N. Korea extends Arirang festival by 18 days

North Korea has extended its annual "Arirang Show" dance and gymnastics performance by another 18 days, a Chinese tourist agency said.

The show, named after a famous Korean folk song, features tens of thousands of young gymnasts performing synchronized acrobatics, dance routines and flip-card mosaic animations, in what is believed to be the largest gymnastics show in the world.

This year's show will end on Sept. 27, later than its previously scheduled date of Sept. 9, according to Koryo Tours in Beijing, the agency specializing in tours to North Korea. "But it's not unusual because the show has been prolonged every year."

The extension may aim to increase the North's opportunities for foreign currency income from the show frequently viewed by foreign tourists, experts said. (Yonhap)