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pyongyang Korean Leaders Hold Historic Talks

President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il began formal talks in a historic meeting in Pyongyang Wednesday to reduce military tension and strengthen economic ties. The day had a lighthearted start, with Roh presenting Kim with a massive package of presents that included expensive lacquer-ware and ceramic works, regional tea specialties, and a special DVD set of popular South Korean movies and television series. Kim prepared a surprise of his own, suggesting Roh extend his three-day Pyongyang trip to a four-day schedule. Roh accepted the offer and will be staying in North Korea through Friday. The bright atmosphere at the second day of the summit talks quieted talk about the ``stony expression'' of the North Korean leader upon Roh's arrival in Pyongyang, Tuesday. It remains to be seen whether the meetings will produce a result that everyone can keep smiling about.

Oct 3, 2007

GEOJE POW camp

Staff Reperter By Shim Hyun-chul With the upcoming summit bringing new hopes for reunification on the peninsula, Koreans still have memory of tragic battles during the Korean War(1950~1953). Sites like the History Park of Geoje Prisoner of War (POW) Camp teaches us an up close lesson on the devastating consequences of the war. The camp, located on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province, was founded in early 1951 by U.N. troops, and held around 170,000 prisoners in 28 facilities until an armistice was concluded in 1953. The former camp has been reborn as a historic park with various exhibition halls that help visitors comprehend the actual situation at the time. Visitorv can look through the outline of the war, the living quarters of POWs and also view pictures and recordings. The camp was designated as Cultural Asset No.99 of South Gyeongsang Province in December 1983, with only some remnants of the facility still existing. It was also used as the site for the movie “Last Witness” (2001) featuring top actors Ahn Sung-ki, Lee Jung-jae and Lee Mi-youn.

Sep 27, 2007

Yangju Byeolsandaenori

Sounds of traditional musical instruments filled the air as a mask dance drama took place in the center of a large plaza. Not knowing where the stage began and ended and where the audience came in, masked dancers mixed with audience in the vast plaza. Masked dancers would move their shoulders to the rhythm of the music or strike satirical poses, drawing out laughter. So the masked dance play went on as a cool fall breeze blew, as the rice paddies turned golden and as swallows with their mouths filled with grain, sang their songs. Fall is here, and Chuseok, which symbolizes the season's abundance, is a few days away. The mask dance drama or Yangju Byeolsandaenori, was a mask drama held on important holidays such as Chuseok. Designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 2 in 1964, the dance continues with its tradition to date. Originally, Yangju Byeolsandaenori was a mask dance drama that played in Seoul and central region. Children take photos with their cellular-phone cameras of the masked dance players the Yangju Byeolsandaenori Plaza in Yangju. But it too

Sep 20, 2007

The Garden of morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is located at the edge of Mount. Chungnyeong in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, one and a half hours north of Seoul. The garden’s name was inspired by Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore’s description of Korea, the country of the morning calm. Rain, shine and fog combine for breathtaking scenery at the Gapyeong garden nestled on the slopes of Mount. Chukryeong in the early hours of the day. Founded in 1996, the arboretum, comprised of thirteen small theme-oriented gardens, attracts more than 650,000 visitors annually, showcasing about 1,000 varieties of flowers and plants. It grew popular since its appearance in the movie, “The Letter” (1997) featuring Choi Jin-sil and Park Shin-yang. The Korea Garden, one of the 13 gardens, is adorned with traditional Korean architecture. The Wild Flower Garden, has a collection of various native wild flowers and the Bunjae Garden displays potted plants grown into works of art. Visitors can also enjoy the Morning Square at the center of the arboretum, an open grass field with a wonderful view, the Mugunghwa (Nati

Sep 13, 2007

Yeongyang _ Pure, Clean County

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff Reporter Water winds down from the valley in Mt. Ilwol in Yeongyang County, northeastern region of North Gyeongsang Province. Along national road 31 on its way to the mountain, fully bloomed wild flowers are found here and there. This place was once a mining area but the county closed it in 2001 and built Jasaeng-hwa Park to preserve wild flowers threatened with extinction. Proceeding along the road after passing the county office, Gamcheon Oriental Arborvitae Bush, a Natural Monument No. 114, appears. Arborvitaes now stand in a row like a folded screen holding onto a stonewall. Around them exists Seoseokji saving traces. In 1613, Sir Cheong Yeongbang built it on the basis of the idea that human beings and nature are combined. Yeongyang County is the biggest habitat for fireflies in Korea. It is named a special place for an ecological village experience, and firefly feasts are held every July and August. Mt. Geomma Natural Resort Forest which is located in Shinwon-ri 4.2 kilometers away from the seat of Subi-myeon office is

Sep 6, 2007

Korean Folk Village

Traditional Rustic Charm By Gregory Curley Contribute writer Just beyond the sturdy, solemn wooden gates, laying stretched across a beautifully preserved, rustic landscape, a meandering path weaves its way endlessly through a scattered series of traditional reminders from a long time ago. The harmonious offering is known as the ``Korean Folk Village,’’ and remains a valuable experience for anyone wishing to learn more about the lifestyle Koreans were once accustomed to. All landmarks dotting the premises have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to come and sample Korean food, clothing and ancient lifestyle. Opening its doors on October 3rd, 1974, the site occupies over 230 acres of natural environment and houses historic architecture _ more than 260 traditional buildings, with origins stemming all the way back to the late Joseon Dynasty. Walking through its grounds, one soon gets a sense of what time was really like back then. Locals are dressed accordingly in classic, intricately woven garb and act out the various functions of vill

Aug 30, 2007

Sudoguksan _ Shantytown Museum

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff Reporter Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living (SMHL), located in Dong-gu, Incheon, does not house precious displays but is reminiscent of the not-too-distant past, which is considered priceless. It shows the lives of the public during hard times. The name ``Sudoguksan” originated from a water reservoir during the Japanese colonial period, initially it was called Songrimsan, meaning pine forest. When urbanization was progressing in the 1960s and ‘70s it was a hillside slum, where refugees of North Korea and country folk seeking jobs in Seoul formed a village of about 3,000 households. As part of renovating the abode, the site was reconstructed into apartment complexes for the residents. Those who felt a loss for their disappearing shelters suggested building a museum to commemorate its legacy. The museum opened on Oct. 25, 2005, and revives the lives of the ‘60s and ‘70s, with models of public waterworks, a barbershop and kitchens. Additionally hundreds of articles from everyday living, such as doorplates and traditional iron, were don

Aug 23, 2007

Bali

KoreaTimes Photos by Gregory Curley Disarming Hindu Hospitality By Gregory Curley Contributing Writer What Bali lacks in surrounding white sand beaches and glimmering turquoise waters, it certainly makes up for with its exceptionally warm hospitality, intricate artwork, culinary delicacies, and carefully woven, culturally rich history. Strung snugly together between Lombok and Java on Indonesia’s southern beaded string of islands, its unique presence has been luring tourists back year after year in droves. Laid back living, gorgeously kept villa resorts run by graceful, radiant locals and traditions that bear the scars of years of unrest, Bali is a colorful sight to behold and an experience to be long remembered. From Uluwatu’s traditional monkey dance performances called “kecak”, set against breathtaking bleeding sunsets off its southern coast, to the mystical, lush village of Ubud, with its abundance of handcrafted artwork and cozy restaurants, the island boasts some of the finest attractions not found anywhere else in the country. With upscale resor

Aug 16, 2007

Nami Island

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff Reporter A 10-minute ferry ride from Gapyeongnaru in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, will lead you to an island _ with its welcoming gate looking like a secret access to Alice’s Wonderland. Next to the entrance, a long path greets lovers and families walking in the fresh air. This is Nami Island _ 63 kilometers north of Seoul along the Bukhan River. The place was named after Gen. Nami, who lived in King Sejo’s era of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). He was wrongfully accused of treason and executed at the age of 28. He was buried on the island. This six-kilometer-round island is free from the noise and smells of the crammed and busy city, instead offering up a little room for romance and relaxation. Walking along the long central nut pine tree road you can get all the meditation you need. Camels eating fallen tree leaves will be spotted in your camera viewfinder on the famous metasequoia road. You can lease bicycles or take a small train to look around the island. Staying at a condominium or a hotel built with mud and Korean traditional paper will a

Aug 9, 2007

In Search of Marco Polo’s Mongolia

By C. McCarthy Staff Reporter BAYAN-OLGII, Mongolia ― Marco Polo wrote of Western Mongolia as a land “barren of hope in spite of its existence.” It is here among the crimson colors of the Central Asian plateau that the Altai Nuruu mountain range climbs into the heavens and the echoes of the Genghis Khan Empire can still be heard. In the poetic undertones of this landscape time is lost and life is as it has always been. Wild horses graze the steppes’ slender grasses, fermented mare’s milk is drunk amongst friends, and the Nomadic lifestyle answers only to the seasons. Wedged in between China and Russia, Mongolia is a self-governing republic in the heart of the Central Asian plateau. Genghis Khan brought the land to the height of its power in the 13th century. But, today it is in many ways a land still living in the past. It is in this isolated country where the Kazakh people have kept their ancient culture almost completely intact, after being expelled from Russia two hundred years ago. To this day, they carry on the 2000-year-old tradition of hunting on horseback with majestic

Aug 2, 2007

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