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Fun Ski & Snow Festival - 12/04/2002 - 03/09/2003

Address : Yongpyeong Resort, Muju Resort
From December 4th, 2002 through March 9th, 2003, Yongpyeong Resort and Muju Resort will host the “Fun Ski & Snow Festival”. In fact, many tourists from Southeast Asian countries stay for 3 nights to enjoy skiing and various events that are provided by the resort. This ski tour program includes daytime activities such as ski instruction, amateur ski competition, and snow sledding competition, while featuring some nighttime events like evening performances and ‘snow concerts’. In the recent years, the number of Southeast Asian tourists for the winter season has increased because of the snow covered mountains and the fun and thrills that are offered at the ski resorts in Korea. Yongpyeong Resort and Muju Resort are especially well known for its beauty and the quality of snow among many ski enthusiasts. Yongpyeong Resort is located between 700 and 1500 meters above sea level and is known as the Alps of Korean Peninsula. It was also the setting for “Gyeoulyeonga”, a famous TV drama series which was televised in many parts of Asia.

Period : December 4 to March 9, 2003

Venue: Yongpyeong Resort, Muju Resort
Program : 3 Nights, 4 Days
(Day 1): Arrival, Ski Lesson
(Day 2): Ski Lesson, Other festivities (performances, sledding, etc.) (Day 3): Skiing, Sledding, Prizes
(Day 4): Free Time, Departure
Contact: KNTO Overseas Offices
SINGAPORE Tel : 852-2523-8065, e-mail: kntosp@pacific.net.sg
HONGKONG Tel : 852-2523-8065, e-mail: general@knto.com.hk
TAIPEI Tel : 886-2-2720-8049, e-mail: kntotp@ms5.hinet.net
BANGKOK Tel : 66-2-231-3895, e-mail: kntobkk@knto-th.org
BEIJING Tel : 86-10-6526-0837, e-mail: bjknto@a-1.net.cn

Geumgangsan Marathon - 02/21/2003 - 02/23/2003

Address : Mt. Geumgangsan in North Korea
The Geumgangsan Marathon will be held from February 21 to 23, 2003 on Mt. Geumgangsan in North Korea. The race offers a full course and a ten-kilometer course. The full course runs through Goseonghang Port, Bonghari checkpoint and Geumgangsan Hot Spring Motel and offers a rare chance to look at the life of North Koreans as participants run through some residential areas. The ten-kilometer course runs through Goseonghang Port, Geumgangsan Inn, and Geumgangsan Hot Spring Motel. Runners can find the pleasure in the exquisite natural scenery around the course. After the race, hot springs are available to relax tired muscles. When applying for the race, foreigners need to prepare their passports and fill out an application form accurately. You can apply for the marathon either online (website: http://www.marathontour.co.kr) or by fax (02-508-3255). Ferry for North Korea starts from Donghaehang Port in Sokcho, and buses from Seoul to Sokcho are provided by TourNet Travel Agency. Round-trip tickets for buses cost 28,000 won and the buses depart from the parking lot in front of Hyundai Department Store in Apgujeong.

Venue: Mt. Geumgangsan in North Korea
Date: February 21 – February 23, 2003 (3 days, 2 nights)
*Deadline for application is January 30, 2003.
Participation Fee: 490,000 won (expected price)
Maximum 2,000 people (first come, first serve)
Inquiries: TourNet 02-508-3933 (Korean) / http://www.marathontour.co.kr
Tips: U.S. Dollars is the only foreign currency accepted in North Korea (South Korean won is not accepted), thus participants need to exchange money and prepare USD in advance. Penalties are charged for using undesignated toilets. Also, winter climbing boots and outfits are required.

Traditional Korean Beverage & Cake Festival - 03/29/2003 - 04/03/2003

Address : Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park in the Bomun Tourist Complex, Gyeongju
Enjoy Traditional Korean Beverage & Cake Festival in the thousand-year-old city of Gyeongju!
The traditional culinary culture of Korea will be showcased in Gyeongju, an ancient city rich in history and culture, dubbed the “living museum of Korea.” The festival will feature two of Korea’s main traditional food; alcoholic beverages and rice cakes. You will find a comprehensive selection of traditional beverages and rice cakes of the entire country exhibited in one venue, which will help enhance your understanding of the diverse Korean culture of various regions. Many kinds of utensils, materials and ingredients will be on display, providing tasting opportunities of rice cakes soft and warm, fresh from the rice cake mills set up at the festival. You are also invited to try your hand at making rice cakes.
Major Events
Demonstration of making and tasting traditional alcoholic beverages and rice cakes, making your own rice cakes, exhibition of beverages and rice cakes native to sister cities, rice cake slicing contest, etc.

Period: March 29 to April 3, 2003 (6 days)
Accommodations:
- Kyongju Hilton Hotel (deluxe hotel): (Tel: 054-745-7788, http://www.kyongjuhilton.co.kr)
- Sa Rang Chae (guest house) (Tel: 054-773-4868, http://www.kjstay.com)
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Bunhwangsa Temple site, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum, Anapji Pond, and so much more to see.
Tourism Information: Gyeongsangbuk-do Tourist Information Center: +82-54-745-0763
Website: http://www.festival.or.kr/kyongju

Seoul - Gyeongju (4 hours and 20 minutes by train, 4 hours and 30 minutes by bus)

Boryeong Mud Festival - 07/19/2003 - 07/25/2003

Address : Daecheon Beach in Sinheuk-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Festival Overview
Daecheon Beach boasting the longest coastline on Korea’s West Coast holds an annual mud festival from July 19 to July 25. The black-colored mud is abundant along the clean and pure beach. It is rich in minerals that contain germanium. This mud is well-known for protecting the skin and curing skin diseases.
The Boryeong Mud Festival will offer visitors exciting events and opportunities for receiving packs and massages with pure, well-refined sea mud. The festival is sure to provide fantastic experiences for fun and relaxation for this summer's vacationers.
Main Events
A grand mud bathtub, mud sliding, self-mud massage, mud wrestling contest, high-tech mud massage, mud photo-taking contest, mud beauty contest, street parade, Korean traditional music performances.

Date: July 19 (Sat.) – July 25 (Fri.), 2003 (duration: 7 days)
Inquiries: Department of Culture and Tourism, Boryeong City Hall
Tel: +82-41-930-3542, Fax: +82-41-930-3542
Website: http://www.boryeong.chungnam.kr or http://www.mudfestival.or.kr
Accommodation
- Daecheon Hanhwa Condominium (Tel. 82-41-930-5500, 305 rooms)
- Sanho Beach Motel (Tel. 82-41-935-4170, 47 rooms
- Gwangjang Minbak (homestay) (Tel. 82-41-933-7)
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Muchangpo Beach, Mt. Seongjusan Recreational Forest, Hwajanggol Valley, Simyeondong Valley, Mt. Oseosan, Boryeongho Lake, Seongjusa Temple Site, Coal Museum

Tourist Information:
Department of Culture and Tourism
- Boryeong City Hall (Tel. +82-41-930-3542)
- Boryeong-si Tourist Information Center (Tel. +82-41-930-3672)

From Seoul to Boryeong (Daecheon)
- Train: Take a train to Boryeong at Seoul Station. Two hours and thirty minutes' trip.
- Bus: Take a express bus to Daecheon at Nambu Terminal. Three hours and thirty minutes' trip.

Gangjin Celadon Cultural Festival - 07/26/2003 - 08/01/2003

Address : Goryeo celadon kilns in Gangjin
Festival Overview
Thanks to its favorable geographical location bordering the sea, its mild climate, abundant clay and firewood, Gangjin served as the home of Korea’s celadon culture, which flourished for 500 years during the Goryeo Dynasty. The Gangjin Celadon Cultural Festival began in 1996, with the goals of promoting celadon, an important traditional cultural asset of Korea, at home and abroad, thereby promoting the image of Gangjin as a celadon village, as well as making celadon more familiar to the general people.
Since then, by offering unique and fascinating hands-on experience programs, Gangjin Celadon Cultural Festival has contributed to promoting the universal and global features of the Goryeo celadon culture. The festival will offer visitors a great opportunity to enjoy, and learn about one of Korea’s most glorious cultural assets.
Main events
Do-it-yourself celadon-making session, mosaic- making with celadon pieces, inscribing patterns on celadon, celadon production demonstration, Gangjin celadon exhibition, and celadon contest.

Date: July 26 - Aug 1, 2003 (duration: 7 days)
Venue: Goryeo celadon kilns in Gangjin
Inquiries: Department of Tourism and Culture, Gangjin-gun County Office
Tel: +82-61-430-3223, Fax: +82-61-430-3557
E-mail: ms9775@gangjinmail.net
Website: http://www.gangjinfes.or.kr
Accommodation
- New Prince Motel (Tel. +82-61-433-7400, 60 rooms)
- Bogeum Motel (Tel. +82-61-433-4765, 28 rooms)
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Goryeo celadon kilns (Historic Site No.68), Muwisa Temple, Baengnyeonsa Temple, Jeongdasan Historic Site, birthplace of Yeongnang, Byeongyeong Fortress Site in Jeolla
Tourist Information: Department of Tourism and Culture, Jangjin-gun County Office (Tel. +82-61-430-3224)

Express bus:
- Seoul-Gangjin (five hours and twenty minutes’ trip)
  Air way + intercity bus:
- Seoul- Gwangju (A 50-minute ride, one-way ticket: 53,400 won for weekday, 57,000 won for weekend)
  Gwangju-Gangjin (one hour and forty minutes’ trip by intercity bus)

- Seoul-Mokpo (one-hour ride, one-way ticket: 57,900 won for weekday, 62,000 won for weekend)
  Mokpo-Gangjin (A fifty-minute ride by intercity bus)

Daejeon Science Festival - 08/07/2003 - 08/17/20

Address : Daejeon Expo Science Park
Festival Overview
Daejeon Science Festival is a festival aimed at making science more familiar to the public and elevating the image of Daejeon as an advanced science city. The festival is a specialized cultural and tourist festival linking the Science Belt, the biggest tourism resources in the central region of Korea, with Yuseong Hot Springs Special Tourism District.
The festival venues have different zones by themes, including health, SF, Hi-tech culture and by different groups, including family zone, foreigner zone and youngster zone. Without a doubt, it will offer unrivaled enjoyment to all tourists, through diverse science experiences and experiments.
Main Events
Science magic show, ‘Travel into the Traditional Science,’ the Star Land experience, flame fountain FX show, exploration into the mysteries of the human body and traditional medicine.

Date: Aug. 7- Aug.17, 2003 (duration: 11 days)
Venue: Daejeon Expo Science Park (main venue)
*Other venues: National Science Museum, Chungnam University, Daedeok Research Complex, Yuseong Hot Springs
Inquiries: Festival and Events Team, Daejeon Expo Science Park
Tel: +82-42-866-5130, Fax: +82-42-866-5148, e-mail: yoongulee@hanmal.net
Homepage: http://www.expopark.co.kr
Nearby Tourist Attractions: National Science Museum, Currency Museum, Mt. Maninsan Recreational Forest, Root Park, Mt. Gyeryongsan National Park, Gapsa Temple, Donghak Temple, Daecheong Dam, Mt. Daedunsan Provincial Park, Bomunsanseong (mountain fortress), Dongchundang, Uam Historical Park (Namganjeognsa-a private schoolhouse built by a great Confucian scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, Song siyeol-pen name Uam), Gyejoksanseong (mountain fortress), Dunsan prehistoric site.
Tourist information
Daejeon Tourist Information Center (Daejeon Station): Tel. +82-42-221-1905
Daejeon Tourist Information Center (Expo Science Park): Tel. +82-42-861-1330

Seoul-Daejeon (takes 4 hours by train and 2 hours by bus)

Seoul World Inline Cup Marathon - 04/13/2003 - 04/13/2003

Address : Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul
The Seoul World Inline Cup / Roller World Cup 2003 will be the first such event ever held in Korea. The Jamsil Sports Complex, the site of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, will be the new center of inline skating activities.
The point-to-point-course provides a great view as well as a suitable challenge to the competitors while also retaining spectator friendliness. The competition will be one of the biggest alternative-sporting events, as local organizers expect over 6000 participants.
Clash of World’s Inline-skating Superstars
According to the race organizer, the elite fields' are really strong and participants include some of the world's top-ten rankers. Chad Hedrick, Inline skating superstar and 50th time-winner of Inline World Championship will try to defend his title in Seoul. It is surely going to be a close-fought race in the elite categories and also a great race for amateurs.
Entries for amateurs are still open but quickly filling up. So apply today and do not miss out on a great experience.

Date and Time: 8:00 a.m. Sunday, April 13, 2003
Start & Finish: Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul
Ready for Start: The square in front of Jamsil Main Stadium
Marathon Course(42Km):
In front of Jamsil Main Stadium - Jamsil Olympic Park - Cheonho Intersection - Gildong Intersection - Garak Market Intersection - Bokjeong Intersection - Segok Intersection - return after 1.4km - Tancheon Bridge - Jamsil Jugong APT'ss Area3 - Jamsil Main Stadium - Half Marathon Course

Entry Condition:

• Marathon (42Km)

• Men, Women (Registered By WIC: World Inline Cup)

• Start Time: 09:00

• Half Marathon (21km)

  • Age: 13 years or older on the race day

  • Prize: 1st to 3rd male & female winners will be awarded with trophies

  • Amenities: Medal & Official Time Certificate for all finishers

  • Entry Fee: 30,000won (US$30)

  • Start Time: 09:05

  • Time Limit: 1 hour 20 minutes

• 5km

  • Age: open

  • Prize: not competitive

  • Amenities: Medal for finishing

  • Entry Fee: 30,000won(US$30)

  • Start Time: 09:50

  • Time Limit: 50 minutes

• Inquiries : Tel. +82-2-3701-5800 / Fax. +82-2-739-2293

• Homepage: http://marathon.munhwa.com/inline
  
  Jamsil Sports Complex (Seoul Subway Line 2)

May 4th Lotus Lantern Festival - 05/02/2003 - 05/04/2003

Address : Jogyesa Temple, the street of Jongno and Bongeunsa Temple
On May 4, the Lotus Lantern Festival will parade the streets of Jongno to commemorate Buddha’s Birthday. Over 100,000 people are expected to participate in this year’s festival, which begins May 2 at ancient Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam area with the Traditional Lantern Exhibit. May 3 will see the eve celebrations at Jogyesa Temple in the Jongno and the Insa-dong areas, beginning at 6 PM, which will carry on into the main Lotus Lantern Street Festival the next day. From Noon on May 4, the Buddhist Culture Celebration will be held along the street in front of Jogyesa Temple. Various traditional performances, hands-on events, traditional games, international Buddhism celebration, and Temple food exhibit will take place. Visitors can further their knowledge of Korean Buddhist culture by participating.

At 7 PM, the highlight of the Lotus Lantern Festival, the Lantern Parade, with 30,000 participants will come down from Dongdaemun Stadium to Jonggak carrying colorful lotus lanterns and creating a fantastic stream of light. Anyone may participate, and lamps can be made at the Buddhist Culture Celebration or bought for only 3,000 to 5,000 won.

Period : May 2 - 4, 2003
Venue : Jogyesa Temple in Jongno area, the street of Jongno and Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam area
Inquiries : Buddha's Birthday Celebration Committee +82-2-725-6641
Homepage : http://www.llf.or.kr

* CTK (The Club Tourism Korea) offers tour package including meal, English guide, admission fee and travel insurance. Make a reservation now!

* Jogyesa Temple and the street of Jongno: Seoul Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station (Exit 2), Walk about 5 minutes.
* Bongeunsa Temple : Seoul Subway Line 2, Samseong Station (Exit 6), Walk about 10 minutes.
* Dongdaemun Stadium : Seoul Subway Line 2, 4 or 5, Dongdaemun Stadium Station.

The National tteok-making contest - 04/04/2003 - 04/06/2003

Address : Institute of Traditional Korean Food, Insa-dong, Seoul
Date: April 5, 2003 (Sat) / 11:30
Reservation deadline: March 31, 2003 (Mon)

Are you interested in making tteok(rice cakes) using flower petals? Tteok has long been an indispensable refreshment on feast days. In the spring, the old Korean people gather spring azaleas to make the unique rice cakes, which is one of Korea's traditional foods. In the past, there were more than 200 kinds of tteok, but that number has dropped to around 20. The Institute of Traditional Korean Food organizes this festival to preserve and pass down the precious know-how about making tteok. This festival will run from April 4 to 6 including a program for foreign visitors on April 6. You will compete with other participants to make the most well-decorated tteok. You can participate in this event at free charge.

Place: Institute of Traditional Korean Food, Insa-dong, Seoul
* If you would like to join this event, send us your name, phone number and e-mail address by fax or e-mail. You will receive a confirmation letter with detailed information.
Contact: Ga-young Lee / Kun Hyok Hwang, Cooperation Between Nations Team of Korea National Tourism Organization
Inquiries: Fax: +82-2-753-6944 Tel: +82-2-729-9454/6) / e-mail: ctk@mail.knto.or.kr

2003 Jeonju International Film Festival - 04/25/2003 - 05/04/2003

Address : Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
Festival Overview
Jeonju, home to many of Korea’s finest traditional art forms, will host the 4th annual Jeonju International Film Festival for the 10 days between April 25 and May 4.
This festival will feature 170 films from the 30 different countries under the slogan of Freedom, Independence, and Communication. Three main themes–Asian Independent films, Digital films, and Alternative films–make this film festival different. A variety of programs and films have been prepared such as Asian Independent Film Forum, which shows new versions throughout ten Asian films, Digital Spectrum, Focus on Jean-Claude Rousseau, and D.D.D: Danish Documentaries' Days, which brings the technology and the beauty of digital media into relief.

Jeonju Sonimaju, trying to harmonize the music and the movie, created a remarkable film, mixing music and voiceless movie. Also, a dramatic movie with animation, Youth Cinema Palace, invites you to a fantastic dreamland. The opening film, Yuginui Siseon (If you were me), is an omnibus movie made by six Korean directors about discrimination by societal prejudice and abuse. The closing film Far From Heaven was produced by Todd Haynes; it revives a melodrama in 1950s Technicolor–a pioneering color film technique. During the festival each theater, ticket box, and Jeonju tour information center offers brochures including schedules, theaters, shuttle bus, and events in both Korean and English. Nearby theater volunteers help people in three different language–Japanese, English, Chinese.

Theaters

• Main Theater: Jeonbuk National University Cultural Center

• General Theaters: Four screening areas- Cinecity Korea 1, Academy Art Hall 3, and Primus 2and 3

• Digital Screening Theater: Konji Art Hall in Jeonbuk National University

• Film and Digital Screening Theater: Deokjin Art Hall

• Outdoors Screening: JIFF Madang at Cinema District

• Event: Gosa Dong Cinema District

Tickets

• General theaters’ ticket boxes: Tuesday, April 22, 10:00 – Sunday, May 4

• Jeonbuk National University Cultural Center and Deokjin Art Hall: Saturday, April 26 10:00–Sunday, May 4

• Tickets for some popular movies must be purchased at each theater

Accommodation

• Hanok Living Experience Center (lodging at a private House): Tel. +82-63-297-6300

• Hotel Rivera Jeonju: Tel. +82-63-232-7000, 166 rooms

• Jeonju Tourist Hotel: Tel. +82-63-280-7700, 472rooms

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Buljeongsa Temple, Donghak Revolution Memorial Hall, Gyeonhwon Palace Site, National Jeonju Museum, Pan Asia Paper Museum, Traditional Liquor Museum, Honbul Literature Park, Deokjin Park, Jeonju Zoo

Website:http://www.jiff.or.kr (Korean/English)
Tourist Information

Seoul-Jeonju
Airway:
Gimpo Airport- Gunsan Airport, a 50-minute flight, twice per day
Gunsan Airport- Jeonju, one-hour ride by shuttle bus
Railway: Seoul- Jeonju, three-and–a-half hours
Express Bus: Seoul-Jeonju, a three hours’ trip

Jeonju-Theaters
Jeonju Express Bus Terminal- Jeonbuk National University Cultural Center, takes five minutes by taxi
Jeonju Station- Jeonbuk N. Univ Cultural Center, takes fifteen minutes by local bus #118, #119, and #119-1
Jeonju Express Bus Teminal and Jeonju Station- General Theaters, takes 10 minutes by taxi
Shuttle Bus: check the website after April 10
Transportation Information
http://tour.jeonju.go.kr/special_jeonju/traffic_lodging (Korean/English/Japanese/Chinese)