Asia's biggest model festival soon to open in Suwon

Asia's biggest beauty and culture festival will open this weekend in the South Korean city of Suwon as part of Visit Suwon Year events, with 125 models from 25 Asian nations to be present, the event's organizer said Friday.

Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, 50 kilometers south of Seoul, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site that was built by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), from 1794-96.

The 11th Asia Model Festival, which will run from May 15-21, features three categories -- the 2016 Asia News Star Model Contest, the 2016 Asia Mi (beauty) Festival and the 2016 Asia Model Awards -- the organizer said.

In particular, the Asia Mi Festival is Asia's biggest event for fashion and beauty industries that will introduce Asian fashion and beauty industries to the world. The festival will also provide chances for top Asian models, artists and designers to demonstrate their skills and abilities through such shows as traditional costume shows, fashion shows, hair shows and beauty shows.

Earlier, Suwon selected the model festival as one of the main events for the Visit Suwon Year. (Yonhap)