NEAR news vol.64 (ENG)

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional

Governments

Special Contribution Mongolia’s Position in Northeast Asia

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I Schedule of NEAR Member

Feature Report The 10th China-Northeast Asia Expo I Various Thanksgiving Day Culture of Member Regions

NEAR Member Tour Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea

One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR2015. 9-10

NEARJilin Province, China- Autumn Scenery of Tonghua Lumber Yard, Photographed by Xienfu

News

Vol. 64

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea-Donghongdong Folk Preservation Association

Vol. 647 9 14

NEAR News“NEAR News” was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

NEAR is...a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 78 regional governments (73 member regions and 5 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

NEAR is open to all. Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the NEAR General Assembly.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional

Governments

Special Contribution

Special Contribution

Mongolia’s Position in Northeast Asia

Regionalism“Regionalization” happens around the world. The concept, thought, and direction of this phenomenon is

“Regionalism.” Regionalism became a large part of research for international exchange and has a great influence along with globalization.

“Regionalism” and “Region” are based on complex concept in a broad sense. Generally, region is a geographical concept, but it has more broad sense rather than geography in the area of international exchange. In social area, “Regionalism” is a concept including countries which have common things in culture, history, and language. In terms of economic area, it covers the countries where economic trade and exchange trade are active. In addition, it includes the countries where infrastructures and communications network are gathered. However, regionalism is a concept artifically made aimed at certain countries. In other words, the concepts could be different depending on perspectives. For example, Mongolia and China can not be considered one region in terms of language and culture, but they belong to Northeast Asia in terms of economic cooperation. Mongolia has tried to join Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) several times, but joining APEC has been rejected because Mongolia is not Pacific Rim. In terms of Northeast Asian nation, Mongolia has a wide range of exchanges with China, Japan, South Korea, but the western part of Mongolia is able to build economic cooperation with Central Asian nations in geographical aspects. On the other hand, Mongolia is not able to integrate with Central Asian nations in a broad sense due to cultural difference. (Monglia doesn’t believe in Muslim religion.)

Also, the concept of ‘Regional Studies’ can be regarded as a concept of ‘region’ in some ways. Trade scholars can connect international trade blocks with regions. Political sholars can view it in terms of reigonal identity. Literary people can compare tale’s homogeneity of Mongolia and Central Asian countries in local aspect. Seen from these examples, it is clear that regional studies show numerous phenomenons.

Asian Region Regional cooperation is subject to many prerequisites, including each country’s common interst, culture,

and tradition, but Asia where we live has many obstacles to realize common regionalism from various perspectives. First of all, critical attributes such as culture, language, and religion are different each other. Asia which 60% of world population resides in counts for big territory. In addition, various religions, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Muslim, and Hinduism exist along with various languages. Also, it is difficult to have common interest as a lifestyle and standard of development are different.

Furthermore, there are many internal conflicts in Asia. Regionalism cannot be achieved as Southwest Asia experiences severe religious conflicts. However, I would like to emphasize cooperation in Asian regions and regionalism become more widespread.

Northeast AsiaCovering 20 percent of the Asian continent, East Siberia, Far East, the Korean Peninsula, East region of

Mongolia, Manchuria, North China, and Japan are located in Northeast Asia. Six countries, including Japan, South Korea, North Korea, China, Russia, and Mongolia belong to it. 300 million people - 10 percent of Asian population in Northeast Asia means a big market comparable to European Union.

The Feature of Mongolia in Northeast Asia First of all, Mongolia is located in the three great civilizations. Mongolia borders Russia-the Greek

Orthodox Church country- to the north, China- Confucianism country- to the south, Kazakhstan- Muslim country- and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China to the west.


BATTUR JamiyanPh.D. in History, Associate ProfessorSchool of International Relations and Public Administration, National University of Mongolia (NUM)

NEAR NEWS Vol. 644

International Relation divides nations with ‘Power’ as belows. -Small Power-Middle Power-Big Power-Regional Power-Super Power or World Power

Small Power stands for countries that have no direct effect on Big Power’s policies. I would like to keep it simple here because Mongolia’s backward stage affecting the development of foriegn policy and social economy should be analized separately.

Mongolia has geographical “sandwich location”. The countries in the sandwich location are mostly small and located between its two giant neighbors. Mongolia is the Northeast Asia’s only landlocked country. Many scholars argue that the countries not bordering the sea are in disadvantageous situation in social, economic, and political aspects.

Mongolia is recognised as nuclear-free zone contrary to other Northeast Asian nations. Other nations in Northeast Asia promote nuclear policies due to mutual disbelief (Russia, the United States, and China have a great amount of nuclear weapons. North Korea tries to produce nuclear weapons through nuclear test. Japan and South Korea are in the orbit of the U.S. nuclear umbrella.)

Therefore, Mongolia has unique national security. The five permanent members (P5) of the UN Security Council reaffirmed their promise not to attack Mongolia with nuclear weapons. Mongolia declared its territory a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone by attending the 47th UN General Assembly in 1992. The Five Permanent Members (P5) of the UN Security Council confirmed this Mongolia’s status in written form on September, 12, 2012. The resolution was adopted at the UN General Assembly on December 4, 1998.

Mongolia’s Initiative for Peace in Northeast Asia The division of Korean Peninsula and conflicts become remarkarable issue in

Northeast Asia. If the division of Korean Peninsula and conflicts are not solved

peacefully, it is expected that building peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world would be impossible.

Mongolian government clarified the importance of peace system against Asian nations in 1981 for the first time and established an initiative to build cooperation to prevent nuclear war. Mongolian government sent the documents to a total of 50 countries, including 36 countreis of Asia, 11 of Pacific, and other nations and they received the responses supporting Mongolia’s policy from 19 countries.

Also, they suggested hosting of the Pan-Asia General Assembly for regional peace, cooperative development, and nuclear war prevention in 1986. Although this initiative wasn’t realized due to conflicts within Asia, main countries, including the United States, China, and Japan became interested in Mongolia. As it seemed quite difficult to have an effect on Asia Pacific regions, Mongolia started to promote diplomatic cooperation in Northeast Asia which Mongolia belongs to. Mongolia celebrated its 50th anniversary of Battles of Khalkhiin gol in 1989. In the ceremony, Mongolian government realized an initiative called ‘co-prevention of nuclear war and co-prosperity’ by building cooperative machanism for Northeast Asian nations in Asia Pacific region. They made an effort to make them understood by introducing this initiave and foreign policies to other nations, particularly, North Korea. The above mentioned policies introduced by Mongolian government, plans of foreign policies, and broad foreign cooperation connectively promoted served a stepping stone for Mongolia to strenghthen its position. These were emphasized by scholars from home and abroad.

This new condition (environment) from foreign policy provided a place and an opportunity for independent activity. Mongolia recovered its friendly exchange with China by establishing diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the United States and by promoting exchange between Mongolia and Japan. By expanding the diplomacy, Mongolia opened a chance to discuss international economy issues with new partners and to introduce its developmental feature.

They suggested hosting of the Pan-Asia General Assembly for regional peace, cooperative development, and nuclear war prevention in 1986. Although this initiative wasn’t realized due to conflicts within Asia, main countries, including the United States, China, and Japan became interested in Mongolia.


The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 5

A New Century, Initiative of Mongolia With this plan, challange, and efforts, Mongolia tries to develop practical

cooperation by establishing a friendly exchange with every state in Northeast Asia especially, South and North Korea. Initiative called ‘the Ulaanbaatar Declaration’ shows Mongolia’s efforts to contribute to peacekeeping in Northeast Asia and the reunification of North and South. Mongolian President Mr. Elbegdorj suggested it at the seventh Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies held in April, 2013. The official name of the plan is ‘Ulaanbaatar Declaration’ on security issue in Northeast Asia.

The main agenda of the declaration is to contribute to the North’s denuclearization, get North Korea involved in the regional meeting, and strenghthen trust within the region. Mongolia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs wrote Memorandum relating to ‘Ulaanbaatar Declaration’ Initiative and international academic conference was successfully held in June, 2014. Also, this international academic conference is to be held every year.

The conference was attended by representatives of South Korea, North Korea, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, and other European countries. Ulaanbaatar Declaration-cooperative mechanism-aims to open the opportunity for economic cooperation, the transparency of national defence, environmental issue, non traditional threat of security, safety in the region, and cooperation in educational and cultural exchange. Moreover, President of Mongolia delivered a lecture at Kim Il Sung University on November 1, 2013 during his visit to North Korea. It attracted regional states’ attention.

Advantage of Mongolia in the Region Various countries excect Mongolia have political and military ambition as they

have insufficient security mechanism in Northeast Asia-peace system. Other nations except North Korea are in the high economic growth. As you know, these different areas are in conflict with one another. It includes territorial dispute and border dispute (China-Japan, Russia-Japan, South Korea-Japan, China-South Korea, South-North Korea NLL).

However, the advantage of Mongolia is that there is no dispute in nations, territory, and borders. In particular, there has been no dispute since mordern times. Mongolia works closely in joint study on all nations’ history and archaeology.

Mongolia’s cooperative efforts were sucessful after Mongolia tried to strenghthen exchange in politics, economy, and other things with all countries of Northeast Asia. For example, it includes Free Trade Agreement signed with Japan, ‘Strategic Partnership Agreement’ signed with Russia, ‘Strategic Partnership Agreement’ signed with China, ‘Trade & Investment Framework Agreements’ with the United States in 2004, Agreement on securing transparency in international trade and investment between Mongolia and the United States in 2013, ‘joint statement on security issues’ of Mongolia and the United States signed by the two parties’ Ministers of National Defense in 2014, ‘Partnership Agreement’ signed with South Korea, and Agreement on Friendship Exchange signed with North Korea in 2002.

The main agenda of the delcaration is to contribute to the North’s denuclearization, get North Korea involved in the regional meeting, and strenghthen trust within the region. Mongolia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs wrote Memorandum relating to ‘Ulaanbaatar Declaration’ Initiative and international academic conference was successfully held in June, 2014. Also, this international academic conference is to be held every year.


NEAR NEWS Vol. 646

NEAR Activities

Secretariat News

Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange held (July 31~August 5)

“The Northeast Asia Wings of Exchange in Shimane 2015” to promote mutual understanding and friendly exchange among each region and build a new network in Northeast Asia aimed at young people of Northeast Asia participating in an exchange program in Shimane Prefecture was held on July 31-August 5 in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. This year, a total of 21 undergraduate students participated in the Sub-Committee, including 3 people from Uiduk University and 3 people from Dongguk University (Gyeongju), Korea, 3 people from Ningxia and 3 people from Jilin Province, China, 3 people from Primorsky Territory, Russia, and 6 people from the University of Shimane, Japan.

This year’s topic was ‘The Understanding of Various Cultures.’ The program included home-stay, experience of traditional culture, and visit to theme-related facilities. Participants had a chance to understand and experience Japanese family culture.

The schedule is as follows.

Date Schedule Venue July 31 Afternoon Arrival and Welcome Party at

Matsue City, Shimane PrefectureSelf-introduction and introduction of Shimane Prefecture,Exchange Activities

Stay in Shimane International Training Center of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

August 1 Morning Afternoon

Home-stay OrientationWelcome Meeting & Home-stay

Home-stay in Shimane Prefecture

August 2 All day Home-stay Home-stay in Shimane Prefecture


Meeting, Field-tripField-trip, Experience of Japanese Culture

Kirara cottage of Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture


Group Activities, Opinion Exchange, Farewell Party and Dinner

Shimane International Training Center of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

August 5 Morning Departure

Sub-Committee on Economy and Humanities Exchange to be held (August 26~28)

The 11th Sub-Committee on Economy & Humanities Exchange is scheduled for August 26-28 in Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, in order to address joint issues on economy and humanities, interst in Northeast Asia and study best cases, inviting people in charge of economy and humanities from member regions. The Sub-Committee program includes keynote lecture, topic discussion, case presentation, and special lecture, and participants will view “Silk Road Cultural Festival in Gyeongju 2015” held in Gyeongju on the last day.

Sub-Committee on Agriculture to be held (October 20~23)

The 2nd Sub-Committee on Agriculture will be held on October 20~23 in Youngam County, Jeollanam-do Province. The Sub-Committee is held themed ‘Action plan for sustainable environment-friendly agriculture.’ Jeollanam-do Province arranged a chance to introduce a plan to foster high-earning bio-agriculture. Furthermore, a program will be included to visit International Agricultural Expo located in Naju City, Jeollanam-do Province on the last day when research and case presentations on action plan for environment-friendly agriculture with participating member regions is held.

The 10th NEAR Working Committee to be held (October 13~16)

The 10th NEAR Working Committee is scheduled for October 13~16, 2015 at the Marriott hotel, Irkutsk City, Irkutsk Region, Russia-NEAR Chair region. The meeting will discuss the introduction of membership fee-NEAR’s main agenda, and plans to promote Sub-Committees and submit an agenda to the General Assembly held next year after accepting applications for next chair region.

NEAR Secretariat Delegation Engaged in a Discussion on Mutual Cooperation during a Visit

to Dongguk University (Gyeongju)

NEAR Secretariat Delegation headed by Secretary General Jun Jae-won met with Lee Gye- young, President of Dongguk University (Gyeongju) during the visit to Dongguk University(Gyeongju) on June 30 (Tue) and discussed the ways to strengthen mutual cooperation and exchange. Both sides decided to

cooperate in order to promote international exchange and cooperative projects by implementing Professional Internship Program, exchange programs for university students, and youth camp.

NEAR Secretary General Participated in the Friendship Agreement Signing Ceremony between Pohang City and Lanzhou City

NEAR Secretary General Jun Jae-won participated in the Friendship

NEAR This MonthNEAR Activities / Secretariat News


Agreement Signing Ceremony between Pohang City and Lanzhou City held on July 10 (Fri) at the Pohang City hall and expressed his congratulations and support. Lanzhou delegation headed by Zhou Wanshan, Vice Mayor of Lanzhou met with Lee Kang-duk, Mayor of Pohang City and decided to enhance cooperation and exchange between two parties upon signing the friendship agreement.

Secretary General Jun invited the Lanzhou delegation headed by Vice Mayor and exchanged opinions on mutual cooperation, including Gansusheng’s joining NEAR while introducing NEAR. The signing of the Friendship Agreement between Pohang City and Lanzhou City was held by the mediation of Secretary General Jun and the NEAR Secretariat plans to support exchange and cooperative projects between regional governments in the future.

New Director-General Cha Youn-ho Appointed for the NEAR Secretariat

C h a Yo u n - h o (56, b o r n i n P o h a n g , G y e o n g s a n g b u k - d o ) s e c o n d e d f r o m Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office was appointed as a new Director-General for the NEAR Secretariat on July 9, 2015.

He graduated from elementary and middle schools at Gigye vi l lage, Pohang City (hometown), and Daegu Electric Technical High School and Korea National Open University. He ea rned h i s Mas te r ’s degree in Publ ic

Administration at the Graduate School of Public Administration, Yeungnam University in February, 1994. Starting from working for Youngil County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in March, 1983 as a public official, he moved in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office in 1989 and worked in several divisions, such as Tourism, Human Resource Cultivation, and Policy Planning divisions. After getting a promotion as a deputy director in 2006, he worked as a head of Gigye village, chief of revenue management, employee evaluations, and organization management. Finally, he was seconded to the NEAR Secretariat.

It is expected that the role of the NEAR Secretariat would be expanded and strengthened due to his expertise in organization management.

NEAR Secretariat Delegation Participated in the "Eurasia Friendship Express" in Irkutsk, Russia

NEAR Secretariat delegation headed by Secretary General Jun Jae-won participated in the ‘Eurasia Friendship Express’ in Irkutsk, Russia from July 18 to 21. The ‘Eurasia Friendship Express’ is a demonstration business of ‘Eurasia Initiative’ and a transcontinental train of Eurasia passing through Seoul and Vladivostok, to reach its final destination in Berlin traveling 14,400 kilometers over 20 days honoring the 70th anniversary of the division of the

Korean Peninsula as well as the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Russia.

Secretary General Jun gave his support and encouragement hoping that the expedition team has a good journey by taking part in welcoming event and Eurasia grand festival as Irkutsk is a chair region of NEAR and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province participated in the event as a co-hosting region for the Eurasia grand festival during the period of ‘Eurasia Friendship Express.’ In addition, Secretary General Jun talked with Mr. Slobodchikov, First Deputy Chairman of Irkutsk as part of participating in the event and expressed his gratitude for Irkutsk’s interest and support for NEAR’s development playing a role of chair region of NEAR. He requested continued interest and cooperation for NEAR events such as the NEAR Working Committee in October and the General Assembly in 2016-the 20th anniversary of NEAR’s founding.

Secretariat Delegation Participated in the Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural

Exchange(Shimane Prefecture, Japan) and Visited Member Regions

Meeting with Mr. Mizoguchi, Governor of Shimane Prefecture

The Secretariat Delegation headed by NEAR Secretary General Jun Jae-won participated in the Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange held in Shimane Prefecture after meeting with staff of member regions from July 30 to August 1.

First of all, he met with Mr. Kanazawa, Vice Governor of Hyogo Prefecture during the visit to Hyogo Prefectural office on July 30. Hyogo Prefecture has hosted the NEAR Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention since 2002 to contribute to enhancing the ability to prevent disasters in Northeast Asia. NEAR Secretary General’s visit to Hyogo Prefecture was a platform to build mutual trust and cooperative relations between Hyogo Prefecture and the NEAR Secretariat and Secretary General requested Hyogo’s continued support and cooperation.

After that, the Secretariat delegation visited Tottori Prefectural office and met with staff of Tottori Prefecture as well as a counselor of Tourism and Exchange Bureau. Tottori, a founding member of NEAR is a region which has made its utmost efforts for local globalization. While Tottori has established active relations with Korea, Tottori is in difficulty in participating in the NEAR events, so Secretary General visited Tottori to encourage the region.

Secretary General Jun made suggestions to introduce ‘Kingdom of Cartoon’ which makes Tottori Prefecture attractive during the NEAR events, and counselor Ebora Osamu said that he will try to attend NEAR events in the future and promote these projects through NEAR.

Secretary General Jun met with Mr. Mizoguchi, Governor of Shimane Prefecture at the Shimene Governor’s office on July 31. Secretary General Jun expressed his gratitude to Shimane Prefecture for giving support and

Secretariat News

NEAR NEWS Vol. 648

Secretariat News / NEAR Member News

cooperation for NEAR ‘s development as a coordinator region of the Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange as well as NEAR’s founding member. He requested Shimane’s continued cooperation for development in Northeast Asia. Meanwhile, Governor of Shimane Prefecture agreed to make efforts to promote exchange in the future expecting NEAR’s cooperation for development and peace in Northeast Asia.

Lastly, Secretary General Jun stated that “I hope young people who will lead the future of Northeast Asia have a good chance to enhance understanding on mutual culture and experience various activities” while attending the Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange and encouraging the participants.

The Delegation of Planning and Economy Committee of Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial

Council Visited the NEAR Secretariat

The delegation of Planning and Economy Committee of Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council visited the NEAR Secretariat on the afternoon of July 31.

China-Shandong Province China(Dongying) International Petroleum and

Petrochemical Equipment & Technology Exhibition

Dongying located in the northern part of Shandong, China, is the central city in the Yellow River Delta and Shengli Oil Field (the second largest oil field in China) is located here. The 8th China(Dongying) International Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment & Technology Exhibition is scheduled for September 17-19 at the Yellow River International Convention Center, Dongying City, Shandong Province. The conference is hosted by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the government of Shandong Province and undertaken by Shandong Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the government of Dongying City and Shengli Oil Field Administration.

Aiming at upgrading petroleum equipment industry technology, promoting the industry investment and trade and technical cooperation, the exhibition is to provide a new market and display platform to equipment and spare parts buyers. Exhibition area reaches 40.000㎡, including 22.000㎡ outdoor area.During the event, a variety of forum events such as “High-level Forum on Shale Gas Exploration” and “Meeting of expert cooperation and exchange” are to be held.

The delegation consisting of 8 members of the Council led by Kim Hee-sue, Committee Chairman, watched NEAR promotional video. NEAR Director General Cha Youn-ho made a report on the current status of NEAR, its activity report, and activity plan for this year and next year. Moreover, they had Q&A session relating to the NEAR Secretariat’s activity report. After that, they encouraged NEAR staff, including public officials seconded from foreign countries.

The 3rd NEAR Youth Essay Contest held

The NEAR Secretariat has held the NEAR Youth Essay Contest every year aimed at young people in order to build their identities as a next generation’s Northeast Asian and global citizens since 2013. Young peoples’ participation in the contest is expected to help establish an identity of Northeast Asia by attracting their interest in politics, society, economy, and culture of Northeast Asia. This year has two topics compared to the previous year and the NEAR Secretariat requests young peoples’ participation from member regions.

The 3rd NEAR Youth Essay Contest • Theme: Write after selecting one from two topics

- Cultural Exchange: Cases and experiences on cultural exchange with foreign countries

- Environmental Issue: Protection of environment in Northeast Asia and the value of environment

• Application Periods: August 3~ September 4 • Pages: more than 2 pages of A4 paper (MS Word Century 12pt)• Send to: [email protected] or the person in cahge of each country • Award: 6 Students (1 student of the Grand Prize and 5 students of the Excellence

Award)

NEAR Member News


Castle was built in 1611 (during the Edo Period) by the warrior ‘Horio Yoshiharu.’ It is one of existing 12 Tenshus in Japan, putting itself second in size, third in height, and fifth in history. The castle was constructed in four sections with five floors (seen four floors from outside, but five stories in reality). It has the first basement level and stands on the 30-meter high. The castle’s swooping roofs are often compared to the wings of a Chidori, which has led to the castle’s alternative name as ‘Chidori Castle.’ With black background, Tenshus is beloved representing Matsue City.

Matsue Castle has ‘Ishi-otoshi’ and ‘Depo Skima’ to defend against enemy attacking Tenshus. These structures are displayed not to be viewed from the outside and it reflects the wisdom of ancestors.

Matsue is quite special in that it has waterways running around the castle to defend against enemy. It is very popular to tourist since it shows 400 years of Japanese history. As this castle was designated as a Japanese national treasure, many tourists from home and abroad visit Matsue City and urban planning is expected to be implemented using Matsue Castle in the future.

South Korea-Incheon Metropolitan City The Presidents Cup 2015 to be held

The Presidents Cup 2015 is scheduled for October 6-11 in the Songdo International Business District in Incheon City, for the first time in Asia. Presidents Cup is a contest held in the odd years and twelve golfers representing the United States selected from highly respected golf figures, including Tiger Woods based on the previous year’s PGA Tour score, will vie with 12 representing the rest of the world, except Europe. The Presidents Cup 2015 is the most popular and influential contest organized by the PGA Tour and former and incumbent president of host country serve as Honorary Chairman.

In addition, more than one hundred thousand households will watch the Presidents Cup which will be shown in 30 languages of 225 countries. More than 100,000 tourists are expected to visit Incheon. Accordingly, it is expected to result in economic stimulation raising the brand value of Incheon Metropolitan City.

South Korea-Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Gyeongbuk Mungyeong CISM World Games

2015 to be held

Gyeongbuk Mungyeong CISM World Games is scheduled for October 2-11 for 10 days at eight cities and counties (Mungyeong, Pohang, Kimcheon,

China-Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionNingxia International Youth Exchange 2015

Held in Yinchuan

Ningxia International Youth Exchange hosted by the Ningxia Foreign Affairs office was held on August 7-12 in Yinchuan. Youth delegates from Shimane Prefecture of Japan, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province of South Korea, and Uvurkhangai Province of Mongolia joined Ningxia International Youth Exchange at the invitation of Ningxia Foreign Affairs office. The delegation experienced traditional Chinese culture, home-stay, and field visit with youths of Ningxia, which deepened mutual understanding and friendship.

Since 2002, Ningxia International Youth Exchange has been successfully held for 14 years, which has become an important platform to carry out youth exchange and cooperation between Ningxia and foreign friendly cities and regions.

Japan -Hyogo Prefecture Hyogo·Khabarovsk Youth Exchange Project

Delegation Visited Hyogo Prefecture

Krasnoyarsk Territory of Russia in a friendly relation with Hyogo Prefecture has carried out ‘Hyogo·Khabarovsk Youth Exchange Project’ at Hyogo’s request since 2006 and both sides have dispatched young people every year.

15 people of the Youth Environmental Protection Organization of Khabarovsk Territory visited Hyogo Prefecture from June 30 to July 7 this year. They experienced environmental learning at the ‘Hyogo Prefectural Human and Nature Museum’ and home-stayed while experiencing the Japanese culture.

Also, they talked with Toshizo Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture on July 1. Governor Ido explained friendly exchange with Khabarovsk and Khabarovsk delegation explained environmental protection activities. The relations became much closer.

Photo with Mr. Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture

Japan-Shimane PrefectureTenshu(the most important step in the castle

building process) of Matsue Castle Designated as a Japanese National Treasure

Tenshu of Matsue Castle (located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture) was officially designated a Japanese national treasure on July 8, 2015. Matsue

NEAR Member News

NEAR NEWS Vol. 6410

Andong, Youngju, Sangju, and Yecheon) in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

The 1st Military World Games was held in 1995 in Rome, Italy and the Military World Games held every four years have been held to contribute to maintaining world peace while promoting fr iendship between world militaries and strengthening ties as a platform for cooperation and compet i t ion of world militaries.

Under the motto of ‘Friendship through Sports,’ 8,700 attendees from more than 100 countries are expected to participate in the event and athletic matches in 24 games.

Kim Kwan-yong, Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province stated that “We will make our utmost efforts for successful games” after saying that “Gyeongbuk Mungyeong CISM World Games 2015 would be an opportunity to introduce the progress of Korea to the whole world providing a place for festivals which makes citizens of the world one through harmonious and peaceful message.”

Mongolia-Ulaanbaatar City Mongolian Airlines' Direct Flight to Haneda

International Airport, Japan

The MIAT(Mongolian Airlines) has decided to serve the flight to the Tyoko Haneda International Airport. As Mongolian Airlines extended its flights, Ulaanbaatar serves its flight to Tokyo’s Narita Airport every day during summer peak season and to Haneda International Airport on Wednesday and Saturday.

Flight Schedule Departure - Ulaanbaatar

Arrival - Haneda

Departure-Haneda

Arrival-Ulaanbaatar

OM9507/OM9508Wednesday, Saturday 15:25 20:10 21:15 02:45(+1)

Russia-Tomsk Region Tomsk City, University Centre of Eurasia

One of West Siberian small cities, Tomsk is a place where more than a thousand students from a vareity of regions in Russia and foreign countries gather every year for admission to college. One in eight people in Tomsk is student and one in three is composed of scholars, undergraduates, or professors.

Tomsk State University, one of the top 10 universities in Tomsk and geophysically located in the center of Eurasia was established in 1880 as the first university in Asia. Since then, Tomsk is called ‘Athene of Seberia’ named after Athene where intellectural ideas of classical civilization originated.

Tomsk City has a population of 500,000 and 6 state universities. The students have more than 300 majors from phylosophy, medical science, oil drilling, nano electronics, and music and design to construction of neclear

power plant. More than half of the students (72,000) in Tomsk City are international

students from 75 regions of Russia and 47 foreign countries. Tomsk has more international students than other cities like Moskva and Saint Petersburg. Most international students came from Asia such as Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, and kirgiz.

What attracts smart young people to Tomsk? First of all, Tomsk has high educational standard. Universities in Tomsk is in

the top 10 in Russian universities and ranked in the top among BRICs universities. In particular, Tomsk State University and Tomsk Polytechnic University are considered the best universities, according to the QS rankings. Lastly, Tomsk City is historical, beautiful, comfortable, and safe and a vareity of international students and well-educated and kind people live here.

Universities in Tomsk have implemented cooperative projects with foreign universities, such as China, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Also, it makes efforts to develop academic exchange and joint research. In particular, Tomsk City is reguarly participating in large-scale educational expos in China, Vietnam, and Mongolia raising its reputation in it. Tomsk government set priorities in preparing convenient facilities for students, providing dormitory, student campus, library, stadium, and hospital. Tomsk City works hard to become one of the best cities for the best students.

NEAR Member News


September2015. 9

October2015. 10

• Region : Jilin Province, China • Event : The 10th China-Northeast Asia Expo • When : September 1~6 • Where : Changchun City, Changchun

International Convention Center • Contact : China-Northeast Asia Expo Secretariat

Jilin Province’s Secretariat T. +86-431-82768300/82768200www.neasiaexpo.org.cn

• Region : Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia • Event : Timber Processing and Wood Working

Expo • When : September 8~11 • Where : Krasnoyarsk City • Contact : T. +7-391-22-88-611

www.krasfair.ru

• Region : Sakhalin Region, Russia • Event : International Academic Conference-

Chekhov’s “Sakhalin Island” • When : September 14~15 • Where : Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk • Contact : Cultural Division of Sakhalin Region

T. +7-4242-72-33-37F. [email protected]

• Region : Sakhalin Region, Russia • Event : The 5th International Folk Contest and

Festival ‘The Source of Life’ • When : September 20~25 • Where : Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk • Contact : Cultural Division of Sakhalin Region


• Region : Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea • Event : The 8th Asian Film Policy Forum • When : October 4~5 • Where : Grand Hotel, Haeundae • Contact : Asian Film Policy Forum 2015

Secretariat T. +82-51-720-0348

• Region : Shandong Province, China • Event : The 5th Yellow River Delta International

Ecological Agriculture Expo • When : October 18~20 • Where : Kenli County, Dongying City • Contact : T.+86-543-2522490

• Region : Shandong Province, China • Event : Qufu International Confucius Festival • When : September 27~29 • Where : Qufu, Jining City • Contact : T. +86-531-8606-1765

• Region : Gangwon-do Province, South Korea • Event : The 6th International Wildland Fire

Conference • When : October 12~16 • Where : Alpensia • Contact : Global Business Team of Gangwon-do

Provincial Office T. +82-33-249-2293

• Region : Sakhalin Region, Russia • Event : Sakhalin Oil & Gas -2015 • When : September 28~October 1 • Where : Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk • Where : Adam Smith Conferences

T.+44 20 7017 7444email : [email protected]/ru/

• Region : Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea

• Event : Presidents Cup 2015 • When : October 6~11 • Where : Incheon Songdo International Disctict • Contact : Sports Promotion Division of Incheon

Metropolitan City T. +82-440-4072

• Region : Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea

• Event : The 14th World Korean Business Convention

• When : October 13~15 • Where : Gyeongju City • Contact : Global Trade Cooperation Division of

Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office T. +82-53-950-3041

• Region : Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea • Event : NEAR Sub-Committee on Agriculture

2015 • When : October 20~23 • Where : Jeollanam-do Province • Contact : Agricultural Policy Division of Jeollanam-

do Provincial Office T. +82-61-286-6241F. +82-61-336-2630

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• Region : Hyogo Prefecture, Japan • Event : International Frontier Industry Sample

Market • When : September 3-4 • Where : Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture • Contact : Hyogo Prefecture’s New Industry

Division T. +81-78-362-9054F. +81-78-362-4273

• Region : Tottori Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

• Event : The 4th Asia Pacific Geopark Network Symposium

• When : September 16~21 • Where : Tottori Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture,

Kyoto Prefecture • Contact : Tottori Prefecture T. +81-857-26-7637

F. +81-857-26-7561 Hyogo Prefecture T. +81-796-26-3783

F. +81-796-26-3785 Kyoto Prefecture

• Region : Shandong Province, China • Event : The 8th China(Dongying) International

Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment & Technology Exhibition

• When : September 17~19 • Where : Dongying City • Contact : T. +86-531-8606-1765

• Region : Republic of Tuva, Russia • Event : International Academic Conference to

celebrate the 70th anniversary of Tuvan University for Humanities’ founding

• When : October 1~3 • Where : Kyzyl City • Contact : Education and Science Department of

Republic of TuvaT. +7-39422-62254

• Region : Sakhalin Region, Russia • Event : The 3rd Sakhalin International Puppet

Festival-‘the Miracle of Island’ • When : October 6~16 • Where : Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk• Contact : Cultural Division of Sakhalin Region


• Region : Irkutsk Region, Russia • Event : The 10th NEAR Working Committee • When : October 13~16 • Where : Irkutsk Region • Contact : Economic Development Department of

Irkutsk Government Т. +7(3952)25-61-27Т/F. +7(3952)25-65-92E-mail: [email protected]

• Region : Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea • Event : The 20th Busan International Film

Festival • When : October 1~10 • Where : Busan Cinema Center • Contact : Film and Culture Industry Division of

Busan Metropolitan City T. +82-51-888-5134

• Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea • Event : The 5th Daegu Coffee and Café Fair • When : October 8~11 • Where : Daegu EXCO • Contact : Coffee Fair Secretariat

T. +82-53-384-7244www.coffeefair.co.kr

• Region : Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea • Event : International Agricultural Expo 2015 • When : October 15~November 1 • Where : Jeonnam Agricultural Research &

Extension Services • Contact : Organizing Committee of Jeollanam-do

International Agricultural Expo T. 82-61-339-9200

• Region : Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea

• Event : Gyeongbuk Mungyeong CISM World Games 2015

• When : October 2~11 • Where : Mungyeong • Contact : Organizing Committee of Gyeongbuk

Mungyeong CISM World Games T. +82-2-748-5667

• Region : Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea

• Event : International Design Congress Gwangju 2015

• When : October 17~23 • Where : Kimdaejung Convention Center • Contact : City Design Division of Renewable City

Buruea, Gwangju Metropolitan CityT. +82-62-613-4861

• Region : Sakhalin Region, Russia • Event : The 2nd Sakhalin International Korean

Culture and Art Festival ‘Korean Wave’ • When : October 2~7 • Where : Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk • Contact : Cultural Division of Sakhalin Region


• Region : Shandong Province, China • Event : China International New and

Renewable Energy and Radium Battery Industry Expo 2015

• When : October 16~18 • Where : Zaozhuang City • Contact : T. +86-632-3326810

• Region : Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea

• Event : The 70th UN Memorial Cemetery • When : October 23 • Where : UN Memorial Park • Contact : UN Memorial Park Administration

T. +82-51-625-0625

• Region : Uvs Province, Mongolia • Event : Uvs Partnership 2015 Trade Expo • When : September 18~20 • Where : Ulaangom City • Contact : Uvs Provincial Office

T. +976-99453322 [email protected]

• Region : Chungcheongbuk-do Province, South Korea

• Event : Goesan International Organic Expo 2015

• When : September 18~October 11 • Where : Organizing Committee of Goesan

International Organic Expo Farm • Contact : Chungbuk Goesan International Organic

Expo T. +82-43-280-5090F. +82-43-280-5098

• Region : Jilin Province, China • Event : Trilateral Regional Government Cooperative Meeting

and Matching for Economy and Trade Project • When : September 3~6 • Where : Changchun City • Contact : Asia Division of Foreign Affairs Office of the

People’s Government of Jilin ProvinceT. +86-431-88906715F. [email protected]

• Region : Busan Metropolitan City • Event : The 3rd Busan Global Water Forum • When : September 3~4 • Where : BEXCO • Contact : Busan Global Water Forum Secretariat

T. +82-51-711-0049F. +82-51-747-7030http://www.bwf.kr/2015/english/main/main/index_en.asp

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The China-Northeast Asia Expo has become an important platform for friendly exchange and promotion of economy and trade with Northeast Asian countries and other nations. Including providing an opportunity to exchange ideas between governments of Northeast Asia, the expo is contributing to economic and trade cooperation among Northeast Asian regions, humanities exchange of Northeast Asia’s each country, development of Tuman River area, international cooperation, and opening-up of Northeast China.

The 10th China-Northeast Asia Expo is scheduled for September 1-6 in Chanchun City of Jilin Province, China. With several main contents, including exhibition, economic and trade cooperation, conference & forum, and humanities exchange, Science and Technology Pavilion, Korean Commodities Pavilion, Taiwan Commodities Pavilion, Hong Kong Commodities Pavilion, Jilin Pavilion, Food Industry Pavilion, Medicine and Heath Care Industry Pavilion, and Northeast Asia Commodities Pavilion are established and excellent and distinct commodities of Northeast Asia and other countries, investment environment, policies, and main foreign cooperative projects are to be displayed. In particular, all indoor booths are designed to show each feature. During the expo, a wide range of events- the 8th High-level Forum on Northeast Asia Cooperation, the 1st Trilateral Regional Government Cooperative Meeting, and Economy and Trade Project Partnership are scheduled.

China-Northeast Asia Expo is the world’s only exposition jointly participated by the six Northeast Asian countries. The expo is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China, and the People’s Government of Jilin Province. As a China’s international and comprehensive state-level expo, opening to the whole world, China-Northeast Asia Expo has been successfully held for nine times and it has achieved remarkable results.

The 10th China-Northeast Asia Expo

The Opening Ceremony of the 9th China-Northeast Asia Expo

Logo of China-Northeast Asia Expo Yoyo, Mascot of China-Northeast Asia Expo Shanjiaolongwan

Feature Report The 10th China-Northeast Asia Expo

NEAR NEWS Vol. 6414

Jingyuetan National Forest Park

Winter in Jilin

The Opening Ceremony of the 8 th China-Northeast Asia Expo

The 8 th China-Northeast Asia Investment Projects Signing Ceremony

Investment Briefing of Rason Economic and Trade Zone and Hwanggumphyong and Wihwado Economic Zones held during the 8 th China-Northeast Asia Expo

Guandong Shenyun Performance




Xianghai National Nature Reserve

The 10th China-Northeast Asia Expo


Greeting September, Autumn, the season of the harvest, is just around the corner. Every fall, people wish for a good harvest to gather in plenty of harvest grains and each country has unique customs and entertainment culture. This month’s NEAR News covers unique Thanksgiving Day culture of China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, representative countries of NEAR members.

Chinese Zhongqiu Jie Wishing for Harmony and Happiness

Chinese Thanksgiving day called ‘Zhongqiu Jie’ in Chinese, takes place on August 15th according to the lunar calendar and is one of Chinese four holidays along with the Chinese New Year’s day, the Qing Ming, and the Dragon Boat Festival. Additionally, it is also called ‘Tuan Yuan Jie.’ It is a symbol of family gathering having a delicious feast as well as enjoying the moon.

Also, ‘Yue Bing’-traditional Chinese moon cakes are eaten during the Thanksgiving day. The moon cakes were made by Chinese to expel Mongol who ruled as the Yuan dynasty, On the day before Zhong qiu jie, Chinese made moon cakes and inserted massages about rebellion and sent them to each region’s friends. It was successful. This became a custom to make and share the moon cakes since then.

Typical moon cakes are round in shape. The moon cakes are made with red bean, egg yolks, jam made with various fruits. In the past, it was common to sell high-priced moon cakes with fancy packaging, but plain moon cakes are popular these days.

Yue Bing

Various Thanksgiving Day Culture of Member Regions


NEAR NEWS Vol. 6416

Japanese Obon, Unique Custom

Obon, a Japanese national holiday, is originally celebrated around the 15th day of August according to the solar calendar. People welcome ancestors’ spirits to their homes and wish for health and happiness. Obon is a combined type with Japanese folk belief and ‘Ullambana,’ held during the Chinese Ghost Festival on the 15th day of July according to the lunar calendar. Therefore, Obon is Japanese Buddhist custom. At the same time, it shows Japanese custom to welcome the ancestors’ spirits and wish for prosperity.

Its starting date varies within different regions of Japan. Generally, Obon is celebrated around the 15th of August according to the solar calendar. Obon is not listed as public holidays, but most Japanese enjoy long holiday called

“Obon yasumi” around Obon. Today, Obon has few religious colors and the form is gradually simplified.

However, its original intention to welcome ancestors’ spirit to their homes remains and Obon has become festival-like holiday in the heat of the summer gathered by the whole family.

Korean Hangawi Wishing for Plentiful Harvest

Koreans celebrate Chuseok on the 15th day of August, according to the lunar calendar. Chuseok is also called ‘Zhongqiu Jie,’ ‘Gabe,’ and ‘ Hangawi.’ Korea was primarily an agricultural society and prayers were offered for a good harvest and abundant food. Family members from near and far come together to share food. In particular, they enjoy “Songpyeon.” Songpyeon is made with rice powder and stuffed with sweet fillings, such as mung beans, sesame seeds, and chestnut. The name ‘Songpyeon’ stems from the use of pine needles (“song” in

“Songpyeon” means pine tree).Many games such as Ganggangsullae, tug of war, and sedan chair contest are

played as Chuseok’s traditional plays. But, in industry society, rituals and events have been simplified. However, many people still visit their hometowns from Seoul and other major cities in Korea in the countryside to celebrate the Chuseok.

Saint Dmitry Saturday Honoring the Patriotic Martyrs

‘Saint Dmitry Saturday’ corresponds to Russian Thanksgiving day. Saint Dmitry Saturday is the last Saturday just before November 8 every year. Russian people share food made with the newly harvested grain and fruit with relatives and visit family member’s grave. As when it comes to Russia, Vodka is important in Russian life, there are Russian customs sharing vodka made with the newly harvest grain and give the grain to birds on Saint Dmitry Saturday.

Saint Dmitry Saturday comes from 1380. Saint Dmitry Donskoy who defeated a Mongol army commemorated those killed in battle on November 8. After that, Russian Orthodox set the day as ‘Saint Dmitry’s Day’ and started to commemorate those killed in battle and ancestors. As time goes by, it became a main holiday in Russia adding the features of Thanksgiving day.

Ganggangsullae

Japanese Obon



Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

NEAR Member Tour

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province plans to host various international events later this year. NEAR News would like to introduce two events held in October among a wide range of events.

Jeju’s Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum-Advance toward theglobal era (October 5~8)

What is Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum?Established in July, 1997, ITOP (Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum), a

consultative body of regional government for consulting and supporting common tourism policies, is attended by a total of 14 regions with the attendance of the four founder members, including Jeju Island, Hainan Province of China, Okinawa Prefecture of Japan, and Bali of Indonesia.

• Founder Members: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Republic of Korea), Okinawa Prefecture (Japan), Bali (Indonesia), Hainan Province (China)

• Members: Southern Province (Sri Lanka), Canary Islands (Spain), Hawaii (USA), Jan Jabar (Tanzania), Phuket (Thailand), Cebu (Philippines), Penang (Malaysia)

• Observer Regions: Prince Edward Island (Canada), Kampong Cham (Cambodia), Gotland (Sweden)

The purpose of this Forum is to create a foundation for seeking cooperation in all related fields of tourism by participating governments; to discuss common areas of interest regarding tourism and jointly to foster tourism by negotiating, adjusting and supporting the execution of the discussed tourism-related plans to contribute, through such activities, to the regional and the national development of each participating region.

Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum is expected to exchange ideas and resources and promote exchange and cooperative projects between regional universities and tourism industry organizations by holding topic presentation, Governors’ conference, signing a Joint Statement, and hosting symposiums.

What parts has Jeju Island played? Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has led sustainable development playing the

role of headquarter for Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum as a leader of World Island Tourism over the last 19 years. The Secretariat is located in and managed by Jeju Tourism Organization (President: Choi Kab-yeol), an integrated marketing organization of Jeju tourism.

The first founding forum was held in 1997 in Jeju. Four founder members, including Jeju, Okinawa Prefecture, Bali, and Hainan Province are the places where the forums are held every year. Also, Jeju has successfully held the 1st, 5th, 10th, and 15th forums over the 18 years and the 19th forum is scheduled in Jeju.

The main agenda includes sharing of tourism development experiences and information focusing on common interest of representative cities of island tourism, development of tourist routes and joint cooperative marketing, formation of unified tourist site concepts, promotion of exchange and cooperative projects between

Clean Jeju’s

International Events

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea

Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum

Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum


NEAR NEWS Vol. 6418

universities and group of travel agents, and other matters contributing to the cooperation for inter-area tourism exchanges.

What is special about the 19th Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum?

This year’s Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum is special for Jeju Island and Hainan Province, As part of the 20th anniversary of the sisterhood relationship between Jeju Island and Hainan Province, diverse attractions and experiences would be prepared by arranging various activities and managing member states’ promotional booths. In particular, the forum would become a place for global exchange participated by provincial residents, tourists, and foreigners in relation to Jeju’s regional festivals. Also, there will be in-depth discussions on island tourism policies for residents’ income creation.

Jeju Tourism Organization’s Secretariat for Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum stated that “Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum would be a stepping stone to introduce the brand of Jeju to the world as a founding state and Secretariat combining all island regions of the world. We would promote the forum to propose plans for sustainable island tourism policy development by preparing strategies.”

＊Jeju Tourism Organization’s Secretariat for Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum shares Forum information and symposium and presentation materials and offers information of 11 member regions’ tour trend and tour packages by distributing monthly e-news letter.

Jeju Tamna Cultural Festival to pass down Jeju culture(October 7~11

Tamna Cultural Festival, representative festival of Jeju Island, is held between early October and mid October. In 1962, the Tamna Cultural Festival opened for the first time under a different name: The Jeju Art Festival. It changed again in 1965 to the Halla Cultural Festival and became a local cultural festival. Since the 41th festival in 2002, it changed to Tamna Cultural Festival.

What is Tamna Cultural Festival? As Tamna Cultural Festival continued a long history and tradition since

Tamna’s fist civilization, it has played a role making cultural resources to discover uniqueness of Jeju cultural heritage and make them listed as cultural property and world heritage site. Like this, this festival is Jeju’s comprehensive cultural festival to preserve unique values of Jeju culture in academic, historic, and artistic fields by reviving and passing down Jeju’s culture.

This year’s Tamna Cultural Festival The 54th Tamna Cultural Festival is a cultural festival where Jeju’s folk,

cultural heritages, living culture, and art are in harmony and Jeju’s residents, tourists, and foreigners become one and interact each other. This year, the festival is expected to play a role to introduce Jeju culture to the world themed

‘Life of Tamna People, Age of Jeju Culture’s Revival.’ The Tamna Cultural Festival will be held for five days with various

performances, exhibitions, and experiences such as folk art contest, intangible cultural property demonstration, youth cultural event, participating art event, and exchange event in four areas- Opening Festival, Jeju Traditional Cultural Festival, Tamna Cultural Festival, and Participating Cultural Festival.

Tamna Cultural Festival Programs As opening ceremony praying for the festival, Tamna civilization ceremony

and Mandeok ceremony will be held in Confucian style on the forenoon of the 7th of October. Around 5 thousand people will join the Cultural Performance Street Parade in the evening. After opening ceremony, K-pop stars will show special performances in the Tapdong area. ‘Folk Art Festival’ inheriting Tamna’s melody and dancing steps is to be held

on October 8 in the Tapdong area and Girlgung representing Jeju City and Seogwipo City and eight teams in folk art area will be competing. In the evening, Korea-China Friendship Event is continued.

On October 9, Intangible Cultural Assets Demonstration, Youth Cultural Festival, and the Jeju Dialect Contest are to be held. Folk Art Youth Festival and the Jeju Dialect Speaking Contest are continued on October 10. On October 11, Tamna Cultural Festival is held attended by members of Folk Preservation Association from Jeju’s 43 small communities. At the same time, Folk Song Contest is held. In the evening, closing event will complete the five days’ festival with world street dance championships participated by world b-boy teams after award ceremony and special performances such as fireworks.

Moreover, a variety of performance art events and exhibitions are scheduled.



The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROKT. 054-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail [email protected] Website www.neargov.org

Documents

NEAR news vol.64 (ENG)