April, 6. 2015
The Korean daily media headlines and humor
Monday, April 6, 2015
Your Excellency:
Here are The Korea Post notices, humor from a Korean business dailies and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media this morning:
Lee Kyung-sik
Publisher-Chairman
Korea Post Media
P.S.: 1. To see the desired site, press down the Control key and click the blue URL of the media.
2. If received by a person other than the intended recipient, please kindly convey the mail to His/Her Excellency.
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The Korea Post notices:
Invitation to the world’s largest Dangjin Gijisi Tug-of-War Culture Festival
Your Excellecency:
There are only four days left to the world’s largest tug-of-war event, the Dangjin Gijisi Tug-of-War Culture Festival, on Friday 10th April 2015. As an invitation letter has already been sent to each Excellency, Mayor Kim Hong-jang of the Dangjin City of Chungcheongnam-do Province cordially invites Your Excellency and Madam, together with other Ambassadors and Madams, to the Opening Ceremony of the Festival and a tour of the Cultural Assets of the Dangjin City, Hands-on Experience in various folk events plus a tour of the Hyundai Steel Mill.
Please visit: /news/view.html?section=165&category=192&no=879
Most comfortable Deluxe 28-seat Limousine Buses have been reserved for the Excellencies and Madams for a comfortable traveling. Please scroll down to the bottom for further details and an invitation letter.
Partly cloudy skies are forecast for the area on that day (April 10) with a high of 16 degrees centigrade and a low of 7 degrees.
If the Invitation has failed to reach Your Excellency, please advise us at 010-5201-1740 or email edt@koreapost.com or korpost@chol.com.
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Today’s humor:
Seoul Kyungje
A little boy runs into the kitchen, crying.
His mother asks, "Johnny, why are you crying?"
Johnny cries, "Because daddy hit his thumb with the hammer!"
His mother says, "You shouldn't cry because of that. You should laugh!"
Johnny breaks out in tears anew and says, "But I did!"
Hankuk Kyungje
Lawyer vs Doctor
Two high-school classmates encountered at a holiday resort and boasted what they do for a living.
One who is practicing law said first, “My work is so exciting. People come into my office, tell me their problems and pay me for my advice.”
The other, who was a medical doctor, proudly replied, “You know, in my work, people come into my office, tell me their problems, take off their clothes and then pay me for my advice.”
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Top headlines of major news media of Korea this morning:
KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
KOTRA: S. Korean Exports Expected to Slow in Q2
A survey finds that South Korea's exports are expected to be sluggish in the second quarter of this year.
Churches Nationwide Celebrate Easter
S. Korea to Propose Talks to Resolve Wage Hike at Gaeseong
S. Korea Opens Interim Embassy on Warship in Yemen
Ruling, Opposition Parties Clash over N. Korea Policy
Abe May Include Reflection in August Statement
10 S. Korean Firms Paid over 100Mln for Employee’s Annual Salary
KOTRA: S. Korean Exports Expected to Slow in Q2
Busan New Port Distripark Attracts Over 100 Bln Won in FDI
S. Korea to Propose Talks to Resolve Wage Hike at Gaeseong
N. Korea Test Fires Short-Range Missiles for 2nd Day
Gov't Seeks Talks with N. Korea on Gaeseong Wage
Security Forum Likely to Open in Japan Next Month
Japan Unlikely to Pass Resolution on Repenting Past
U.S.: Iran and N. Korea are Very Different Matters
Air Busan to Launch Int'l Flights Departing from Daegu
S. Korean Expert Sent for Ebola Investigation
Jeju Uprising Marked in Memorial Ceremony
Overseas Korean Journalists to Gather in S.
Churches Nationwide Celebrate Easter
Traditional Korean Paper to be Used in
S. Korean Scientists Develop World's Best Thermoelectric Alloy
Gov't to Develop ActiveX Alternatives by 2017
S. Korean Scientists Develop Prognostic Assessment Technology for Leukemia
Bild: Son Heung-min Most Expensive Player on Bayer Leverkusen
Lydia Ko Ties LPGA Record of 29 Straight Rounds Under Par
S. Korea Defeats New Zealand 1-0 in Football Friendly
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
LG to launch cordless vacuum cleaners in 16 foreign countries
Home appliance giant LG Electronics Inc. said Sunday it will launch its new cordless vacuum cleaner line-up in 16 foreign countries this year as the company aims to take over the global vacuum cleaner market worth US$14 billion.
Seoul Motor Show has 122,000 visitors in 2 days
More than 122,000 people flocked to the Seoul Motor Show in the first two days, organizers said Sunday.
E-commerce market beats offline retailers in 2014
South Korea's online commercial transactions outpaced those of other retailers for the first time in 2014 as online shopping malls and social commerce operators continued to grow rapidly, data showed Sunday. The total amount of online and mobile transactions in the country, including purchases made directly through overseas online shopping malls, came to 46.9 trillion won (US$42.92 billion) last year, exceeding the 46.64 trillion won tallied for offline retail services, according to the data from Statistics Korea and Korea Customs Service. The latest data marks the first time for online retailers to overtake offline competitors, but industry watchers say the results are not very surprising, as the country's online shopping population has been incr
Park plants national flower on Arbor Day
President Park Geun-hye on Sunday called on people on Arbor Day to join forces in times of difficulty, noting South Korea's successful forestation projects decades ago.
Seoul keeping close tabs on Japan's school textbook review
S. Korea, Japan to hold series of defense, foreign officia..
Bird strike delays Korean Air flight
N. Korea refutes rumor of repatriated defectors' execution..
S. Korea to propose talks with N. Korea on Kaesong wages t..
China rejects another imports of N. Korean anthracite coal..
S. Korean listed firms' debt ratio down in 2014
S. Korea defeats Russia 1-0 in women's football friendly
Psy tops Chinese weekly chart for 'Father'
BoA to release first album in three years
S. Korea hoping to win over fans in women's football frien..
Park Chu-young set for weekend appearance in K Le..
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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Chung-Ang probe spills to Doosan
The prosecution is expected to issue a summons this week for Doosan Heavy Industries & Constructio...
Declining sales hit MCM, Louis, Daks, Metrocity
Four Korean luxury brands, MCM, Louis Quatorze, Daks and Metrocity, have seen a steady decline in sales this year.
Opposition party demands extension of probe into energy diplomacy
The opposition party is calling for an extension to an ongoing National Assembly probe into the “energy diplomacy” conducted during the previous Lee Myung-bak...
Japan set to maintain hardline stance
Japan is set to publish its education ministry’s review of middle school textbooks and diplomatic policy paper next week, both of which experts here say will ...
Korea asked to invest more in mobile patents
Mobile technologies are delivering huge benefits to consumers in Korea, small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) and the local economy as a whole. However, the go...
Questions arise over Chung-Ang's merger deal
A group of former Korean Red Cross (KRC) workers has filed a petition with Cheong Wa Dae demanding nullification of Chung-Ang University’s acquisition of the ...
Saudi-Iranian rivalry may hamper Seoul
Is the tentative Iranian nuclear deal a boon or bane for Korea? It is a blessing for the economy but could also pose a challenge to Korea’s bid to bolster tie...
LG Uplus vows to lead 5G, IoT at new Yongsan office
LG Uplus said Sunday it will shore up efforts to develop fifth-generation network and Internet of ...
Four found dead in apparent group suicide
Four people were found dead in a car in Gyeongju, South Gyeongsang Province in an apparent group suicide, police said Sunday.
Koreans sow seeds of hope in Afghanistan
In the Afghan city of Bagram in Parwan Province, buses carrying people all the way from the capita... Metal crafting
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DongA Ilbo (http://english.donga.com)
Japan’s medical school showcases ‘experiment on living bodies’ to reflect upon past atrocities
Exhibits meant to reflect upon atrocities committed by older medical school alumni, who conducted medical experiment on living bodies of U.S. military prisoners, have been installed at the Kyushu University college of...
Ulsan striker Kim Shin-wook’s robust revival breaks Gwangju’s winning streak
Ulsan Hyundai striker Kim Shin-wook has made a triumphant comeback. At a home game against Gwangju FC at the K-league Classic held at Ulsan Munsu World Cup Stadium on Sunday, Kim spearheaded his team 2-0 win against...
Korea regains No. 1 spot in shipbuilding orders in Q1
The Korean shipbuilding industry has regained No. 1 spot in new shipbuilding orders in country rankings during the first quarter of this year. The feat has been achieved, however, due to a deep slump of the Chinese...
Teacher faces lawsuit for disturbance during college entrance exams
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will punish a teacher who disturbed a student during the College Scholastic Ability Test by letting his mobile phone vibrate while he was supervising the test. Wage reduction...
Iran nuclear deal leaves N. Korea the only `headache`
Iran and six world powers have reached a dramatic agreement on the outlines of an understanding to limit Iran`s nuclear programs. The tentative resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, which has been an international...
Moon criticizes Pres. Park for not attending Jeju uprising commemoration ceremony
“President Park Geun-hye should have attended (the commemoration ceremony for victims of the April 3 Jeju Incident) at least once in two years,” said Moon Jae-in, chairman of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy...
Controversies over N. Korean leader’s call for ‘highest-level’ talks
Ki Sung-yueng, Son Heung-min as promising Korean soccer players
New year’s wishes change over time
Samsung’s mobile phone beats Apple to top ACSI
Actor Lee Jung-jae reported to be in a relationship with Daesang heiress
N. Korean leader shows willingness to hold inter-Korean summit
U.S. military base in Yongsan bans civilian drones, model aircrafts
Japanese police on 14-year manhunt for cruel murderer
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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
N.Korean Defectors Turn to Alternative Schools
Young North Korean defectors often have a tough time keeping up with the intense competition in schools in the South and many parents turn to alternative boarding schools. They can also be a good choice for youngsters who came to the South on their own. >> Full Text
Hotels, Hospitals Adapt to Middle Eastern Tourists
An increase in tourists from the Middle East is prompting the local tourism industry to adapt to their needs. The number of tourists from the Middle East rose from 380,000 in 2010 to around 750,000 last year. >> Full Text
Families of Ferry Victims Refuse Compensation Package
The families of ferry disaster victims on Thursday refused a compensatory package proposed by the government and held a protest in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Plaza. The families accused the government of "insulting the victims with money." >> Full Text
N.Korea Experiments with Capitalism
Koreans Enjoy Cooking Least in the World
Lockheed Martin 'Informed Korea About THAAD'
Chinese Tourism to Korea Likely to Keep Growing
Korean Woman Shot Dead in Mexico City Mugging
Samsung Slims Down Top Management
Labor Groups Demand Minimum Wage Hike
N.Korea to Attend Preparatory Meeting for Universiade
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Hankyoreh Shinmoon (http://english.hani.co.kr)
[News analysis] Could US-Iran breakthrough bring North Korea to the table?
With Iran and Cuba, N. Korea is the last of the three countries still isolated under Obama, but his presidency is running out of time
By agreeing to a comprehensive framework about its nuclear program with the US and the rest of the P5 1 countries, Iran leaves North Korea as the only country to remain isolated of the three countries (North Korea, Cuba, and Iran) with whom US President Obama promised to shake hands with when he took office in 2009. Considering that North Korea is the only one of the three with whom Obama has failed to make any progress toward normalizing diplomatic relations, the next question is
Resource diplomacy ‘investments’ turn $30 billion into just $4.2 billion
Nearly US$30 billion in overseas resource development project investments by the South Korean government generated a return of just US$4.2 billion, according to a Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) report released on Apr. 3.The numbers mark the first official confirmation by a government agency of the “report card” for overseas development efforts under the Lee Myung-bak administration (2008-13), during which 27 trillion won (US$24.9 billion) was invested. During a briefing on Apr. 3
Dispute over wage issue brewing at Kaesong Complex
North Korea reportedly ordered accounting officers at South Korean tenant companies at the Kaesong Industrial Complex to calculate March pay to reflect a recently declared wage hike. The reports come after the South Korean government sent an Apr. 2 notice instructing business owners to only pay wages as per the existing inter-Korean agreement. There could now be a dispute between the two sides over the wage hike erupting on the ground in Kaesong.
[Cine feature] Korean film remakes boom in China
Chinese remakes of Korean films have been booming since the big success of 20, Once Again!, a remake of the Korean film Miss Granny (2014). What elements led to remakes of Korean films such as Blind (2011), Architecture 101 (2012) and Cyrano Agency (2010)? Let’s look into why remakes of Korean films are booming in China. On February 25, the preliminary agreement on Korea-China FTA was signed after 30 months of negotiation.
NIS founder recommends stripping anti-communist investigation power
The founder of the predecessor to today’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) called for the abolishment of its authority to conduct anti-communist investigations. Kim Jong-pil, a former Prime Minister and founder of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), told the Joong-Ang Ilbo newspaper in an interview on Apr. 3 that the “reason the NIS interferes in politics is because it holds investigative authority.”
UAE gov’t audit shows patients getting gouged at Korean hospitals
The government of the United Arab Emirates recently conducted an audit on the appropriateness of treatment costs at several South Korean hospitals. It was the first attempt by the country to investigate South Korean medical costs since it first began subsidizing the treatment of patients in South Korea with a Nov. 2011 international patient sending agreement.
Migrants Trade Union stuck waiting more than ten years to be recognized
Two thousand nine hundred fifty-six days. That’s how long a case filed against the Seoul office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor by the Seoul/Gyeonggi/Incheon Migrants’ Trade Union (MTU) has been held up in the Supreme Court. The suit contesting the rejection of the union’s establishment notice was the court’s oldest unsettled case on Apr. 2.
Seoul instructs Kaesong Companies to not comply with North’s wage increase demand
Seoul instructing Kaesong tenant companies not to comply with North’s unilateral wage increase demand On Apr. 2, the South Korean government officially instructed the South Korean companies operating in the Kaesong Industrial Complex not to comply with North Korea’s unilateral demand for an increase in the minimum wage. Nervousness is descending on the complex as Apr. 10, the date for paying wages for March, draws closer.
For S. Korean businesses, China patent blitz is a clear and present danger
In 2010, a small South Korean business had just begun selling a touch recognition smartphone glove on the Chinese online shopping mall Alibaba when it unexpectedly started receiving notices of patent infringement. They had been sent all at once by three to four Chinese businesses and individuals who claimed to hold utility model patent rights to the glove. The business received notice that Alibaba had unilaterally cancelled their sales contract. Realizing only now that it was under attack, the
Delayed Hyundai ceremony may signal shift in China’s investment strategy
A groundbreaking ceremony for a fourth Hyundai Motor factory in the Chinese city of Cangzhou was abruptly moved back from Apr. 2 to Apr. 3.The news is sparking criticism toward China for giving notice just three days before the event that senior local government officials would not be attending, as well as South Korea for agreeing to the change, which required it to delay the schedule of its newly appointed ambassador to China.Hyundai Motor explained on Mar. 31 that it had been abruptly cont
Labor activist up a smokestack breaks a record that no one wants
Cha Gwang-ho, 45, started working for Korea Synthetic Fiber in 1995, when he was 25 years old. His job was making polyester thread, an ingredient for manufacturing apparel. Korea Synthetic Fiber was in dire financial straits. In 2005, it began restructuring; by 2007, it was bankrupt. When the company was acquired by Starflex in 2010, Cha‘s job was transferred to the new company. In Apr. 2011, the company changed its name to Star Chemical. But Cha would not keep earning a paycheck for long.
US ambassador attacker charged with attempted murder
On Apr. 1, the special investigation unit (led by Lee Sang-ho) at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office charged Kim Ki-jong, 55, with trying to kill US Ambassador Mark Lippert, 42. Kim was indicted for attempted murder, assaulting a foreign envoy, and obstruction of official business.Kim is alleged to have stabbed Lippert four times at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on Feb. 17.
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JoongAng Ilbo (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)
Korea’s back on top in shipbuilding
Even at No. 1, market is only one-third the size of a year ago
Korean shipbuilders outpaced their Chinese and Japanese rivals to reclaim the top spot in terms of new orders received in the first three months of the year, according to the world’s largest shipbroker, Clarkson, on Sunday. …
Chill between Moon and Kim Dae-jung loyalists
A meeting between opposition party leader Moon Jae-in and Kwon Rho-kap, a veteran confidant of the late President Kim Dae-jung, was cancelled at the last minute, …
More veteran workers vying for civil service jobs
After 23 years spent working at KT, the country’s second-largest mobile carrier, Oh Hyun-ho still thought he had a second chance at life. Witnessing many senior coworkers fall …
Chowder gives a taste of the ‘green isle’
Growing up a diplomat’s son traversing the world, Peter Bullen, husband of the Irish Ambassador to Korea Aingeal O’Donoghue, finds tasting exotic cuisines …
Short-term investments hinder Korean market
Choi Woong-pil, 44, a managing director at KB Asset Management and one of the top fund managers in the local market, feels uneasy whenever stocks rally. …
Mortgage refinancing will not be extended
After the second round of a government-promoted mortgage refinancing program ended with 156,000 applications for 14.1 trillion won ($13 billion) in debt …
Liberal vet’s bid heats district race
Seoul’s Gwanak B district has grabbed attention in the run-up to the April 29 by-elections, with the political stakes for its contenders much higher than initially anticipated. …
Tobacco sales slowly rise after post-price hike dip
Once-dwindling sales of cigarettes have recently started to rise again despite a new price increase this year on cigarettes. According to one domestic convenience store …
Regional players eye Pyongyang’s rare earth mineral reserves
A number of countries are interested in mining underground resources from North Korea. China, Russia as well as Britain and the United States all have their eyes on …
Getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT-S
High-performance car brand Mercedes-AMG is part of Daimler Group, formed after two engineers fell in love with motor sports and left Mercedes-Benz to begin …
Seoul Motor Show has an identity crisis
The Seoul Motor Show that began Thursday with a press event is one of the biggest car exhibitions in the country …
From politics to figuring out the world
German politician Philipp Rosler made headlines for his milestone achievements even before he turned 40. In 2011, Rosler became the youngest Vice Chancellor …
Samsung could help Apple get rid of damages
Samsung Electronics Co. may end up saving arch nemesis Apple Inc. about $533 million. That’s how much Apple was told to pay after a jury …
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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)
‘WOW’ offers biz opportunity for S. Korea
The term ‘WOW’ is the business key word presented by 10 South Korean ambassadors to Association of South-East Nations (ASEAN) who are knowledgeable with the ASEAN ma.. ...04.05 17:21
BOK to cut growth outlook for 2015
South Korea’s Bank of Korea (BOK) on April 9 plans to announce a revised this year’s economic growth and inflation forecasts, downgraded from its previous estimate. .. ...04.05 17:17
Online shopping malls weigh down conventional retailers
Online shopping malls have overtaken big box stores or department stores to be South Korea’s most-sought retail channel last year. So far, online malls have been bo.. ...04.05 14:51
Loosening construction regulations may be the way to boost economy
Regardless of individuals and companies, those who experienced approval process for building construction in South Korea complained that construction regulations are t.. ...04.05 12:08
Opposition party, Seoul city move to tighten rein on reconstruction
The South Korean opposition party has proposed a bill calling for tightening the public management system that mandates a committee for implementation of reconstructio.. ...04.03 17:08
‘Retrospect effect’: Comfortable alleys gaining popularity over skyscrap..
Alleys are emerging as a novel hub of culture. Gyeongridangil in Yongsan-gu, a spot where one can experience what Itaewon is like, and Hannam-dong area, as well as Yeo.. ...04.03 16:47
Iranian nuke deal to benefit Korean builders
Iranians cheered news of a breakthrough in nuclear negotiations with the West, and to express their hopes that the deal will end years of international isolation and e.. ...04.03 16:37
Bill proposed for tax benefits to small online mall operators
South Korean small companies which set up and run their own online shopping malls overseas will be given tax benefits, according to a bill pushed by lawmakers. Rep. M.. ...04.03 15:56
Property acquisition tax revenue spikes in Seoul
With the South Korean housing market somewhat reviving, tax receipt for real estate acquisition shot up in Seoul. Currently, one percent acquisition tax is imposed on .. ...04.03 15:51
$561mn corporate bonds to be issued next week
Corporate bonds to be issued next week will amount to 614 billion won ($561.5 million) in 22 cases, according to the Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA) Fri.. ...04.03 15:12
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The Kyunghyang Shinmoon (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
[Editorial] Using Money to Distract the Public from the Sewol
April is a cruel month. And this isn't just some rhetoric by a poet from a distant land. To the people who had lost their loved ones, the government handed out···
Ambassador to the UN Oh Joon in Seoul, 'Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Has No Intention to Enter Politics'
Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Oh Joon, 60, said on April 2, that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 71, who is being mentioned as a strong presidential c···
Government Trying to Cover up the Sewol Tragedy with Money
The upcoming April 16 will mark one year since the Sewol sank into the sea, yet the government rushed to release the amount of compensation it will provide the ···
North Korea Releases First Plane Manufactured in North Korea: Kim Jong-un Goes for a Test Flight
Surprisingly, North Korea released the production process for airplanes and attracted attention by displaying the performance of the light aircraft they produce···
[Editorial] North Korea-China Relations Need to Be Restored to Ensure Peace on the Korean Peninsula
The chilly relations between North Korea and China are showing no signs of recovery. Last February, North Korea expressed its wish to join the Asia Infrastructu···
[One Year after the Sewol] 'No' to Government Event with No Memorial: A Strong Warning Even from the Ruling Party
Even the ruling party is warning against the government's "response" to the first anniversary of the Sewol tragedy. The ruling party is pulling the brakes on···
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Releases More than 260,000 Pages of Diplomatic Documents from 1984
Reportedly, the South Korean government believed that an apology for the past by the Japanese emperor was a prerequisite for a visit to Japan by its president, ···
[Exclusive]Human Rights Commission Approves of 'Monitoring' Labor
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea determined that it was legitimate to use footage from security cameras installed to prevent violence within school···
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Invitation to Dangjin Gijisi Tug-of-War Festival
Your Excellency:
I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that Mayor Kim Hong-jang of the Dangjin City of Chungcheongnam-do Province, 87.5 miles (1 1/2 hours run) southwest of Seoul, cordially invites Your Excellency and Madam, together with other Ambassadors and Madams, to the Opening Ceremony of the Dangjin Gijisi Tug-of-War Culture Festival on Friday April 10, 2015 and a tour of the Cultural Assets of the Dangjin City, Hands-on Experience in various folk events plus a tour of the Hyundai Steel Mill.
Please visit: /news/view.html?section=165&category=192&no=879
Two Deluxe 28-seat Limousine Buses have been reserved for the Excellencies and Madams for comfortable traveling. Here is schedule:
0820 hours Friday April 10, 2015: Meet at Grand Hyatt Hotel (near Water Fountain).
0830-1100 hours: Move by Limousine Bus to Dangjin by picturesque West Coast Expressway, visiting the Hyundai Steel Plant on the way to Dangjin.
1100-1140 hours: Visit the Gijisi Tug-of-War Museum.
1200-1340 hours: Luncheon hosted by Mayor and Mrs. Kim Hong-jang of the Dangjin City.
1400-1420 hours: Wear traditional Korean costumes of the King, General and Court ladies.
1430-1630 hours: Have hands-on experience in various local cultural events, including participation in the Gijisi Tug-of-War and Rice wine- and Sake-making.
1700-1830 hours: Move back to Seoul arriving at Grand Hyatt Seoul by 6:30 p.m.
Very Respectfully Yours
/s/
Lee Kyung-sik
Publisher-Chairman
The Korea Post phones: 2298-1745 or 2298-1740/2, mobiles 010-3388-1682 (Korean) and 010-5201-1740 (Chairman Lee Kyung-sik).
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RSVP: Yes, my spouse and I will attend____. I will attend alone____.
(Please mark the blank spaces above and below with an X or Tick.)
Mobile phone of driver or secretary:____________________. Regrets:____.
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Details of the Tug-of-War Culture Festival:
With citizens’ hope for registration as UNESCO heritage
Dangjin hosts 2015 Gijisi Tug-of-War Culture Festival April 9-12
Mayor Kim Hong-jang of the Dangjin City the Chungcheongnam-do Province, some 87 miles southwest of Seoul, is hosting the 2015 Dangjin Gijisi Tug-of-War Culture Festival for a four-day run on 9-12, 2015.
Designated by the Central Government as Important Cultural Asset No. 75, the Dangjin Gijisi Tug-of-War Game is becoming increasingly popular among the foreign residents in Korea and visitors as well as the Korean people.
Mayor Kim invites ambassadors and their families to attend the Festival on April 10, 2015 for the promotion of understanding and friendship between the Korean people and the members of the Diplomatic Corps.
This year, Mayor Kim has an expanded plan in terms of promotion of the image of the Festival and city to the outside world and for this purpose he plans to also invite foreign students in Korea two days later on April 12.
Dangjin Gijisi Juldarigi was designated also as a promising festival by the Central Government in 2013 for many interesting features, including the fact that the rope used is 200 meters long, 1 meter thick, and weighs 40 tons.
It is the largest rope in the whole world and it takes 30 technicians full 60 days non-stop to make it.
The number of individuals participating in a single game is 300,000 persons who pull the rope in opposite directions at the same time. This makes it the largest folk festival on the planet.
Gijisi Juldarigi (tug of war) contains a variety of cultural significances including, but not limited to, teamwork for harmony and unity, efforts to overcome natural disasters in an agrarian society and the shamanistic beliefs that pray for abundance and prosperity.
Nearly 200,000 citizens of the Dangjin City are known to have applied for registration of this treasure as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity so that more and more people may watch and enjoy this cultural heritage, to which end the citizens of Dangjin are striving.
Elected to the Dangjin City in June last year, Mayor Kim has a strong pride of the Dangjin Region. He says, “We are a central city in the Pan Yellow Sea region. We will relive the hey-day of Dangjin, which was a port city that traded with the Tang Dynasty of China. As a harbor city with an ideal environment for the agricultural, industrial and maritime trade sectors, Dangjin is quickly developing into the hub of Korean-Chinese trade in the Pan Yellow Sea region.”
Then he said that Dangjin is a city where culture and arts are flourishing, whereas the city attracts a stream of visitors annually with its rich culture and fascinating arts and related events.
“We host the Gijisi Tug of War Festival celebrating the 500-year-old game that was played to pray for fecundity and good harvest and to build solidarity and a sense of community among the residents,” Mayor Kim accents the popularity of the representative festival of the city. The Dangjin Gijisi Juldarigi (tug of war) has a history of 500 years.
He says, “There also are a number of historical sites such as the Solmoe Sacred Site, where the first priest of Korea and martyr, Andrew Kim Taegon, was born, as well as the Silli Sacred Site that is considered the cradle of Korean Catholicism.”
Dangjin City is the considered the most vigorously developing area in the Republic of Korea and is as competitive as any city in Korea with unlimited growth potential.
Dangjin has three Industrial complexes, namely, Godae, Bugok and Seokmun, with a Steel Industrial Complex developed near Hyundai Steel Co., Ltd. Dangjin has one port and two highways, giving it excellent conditions for logistics. Quite a few foreign companies prefer to invest here and we would greatly appreciate your keen attention and promotion as well.
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