hs Something for Everyone at Rose Festival

By Christine McLellan & Hong Hye-rim

Interns

Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of Love, is said to have created the red rose. According to legend, she was pricked by a thorn bush in an attempt to save the life of her slain lover, Adonis. Her blood and tears fused to create what is now the world's most prominent archetype of love.

Today, the rose is praised internationally for its beauty and symbolism. With hundreds of varieties of roses, every type of person, regardless of age, sex or profession, is capable of appreciating its aesthetic and emotional appeal. As a result, many rose festivals take place throughout the world - one of which is held right here in southern Seoul.

The annual Rose Festival opened May 23 at a spacious garden in Seoul Grand Park, which also houses Korea's largest zoo and botanical garden. As many as 32 000 plants of 293 different species are on display.

While the festival attracts a large number of daily attendees, the Rose Garden's vast expanse and picturesque lakeside view provide guests with a uniquely serene environment.

With a variety of international performances, cultural exhibitions, and even a world parade, visitors can attest that this celebration is much more than just a pretty sight.

"I love how the performances are from all over the world," said visitor Kim Dong-jin, 32. "The Brazilian samba dance troupe seemed so authentic."

Other performances include a Chinese acrobatics spectacular and magic show, the latter of which was particularly dazzling for the myriad kindergarten children easily distracted from the roses.

"For many of the kids, this was their first magic show," explained Lee Mi-young, a 26-year-old schoolteacher. "They absolutely loved it!"

Just adjacent to the Rose Garden is the Children's Zoo, where kids can pet and play with various animals. Chun Won-young, a mother of two sons, was happy that there was something fun for her entire family.

"My sons particularly liked 'talking' to the sheep," laughed the 34-year-old.

Kang Hyung-uk, manager of the park's public relations team, emphasizes the therapeutic properties of roses.

"What people may not realize is that the perfume of a rose is also a powerful antidepressant. Our guests leave the festival feeling rejuvenated, with an optimistic outlook on life," Kang said in an interview with The Korea Times.

While the performances hail from a variety of countries, there is also an exhibition featuring one-of-a-kind artifacts, jewelry, and decorative pieces from 15 truly exotic countries. With such an emphasis on multiculturalism, the festival serves to commemorate South Korea's increasingly important role in international affairs.

"Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the Korean zoo," explained Kang. "We are preparing the park for world-wide attention."

Until then, Koreans and foreigners alike can enjoy the wide range of entertainment at this summer's Rose Festival. With such an array of activities all in one beautiful garden, this colorful festival has something for everyone.

The Rose Festival will run until June 30.

To get to Seoul Grand Park, take subway line 4 heading south toward Oido. Get off at station, Seoul Grand Park, exit 2. A tramcar is available to the Rose Garden. Please visit grandpark.seoul.go.kr for more details.