Contestants Explore Beauty of Incheon City
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
An international group of young men have flocked to Korea for the 2010 Mr World contest. The event is more than just about good looks and charms; it encourages cultural exchanges and exploration of the host country, which began Saturday with a tour of one of Incheon’s beautiful islands.
``On behalf of Incheon’s 2.8 million citizens, may I say what a great honor it is to hold Mr World 2010 in Incheon City,’’ said Mayor Ahn Sang-soo during the contest’s opening reception, Friday, at Goldensky Resort, Incheon.
``I hope that each of you takes home many beautiful memories and invaluable experiences from Incheon, a city that is leading the growth of Korea in the 21st century.’’
The 74 young men’s initiation into the competition kicked off on Wolmi Island, one of the 150 small- and medium-sized isles scattered around the area.
``Incheon is the preeminent business hub in Northeast Asia,’’ said Ahn. ``Chosen as the location for Korea’s first Free Economic Zone, the city has excellent international infrastructure, including the cutting-edge Incheon International Airport, Incheon Seaport and Incheon Bridge.’’
The tour provided the representatives a glimpse of the region’s rich natural, technological and cultural resources. En route to the island, the group crossed over the Incheon Bridge, which is one of the longest in the world. The panorama, spanning 21 kilometers between Yeongjong Island and Incheon, included a view of Songdo, where the Mr World Final will be held on March 27.
Once on Wolmi Island, the men ventured up to the tallest peak and took in the sight of the breathtaking greenery and surrounding blue waters from the observation tower.
They also learned about the history of the island, which was a famous destination for the Japanese in the 1920s and ‘30s during the Japanese colonial period (1910-45). Beginning in the late ‘80s, the island has turned into a hot spot for arts, crafts and culture.
The contestants got their first glimpse of the beauty of Korea’s traditional architecture at the Wolmi Park gardens, which features replicas of ``hanok’’ (traditional houses) and pavilions. In particular, Carlos Ortega, 20, from Honduras drew attention by engaging in a game of Korean-style hopscotch.
The tour continued with a cruise for a view of the island’s peculiar shape, which is like the curved tip of a half-moon. The boat also passed under, Incheon Bridge. On the top deck, Belgium’s Willem Livee Hendrick Vermuyten, 21, entertained the group with an impromptu piano recital. Others danced away at the club in the lower level of the boat.
Ivan Rusilko, 26, representing the United States, said he was impressed by the sight of Songdo and Incheon Bridge, and that his image of Korea has changed.
``I expect the contestants to show all their talents and charms to the world through this competition,’’ said Chang Jae-ku, chairman of The Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group, co-organizer of the competition alongside the Miss World Organization.
The Mr World hopefuls will vie in sporting and cooking competitions as well as volunteer activities and talent shows through March 27. Visit www.mrworld.tv for more information.
