April. 8, 2015
The Korean daily media headlines and humor
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Your Excellency:
Here are The Korea Post notices, humor from a generous former Asian ambassador 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:
Finally, it is the day after tomorrow! The opening day of 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 and a 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 17 degrees centigrade and a low of 4 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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Attention the Embassy Education Officers, Community Relations Officers!
The presidents, vice presidents, secretary generals and other leading members of the Student Associations of different countries are taking part in the World’s largest Dangjin Gijisi Tug-of-War Culture Festival on Sunday 12th April 2015, which is two days after the Excelleencies’ attendance at the Festival earlier on Friday 10th April 2015. The student leaders of the different countries will be wearing their colorful traditional costumes representing each country.
The Education Officers, Community Relations Officers are cordially invited by Mayor Kim Hong-jang of the Dangjin City to witness the students’ excellent representation of their country in color national costumes of their country. The time is 0820 hours and the day Sunday 12 April 2015 and the meeting place is the Water Fountain site of Grand Hyatt Seoul. For inquires, please call David at 010 3481-1101 or Chairman Lee at 010-5201-1740.
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Today’s humor:
Humor from a generous former Asian ambassador
Murder Prescription
A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes, and said, 'I would like to buy some cyanide.'
The pharmacist asked, 'Why in the world do you need cyanide?'
The lady replied, 'I need it to poison my husband.'
The pharmacist's eyes got big and he exclaimed, 'Lord have mercy! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband. That's against the law! I'll lose my license! They'll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!'
The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife.
The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, 'Well now, that's different. You didn't tell me you had a prescription.'
Editor’s note: Thank you, Excellency. Your are doing a great deal of favor to your former and incumbent colleagues in Korea and around the world.
Koreans have an old-saying, Ilso Ilso Ilno Ilno (一笑 一少 一怒 一老), literally meaning “One Laughter One Youngness, One Anger One Oldness.” So make love, not war--for youthfulness.
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Top headlines of major news media of Korea this morning:
KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
Gov't Denounces Japan's Bluebook Claims to Dokdo
The Japanese government has yet again laid claim to Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo in its annual Diplomatic Bluebook. The bluebook...
S. Korean PM: Abe Cannot Hide Truth of Wartime History
Japan Repeats Claim to Dokdo in Diplomatic Bluebook
S. Korea Denounces Japan's Dokdo Claims in Textbooks
N. Korea Gives Positive Response to Call for Efforts on Wage Issue
Audit Agency to Dispatch Investigators for Energy Projects Probe
Park Calls for Local Assemblies' Cooperation on Regulatory Reform, Safety
KOSPI Ends Slightly Higher
National Debt Topped 1.2 Quadrillion Won in 2014
Auto Production, Exports Down in March
N. Korea: Dresden Initiative is Declaration of Confrontation
Gaeseong Heads Visit N. Korea to Address Wage Hike Demand
N. Korea Declares No-sail Zone in East Sea
Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan says Abe Should Address Historical Issues
VOA: N. Korean Diplomat Caught Selling Liquor in Pakistan
Japan Repeats Claim to Dokdo in Diplomatic Bluebook
Anti-Hacking Competition Codegate 2015 Opens in Seoul
Civil Servants' Labor Union to Launch General Strike on April 24
State Health Insurer Presents Records of 3,400 Patients for Tobacco Lawsuit
Composer of "Our Wish" Dies at 89
Biographical Dictionary of Independence
Spring Flower Festival to Open in Yeouido
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
S. Korea Defeats Russia in Women's Football Friendly
Bild: Son Heung-min Most Expensive Player on Bayer Leverkusen
Lydia Ko Ties LPGA Record of 29 Straight Rounds Under Par
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
Samsung beats Apple in brand loyalty: poll
South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co. has beaten its archrival U.S. Apple Inc. in customer loyalty, an online poll showed Wednesday.
N.K. believed to be capable of firing nuclear missile at U.S. mainland: U.S. northern commander
North Korea is believed to be capable of building a nuclear weapon small enough to fit atop a long-range missile and fire it at the U.S. mainland, the commander of the U.S. Northern Command said Tuesday.
Senior U.S. official calls THAAD 'critical' in defending against N.K. threats
The U.S. THAAD missile defense system is a "critical capability" in defending against North Korea's Nodong and extended-range Scud ballistic missiles, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.
Prosecutors seek death sentence in appeals trial for Sewol captain
Prosecutors demanded capital punishment for the captain of the Sewol ferry, which sank in South Korean waters leaving more than 300 people killed or missing a year ago, during an appeals trial on Tuesday.
N.K. believed to be capable of firing nuclear missile at U..
N. Korea shows positive signs over Kaesong wage issue: biz..
China, Russia to closely cooperate on N. Korea nucl..
Iran nuclear deal good example for N. Korea: Christopher H..
Chinese ambassador to N. Korea pays tribute to son of late..
Samsung expands R&D spending: data
Samsung beats Apple in brand loyalty: poll
Seongnam FC remains on course for knockout stage at AFC Ch..
Top baseball league toughens doping penalties
Quiet start for S. Koreans in 2015 MLB season
PyeongChang finalizes names for 2018 Winter Olympic venues
Pirates' Kang Jung-ho watches opener from bench
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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
NK opens first online shopping mall
North Korea has launched its first online shopping mall, the regime’s state-controlled media reported Tuesday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the North opened the shopping mall, called Okryu, last Wednesday, offering...
Big rise in Seoul subway, bus fares
Travelling on Seoul’s public transport is about to get more expensive. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Urban Traffic Headquarters will soon announce fare rises of 150 to 200 won for buses and 200 to 300 won f...
Samsung beats profit forecasts
Samsung Electronics is expected to beat the market’s forecast for the first quarter, buoyed by a s...
'Quiet diplomacy' with Japan proves to be ineffective
The foreign ministry is facing calls for a drastic change in its “quiet diplomacy” with Japan.
Korea to promote use of Arctic sea route
Korea will boost cooperation with Arctic nations and help modernize strategic ports in Eastern Russia to have a greater say in the development of natural reso...
Amb. Bessho needs cheering up
Koro Bessho, Japan’s ambassador to Korea, is having what might be considered the worst tour of duty of his career.
POSCO contractor under probe
Prosecutors raided the office and a factory of Kosteel, one of POSCO’s key business partners, Tuesday.
Torso murder victim is Korean Chinese woman
Police said Tuesday the torso of a woman found on Sunday morning along with other body parts at Sihwa Seawall in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province was that of a 42-y...
Volunteer work is life-changing experience to Oh
Volunteer work in overseas countries serves to not just help the needy but also provides a life-ch...
Supreme Court justice nominee denies alleged involvement in cover-up of torture death
Supreme Court justice nominee Park Sang-ok denied allegations of involvement in covering up the to...
Opposition may end unbeaten run of elections in Gwanak-B
The opposition is concerned in the lead-up to the April 29 by-elections over the possible loss of ...
Gov't promotes foreign investment in Saemangeum project
The government will reduce regulations to encourage foreign investment into a development project on Saemangeum, an area of reclaimed tidal land located on th...
Motor show becomes more “car-centric”
At this year’s Seoul Motor Show, racing models are apparently drawing less attention thanks to a n...
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DongA Ilbo (http://english.donga.com)
Japan dismisses Korea’s protest over history textbook
Japan’s top government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said on Apr. 7, “We cannot accept their protest,” dismissing Korea’s outcry over Japanese middle school textbook that asserts Japanese territorial ownership of Dokdo,...
LG G4 teaser touts world`s first F1.8 camera
LG Electronics will unveil its flagship G4 smartphone with an aperture of f/1.8, which is the world`s first, on April 29. LG sent out on Tuesday its second invitation to domestic and international media for the...
Only 14% of lawmakers reply to survey on N. Korean human rights act
A survey of 293 ruling and opposition lawmakers on the North Korean human rights bill failed to take place effectively because only 42 lawmakers, or 14 percent of them, responded to the survey. Although both ruling and...
K-pop star turns into advocate for young part time workers
“Decent treatment for young part-timers!” Hyeri (pictured, Lee Hye-ri), a 21-year-old member of K-pop girl group ‘Girls’ Day,’ has got new nicknames of Marxdol (Marx plus idol) and Labordol (Labor plus idol) thanks to...
17-year-old Lee Seung-woo listed among 500 most important footballers
Teenager soccer prot?g? Lee Seung-woo (FC Barcelona Juvenil A) representing Korea is getting highly sought after. World Soccer, a soccer magazine, enlisted Lee as one of the ‘most influential players on earth’ in the...
94 movie films of the 1950s, 1960s rediscovered
Film of 94 movies that remained massing including the debut work of Director Jeong Jin-woo, and flagship works of Director Kim Soo-yong have been discovered. At a press conference at the Korea Press Center in central...
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)
Ferry Much Harder to Raise Than Navy Corvette
The ferry Sewol that capsized on April 16 last year will be much tougher to raise than the Navy Corvette Cheonan that was sunk by North Korea in 2010. The government decided to raise the Cheonan after eight days of search and rescue efforts. >> Full Text
X-Band Radar 'an Expensive Flop'
The Sea-Based X-Band radar which was supposed to help guard South Korea against a North Korean attack is impractical and fatally flawed, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday. The radar system is a major part of the U.S.' missile defense system that it hopes will deter North Korean provocations. >> Full Text
Increased Risk of Heart Disease Linked to Losing a Spouse
The stress from losing a spouse has been linked to an increased risk of fatal heart disease. Stress makes the heart pound and boosts blood pressure. If this state continues, the symptoms can develop into myocardial infarction or stroke. >> Full Text
More Japanese Textbooks Push Dokdo Land Grab
N.Korea Declares No-Fly, No-Sail Zone
Pyeonchang Wins Sponsorship Deal from Samsung
Imported Car Sales Hit Monthly Record in March
Choi Kyung-ju to Miss Master's for 1st Time in 13 Years
Buddy Film Pulls 2 Million Viewers in 2 Weeks
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Hankyoreh Shinmoon (http://english.hani.co.kr)
More Japanese textbooks to refer to Dokdo as Japanese territory
Increase in textbook claims is Tokyo’s latest regressive move on historical issues, that is likely to hinder rapprochement with Seoul
There has been a significant deterioration in the way Dokdo (called Takeshima in Japan) is introduced in the textbooks that will be taught in Japanese middle schools starting next year. Among a total of 18 textbooks in the three subjects that fall under the rubric of social studies - civics, geography, and history - the number of textbooks that refer to Dokdo as the “sovereign territory” of Japan will increase from nine to 15, while the number of textbooks that claim that South Korea is “illegally occupying” the island jumped more than 200% from four to 13.
Vietnam veterans force cancellation of victims event in Seoul
An event with survivors of civilian massacres by South Korean troops during the Vietnam War is running into difficulties after its original venue was canceled over fierce objections from veterans‘ groups. The groups warned of their plans to “close down” the event, which they called an “act against the nation by subversives who are distorting history.” .
University founding new republic of students hungry for alternatives
“You have to realize what it is you really want to do, what you want to feel.”Instead of an opening address, visitors are greeted by a video of scenes of protagonist John Keating from the movie “Dead Poets Society.” Played by Robin Williams, the teacher is the first president of Sinchon University, which launched on Apr. 3. The president is chosen by a vote, and more fictional characters will be filling the slot going ahead. .
Highest ever sales of imported cars in March
Monthly sales of imported cars in the South Korean market exceeded 20,000 for the first time ever this past March. The Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA) announced on Apr. 6 that 22,280 imported cars were newly registered last month, up from 15,733 in Mar. 2014, a 41.6% increase year on year. Imported vehicles held a 17.6% share of South Korea’s domestic car market last month, which was 3.9 percentage points higher than the same month last year (13.7%). .
Comfort women and Vietnam War survivors pledge to fight together for justice
On Apr. 4 at the House of Sharing in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, Yoo Hee-nam, 87, a former comfort woman for the Japanese imperial army, met with survivors of civilian massacres during the Vietnam War.“It‘s shocking to think that South Korean soldiers did those things while they were in Vietnam. I want to apologize on their behalf,” Yoo said, her voice trembling. .
Visually impaired “paint” subtle scents in art exhibition
An exhibition is highlighting new and beautiful scents “painted” by people with visual impairments. Another Way of Seeing, a gallery located in Seoul‘s Jongno district, operates a program to support art education and art activity for the blind. Now an exhibition has been staged to display the scents developed by four such people after a yearlong course in fragrance-making: Kim Du-seop, 19, and Park Seong-yeong, 20, both February graduates of the Seoul National School for the Blind, .
[Reporter’s notebook] SK chairman: convicted of embezzlement, and still employed?
Thirteen months have passed since Chey Tae-won, 55, chairman of the SK Group, was sent to prison after being convicted of embezzling from the group on Feb. 27, 2014. But Chey is still serving as an executive for the SK holding company. After his conviction, he stepped down from his position as a board member (CEO), but he remains an unregistered board member (chairman). Chey is also still listed as a board member at group subsidiaries SK Hynix and SK Innovation. .
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 .
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. .
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JoongAng Ilbo (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)
Samsung profit stabilizes in Q1
Flagship electronics unit sees revenues fall 12% from year earlier
Samsung Electronics posted an operating profit of 5.9 trillion won ($5.4 billion) in the three months ending March 31, up 11.5 percent from the previous quarter but down 30.5 percent year on year, according to an earnings guidance the top smartphone vendor released Tuesday.…
‘Bluebook’ in Tokyo renews Dokdo claim
Japan renewed its claim over the Dokdo islets in the East Sea and deleted text describing Seoul and Tokyo’s shared fundamental values in its annual foreign policy report on Tuesday…
Some lawmakers earmark budget for their profit
The Gilcheon Industrial Complex in Ulju County, Ulsan, was built in 2005 on a large stretch of farmland with the central government’s support…
Students offer perspective on high unemployment
College campuses today better resemble factories, their libraries filled with students preparing…
U.S. lawmaker muses over Abe trip. A senior American lawmaker said that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to mention in his upcoming trip to Washington the issue…
Body parts likely related in mutilation murder case
The Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency announced that its officers on Tuesday had come across two mutilated hands and two feet,…
KHU collecting forms for global summer program
Kyung Hee University (KHU) is currently collecting applications for Global Collaborative 2015, its international summer program.…
Gangnam, Seoul wrangle over development plan
Following the settlement of a long-term dispute over the redevelopment of the capital’s largest shantytown, the Seoul Metropolitan Government…
Store bargains, business headaches
For nearly a year, German automaker Volkswagen has offered an incentive averaging $2,800 as the weaker euro against the dollar allows some space…
Foreign institutions like the FSS’s new direction
Foreign financial institutions operating in Seoul reacted positively to changes in examination and enforcement practices planned by the Financial Supervisor Service…
Market gains again for fourth straight day
Seoul shares ended nearly flat on Tuesday after the latest streak of gains, with Samsung Electronics ending lower following a rally in the previous session.…
Tax refunds promised to 5.4 million
After facing a public outcry over higher tax bills for 2014, the government announced tax refunds for low-wage earners who paid more under the new income tax law.…
Unblushing, CEO wears makeup to gain insight
Seo Jae-hyeong says he’s started wearing skin foundation and facial masks at night. It’s not about looking younger, the 49-year-old head of Daishin Asset Management says.…
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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)
‘Income tax bomb’ overblown
Rumors have circulated in South Korea from January-April that a ‘tax bomb’ hit those in the low-income bracket after the income tax filing. The government desperatel.. ...04.07 18:04
Gov’t to slash 200 subsidy projects
The government will remove 200 subsidy projects next year and this represents one tenth of such projects. Long-term R&D projects that lasted for more than 10 years wil.. ...04.07 17:45
National debt tops $1,102bn due to gov’t employee and military pension
South Korea’s national debt that will likely be burdened by taxpayers has surpassed 1,200 trillion won ($1,102 billion). According to the national settlement for fi.. ...04.07 17:35
Samsung’ Q1 profit forecast beats expectations
In a preliminary estimate on Tuesday, Samsung said its operating profit for the first quarter (Q1) this year would come to 5.9 trillion won ($5.4 billion). The figure.. ...04.07 17:28
Civil service union to go on strike on April 24
The Korean Government Employees` Union (KGEU), an outsider union, plans to go on a strike on April 24 in opposition to the public service pension fund reform. The KGE.. ...04.07 17:11
Jeon Young-sup, Nam Dae-il awarded 45th Maekyung Economist Award
Jeon Young-sup, 58, a professor of economics at Seoul National University, and Nam Dae-il, 42, a professor of business school of Korea University, were jointly awarded.. ...04.07 17:10
S. Korea’s ‘responsive diplomacy under fire
South Korea’s chronic problem of ‘responsive diplomacy’ has come to the fore again. Regarding Japan’s territorial claim to Dokdo, responsive diplomacy was cited .. ...04.07 15:08
LG Display emerges as top dog in smartwatch panel
LG Display, a South Korean leading display panel maker, ranked first in the smartwatch panel market in the fourth quarter (Q4) last year, says a market research firm. .. ...04.07 11:23
LG Electronics to join Shanghai Motor Show
LG Electronics is set to participate in the global motor show starting from this year, as it seeks to nurture smart car parts as its next growth engine. The debut st.. ...04.07 11:03
Imported car sales top 20,000 a month in S. Korea
Imported cars in South Korea sold over 20,000 units per month for the first time. The figure doubled in four years since it surpassed the 10,000 mark. This is in part .. ...04.07 10:57
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The Kyunghyang Shinmoon (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
[Japan's Textbooks, "Provocative" Portrayal of Dokdo] All-around Approach from Geography to Civics as Well as History "Dokdo Annexed in 1905"
"The Japanese have fished around Dokdo since the early days of the Edo Period, and the islets were annexed to the Shimane Prefecture, Japan in 1905. South Kore···
[Editorial] There Is No Reason to Postpone the Salvaging of the Sewol Any Longer
Discussions on salvaging the Sewol are underway. In a meeting with Cheong Wa Dae senior secretaries yesterday, President Park Geun-hye said, "If salvaging the ···
[A City That Continues to Greet Challenges] Redevelopment or Renewal? The Question Posed by the Seun Arcade
▲ Thirty-six years since the release of the first maintenance plan, the project still remains a mystery--practically neglected. Focus on a solution, "new pur···
What Did the Part-timer Do Wrong?'If the Customer Says It's Salty, It's Salty' Funny But Sad Phrases
"If the Customer Says It's Salty, It's Salty!"The scene is a steakhouse near Gangnam Station in Seoul on April 5. A unique phrase, which appears to be the c···
[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···
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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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