The National Orchestra of Korea performs Gugak at the opening ceremony. (Photo: Yonhap News)
A mega-size event to introduce Korean culture to the world officially opened at BOZAR, the Center for Fine Arts, in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 9.
More than 1,200 people visited BOZAR on opening day, proving the rising popularity of Korean culture.
The festival is composed of two major expositions - "The Smile of Buddha" and "Made in Korea".
"The Smile of Buddha" is the biggest Buddhism exposition in the world. It has 209 pieces of Korean Buddhism art, including four national treasures and eight treasures.
"Made in Korea" concentrates on Korean culture, from traditional foods, art and books to plays and performances.
"Gugak", or Korean traditional music, filled the air on the opening day, and the event's finale will showcase B-boy performances.
Twenty-five Korean films from famous directors such as
Kim Ki-duk and
Lee Chang-dong screen during the event.
The Korean and Belgium governments each supported 2.1 billion and 3.2 billion won, respectively, for this event.
"There has never been an event this big to introduce Korea to the world", said Yu In-chon, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during the opening ceremony. "This festival will show the world Korea's power, which came to be after dramatic growth during the past 60 years".
The event is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Museum of Korea and the Belgium BOZAR.
"The Smile of Buddha" will run through Jan. 18, and "Made in Korea" will continue until Feb. 28.
By Park Min-young
KOREA, November 2008
