By Sa Eun-young
Staff Reporter
There are few better ways countries can develop closer relationships than through cultural exchanges in a festive atmosphere, which is precisely what Korea and Japan will be doing this weekend. The event organized by a Korean and Japanese executive committee, will run for its third year under the title ``Korea-Japan Festival 2007 in Seoul,'' this Saturday and Sunday.
The cross-cultural festival will be held in the heart of the city, taking place in the Cheonggye stream area and the Seoul Plaza square in front of City Hall. This year, 22 groups from Japan and 40 groups from Korea will create a festival filled with performances, parades, tourism booths and booths providing first-hand cultural experiences. Having begun in 2005 _ the year of Korea-Japan Friendship_ it has grown in size and influence, with 124 Korean and Japanese organizations also sponsoring the event.
For the first day, the program will be divided into two parts _ one in the afternoon and one in the evening. The festival will kick off at the Seoul Plaza with an opening ceremony and a taste of what is to come ahead. The highlight for the afternoon is a parade, which starts at 4:30 p.m. at Cheonggye stream and proceeds to the Seoul Plaza.
It will be a chance to see both Korean and Japanese modern and traditional performances such as the Korean Yumkwang marching band; a top baton twirling team from Japan; ``Bongsan talchum,'' a traditional Korean mask dance; and ``Yosakoi,'' a unique style of dance that originated in Japan. The event will also commemorate the 400th anniversary of ``Joseontongsinsa,'' a cultural mission that was first dispatched to Japan in 1607, with 160 members marching in the parade.
The evening festivities at the Seoul Plaza Square include a joint performance of Korean and Japanese traditional music and dances as well as modern shows like break dancing. In particular, the Korean circle dance, ``Ganggangsullae,'' is anticipated to be a platform for more interaction between the performers and the audience. Korean singer Youn Ha, who has actively acted as a cultural bridge between Korea and Japan, will take the stage as the finale.