonggi Museum and the Horse Museum of the Korean Horse Affairs Association are jointly hosting the World’s Horse Sculpture Exhibition.

From September 3 to October 5, the exhibition will showcase horse sculptures from Korea and many regions around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, America and Oceania.

The exhibition runs daily from 10:00am until 6:00pm except for the first and third Mondays. The admission fee is KRW 4,000 for adults and college students (50% off for a group of 20 or more people), and KRW 2,000 for those under 19 years of age (50% off for a group of 20 or more people). Preschoolers, senior citizens (65 years or older), and the disabled can enter free of charge. A discount of 50% is offered to residents of Gyeonggi Province.

At the special exhibition in the Donated Relic Room of the Gyeonggi Museum, a variety of horse sculptures representing the unique cultures of each region will be displayed, including a horse statue from China’s Tang Dynasty and a beaded horse figure from South Africa.

In addition to the exhibition, experiential programs will also be offered. During the exhibition period, from 2:00pm every Saturday, an explanation about the exhibition as well as an experiential program in which children can create and exhibit their own horses will be provided, targeting elementary school students.

After finishing a first exhibition in the Gyeonggi Museum, a second exhibition will take place in the equine museum of Let’s Run Park in Seoul.

One Gyeonggi Provincial official said, “Owing to its gorgeous appearance and high economic value, which limited ownership to a small number of the ruling class, horses have been depicted in sculptures since ancient times for ornamentation, appreciation, and sacrificial offerings.” The official added, “The exhibition will introduce a variety of horse sculptures that are made of materials unique to each region including clay, silver, iron, glass and straw.”

◇ Exhibition sculpture (India) ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Roh Kyung-hee khrohh@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201409041015447055C049&s_code=C049

The weather has been confusing; it cannot decide weather or not we are in a rainy season. Both Ipchu (the first day of autumn) and Cheoseo (one of 24 seasonal divisions occurring about the end of August) have passed, and now the Chuseok holiday is around the corner. Time does fly, doesn’t it? While time waits for no one, there’s no better time for an outing than now with the onset of cooler weather as summer ends and autumn approaches.

For those who love to travel, it is time to enjoy outings and indulge in the gorgeous weather. So I’d like to introduce some great places to visit in great weather like we have now. 

A well-known tourist attraction close to the Seoul metropolitan area, Yangsu-ri in Yangpyeong is worth a visit.

Dumulmeori is the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Yangsu-ri.

Dumulmeori, which means a place where the Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet, offers a magnificent view with an ancient-style ferry and a 400-year-old Zelkova tree. The scenery is beautiful beyond all description. Those who love to take pictures must have visited this place at least once before.

Much to my regret, all the pictures of Dumulmeori I have were taken during daytime only.

People say that you can take the best photos of damp early morning fog in the weather we have these days. They say the scenery reflected in the surroundings is like a beautiful painting. Unfortunately, I failed to seize the chance to take some great pictures, but I hope you try to take great pictures of the view.

If you’ve successfully captured the beautiful scenery with your camera, then seeing the majestic view with the naked eye, a definite treat, would be the best way to enjoy the charms of Dumulmeori to the fullest. 

If you’ve spent enough time in Dumulmeori, let’s move on to our next tourist attraction. It is located right next to Dumulmeori, so we can walk there.

It takes only five to ten minutes on foot. Located within walking distance of Dumulmeori, the second attraction of Yangsu-ri is Baedari, a pontoon bridge.

Baedari is a replica of the bridge of 52 boats that was constructed on the Bukhangang River between Dumulmeori and Semiwon during the Joseon Dynasty for King Jeongjo’s visit to the Royal Tombs. The pontoon bridge, replicated in its 250-meter length and 4-meter width, is considered among the best in terms of scale, splendor and technique.

Walking cross the pontoon bridge, you will see Sehanjeong, a garden modeled after Sehando, one of the most celebrated ink paintings of Kim Jeong-hui.

Once you enter the garden, the scene of Sehando lays before you as if the painting has sprung into the three-dimensional world. One gnarled pine tree, contrasting with the long stretches of tall trees, and a simple house in the background are exactly as in the painting.

After gaining historical knowledge while walking through Baedari and Sehanjeong, follow the waterside trail; it will lead to the highlight of today’s tour, Semiwon.

Called a garden of water and flowers, Semiwon is a natural purification garden created with support of KRW 10 billion from Gyeonggi Province. The name “Semiwon” comes from the words of Chuang-tzu, meaning “cleansing one’s mind by looking at water and enlightening one’s spirit by looking at flowers.”

Semiwon, renowned for lotus flowers, presents the beauty of lotus flowers in each and every corner. The water jar fountain, a reproduction of the jangdokade located in Changdeokgung Palace, is another grand sight of Semiwon.

Most of all, Semiwon, well designed with waterside trails, is also an ideal place to take a walk and refresh your mind. It is ideal to visit, especially in these days of weather that is neither cold nor hot.

I’ve introduced the major tourist attractions of Yangsu-ri in the order of Domulmeori, Baedari, Sehanjeong and Semiwon. It doesn’t matter if the course is followed either in the order I introduced or in the opposite direction. Fall is just around the corner. How about taking a trip to nearby Yangsu-ri?

Story and Photos by Master of Transfer

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/story_news_view.asp?BS_CODE=S043&number=74&sel2=

Gyeonggi Province selects 10 Top destinations for Tourism Week

◇ Gyeonggi Province has selected 10 top destinations for Tourism Week (9.25-10.5). During this period, a wide variety of events and festivals will take place in Gyeonggi Province. Pictured: Pine Nut Fragrance Forest ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

For Tourism Week (9.25-10.5), Gyeonggi Province has selected 10 top tourist destinations.

During this period, a wide variety of events and festivals will take place in Gyeonggi Province. Discount events will be also offered by a total of 141 businesses including lodging and food service establishments, performing arts organizations, stores, and tourist attractions.

The top 10 themes Gyeonggi Province selected for the autumn tourism week are: ▲Pine Nut Fragrance Forest Healing (Gapyeong); ▲Memorable Autumn Tour along Forest Paths and Waterways (Pocheon, Namyangju); ▲Anseong Machum Tour through Seeing, Hearing, Tasting and Enjoying (Yongin, Anseong); ▲Walking Pyeonghwa-Nuri Road in Autumn Colors (Yeoncheon); ▲Healing Camp in Nature (Gimpo, Pocheon, Paju); ▲Bike Tour into Water Painting (Namyangju, Yangpyeong, Yeoju); ▲Textbook Experiential Tour: Seeking the History of the Korean Peninsula (Yangju, Yeoncheon); ▲Textbook Experiential Tour: Lessons Learned from Nature (Hwaseong, Ansan); ▲Camping to Farming Village & School of Returning to Farms to Enrich Body and Mind (Paju); and ▲Tour Seeking Happiness at the End of a Road (Goyang).

During the tourism week, a total of 25 lodging businesses, 23 restaurants, 31 experiential facilities, 16 shopping and performance centers, and 46 tourist attractions will offer discount events. For detailed information, please refer to the Tourism Week website (fall.visitkorea.or.kr).

Detailed information about discounts and major events offered during the tourism week as well as recommendations about tours are available through the Tourism Week website. The website has a search engine that provides customized results matching criteria selections in tour period, region, and theme.

Tourism Week began for the first time last May as a means of creating demand for domestic tourism. It takes place twice a year (in spring and autumn) with the aim of vitalizing local tourism and distributing tourist demand, which is usually concentrated in the summer season.

One Gyeonggi Provincial official said “We’ve prepared recommendations about tour courses by themes and target age groups for comprehensive autumn tours.” The official added, “Please check out the Tourism Week website for information about discounts near tour destinations and enjoy your autumn tour to the fullest.”

□ September Tourism Week: Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Gyeonggi Province

◇ Top 10 Autumn Tour Destinations selected by Gyeonggi Province ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

ⓒ Gyeonggi G News | Chun Kyung-nam ckn0403@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201409021336377055C049&s_code=C049

The hot and humid weather proves that we’ve entered the monsoon season, the season during which sudden rain showers make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. But it was somewhat depressing to stay home on the weekends, so I searched for libraries on the internet, found one public music library in Paju City, and went to visit that library. Though I don’t understand classic music well, I sometimes enjoy listening to it. Jazz and pop songs are, needless to say, also enjoyable. The name ‘Music Library’ gave me the expectation that I would be able to experience a wide variety of classic music.

This is Garam Library in Unjeong of Paju City. How pretty the name is. It is said that Garam is what Gang (‘river’ in Korean) used to be called long before, and I think the name, Garam Library, has that meaning. Garam Library is located about a 10-minute walk from Unjeong Station of Gyeongui Line. The beautiful scenery on the way made the walk felt very short.

Nearing the library I could understand at a glance why it is called a music library. It houses the ‘Solgaram Art Hall,’ and a classical music hall, as well. It seems no concert has recently taken place except for a popular classical concert that was held in conjunction with the opening ceremony in March. It would be great if the hall could host classical concerts more often. Such popular classical concerts generally take place in limited locations in Seoul only. In some ways, all regions other than Seoul are culturally isolated, and so I hope that this library serves as a multi-purpose cultural space for Paju residents. I look forward to future classical concerts.

The entrance didn’t differ from other general libraries. An exhibit of paintings was being held in the lobby. The monthly schedule was packed with various events and programs. It felt like a nice place to enjoy being together with local residents. 

Shall we explore the library? Since Unjeong is a new town and has huge apartment complexes, many youths are visible in the library and on the roads. A number of schools are located nearby as well, so the library provides separate spaces for children.

From the entrance onwards, the library seems somewhat special. Garam Library, as a music library, welcomes visitors with pictures of greatest musicians such as Mozart and Bach. The combination of a library and music seems strange but well matched.

The room is filled with books for children. A mother and a child, choosing books together, appear very charming.

Garam Library is well equipped with various amenities. Book search stands like those usually found in large bookstores are available in the library. Garam Library also paid great attention to the provision of convenience of its visitors with separate spaces for resting. Some middle school students are taking a rest there. They must have been tired of studying. The library also has children’s toilets and a private room for breastfeeding. Wouldn’t this make mothers feel more comfortable about coming here with their babies?

Let’s go downstairs. Above ground, the library and the art hall are two separate buildings, but they are connected underground. I see the music library, the highlight of Garam Library. Rest areas, well arranged from the entrance to the music library, look perfect for taking a break together with friends. Shelves full of music CDs make me feel rich. Over 4600 pieces of music are stocked here, and they are available for borrowing.

Garam Library is well equipped with various amenities. Book search stands like those usually found in large bookstores are available in the library. Garam Library also paid great attention to the provision of convenience of its visitors with separate spaces for resting. Some middle school students are taking a rest there. They must have been tired of studying. The library also has children’s toilets and a private room for breastfeeding. Wouldn’t this make mothers feel more comfortable about coming here with their babies?

Let’s go downstairs. Above ground, the library and the art hall are two separate buildings, but they are connected underground. I see the music library, the highlight of Garam Library. Rest areas, well arranged from the entrance to the music library, look perfect for taking a break together with friends. Shelves full of music CDs make me feel rich. Over 4600 pieces of music are stocked here, and they are available for borrowing.

There are also beautiful spaces to enjoy music. How about listening to music with headphones by the windows, like a scene from a TV drama? Audio and video rooms are available as well for listening to music and watching movies.

Garam Library, newly constructed, is so elaborately structured that I lost track of the time just looking around. According to the brochure, this library offers various events for local residents, such as film screenings and book discussions; these take place not only on weekends but also on weekdays. I truly envy the people living in the Unjeong area. 

The front yard is wide open, and bike stands are conveniently placed to allow everyone come and enjoy the facilities anytime in a leisurely manner.

The surroundings of Garam Library are also well landscaped, so it would be nice to enrich your mind with books and music, and then go out for a walk nearby. The fresh green leaves will wash your stress away.

Next to the library is Korean Park, a good place for a date. The bridge encountered on the way to Unjeong Station has such a beautiful name: Chaekhyangki Bridge. The name, meaning the ‘scent of books’, fits well with Garam Library and the identity of Paju City as a publishing and cultural community. The entire area of Unjeong gives off the feeling of a cultural place.

In addition to the Garam Library introduced today, there are many more specialized libraries in Gyeonggi Province. The Science Library in Uijeongbu has an Astro-Space Experience Center (link to Astro-Space Experience Center), and the Central Library in Gunpo (link to Central Library) specializes in the humanities. There are so many unique and interesting libraries that I cannot name them all. There are over 100 special libraries in Gyeonggi Province, and every single one of them would be a perfect destination for a date or family visits both during the hot summer and cold winter. Which library shall we go to next weekend?

http://ggholic.tistory.com/8902

                                                                                     Written by Andrew Jin

Most people are aware of the 7 mysteries of the world including Stonehenge, UFOs, crop circles, and so on. If one more could be suggested, I would choose Suwon Hwaseong Fortress in Gyeonggi Province, where we can see remarkable scientific structures made during the Joseon Dynasty.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is similar to a new town of today. It was comprehensively prepared and incorporated new building methods. For example, the scientist Jeong Yakyong invented a machine called Geojunggi that used wheels to lift heavy objects more easily. Also, according to Hwaseong Seongyeok Uigwe, which recorded all aspects of the fortress, the structure featured strong defensive facilities and structures. Gongsimdon has many ports for firing canons and pouring boiling water to defend against attackers. Chiseong and Ongseong are a part of the strong stone fortifications. These facilities have been highly praised and successfully enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Moreover, the history of the Hwaseong Fortress is connected with classes taught in school. Fifth grade elementary school students start learning about the development of Joseon. By visiting the fortress, they can absorb such knowledge in a faster, easier, and more interesting manner.

Happiness is not far away. A short drive to Gyeonggi Province will provide you with a greater chance to learn history, and offer you a wider experience. A visit to Suwon Hwaseong with your family next week would be a good idea.

38th session of World Heritage Committee announces on June 22 that Namhansanseong will finally be inscribed on World Heritage List

Joint efforts of Gyeonggi Province and Namhansanseong Culture & Tourism Initiative for inscription finally pay off

Gyeonggi Province completes mid and long-term development plan ‘to make the fortress an internationally-renowned tourist attraction’

◇The World Heritage Committee finally inscribed Namhansanseong on the World Heritage List at 9:35 am (15:35 Korea Time) on June 22 during the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee that took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Located in Gyeonggi Province, Namhansanseong was selected as Korea’s 11th UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

According to Gyeonggi Province, the World Heritage Committee finally inscribed Namhansanseong on the World Heritage List at 9:35 am (15:35 Korea time) on June 22 during the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee that took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar.

It has been four years since a Korean cultural site was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The historic villages of Yangdong and Hahoe were inscribed in 2010. Korea now has 11 cultural heritage sites including Seokgulam and Bulguksa, Haeinsa Janggyeong Panjeon, Jongmyo Shrine (in 1995), Changdeok Palace, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (1997), the historic remains of Gyeongju, Hwasun and the Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, (2000), Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (2007), the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (2009), and the historic villages of Yangdong and Hahoe.

The 38th session of the World Heritage Committee examined 40 sites (28 cultural sites, 9 natural sites, and 3 natural and cultural sites) out of 49 sites submitted for inscription. Nine sites were eliminated from nomination during an initial evaluation. Among the 40, Namhansanseong was examined as the 24th site, and officially inscribed.

As soon as the inscription of Namhansanseong on the World Heritage List was confirmed, Governor Gyeonggi Province Kim Moon-soo, who led the provincial delegation to the session, said during his appreciation speech to the World Heritage Committee that “I am so glad to see Namhansanseong taking another step towards a new future here today. The Republic of Korea and Gyeonggi Province will implement policies to preserve the site’s outstanding universal value to humanity based on strong protection schemes and budgetary support for Namhansanseong, a historic center of East Asia”.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to the World Heritage Committee, recommended Namhansanseong for inscription in its evaluation report last April. Thus, it was anticipated that Namhansanseong would be inscribed.

◇The 38th session of the World Heritage Committee took place on the morning of June 22 at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

□ Why did UNESCO inscribed Namhansanseong on the World Heritage List?

World Culture Heritage Sites are those that have the outstanding universal value. The World Heritage Committee has 10 different selection criteria to evaluate such outstanding universal value, and cultural sites must meet at least one of them.

According to the evaluation report by ICOMOS, Namhansanseong satisfied 2 selection criteria:

II) The site exhibits an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.

IV) The site must be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.

ICOMOS determined that Namhansanseong has world heritage value for the following reasons: 1) the fortress is a military site featuring a notable combination of weapon development and fortification technologies in the East Asian region, and is the only fortress city built as an emergency capital to protect the autonomy and independence of the Joseon Dynasty; and 2) it demonstrates significant development stages of fortification technologies from the 7th to 19th centuries through the construction of walls and defensive facilities incorporating natural geographic features.

Nanhansanseong has a facility named Yeojang in which soldiers could shelter while using rifles or bows, as well as Chongan, apertures for shooting, and a contravallation. The fortress changed in form according to the development of weapons from merely having a wall in its early stages.

Namhansanseong had Haenggung, a temporary palace, in its center with Jwajeon, a shrine on the left, and Usil, an altar. Nanhamsanseong also has a fortress gate which had been built based on the Fengshui of the Zhou Dynasty of China, referred to as Juryedonggwangogonggi. ICOMOS determined that this element satisfied selection criterion II, which stresses the exchange of human values.

In addition, Namhansanseong encompasses fortress remains over the years from the Unified Silla Dynasty of the 7th century to the Joseon Dynasty during the reigns of Injo, Sukjong, Yeongjo and Jeongjo. This demonstrates the development of fortification technologies over the years in one place, and satisfies selection criterion IV which requires the illustration of significant stages in human history.

ICOMOS also highly evaluated the following:

1) The property reflecting world heritage value has been well preserved through an effective legal protection scheme and the Namhansanseong Culture & Tourism Initiative, an integrated private organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the site from a perspective of perfection.

2) The forms, designs, materials and functions as well as historic elements of the site are validated by diverse historical records including Samgulsagi, The Chronicles of Three States, in terms of authenticity.

◇ Governor Kim Moon-soo attends the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

□  What does the inscription of Namhansanseong on the World Heritage List mean?

The inscription of Namhansanseong on the World Heritage List is of great significance because it denotes the international recognition of Namhansanseong for its outstanding universal value. With its inscription, Namhansanseong has gained international attention, and is expected to secure technological and financial support from the UNESCO World Heritage Center.

An increasing number of tourists are expected as a result of the inscription on the World Heritage List. Because Namhansanseong is located near Seoul, the inscription is likely to lead to a greater increase of both domestic and foreign tourists relative to other sites. If Namhansanseong is highlighted as one of the must-see tourist attractions for foreigners in Korea, it will contribute to the vitalization of the local economy as well.

For Gyeonggi Province, it is also noteworthy that the provincial initiative to have the fortress inscribed on the World Heritage List was successful. While the inscription drives for other World Heritage Sites were led by the central government, the inscription of Namhansanseong was led by a joint effort of Gyeonggi Province and a private organization, the Namhansanseong Culture & Tourism Initiative. (Please see the efforts of Gyeonggi Province described on Page 6.) This case is likely to be benchmarked by other municipal governments. In addition, Gyeonggi became Korea’s only province to have a palace (Suwon Hwaseong) and a fortress (Namhansanseong) inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List.

□  Development directions of Namhansanseong after inscription

Gyeonggi Province and the Namhansanseong Culture & Tourism Initiative were confident that Namhansanseong would be inscribed as World Heritage List. The province identified key projects, and established a mid and long-term plan to develop the fortress after inscription in February.

Gyeonggi Province will celebrate the inscription at Namhansanseong Haenggung on July 24, and subsequently hold ‘a celebration ceremony for the inscription of Namhansanseong on the World Heritage’ to announce future visions. On the following day, Gyeonggi Province will hold an international academic symposium in celebration of Namhansanseong’s inscription on the World Heritage List’, and define directions to preserve and manage this World Heritage Site.

In September, Gyeonggi Province plans to complete the production and deployment of the UNESCO World Heritage Namhansanseong logo, and will hold a nation-wide cultural festival in celebration of the inscription on September 20 to actively attract tourists.

In the mid and longer terms, Gyeonggi Province will: 1) implement systematic preservation measures required by UNESCO to meet international standards for the tangible and intangible assets of Nanhansanseong; 2) establish a visitor management system in anticipation of a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting the site; and 3) carry out diverse initiatives to affirm the status of Namhansanseong as a World Heritage Site by establishing a cultural tourism belt that links the fortress with Suwon Hwaseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, which have already been inscribed on the World Heritage List.

◇Namhansanseong Haenggung ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

□ How was the inscription of Namhansanseong on the World Heritage List made possible?

Efforts to have Namhansanseong inscribed on the World Heritage List began 7 years ago, in July of 2007, when managing authority was passed to Gyeonggi Province from Gwangju City, which had held authority over the site for more than 30 years.

Designated as a provincial park in 1971, Namhansanseong was separately managed by the forest divisions of Gwangju, Hanam and Seongnam without systematic management. Governor Kim Moon-soo visited Namhansanseong in January 2007, and recommended a change in the management system, saying, “As a provincial park, Namhansanseong has to be preserved as a whole by the provincial government”.

Afterwards, he also said, “Namhansanseong is a living museum that saw fierce fighting against invaders”. He added, “It is waste of money to spend about KRW 2 to 3 billion on unqualified museums.” He also promised considerable support.

After the management system was changed, Gyeonggi Province launched Korea’s first private professional world heritage site management body, the Namhansanseong Culture & Tourism Initiative, in 2009 with a mandate to preserve Namhansanseong. Since then, Gyeonggi Province has spent over KRW 4.7 billion on key projects to preserve the fortress and have it inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Led by the Namhansanseong Culture & Tourism Initiative, Namhansanseong was officially nominated for the tentative list in January of 2010, and selected as a priority property on the local tentative list of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea in February of 2011.

The application for inscription on the World Heritage List was submitted in January of 2013. Namhansanseong was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List in June of 2014 following a site inspection by the ICOMOS in September of 2013.

Since 2000, Gyeonggi Province has spent a total of KRW 68.4 billion (a provincial budget of KRW 53.8 billion and a national budget of KRW 14.6 billion) on the Namhansanseong restoration project, and provided a total of KRW 2.04 billion (a provincial budget of KRW 1.9 billion and a national budget of KRW 140 million) on the World Heritage List inscription project.

What is a ‘World Heritage Site’?

A World Heritage Site is a place of significant value to be protected for humanity among the cultural heritage sites of states parties acknowledged by the World Heritage Committee in accordance with the convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the 17th session of the general conference in November of 1972.

The Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage was ratified by 20 states, and entered into force in 1975. As of 2012, there are a total of 191 member states, with Korea having joined in 1988. World Heritage Sites are classified as ‘Cultural Heritage’ of historically significant value, ‘Natural Heritage’ that represents the history of the Earth, and Cultural and Natural Heritage. As of 2013, 987 sites from 172 member countries have been inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The World Heritage Committee convenes daily between June and July, and makes the final decision on the inscription of cultural and natural heritage sites submitted by member states. Generally speaking, it takes approximately a year and a half from the submission of a world heritage application to the final decision on inscription.

◇ Namhansanseong Gojidocheop . ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

□ Namhansanseong is…

Namhansanseong was designated as a historic site No. 57 when the cultural property protection laws were enacted and enforced in January of 1963. Namhansanseong is generally comprised of the fortress area and the Haenggung (temporary royal palace) area.

The fortress wall has a total length of 11.76 km, with the main fortress comprising 9.5km and the outer fortress comprising 2.71 km. The total area is 36.447 ㎢ with an inner area of 2.317 ㎢ (6%) and an outer area of 34.130 ㎢ (94%). Of the total area, 22.920 ㎢ (63%) falls under the jurisdiction of Gwangju City, while 8.818 ㎢ (24%) belongs to Hanam City and 4.709 ㎢ (13%) to Seongnam City.

Namhansanseong has 6 cultural properties including Sueojangdae, Yeonmugwan, Sungyeoljeon, Cheongryangdang, Hyeonjeolsa and Chimgwaejeong as well as Haenggung and two monuments, Mangweolsaji and Gaewonsaji, all of which have been recognized by Gyeonggi Province. A total of 3.2 million tourists visit Namhansanseong every year. Therefore, the fortress is well equipped with various amenities including a parking lot, rest rooms, trails, a hall of history, an outdoor performance stage, and a square.

Few fortresses like Namhansanseong remain.

Namhansanseong was first built in 672 under the name of Jujangseong during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty. At that time, Namhansanseong was the forward base in preparations to ward off attacks by the Chinese Tang Dynasty. Lee Se-Wha, Governor of Gwangju during the Koryo Dynasty, prevented invasions by Mongolian forces in 1231 and 1232 from Namhansanseong.

The reconstruction of Namhansanseong began in 1624 during the reign of King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty, and was completed in 1626. Namhansanseong Haenggung was completed in 1626 during the reign of King Injo, and King Injo stayed at the site for 47 days to defend against an Manchu invasion. Afterwards, Sukjong, Yeongjo, and Jeongjo stayed at Namhansanseong Haenggung on their way to Yeongneung, the royal tomb of King Sejong.

In the late Joseon Dynasty, Namhansanseong was used as a base by anti-Japanese forces, and a large part of the facilities within the fortress were destroyed when Japan demolished the fortress in 1907.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G- News | Park Gwan-Sik malbut@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201406230847273307C048&s_code=C048

Focus Gyeonggi

We feel somehow solemn in June because the month marks a series of memorial occasions including National Memorial Day on the 6th and the Korean War on the 25th as well as the 1st and 2nd battles ofYeonpyeong on the 15th and 29th. In such an atmosphere, there is something noteworthy: the re-opening from May 4 of the train travelling to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a place representing the pain of war that has been transformed into a great natural ecosystem.

On a bright day of June, why don’t you take the DMZ train and remind yourself of the pain of the divided country at Dorasan Station, which is the northernmost station in South Korea and take a moment to imagine travelling on the Trans-Eurasia Railway passing Pyeongyang in peace, harmony and love?

◇ Operation of the DMZ train resumed on May 4 ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong 

While heading to the platform to board the first DMZ train scheduled to leave Seoul Station at 8:30 a.m., I saw the multi-colored train in the distance. That made me smile.

Renovated from a diesel-powered commuting locomotive, the train is made up of three compartments in total with exterior signage reading “Peace, Freedom and Unity” on each car. The inspiration for the design of the 48-seat lead car (Peace) came from a rusty steam locomotive called Mika, a model of the “We want to get back on track” engine that has sat for decades near the U.N. truce village of Panmunjom. Decorated with images of people holding hands, the other two cars (40-seat Unity and 48-seat Love) represent harmony and peace.

I boarded the second car (Unity) because it not only has a cafeteria and a broadcasting studio but also seats facing the windows. I took a seat decorated with multi-colored pinwheel designs and looked out the window. The train began to move slowly. Passing by the concrete jungle and apartment complexes, the train was soon running through green fields.

Amazed by the beautiful landscape seen from the window, I heard an announcement by a friendly crew member asking passengers to fill out an application form for access to Dorasan Station. Although filling out the form on the rattling train was quite challenging, I managed to complete the task and looked around the inside of the train. Examining fancy interior decorations featuring lotus leaves and flowers and hearts as well as words of peace, unity and love in difference languages, I felt a temporary sense of innocence. Above the windows, approximately 150 pictures relating to war, ecology and trains were displayed just like in a photo gallery.

◇ I wore a pass around my neck and returned to the train. After 10 minutes, the DMZ train arrived at its final destination, Dorasan Station, after passing the Civilian Control Line. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

Hardtack, combat rations and rice balls available from train cafeteria

The landscapes seen from the front and back of the running train were displayed on monitor screens in real time, which made me feel like a train engineer.

In the meantime, a second announcement was made asking passengers to come to the cafeteria if they wanted to request songs and share their stories with others. Before long, one passenger requested the remade song “ When Love Passes by ” sung by IU (originally sung by Lee Mun-se).

Some passengers were eating boxed lunches, hardtack, combat rations or rice balls sold at the cafeteria, which offered not only food but also souvenirs such as pieces of wire, hiking cups, bottle openers and puzzles. A few passengers boarded the train at intermediate stations, and the train finally arrived at Imjingang Station where all the passengers alighted from the train at the request of the crew.

The thought of crossing the Civilian Control Line at the identification check point controlled by military police in a stern atmosphere made me slightly nervous. I wore the pass around my neck and returned to the train. About 10 minutes later, the train passed the Civilian Control Line and arrived at Dorasan Station, the final destination of the train. Dorasan Station is the northernmost station in South Korea and the foremost station for travel to North Korea. The crew and military police asked passengers to make sure to return before the scheduled departure time. I moved on to the station.

◇ Dorasan Station is the northernmost station in South Korea and the foremost station for travel to North Korea ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

General Tour of Peace Park and Security Tour of underground tunnels

The DMZ train offers two tour routes: the General Tour and the Security Tour.

I chose the General Tour, which features a short circuit of Dorasan Station and Dorasan Peace Park after disembarking at Dorasan Station. Of the tourists boarding the train with me that day, I was the only one to choose this route.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   All the other passengers who chose the Security Tour purchased a Minbuk tour ticket at the ticket office located at Dorasan Station, and boarded a tourist bus waiting outside. According to the crew, the tourists will visit the third underground tunnel and Dora Observatory. I felt a bit lonely; I hardly knew where to start all by myself. Then a middle-aged lady came and talked to me.

“Oh, I have only one participant today. This is the first time I have lead just one person since I became a tour guide.” I was happy for a minute to have this rare opportunity, and moved to Dorasan Peace Park while listening to the explanation provided by Oh Sun-hee, a cultural tour guide working for Paju City. Those who took the General Tour were accompanied by a cultural tour guide dispatched from Paju City to Dorasan Peace Park.

Planning for Doorasan Peace Park began in 2002 when former U.S. President George Bush and late former Korean President Kim Dae-jung visited Dorasan Station; construction of the park was finally completed in June 2008. Of particular note, it is even more meaningful as the Unification Forest was established through financial support and trees donated by residents of Gyeonggi Province in the spirit of peace.

◇ Dorasan Peace Park has a variety of exhibits and sculptures that represent peace and harmony. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

Experiential Program Book full of interesting stories

When I entered the peace park, I heard the rattling sound of the closing door. “Am I confined now?” I was seized by anxiety. Guide Oh said, “It will open when we are ready to leave.” It did not seem to be a big deal to her.

I grabbed the experiential program book entitled Dodo and Rara at the entrance and flipped through it. The book was filled with instructive and entertaining stories for children. If participants experience all of the fun illustrated in the program book, they will be given a small souvenir. At the Experience Hall named, one can find a tile decoration program named ‘Filling the Wall of Friendship with Hope,’ which has been designed to express wishes for the peace of North Korea’s children.

The program will continue until November. Tourists can leave a drawing or message on a tile  for a participation fee of KRW 3,000. Two thousand tiles will fill the Wall of Friendship. Proceeds will be used in a project to fight tuberculosis in North Korea. There was a barbed wire structure next to the Experience Hall upon which participants could hang messages wishing for the peaceful unification of Korea.

Guide Oh had a wealth of historical knowledge. I enjoyed her explanations and the diverse programs exclusively available for me until the tour ended. I had a cup of coffee at the unmanned café named Deer Café, placing KRW 2,000 in a box to pay for my coffee. No one would visit the café that day.

Guide Oh explained, “If you take the DMZ train, the Security Tour seems a bit tight while the General Tour seems leisurely.” I would recommend the Security Tour for those who want to actively engage in security experiences and the General Tour for those who want a more relaxing course.

◇ Children can have more fun at Dorasan Peace Park through the program book Dodo and Rara, and will be given a small souvenir when they experience all of the fun things introduced in the book. The “Filling the Wall of Friendship with Hope” tile decoration event will run until November in the Experience Hall. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

Dorasan Station crowded with foreign tourists

It was now 11:50 am. I reminded myself of the crew’s request to return 20 minutes prior to the departure time. I headed for Dorasan Station. Unlike the peaceful morning, Dorasan Station was crowded with lots of foreign tourists. I wondered what they would see and feel here. I boarded the DMZ train again, feeling more comfortable this time. A crew member on the train said, “You were busy filling out the application forms for the pass in the morning, but you will have a much more relaxing journey back to Seoul”. She also heightened the expectations of the passengers by saying, “A variety of events await you.”

Outside the window, one could see the old railroad bridge of Imjingang River standing as if in testament to the pain of the war. The bridge was destroyed during the Korean War, and only piers now remain. The train also passed by the Bridge of Freedom; approximately 12,000 South Korean prisoners of war crossed the bridge to return to South Korea following the Korean War. Before long, an announcement was made asking the passengers to find a ‘land mine’. A souvenir was given to the passenger who found one.

A series of personal stories and song requests continued on the train ride to Seoul. A passenger shared her touching story, saying, “I am on my way back to Seoul after seeing my mother’s home town far in the lonely distance. She really missed her home town”. The train became calm and solemn for a moment. The crew took photos of passengers to select a prize winner while stories and song requests continued. The train ride to Seoul was full of energy, and it was about 1:15 pm when the train arrived at Seoul Station. The five-hour tour passed so quickly that it felt like a dream.

◇ Starting with DMZ train operation on May 4, the suspended Dorasan Station Tour has resumed. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

● TIP  History of the DMZ train

The DMZ train first ran in 2002, but was temporarily suspended from 2010 until resuming operation in May.

Starting with the first run of the DMZ train on May 4, the suspended Dorasan Station Tour has resumed. Attracting over 50,000 tourists every year with six daily runs of the security tourism train, the Dorasan Station Tour had been a leading security tourist attraction in Korea since opening in April of 2002 through the June 15th North–South Joint Declaration.

Unfortunately, the tour was suspended on June 4 of 2010 following a security incident involving a tourist in 2009. As a result, tourist numbers plunged sharply to a mere 5,000 a year, and the Dorasan Peace Park was temporarily closed. Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province, the ROK Army’s 1st Infantry Division, the Ministry of Unification (Inter-Korean Transit Office), Paju City, the Korea Railroad Cooperation (KORAIL) and the Gyeonggi Tourism Cooperation have long endeavored to resume the tour of Dorasan Station, which is symbolic of wishes for the reunification of the Korean peninsula.

After a series of deliberations, the concerned parties finally signed a joint agreement to promote Dorasan Station tourism on December 28, 2012. Subsequently, on March 4 of 2012, they signed an agreement for Dorasan Station tourism that set forth terms for the earnest fulfillment of previous agreements by each organization.

Subsequently, KORAIL completed the renovation of the DMZ train and a resumption plan was finalized for May 4 after the 1st Infantry Division checked the site.

The DMZ train runs twice daily from Seoul Station (08:30, 13:40) to Dorasan Station, passing through Neunggok Station, Munsan Station, Uncheon Station and Imjingang Station. Diverse programs are featured including explanations of the surrounding areas and the screening of a promotional video to introduce tourist destinations around the stations.

One-way train tickets from Seoul Station to Dorasan Station cost KRW 8,900 on weekends, and KRW 5,000 from Imjingang River Station to Dorasan Station. DMZ Plus tickets are also available at a cost of KRW 16,000 for those who want to freely board and depart at any of the stations along the way during the day.

When taking the DMZ train, visitors are only granted access to Dorasan Station after presenting a valid form of identification such as a resident registration card or driver’s license. This is because all the passengers are required to show their identification at Imjingang Station in order to cross the Civilian Control Line.

When their ID is confirmed, visitors are allowed to tour Dorasan Station and Dorasan Peace Park for free. If they purchase a Minbuk tour ticket at Dorasan Station, they can also take the existing Minbuk tour for visits to the 3rd underground tunnel and Dora Observatory by shuttle bus.

Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization renovated Dorasan Peace Park to attract tourists, and have prepared various programs including the experiential program book and the Wall of Friendship to ensure that visitors have memorable experiences.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Reporter Han Jin-hee

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201406101148367055C059&s_code=C05

‘Explore Hwaseong by Bike’ in Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province

Is there a way not to just feast your eyes on cultural heritage sites but also to enjoy them from a different perspective? ‘Explore Hwaseong by Bike’, a special event organized for the study of cultural heritage sites and the enjoyment of fresh air, is already marking its 15th year.

◇ Participants start from Manseok Park Square. ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

The ‘Explore Hwaseong by Bike’ event, as the name implies, is an interesting occasion to ride a bike around and explore Suwon Hwaseong. Thousands of people join the event every year to experience the beauty of Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and to forge pleasant memories with family, friends, and loved ones.

The 15th Explore Hwaseong by Bike event began in Manseok Park of Suwon on June 5. It was hosted by the Joongboo Ilbo and sponsored by Gyeonggi Province and Suwon City.

More than three thousand participants took part in the event including Joongboo Ilbo Chairman Im wan-su, Suwon Vice Mayor Lee Jae-jun, and Gyeonggi Province Saemaeul Movement Council Chairman Lee Do-hyeong.

◇ Participants ride bikes along the street. ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

Participants started from Manseok Park at 9:30 am, passed Hwaseonghaenggung, Paldal Gate, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, Hwaseo Gate and other notable sites before returning to Manseok Park. During the event, thousands of cyclists traveled 9 kilometers along the streets of Suwon City.

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Suwon Hwaseong reflects history of Korea

One of the themes of the event was ‘Learning about the World Cultural Heritage of My Hometown while Cycling and Meditating on the Spirit of Filial Piety of King Jeongjo.’ In order to properly understand this theme, one also needs to understand Suwon Hwaseong.

Suwon Hwaseong stems from the filial piety of King Jeongjo. King Jeongjo’s father is known as the ‘Tragic Prince’, and King Jeongjo always honored and observed filial piety for a father who met his end under tragic circumstances.

King Jeongjo ascended to the throne and moved the tomb of the Tragic Prince to Hwasan. People also relocated to this area. Hwaseong was constructed at that time, the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty, as a walled city.

◇ Han Hyeon-gyu of the Gyeonggi Province University Student Report Group passes Jangan Gate ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

Included along the event course was Jangan Gate, which is deemed superlative among the 11 gates of Hwaseong. Jangan Gate, the largest and the most splendid of the gates, was built facing toward Hwaseong where the king resided.

◇ The grandeur of Jangan Gate ⓒ Reporter Han Hyeong-gyu

Both Paldal Gate and Hwaseo Gate also boast their own unique splendor, and so Suwon Hwaseong really stands at the forefront of the historical sites in Gyeonggi Province.

Various spectacles and secondary event boast high participation levels

Various spectacles were staged before the start of the event. A saxophone performance by the Gyeonggi Province Three Joys Association and the amazing feats of the BSTAR BMX Team added to the excitement of attendees.

A raffle with a number of lucky winners was one of the most popular events with a bicycle being among the prizes. Winners were drawn after the bike-riding event finished, with large numbers of people remaining and eagerly awaiting the results of the raffle.

◇ Participants in the Youth Safety Festival ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

The Youth Safety Festival was held as a secondary event. The subject of the safety festival was the prevention of school violence. Many youths who participated in the bike ride also showed their support for the elimination of school violence through the safety festival,

The 15th Explore Hwaseong by Bike event provided an opportunity to enjoy both fresh air and amazing sights. Although humble in appearance, the event gave participants the chance to forge precious memories while learning more about Korean cultural heritage.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Reporter Choi Gyu-weon of Gyeonggi Province University Student Report Group gw817@hanmail.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201407080951487816C056&s_code=C056