Festivals Calendar - December 2008

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- The following are the major cultural and tourist festivals to be held in South Korea in December.

*Yeongdong Dried Persimmon Festival
When: Dec. 19-21
Where: Yeongdong, North Chungchong Province
Yeongdong is a major persimmon growing area in South Korea and a mecca of Korean
music. Dried persimmon, called "gotgam" in Korean, is a delicacy especially
eaten in winter time. Yeongdong county is holding the festival to show the
exceptional quality of Yeongdong persimmons. Visitors will be able to see the
"gotgam" making process and buy products at discounted prices. Enjoying
traditional Korean music will also be among the attractions.
For more information, visit http://gam.yd21.go.kr or call 043-740-3311.

* Seoul Doll Fair
When: Dec. 23-Jan. 1, 2009
Where: Convention and Exhibition Center, Seoul
A variety of famous dolls from around the world will be on display at Seoul's
Convention and Exhibition Center from Dec. 23. About 10,000 various dolls,
ranging from rag dolls to rare products costing more than 100 million won per
item, will greet visitors at the Pacific Hall of COEX. The exhibition, the
largest of its kind in Korea, will also show imaginative and artistic doll houses
based on fables of the world.
For more information, visit http://www.dollfair.co.kr or call 02-724-7750.

* Seoul Asian Arts Festival
When: Dec. 8-16
Where: Concert Hall and Towol Theater of Seoul Arts Center
A celebration of the culture and arts of Asia will be held at the Seoul Arts
Center for nine days beginning Dec. 8 under the theme of "Color of Asia, Wave of
Asia." The festival, the first of its kind, is designed to build a cooperative
network among cultural, arts and educational institutions across the continent.
Programs include a joint performance of wind and string musicians from Korea,
China and Japan, a showing of "Shakespeare's Winter Story" and a film festival.
For more information call 02-820-6495

*Cheonbuk Oyster Festival
When: Dec. 6-14
Where: Cheonbuk-myeon, Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province
Oysters, known as the "milk of the sea," are not only a major source of protein
in winter time but a delicacy. The festival will offer the opportunity to enjoy
all kinds of the delicious shellfish.
For more information, visit http://ubtour.go.kr or call 041-930-3114.

* Christmas Candles Exhibition
When: Nov. 29-Jan. 31, 2009
Where: Feelux Lighting Museum, Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi Province
All sorts of candles in gorgeous shapes and with fragrant scents will enchant
visitors at the Christmas Candles Exhibition. The expo will feature miniature
Christmas villages, Santas and Christmas rooms. Visitors will also be able to
make their own Christmas trees and take fantastic photos.
For more information, visit http://www.lighting-museum.com or call 031-820-8001.

* Sunrise Festivals
Festivals to greet the New Year's sun will be held across the nation from Dec. 31
to Jan. 1. Some of the festivals worthy of experiencing are those in Homigot;
Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province; Donghae, on the east coast; Ganjeolgot, Ulsan;
Busan, the largest port city in South Korea; and Yeosu, also a port city in South
Jeolla Province. Web sites and related phone numbers are:

* Homigot
Web site: http://sunrise.ipohang.org
Phone: 054-270-2114
* Busan
Web site: http://www.festival.busan.kr
Phone: 051-888-3392
* Ganjeolgot
Web site: http://ganjeolgot.org
Phone: 052-229-7000
* Donghae
Web site: http://www.dhtour.go.kr
Phone: 033-530-2474
(END)
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