near news vol.37 (jpn)

NEAR | NEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia

201112

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

NEAR / /

NEAR

Special Contribution Wish You a Year of Peace and Prosperity

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities l Secretariat News l NEAR Member News

Feature Report Interview with Anna Zakharova

NEAR Member Tour Gwangju, the Core of Southwest Korea

37()

Mt. Mudeongsan, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Korea

2NEAR News

NEAR News

NEAR News

NEAR News aims to become an official messenger of NEAR to deliver news and share information among members. It is a periodical newsletter containing contents on NEAR activities, member news, international issues, contributions, notification, etc. NEAR News is translated into 5 languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian and Russian) and distributed to NEAR members and related institutions free of charge. It is also serviced online on the NEAR homepage.

NEAR News is open to anyone who is interested in Northeast Asia. If you have good contribution articles or creative ideas that you would like to run on the NEAR News, please contact the NEAR Secretariat.

()

Sunrise at the Royal Tomb of King Munmu, Gyeongju City,

Gyeongsangbukpdo Province

3

NEAR

NEAR is...an international organization founded by 29 government from four Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China,

Japan, Russia, etc., in September 1996 in Gyeongju, South Korea.

NEAR has adopted the Charter based on the ideology of co-prosperity of Northeast Asia, and carried out extensive exchange

and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and trade, education & cultural exchanges, environment,

disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries to tourism.

With the participation of North Korea and Mongolia and accession of new member governments, NEAR is growing as a

representative regional diplomacy and cooperative organization of Northeast Asia with 70 member governments from six

countries.

NEAR is open to all. Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the

NEAR General Assembly.

4 - Special Contribution

Wish You a Year of Peace and Prosperity

12

NEAR

NEAR82010NEARNEARNEARNEAR(5)(7)112007NEAR9NEAR-AER(AERAssembly of European Regions)33270201011AER25(Michele Sabban)(Klaus Klipp)NEAR-AER New Millenium Silkroad

NEAR(UNESCAP)- (UNDP-GTI)(PATA)(APN)(UNWTO)(AER)

NEAR429670575NEARNEAR11

2010NEARNEAR6()NEARNEAR News Letter6

2006115

NEAR

NEAR

Greetings! The old year has gone and a new one arrived. According to the oriental zodiac, 2011 is

the year of rabbit, which from old times symbolizes wisdom, fecundity, wealth and harmony. I hope this year will serve as a stepping stone for all the NEAR members to achieve a more prosperous development by overcoming the crisis with wisdom and to lay the foundation for peace and prosperity of Northeast Asia.

Last year, all the NEAR events were successfully completed, including the 8th General Assembly and the 2010 NEAR International Economic Forum. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members, since it would not have been possible without your full support and cooperation extended to the Secretariat. This year, as usual, the NEAR Working-Level Workshop will be held in May, followed by the Working Committee in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China in July and the meetings of the 11 Sub-Committees. The NEAR International Economic Forum, an annual event organized by the Secretariat since 2007, will be held in September in a bigger scale under the title of NEAR-AER Joint World Forum. The Assembly of European Region or AER is an international organization bringing together over 270 regions from 33 countries across Europe. As a preliminary step for partnership, the NEAR Secretariat delegation attended the AER General Assembly held last November in Istanbul, Turkey to mark its 25th anniversary, met with AER President Michle Sabban and Secretary General Klaus Klipp to discuss the forum agenda. I believe the NEAR-AER Joint Forum will achieve a New Milliennium Silk Road which connects Europe and Asia anew.

NEAR has now grown into one of the most influential international organizations in Northeast Asia in many aspects. First, it has built networks with global institutions not only in the Asia Pacific, but also Europe. They are:United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), United Nations Development Programme-Greater Tumen Initiative (UNDP-GTI), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research(APN) and the Assembly of European Region (AER).

Also, the membership was expanded from 29 founding members from four countries to cover 70 member regions from six countries or 75 member regions with five observers included. If the associate membership system is implemented, NEAR will be able to encompass even Central Asia. Furthermore, if Sub-Committees on Health, Hygiene and Food are added to the existing 11 Sub-Committees under NEAR's umbrella which now ranges from Economy & Trade to Women & Children, NEAR will be able to cover almost every field of the members' interest.

Meanwhile, as one of the most important achievements since its inception, the Secretariat finally put together the 1st edition of the White Paper, the record of every step taken by NEAR. It was published in six languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Russianand English) and distributed to member regions and relevant organizations in and out of Korea. In 2011, as previous years, the bi-monthly magazine NEAR News Letter as well as PR materials in various forms will be published in six languages and distributed.

Every year since 2006, one official for each NEAR member country (China, Japan, Mongolia and Russia) has been seconded to the Secretariat to stay in Korea for a year. The Secretariat plans to increase the number of seconded staffs in order to increase its role and function.

Finally, the Secretariat is making every effort to construct the NEAR Main Center befitting NEARs status as an international organization. We will continue to do our best in opening the age of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and beyond also by developing new agendas and international cooperation projects.

Even if it has not been long since a standing Secretariat was established, NEAR has transformed itself into a full-fledged international organizations. However, it still remains to be done to secure minimum autonomy and independence in operating the Secretariat to the full extent, which is as much difficult task as securing the budget. Now, laying down the burden, I am going back to where I used to be. Once again, please accept my sincere thanks for your all-out support and cooperation extended for a long time, even until now.

NEAR LEE Hae Doo NEAR Secretary General


5

201137()~310()9NEARE-

The 9th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention to Be Held in Hyogo Prefecture

The 9th NEAR Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention will be held on 7-10 March 2011, attended by officials overseeing disaster management efforts in 70 NEAR member regions. During the meeting, participants are expected to visit the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution, E-Defense (a large-scale experiment facility for shaking and collapse tests of full-scale structures) and the Japanese Red-Cross Society Hyogo Prefectural Chapter. Also scheduled is the practical drilling at the Hyogo Prefectural Emergency Management and Training Center as well as a lecture on international disaster relief.

- NEAR This Month

NEAR NEAR Activities

201117~18NEARNEARNEARNEAR

NEAR Secretariat delegation visited Embassies of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan

NEAR

On 17-18 April 2011 the NEAR Secretariat delegation headed by Gu Youn Gil, Director General, visited Embassies of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan in Seoul in an effort to invite Central Asian regions as associate members of NEAR. Mr. Gu asked Chyngyz Eshimbekov, Kyrgyz Acting Ambassador to Korea and Bakhtiyor Saidov, Counsellor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan to encourage Kyrgyz and Uzbek regions to participate in various NEAR events and the representatives of the Embassies granted their consent for cooperation.

Secretariat News

NEAR Gu Youn Gil, NEAR Director General, met with Kyrgyz Acting Ambassador Chyngyz Eshimbekov

NEAR Mr. Gu with Bakhtiyor Saidov, Counsellor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan

6 NEAR Member News

The 27th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

The 27th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival was opened on 5 January 2011 in Harbin City full of European atmosphere. People indeed from the whole world gathered, including high-level officials from the National Tourism Administration of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Government and Harbin Municipal Government; delegations of the German, Japanese, US, French, the DPRK and Russian Consulates; representatives of 10 sister cities and regions such as Niigata Prefecture (Japan), Khabarovsk Territory (Russia) and Rovaniemi City (Finland) along with hundreds of thousands of Harbin citizens. The opening ceremony was simultaneously held with the 1st Songhuajiang Ice & Snow Happy Valley followed by a wide range of ice-related activities, including ice lanterns, fireworks display, hot air ballooning and etc.

The ice festival turned the whole city into a huge tourism complex filled with snow and ice sculptures under the theme the Ice Palace. What made the festival more special was Harbins extended influence as a platform for international cooperation and exchange and realization of the true meaning of internationalization. For example, The Ice and Snow World teamed up with Disney to construct a Disney Ice and Snow Wonderland, a global tourism brand while the Snow Sculpture Art Expo in Sun Island Scenic Area featuring Italian architecture, culture and art. Also held was the 27th Ice and Snow Economic Trade Negotiation Conference.

20111527101 15

27

- Heilongjiang Province - China

The 2011 Hubei-Japan Economy & Trade Meeting and the Wuhan-Donghu Cherry Blossom Festival to Be Held in Wuhan

The 2011 Hubei-Japan Economy & Trade Meeting and the Wuhan-Donghu Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on 22-25 March 2011 in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The major focus of the event is to promote economic and trade cooperation while other collateral events will take place in the field of cultural, educational and tourism cooperation. Investment seminars and product recommendation meetings will be offered along with a familiarization tour to the development zone and the Smart City Forum under the topic of energy preservation, environmental protection, agriculture, automobile and components and high technology.

2011201132225

2011

- Hubei Province - China

2010 Japanese delegation who participated in the 2010 Hubei-Japan Economy & Trade Meeting

27 The 27th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

- NEAR This Month

7 Find the Attraction of the "Sake Kingdom" at the "Niigata Sake Festival 2011"

The Niigata Sake Festival 2011 is scheduled for 12-13 March, 2011. The festival is the largest one dedicated to Japanese traditional liquors or Sake attracting up to 87,000 visitors at maximum until 2010 and established itself as the flagship event of Niigata Prefecture. At this years event, the 8th of its kind, distillers from Niigata will host tasting events and sell Niigata Sake whose quality is recognized not only nationally but also internationally.

More foreign visitors are expected this year as the fame of the festival has spread with the increasing export of Niigatas traditional liquors.

2011312132201120118201087,000

2011

- Niigata Prefecture - Japan

(2010 Kagami Biraki or the sake cask breaking ceremony (2010)

The 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Friendly Relations between Toyama and Sao Paolo

Since the establishment of friendly relations with Sao Paolo City in 1985, Toyama has carried out various exchange and cooperation projects, including student exchange, training programs and the scholarship scheme for Sao Paolo Univ. students. As the year 2010 was not only the 25th anniversary of the friendly relations, but also the 100th anniversary of Toyama immigration to Brazil, a Toyama delegation headed by Governor Ishii of Toyama Prefecture visited Sao Paolo city in last July to attend celebration ceremonies and events. The visit was reciprocated in November when the representative of San Paolo Government participated in the welcoming ceremony and the 25th anniversary symposium in Toyama where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen partnership and cooperation.

1985201025

100112525

25 - Toyama Prefecture - Japan

()() Governor Ishii (right) talks with Sao Paolo Minister of Education (left) at the Department of Education building () The representatives of Sao Paolo (left) and Governor Ishii (right) at the Toyama Administration building

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments - NEAR This Month

8 The 2011 Daegu International Marathon Race: Run Together toward Future!

The 2011 Daegu International Marathon Race is to be held on 10 April in Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea attended by elite athletes and masters marathon runners. We cordially invite you to Daegu, the city of hospitality and cultural beauty.

Date: Sunday, April 10, 2011Venue: Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea Registration: Jan. 10 ~ Mar. 4, 2011Start time: 9:00 AM (full), 9:10 AM (10km), Everyone must be arrived before 8:00 AMStart & Finish: Jonggak 4-way intersectionOrganized & sponsored by: Korea Athletics Federation, Daegu Metropolitan City

The 2011 Yeongam Wangin Culture FestivalTheme : The Light of Wangin Opens up the Path of CultureWhen : 1-4 April, 2011 Where : Wangin Cultural Legacy Compound, Kurim Village, Pottery

Cultural Center

4102011

201111034(10km)( 910(10km)900()

2011 201141()44()

2011

- Daegu Metropolitan City - Korea

2011 Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival The 2011 Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival is scheduled for 1-4 April in Yeongam

County, Jeollanam-do Province, Korea. Dr. Wangin, a great scholar of Korea's ancient Baekje Kingdom, which existed in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula from 18 B.C. to 668 A.D, was born in Yeongam, a place also famous for a panoramic view of full-bloomed cherry blossoms. When he was eight, he studied Confucianism and Confucian scriptures and was appointed as Ogyeongbaksa (master of Confucianism) at the age of 18.

At the invitation of Japans Emperor Ojin, Wangin departed from Sangdaepo, which at the time was an international trading port, and crossed the Korean Straits to Japan, bringing with him texts of classical Chinese literature as well as top craftsmen to the island country. The renowned Baekje scholar is well-known for his part in the development of Japans Asuka culture.

Commemorating Wangins spirit of sharing and co-existence, the legacy left behind 1600 years ago, the 2011 Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival pursues to become a platform of education, joy and entertainment. The event, selected as the Korean Cultural Tourism Festival for four consecutive years, will be held at the Wangin cultural legacy compound and other venues including the pottery cultural center.

2011414181720111,6004(

)

2011 - Jeollanam-do Province - Korea

2010 Foreign marathoners posed at the 2010 Daegu International Marathon Race

Wangin Culture Festival Parade

- NEAR This Month

9 The East Coast Nuclear Energy Cluster Project Outlined

On 20 January, participated by more than 100 officials and experts from industry, academia, and government, a final report meeting on the East Coast Nuclear Energy Cluster Project was held in Daegu city, where Gyeongsangbuk-do Province disclosed the layout of various facilities to be built along the East Coast.

Recently, nuclear power has emerged as an increasingly attractive energy to solve fossil fuel depletion and greenhouse gas issues. The East Coast Nuclear Energy Cluster Project is a huge project set up by Gyeongsangbuk-do aiming to develop Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok and Uljin, the places along the East Coast, into a world-class nuclear industry cluster and national export base of nuclear power combining industry, research, education and culture. Geongsangbuk-do is the optimal place for a nuclear cluster offering the best infrastructure and natural environment along the coast area such as nuclear power plants, radioactive waste disposal facilities, a proton accelerator and the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.,Ltd, said Governor Kwan-Yong Kim of Gyeongsangbuk-do at the meeting.

Various industrial and educational facilities are scheduled to move into the cluster by 2028, including the 2nd Atomic Energy Research Institute; System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART); Test-bed Complex for Hydrogen Production by Nuclear Power; Industrial Complex for Nuclear Export; Institute of Standards and Technology; a graduate school of nuclear science; Technical High School of Nuclear Science; a radiological hospital; and a nuclear safety culture center.

Meanwhile, the GUD Bidding Committee for the International Science & Business Belt was launched on 25th January, under the objective to attract the national science & business belt project to Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (G), Ulsan Metropolitan City (U), and Daegu Metropolitan City (D).

120100

20282SMART

25(G)

(U)(D)3

- Gyeongsangbuk-do Province - Korea

Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Kwan-Yong Kim emphasizes the importance of building the East Coast Nuclear Energy Cluster

The GUD Bidding Committee for the International Science & Business Belt was launched.


- NEAR This Month

10

"Altai Tour, Altai Resort" Upcoming on 7-8 April

Today, Altai is one of the regions with greatest potential for tourism within the Russian Federation. The Altai Tour, Altai Resort to be held in this April, will exhibit various types of tourism and service products of Altai tourist companies.

Also, a lot of events are planned: meetings among the representatives of the regional and state departments on tourism development from the southwestern Siberia, seminars, round-tables, project presentations on Altai tourism, summer programs and etc.

Detail information:www.tourism.altfair.rue-mail: [email protected].: +7-3852-658844

4

www.tourism.altfair.ru(e-mail: [email protected], T, +7-3852-658844)

478

- Altai Territory - Russia

Altai is the place for mountain lovers

Award winners pose right after the award-granting ceremony for the Book Review Competition

"There is No Myth."

Book Review Awards: "There is No Myth"The award-granting ceremony for the Book Review Competition There is No Myth

was held on 28 December, 2010 in Ulaanbaatar, organized by the Korea-Mongolia Exchange Promotion Association and participated by award winners as well as officials from both countries. Among 280 contestants who reviewed the Mongolian edition of the Korean President Myung-Bak Lees autobiography There is No Myth, a total of 35 prizes were awarded, inclusive of 1st to 5th prizes and 30 consolation prizes. The Mongolian Minister of Educations Prize or 1st prize went to Mr. Munkhtegsh who unanimously captivated the jury. He drew attention even before the ceremony when it was known that graduation from middle school marked the end of his last formal education. This book made me born again, he said in his acceptance speech, demonstrating a change in mindset, apart from his talent of writing. The books powerful influence on my life is proved by the fact that someone like me who used to be a discouraged, gloomy person stands here now as a renewed, inspired young man. It made me realize I am the master of my life. His firm will to overcome the tests of life with integrity and faithfulness was warmly applauded by participants.

122828015630351

- Ulaanbaatar - Mongolia


11

The 14th Tomsk Innovation Forum (INNOVUS)The annual innovation forum INNOVUS will be held on 26th and 27th of May in

Tomsk Region, Russia. This event is expected to provide a platform for discussion on different aspects of innovation in economy building under the theme of Innovation Leadership and New R&D Management Methods, participated by CEOs of innovation companies and renowned experts from home and abroad including Nobel laureates. Welcome to INNOVUS! Additional information available at http://innovus.biz (Russian and English variants).

20115262714INNOVUShttp://innovus.biz()

14 - Tomsk Region - Russia

4(3 Governor Victor Kress of Tomsk Region (left fourth) and Presidential aide Arkady Dvorkovich (right third)

- NEAR This Month

12

NEAR 2011 NEAR Events Schedule

NEART.+86-951-5044-307F.+86-951-5044-307

T. +82-31-249-2191F. +82-31-249-3218

T. +86-852-22-6464F. +86-852-22-6412

T. +81-76-445-1571F. +81-76-445-1581www.npec.or.jp/northeast_asia

T. +86-531-86061762F. +86-531-86902739

T. +82-53-803-3265F. +82-53-803-3259

T.+86-531-86061762F.+86-531-86902739

T. +82-53-950-2919F. +82-53-950-2177

T. +86-371-6568-8841F. +86-371-6568-8841

T.+81-78-362-9870F.+81-78-362-9914

NEAR

NEAR

/

7

7

5.29() /7.298.3

7

8

9.1214()

9

9

2012()

2012.3

5

9

()

/

(EXCO)

(2011/2011 in )

10

10

10

NEAR-AER


13

NEAR SecretariatForeign Affairs Office, Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionT. +86-951-5044-307F. +86-951-5044-307

Economic Policy Division, Gyeonggi-do Provincial GovernmentT. +82-31-249-2191F. +82-31-249-3218

Culture and International Affairs Division, Shimane Prefectural GovernmentT. +86-852-22-6464F. +86-852-22-6412

Northwest Pacific Region Environmental Cooperation CenterT. +81-76-445-1571F. +81-76-445-1581www.npec.or.jp/northeast_asia

Administration Bureau of Dornod ProvinceT. +86-531-86061762F. +86-531-86902739

Economic Development Department, Government of Irkutsk Region

International Affairs and Trade Division, Gov. of Daegu Metropolitan City T. +82-53-803-3265 F. +82-53-803-3259Foreign Affairs Office, Government of Shandong Province T. +86-531-86061762F. +86-531-86902739Division of Economy and Trade, Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Gov.T. +82-53-950-2919F. +82-53-950-2177

Foreign Affairs Office, Government of Henan ProvinceT. +86-371-65688841F. +86-371-65688841

Government of Magadan Region

Division of Disaster Prevention Policy Planning, Hyogo Prefectural GovernmentT. +81-78-362-9870F. +81-78-362-9914

NEAR Secretariat

NEAR Secretariat

July

July

29 May (TBC) /29 July

~3 August

July

August

12-14 September (TBC)

September

September

TBC

TBC

2012

March 2012

May

September

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Yinchuan), China

Gyeonggi-do Province (Suwon), Korea

Shimane Pref.(Matsue) / Shimane Pref., Japan

Toyama Pref. (Toyama City), Japan

Dornod Province, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Irkutsk Region (Irkutsk City), Russia

Daegu Metropolitan City (EXCO), Korea

Shandong Province, Japan

TBC

Henan Province, China

Magadan Region, Russia

Hyogo Pref., Japan

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (Gyeongju City), Korea

NEAR Working Committee

NEAR

NEAR Secretariat

Sub-Committee on Science & Technology

Sub-Committee on Educational & Cultural Exchange(Northeast Asia Cultural Palette Project 2011 / Wings of Exchange in Shimane 2011)

The 10th Sub-CommitteeonEnvironment

Sub-Committee on Women & Children

Sub-Committee on Cross-border Cooperation

Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate Change

Sub-Committee on on Ocean & Fishery

Sub-Committee on Economy & Trade

Sub-Committee on Tourism

Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development & Coordination

The 10th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention

NEAR Working-level Workshop

NEAR-AER World Forum

Organizer Event Venue ContactDate

14

- Feature Report

Feature Report

)NEAR3251

NEAR1

- 1

-

NEAR News

2010PRNEAR

-

1

-

-

- NEAR

- NEAR

NEARNEAR Secretariat members pose at the Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju

NEAR !*( )

See you Secretariat, See you Korea!! - Interview with Anna Zakharova

15

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments - Feature Report

Dear NEAR friends! My name is Anna, and have worked at the NEAR Secretariat for almost a year since being seconded from Altai Territory, Russia on the 25th of March, 2010. Im glad to greet you through this very familiar journal.

On these pages, Id like to share my life, work and momories in the beautiful country Korea and the Secretariat of the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments.

Looking Back on Last Year...The last year has passed so quickly. There are so many impressions,

emotions, meetings, acquaintances, perceptions, which will be enough for the whole life. For me Korea - its the country of revelations. This is the first Asian country I've ever visited; the country, where I swam in the sea for the first time; the country where I was exposed to different culture, customs and traditions than Russian. And, the most impressive part is people. As far as I understand, Korean people are very kind, attentive, tolerant, hospitable and open-hearted. And it is the people, in my opinion, that is the most remarkable asset of this not-so-large country.

About Your Work at the Secretariat and Some Episodes Among my work duties, I could learn many practical things and

accumulate new experiences especially through translating various books and materials including the NEAR NEWS articles, searching various information about NEAR regions and, of course, participating in international forums and events. The very first of international event where I represented the interest of my region Altai was the NEAR Workshop 2010 in May. Frankly speaking, I was so much worried; I didnt know what to say, what to do and where to go. However, my collegues and superiors gave me enouragments and inspirations which eased my tension and anxiety. From that Workshop on, I began to understand the true goal of NEAR? contributing to the harmony of North East Asia and creating peace in the world.

About Learning Korean Language One of the purposes why I came to Korea was to learn Korean language

and the custom and culture of this country. Just a year ago I couldnt even imagine that I would speak, write and read in an unknown language. However, I learned quickly. It may sound arrogant, but I can now read and write Korean language well. I still have some problem in speaking but hope it will be overcome in time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teacher Mrs. Chun-Hoe Lee, the wife of NEAR Secretary General, for her compassion and efforts to encourage me whenever I was struggling with obstacles. I wish to continue to study Korean language, culture and custom in my homeland which brought me closer to the Korean people.

It Was So Much Fun to Visit... The life out of the office was also very exciting. I think this country is

beautiful in its nature, mysterious in its history and have very attractive tourism and leisure spots. I'm sorry that I couldn't visit so many places as I wished during my stay. It's fine, too, because this is another excuse to come back to Korea. In Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, where the Secretariat is located, I managed to see Pohang city, visit the Botanical Garden of Gyeongsangbuk-do as well as Gyeongju city, whose beauty befits its slogan(Beautiful Gyeongju).

The Must-Visit-Place You Recommend In Gyeongju I had an opportunity to see the ancient Cheomseongdae

Astronomical Observatory, visited the historical buddhish Bulguksa Temple. Being there, you have no choice but to plunge in the ancient Korea times. But when the season of cherry blossom comes - its impossible to express the beauty of the city. As the Russian saying goes, It is better to see once than 100 times to hear Its unforgettable. Also I visited Yong-in city of Gyeonggi-do Province, where the Traditional Korean Folk Village and the Everland Park, one of the largest amusement parks in the world are located.

And you should definitely visit Andong city and Mungyeong village, which is famous for delicious apples. You can never leave out Seoul. Splendor and simplicity, history and modernity, colors and impressions of every sort and kind? this is Seoul.

You Want to Thank...Id like to tell the words of gratitude to all my new friends - Aram,

Hishgee, Park Seung Gi, Sang Hyeon, Dong Ketong, Majumi, Bong Hwan, Park Man Bong, Hye-Jung, Hi Zook and many many others for their countenance, understanding, compassion and hospitability. You all helped me to feel like at home. Special thanks go to Secretary General Lee Hae Doo for this opportunity to work at the Secretariat for the harmony of North East Asia, and for his sincere help and encouraging words.

Last Words And of course, working in South Korea, I came to understand the

meaning of responsibility, importance of my activities and role as representing the Altai Regional Administration. I am very thankful to my colleagues back in Altai for their help and countenance, and especially to the Deputy Governor of the Altai Territory Boris Larin.

In conclusion, I would like to invite all of you to Altai Krai, the region of hospitality, tradition, abundant cultural heritage, and of rapid economic and social development. Thank you for all! Good-bye for a moment!

() With Mrs. Chun-Hoe Lee and Mayumi, a Secretariat staff from Japan At the Gyeongsangbuk-do Botanical Garden NEAR() Drawing Four Noble Plants (plum, iris, chrysanthemum, and bamboo) in Yeongju Seonbi Village, Gyeongsangbuk-do Way to Work

16

NEAR NEAR Member Tour

19805.18

5IT

CGI3D

Gwangju Metropolitan City is a core city of the southwestern region of the Korean Peninsula. For a long time it has been known as a hometown of culture and art and recognized as the symbol of the democratization movement in Korea advocating democracy, human rights and peace.

In an effort to transform itself as a cultural hub of Asia, Gwangju founded the Gwangju Biennale committed to an international approach to modern art among many other efforts to promote culture industry.

The May 18th Democratization Movement refers to a popular movement in the city of Gwangju during which citizens rose up against former Korean President Jeon Duhwan's illegal military dictatorship and called for democracy. This movement was recorded as a symbolic struggle to preserve human rights setting an example for many Asian countries who are aspiring freedom and justice.

Such cultural and historical identity of Gwangju has acted as a new driving force for regional development in the era of culture where creativity blooms.

Meanwhile, by developing photonics industry, including optical communication, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and optical access network, Gwangju has become a city with the biggest agglomeration of light-related industries in Asia and one of the top five photonics cities in the world.

Moreover, it is growing into the city of automobile and digital electronics by developing electric vehicles, key components of clean diesel vehicles and promoting IT convergence and intelligence home service robot industry based on Samsung home appliance factories.

Also, fostering research and development of renewable energy and new materials in photonics and nanotechnology, Gwangju is designated as a National R&D Special Zone and committed to create a science park that will lead high-tech industry in Northeast Asia.

We are assured that the higher level of sophistication of its artistic

Gwangju, the core of southwest korea

NEAR - NEAR Member Tour

The City of Gwangju

Mayor Un-Tae Kang of Gwangju Metropolitan City

17

culture and advanced technology will secure a global competitive edge to create high added value.

The 'city of light' Gwangju will continue to enhance its unique cultural assets while promoting creative acceptance and amalgamation of various cultures of the world with a flexible attitude and an open-minded heart.

Gwangju Metropolitan City is committed to promote harmony and better understanding among NEAR member regions contributing to happiness and prosperity of humanity. Thank you.

5

147501.2593

201075

The Happy, Creative City of GwangjuWith a population of 1.47 million, Gwangju Metropolitan City is the

fifth largest city in South Korea. Covering an area of 501.2 divided into five districts, it is the center of economy, culture, education, administration and transportation in Southwest Korea. The name of Gwangju means the City of Light, which dates back to a thousand years. For a long time the city has been known as a hometown of justice, art and beauty because citizens have never turned a blind eye to injustice and enjoy art, flavor and taste.

Gwangju, having faced its fifth election by popular vote in July 2010 and as Mayor Un-Tae Kang sworn into office, holds the goal of establishing The Happy, Creative City of Gwangju, and The Happy, Warm Community in Which Everyone Can Have Hopes and Dreams.

198055.18

20115

City of Democracy, Human Rights and PeaceGwangjus other cultural heritage is of democracy, peace and

human rights, born from the 18th May (5.18) 1980 Democratic Uprising in the city. In a time of national crisis, the spirit of Gwangjus 5.18 Democratic Uprising brought democracy into South Korea, setting an example for many countries who are aspiring freedom and justice.

Gwangju has advocated human rights and peace across the world. The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established to celebrate the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising by recognizing both individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace through their work. Gwangju has been involved in the development of human rights index, improved legal systems and established the Gwangju Asian Human Rights Forum, which is to be held in May 2011. UN designation of Gwangju as a human rights city is also being promoted.

1994


518 A night view of the fountain of the May 18 Democratic Square

18

18.73(R&D)

City of High-tech Industry and Quality R&D Infrastructure

Gwangju has nurtured photonics industry since 2000. Its infrastructure includes: Korea Photonics Technology Institute; Korea Association for Photonics Industry Development; Korea Electronics Telecommunications Research Institute; Advanced Photonics Research Institute; and the Photonics Industry Cluster with 350 companies.

Gwangju has been rapidly emerging an export-oriented, high-tech industrial city since the rapid growth of sophisticated industries such as home appliance robot, digital electronics, key components of clean diesel vehicles and fiber convergence technology in the 1990s. there is soaring demand for components and materials from companies including KIA Motors, Samsung Electronics.

Also, Gwangju has promoted the Gwangju R&D Special Zone (18.73) into an open special zone where foreign research institutes and companies can move in, especially in cooperation with R& D special zones in China and Japan.

Gwangju has been known as an optimal place for investment based on the advanced high-tech industry, competitive R&D infrastructure, quality human resources, clean environment, low-priced land and various incentives. Recently, many domestic and foreign companies have invested in Gwangju, including a company that owns the original technology of touch sensor and optical communication module manufacturers.

9118

(UCLG-ASPAC)

20042023483D

City of Culture and ArtGwangju has long been regarded as a city rich in music, art and

literature. The Gwangju Biennale, founded in 1994, has become Asia's oldest and most prestigious biennial of contemporary art. Also, Gwangju Design Biennale, Gwangju International Performing Arts Festival, Jeong Yul-seong International Music Festival and many others have further enhanced Gwangju's worldwide reputation as a city of art.

Furthermore, the city has been pushing forward The Hub City of Asian Culture Project at the national policy level with the investment of USD 4.8 billion from 2004 to 2023. The project aims to foster culture industry such as design, game and 3D movie by constructing the Asian Culture Complex and designating an Investment Promotion Zone for Culture Industry.

Gwangju will continue its role in communicating with various, rich cultures of Asia and joining them into a creative energy.

2000

350

IT1990(2000322010116)


Visitors of the Gwangju Kimchi Culture Festival make their own Kimchi

19

Toward a Global City Through a wide range of international exchange programs with

foreign cities abroad in diverse field, including economy, culture, art and sports, Gwangju has been growing into a leading global city in the 21st century, the era of globalization.

Gwangju has made continuous efforts to expand international exchanges and solidify international partnerships. As of now, it has sister city and cooperation relationship with 11 cities from 9 countries and is a member of 8 international organizations. Against this backdrop, Mayor Un-Tae Kang was elected as a Co-Chair of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC).

Gwangju is committed to further international exchange and cooperation especially in the private sector and expand partnership with foreign cities.

21

2015R&D

NEAR

Cooperation with NEAR Members toward Co-development

The axis of global economy has shifted to Northeast Asia and closer partnership among NEAR members has become ever more important.

As preparing to host the 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade, we reassure our commitment to work for co-prosperity of the international community and of Northeast Asia. We will continue to communicate with NEAR members on issues of common interest such as environment and resource development and try our best to promote practical cooperation exchange.

The Association of North East Asia Regional GovernmentsNEAR - NEAR Member Tour

2010 2010 Gwangju Design Biennale ()() A Pansori performer sings passionately at the Im Bang Ul's Korean Traditional Music Festival, which is held every year in Gwangju to commemorate Im Bang Ul, a very popular Pansori singer in the 1930s (Pansori is a genre of Korean traditional music; a kind of solo opera in which the singer tells a love story or satire through song) The exhibition hall of the Gwangju World Photonics Expo 8 Visitors look at an artwork at the 8th Gwangju Biennale

790-834 601 Tel : +82-54-223-2311~20, Fax : +82-54-223-2309E-mail : [email protected]

3F, Pohang TP, 601 Jligok-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang City,Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea, 790-834Tel : +82-54-223-2311~20, Fax : +82-54-223-2309E-mail : [email protected]


near news vol.37 (jpn)

Documents