The Association of Northeast Asia Regional

Governments

Special Feature Korean Cultural Experience for Public Officials Seconded from NEAR Members - Korean Folk Songs

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I Schedule of NEAR Member

Feature Report NEAR Members' Cultural Series 3 - The World of Siberia

NEAR Member Tour Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Vol. 58

NEARNews

Nightview in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR2014. 7-8

“NEAR News” was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

NEAR News

'The World of Siberia' Summer Festival in Russia

Vol. 584 12 14

NEAR is...a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 76 regional governments (71 member regions and 5 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

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.

The Association of Northeastesia Regional

Governments

Korean Cultural Experience for Public Officials Seconded from NEAR Members – Korean Folk Songs Special Feature

Korean Cultural Experience for Public Officials Seconded from NEAR Members

The NEAR Secretariat provides public officials seconded to the NEAR Secretariat in March, 2014 with a chance to experience Korean culture by implementing “Learning Korean folk song program" once a week, to let them understand Korean culture.

A folk song represents people's trait and includes the spirit

of the people which is not expressed in languages. The Korean

Folk song class helps me to enjoy one ethnic’s spirit and

philosophy better understanding Korean culture. But, for me who

don’t know about music, I've become interested in Korean history

and culture related to the folk music and it would be hard for me

to achieve excellent results regarding the folk songs.

The melody of Korean folk songs has unique beauty and

vivid racial peculiarities. The content of the Pansori also varies.

Most of musical instruments such as janggu and drum are played

upright and are played with fingers and drumsticks with the drum

standing. The most difficult thing to learn is to understand rhythm

and vocalization.

In a Korean drama titled ‘You who came from the stars,̓

one of Chun Song-yi's dialogues “Chimac is the best in the snowy

day” made chicken and beer come into the spotlight among young

people. A Chimac's fad is beginning in China. Like this, Korea has

a wide variety of foods ranging from a hot taste to fermented food

and the food is very nutritious. During my stay in Korea, I would

like to understand as much Korean food culture as possible.

I had no interest in Korean folk songs at first, but it is

interesting to learn because it has a variety of songs.

Aldo, I found enjoyment in playing musical instruments as well as

singing a song.

Compared to Japanese folk songs, they are similar in

including lyrics on efforts to win one's heart and daily life. In terms of

a musical instrument, Korean and Japanese folk songs are similar both

in using drums and string instruments, but they differ in types.

I want to know Korean sports culture. I know that Incheon

Asian Games and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games are

respectively to be held in September 2014 and 2018. I am really

interested in how these big events are operated.

•

Staff Seconded from China

Qi Hongzheng

•

Staff Seconded from Japan

Matsuo Shuichiro

Korean Folk Songs

How do you like Korean folk song program? Compared to the folk songs of your home country, what is special about the Korean folk songs? Do you have any trouble learning Korean folk songs?What do you want to learn besides Korean folk songs?

Q1. Q2.

Q3.

NEAR NEWS Vol. 584

Special Feature Korean Cultural Experience for Public Officials Seconded from NEAR Members – Korean Folk Songs

•

Staff Seconded from Mongolia

Batsuuri Undrakh

•

Staff Seconded from Russia

Anna Laman

When I was in Mongolia, I had no interest in music and

songs. Learning Korean folk songs for the first time in Korea made

me have a unique and enjoyable experience. I practiced Korean folk

songs and types of musical instruments. In particular, I have an

interest in learning some of the musical instruments. I think my

singing ability has a bit been improved.

Korean folk songs make high-pitched tone and turn abruptly

into low-pitched tone. In this sense, it is very similar to Mongolian

Urtiin Duu. It seems that the tone of Pansori is similar to Mongolian

'Toil' in genre, but it is entirely different from Mongolian 'Toil' in

melody. It is quite difficult for me to try to sing in a louder voice.

I would like to learn other Korean culture, not merely

learning Korean folk songs and musical instruments.

In particular, as I am interested in art, I would like to have many

opportunities to experience Korean painting, Korean paper arts,

chinaware arts, and calligraphy.

According to the expressions mainly used in Russia, music is

‘Spirit of the People’ because traditional music of every nation

includes the most perfect national specificity. When the Secretariat

proposed offering a Korean folk song class to the staffs seconded from

foreign countries, I had interest in understanding Korean life and

thought. Korean folk songs vary and difficult to learn. I think nobody

is able to sing Korean folk songs well from the first, but as a teacher

of the class is qualified and teaches us with all of her heart, it is very

lucky for us to learn the songs in a better way.

I think Korean folk songs are a completed performing art. It

seems that Korean folk songs tell a lively story not just singing.

Russian folk songs are more lyrical and accessible to the listeners in

making them understand well.

Pansori is a type of traditional Korean music and a singer

chants a narrative song according to a pansori master's beating time. If

given the chance, I would like to experience traditional Korean

musical instruments such as drums.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 5

NEAR ActivitiesNEAR This Month

NEAR Activities

Activity Report of the NEAR Sub-Committees

The NEAR Sub-Committee on Life & Medical Industry to be held (September 29~October 2)

■ Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development and Coordination (Magadan Region, Russia)

The NEAR Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development and Coordination was held on July 19 in Magadan region,

Russia. There were plenty of events, including the 1st International Magadan Investment Fair and the 75th anniversary of

Magadan’s founding. The Sub-Committee was a platform to share experiences in the area of natural resources development

and have a continued partnership among member regions. Also, participants had a chance to hear the story of industrial sites by inviting representatives of

mining enterprises as well as of Magadan government. Director General Lee Jong-hwan attended in the Sub-Committee on behalf of the NEAR Secretariat

and delivered a presentation regarding investment activation plans of Magadan and exchange and cooperation plans among NEAR member regions.

■ Sub-Committee on Educational & Cultural Exchange (Shimane Prefecture, Japan) “The Northeast Asia Wings of Exchange in Shimane 2014,” one of the projects of the Sub-Committee on

Educational and Cultural Exchange, was held from August 1-6 in Shimane Prefecture, Japan.

The meeting, which is annually held as part of Sub-Committee on Educational & Cultural Exchange, seeks to

build a network to improve mutual understanding and to foster friendship exchanges among the youth of the

Northeast Asian regions. The Sub-Committee was attended by a total of 27 people from four countries, including

China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia as well as the NEAR Secretariat; participants spent a meaningful time improving exchanges with local residents

through a variety of programs such as experiencing home-stay and traditional Japanese culture.

The NEAR Sub-Committee on Life & Medical Industry is scheduled for

September, 2014 for the first time to promote exchange and cooperation in

life and medical industry among regional governments of Northeast Asia.

The Sub-Committee is expected to find joint solutions on a variety of issues

each member faces and to build a bridge for cooperation among member

regions under the title of “Exchange and Cooperation in Life and Medical

Industry in Northeast Asian Regions.”

The 6th NEAR International Forum was held on August 27-29 in

Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. The forum, extraordinarily co hosted by the

Secretariat of the Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

(NEAR) and the government of Khabarovsk Krai of Russia, covered

the issues brought up in Northeast Asia and made it much more special.

The theme of the Forum was ‘One Northeast Asia Region, One

Community-Challenges & Opportunities.' The forum was participated

by Governor Kim Kwan-yong of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province,

Chairman Chung Tae-ik of the Korean Council on Foreign Relations

(KCFR), President Michele Sabban of R20 Regions of Climate Action,

and great world’s scholars, related organizations, and member regions.

The stories continues in our next issue.

The 6th NEAR International Forum to be held

■Contents

The Forum consisted of opening remarks, a keynote speech, and

special speech and was divided into three sessions along with

presentations, discussions, dinner banquet, and cultural visit.

The theme of each session is as follows.

- Session I: Unity between Eurasia and Northeast Asian Region

(90 Min)

- Session II: Seeking for New Growth Engine in the Region (Sub-

region of Pan-East Sea/ Sea of Japan) (90 Min)

- Session III: Action for Climate Change and Environmental

Issues in Northeast Asia Region (90 Min)

• Date : September 29 (Mon) ~ October 2 (Thu) • Venue : Hotel Ramada, Cheongju City, Chungchengbuk-do

Province, Korea • Participated by : Member Regions and Related Departments • Agenda: - Presentation by representatives of member regions

- Presentation on life and medical industry cases and international joint research

- Presentation on resolutions and results

NEAR NEWS Vol. 586

NEAR This Month Secretariat News

Starting with the Opening Ceremony on July 3, the 21st Century Human

Value Forum consisted of six keynote speeches, four special lectures, three

plenary sessions, two round-tables, and six special sessions. Each session

was held at the Andong Culture & Art Center, Center for International

Exchange of Andong National University, Confucian Land, and Andong

Citizen’s hall on July 3, 4, and 5 respectively. Titled ‘Human Values for

the 21st Centuries,̓ the Forum was participated by more than 120 people,

including experts at home and abroad. Korea's spiritual cultural capital

clarified that they will hold Human Value Forum to shed new light on the

Northeast Asian value’s influence on the history of the world's

civilizations.

Secretary General Kim Attended the 21st Century Human Value Forum

On June 19, ‘D-300 Ceremony for Successful 2015 Daegu-Gyeongbuk

World Water Forum’ was held at EXCO, Daegu. The event, which was

co-hosted by the Organization Committee for the 2015 World Water

Forum, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation (MOLIT),

Ministry of Environment (ME), and City of Daegu, was arranged for

everyone to participate in to promote the exhibition to the public. “World

Water Forum 2015 is a platform for water industry development of Daegu-

Gyeongbuk and Korea. I hope for related organizations’ thorough

preparations and local residents’ attention.” Joo Nak-young, Vice

Governor of Administration for Gyeongsangbuk-do said in a

congratulatory speech while Secretary General Kim said “NEAR will

make an effort to cordially invite all NEAR member regions to the Forum

for successful World Water Forum.”

NEAR Secretary General Kim Participated in the D-300 Ceremony for Successful 2015 World Water Forum

Led by Director

General Lee Jong-

hwan, NEAR

Secretariat delegates

participated in the 1st

China-Russia Fair

held in Harbin City,

Heilongjiang Province on June 29-30. On the first day, they participated in

the welcome banquet and the eve festival. on the 30th, they encouraged

Heilongjiang to participate in the NEAR International Forum in August

and the General Assembly in October in Jeollanam-do Province taking

with Vice Governor Hao Huilong of Heilonjiang Province under the topic

‘Development plan of the Association.’ Following the visit to

Heilongjiang, they participate in the welcome banquet and met with

Participation in the 1st China-Russia Fair and Visit to Foreign Affairs Office of Jilin Province

The Secretariat delegation, led by Director General Lee Jong-hwan,

participated in the Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development

and Coordination held on July 16-21 in Russia and visited Khabarovsk

Krai to prepare the NEAR International Forum held in August. The

delegation asked staffs of Magadan Government to participate in and

cooperate for the NEAR events during a visit to Magadan. While visiting

Khabarovsk Krai, the delegation confirmed the hotel accomodation and

conference hall with agency.

The Secretariat Delegation Participated in the Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development and Coordination and Prepared the NEAR International Forum

Secretariat News

Meeting with Hao Huilong, Vice Governor of Heilongjiang Province

Meeting with Director Zhang Baoxiang of Foreign Affairs Office of Jilin Province and Vice Director Wang Zhiwei

Director Zhang Baoxiang of Foreign Affairs Office of Jilin Province and

Vice Director Wang Zhiwei on July 1 at the Changchun Nanwho Hotel,

Jilin Province. In the meeting, Jilin Province stressed that Jilin Province

will propose the agendas regarding joining NEAR by participating in the

NEAR General Assembly held in October in Jeollanam-do Province and

the Secretariat asked them to invite speakers to the NEAR International

Forum asking for participation in the Forum.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 7

NEAR This Month NEAR Member News

Hunan Province - China

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region - China

Kyoto Prefecture - Japan

Tottori Prefecture - Japan

“The 2nd China Mineral & Gem Show” and “2014 Hunan Science and Technology Week” held in Changsha

Automobile and Motorcycle Tourism Festival held in Yinchuan, Ningxia

‘Kyoto Sea Festival’ held

‘I support, Art Tottori Festival’, the 14th National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Tottori held

The opening ceremony of the

2nd China Mineral & Gem Show

and 2014 Hunan Science and

Technology Week were held at the

Hunan International Convention &

Exhibition Centre. The expo,

which is the largest professional mineral & gem show in Asia was

participated by 1,500 people from more than 60 countries. 2014 Hunan

Science and Technology was held under the theme of “Developing via

Innovation & Leading Future with Technology” at the same period of time

with the China Mineral & Gem Show.

Kyoto Prefecture makes an effort

to create an attractive tourist

complex using history and culture

related to the region with the

theme of ‘Sea Kyoto’ in order to

build the northern part of the

Kyoto as a competitive tourist

attraction in Japan.

As part of ‘Sea Kyoto’ project,

‘Sea Festival,’ the largest event

related to sea in Japan, held every

year in main seaside cities in

Japan, was held from July 19 to August 3 in seven locals of ‘Sea Kyoto’

districts centered around Maizuru city. The event was a chance to widely

introduce ‘Sea Kyoto’ by preparing a variety of events such as Kyoto’s

restaurants and selling goods, including opening ship for investigation of

the deep sea and a training sailing ship to the public during the event. In

time for ‘Sea Festival’ held, Obama-Tsuruga of Maizuru-Wakasa

Expressway (Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui) which is

passageways with Hokuriku, was opened. Opening of all sections of

Kyoto Expressway is in course of time.

In addition, as Maizuru International Quay of Kyoto Maizuru Port was

completed, big exchange that travelers come from home and abroad

started. This will show the attractiveness of ‘Sea Kyoto’ in the future.

Tottori Prefecture, the birthplace of ‘I Support Movement’ together with

disabilities and non-disabilities makes an effort to create a fit society to

live in with, or without disabilities by enacting ‘the first sign language

ordinance’ for first time in Japan last year. By disabilities’ participating in

art and cultural activities this year, ‘I support, Art Tottori Festival’ to

contribute to ‘promoting the disabled’s participation in the society and

self-reliance’, ‘promoting the disabled good life’, and ‘improving

understanding of the disabled’ is held on July 12 to November 3. In

particular, grand opening ceremony was held on July 12.

NEAR Member News

China(Changsha)Mineral & Gem Show

Poster of 'Kyoto Sea Festival'

The 11th China (Yinchuan) Automobile and Motorcycle Tourism

Festival was scheduled for July 25-29 in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui

Autonomous Region.

Themed “Speed, Passion and Flavor with World Attention,” the event

consisted of four themes such as attractiveness, speed, passion, and feature

of Ningxia. Thirteen main events, including a stunt challenge match, rally

races, a rock music festival, Yinchuan International automobile exhibition,

and automobile model contest, were held. In addition, sideline activities

were added to the previous program, such as acrobatic motorcycle game,

self-photography, and water adventure. 13 main events, including special

effect challenge round, motorcycle racing, rock music festival, Yinchuan

International automobile exhibition, and automobile model competition

were held.

In particular, by inviting a Hollywood special camera crew to the

opening ceremony of the festival, real shooting for special effect in

blockbuster films, such as 007,

The Fast and The Furious, and

Blade was shown. World-

famous club of brand such as

Harley-Davidson and BMW

participated in the game.Automobile, Motorcycle Tourism Festival

NEAR NEWS Vol. 588

NEAR Member News NEAR This Month

The closing date for entries is September 22 and the exhibition period is from October 25 to November 3. (please refer to the URL)- KOREA http://14geibunsai.jp/wp/wp-content/themes/newworld/img/panf/

bosyu_kokusaikoria.pdf- ENGLISH http://14geibunsai.jp/wp/wp-content/themes/newworld/img/panf/

bosyu_kokusaieng.pdf

The Organization for the East Asia Economic Development: composed of four associations, including manufacture, environment, logistics, and tourism, the General Assembly is held every two years and individual meetings are held according to each association.

Inchoen Metropolitan City - Korea The 6th International Symposium on Climate Change Adaptation held

The 6th International

Symposium on Climate

Change Adaptation was

held on July 8 in Songdo

Conventia, Incheon with

great success participated by about 300 attendees from governments form

home and abroad, academia, international organizations, and related

organizations.

The event was jointly held by the Ministry of Environment, the Climate

Change Adaptation System, the Korea Environment Institute and the Asia-

Pacific Adaptation Network. Incheon Metropolitan city which held the

Symposium like last year is becoming a platform to spread the researches

and cases to adapt to the climate change with GCF.

GCF agreed on necessary agendas that are required to raise initial funds

in the seventh meeting of the Board of the Green Cliate Fund (GCF) and

moves foward to prepare funds. GCF Executive Director Hela Chikhrouhou

said “The symposium offered an opportunity for countries to share ideas

of a new paradigm on climate change adaptation." "Key issues of GCF

within a few months are to raise developing countries' access to funds and

secure resources from the donors contributing aid." She added.

The Symposium consisted of a series of plenary and parallel sessions.

Undertake morning session consisting of presentations and questions and

present and future of adaptation to climate change in Korea, Germany,

Australia, and Nepal was discussed.

Busan Metropolitan City - KoreaThe Organization for the East Asia Economic Development- The 9th Manufacture Association Meeting in Busan held

Ulaanbaatar City - MongoliaThe 8th Deeltei Mongol-2014 held

Based on the theme ‘living together understanding disability,’ a variety

of events that everyone can participate in are held in each region in Tottori

Prefecture. In addition, ‘International Art Exhibition for Artists with

Disabilities’ related to the event is asking for a lot of art works from home

and abroad.

‘The 8th Deeltei Mongol-2014,’ a traditional costume festival in

Mongolia, was successfully held on July 13. The festival was participated

by more than 15,000 people from several regions including the Republic

of Buryatia, Russia and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China as

well as from nine districts of Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia. The festival was

a platform to introduce Mongolian cultural heritage and Mongolian

traditional costumes throughout the world inspiring self-esteem,

At the opening ceremony starting with the parade of citizens, dressed in

the traditional costumes and one of the highlights from the festival was the

traditional costume contest. Awards were given to participants with the

best deels. the categories included best-dressed boy and girl, best couple

wearing deel, the pair of dancers wearing deel, best foreigner wearing

deel, the most beautiful deel, and the most active organization.

The 6th International Symposium on Climate Change Adaptation Photo

Busan Metropolitan City held the Organization for the East Asia

Economic Development -‘the 9th Manufacture Association Meeting in

Busan’ consisting of three countries, Korea, China, and Japan and ten

cities to promote economic cooperation among member cities and mutual

cooperation. The meeting was attended by about 40 public officials in

economy from eight cities.

The Organization for Economic Exchange was established with the

purpose of strengthening a cooperative system with main cities using an

independent way with action for economic globalization. Busan held the

Manufacture Association meeting in 2008 and held Tour Association

meeting in 2005 and 2008 respectively. In this meeting, participants made

a presentation on ‘activity report of each city’ and discussed ‘Integration

of Manufacture Association with One-stop Center.’ Each city had free

discussions regarding report of future activity plans in accordance with the

establishment of ‘International Business Association’ and activation plans

for economic exchange.

A staff of Busan said he hopes that the establishment of ‘International

Business Association’ of the Organization for the East Asia Economic

Development will activate the organization’s activities expecting to

contribute to regional economy and participants have active discussions on

mutual interest in environment, tour, and logistics among member cities.

Opening Ceremony of the Festival

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 9

NEAR This Month Schedule of NEAR Member

September2014.9

October2014.10

Sunday Monday Tuesday| Schedule of NEAR Member |

• Region : Republic of Sakha, Russia • Event : World Champion Boxing

Tournament• When : Sep 9~14• Where : Yakutsk City • Contact : Division of Athletics, Republic of Sakha

T. +7-4112-34-08-49 Email: mimsport_sakha@mail.ru

• Region : Chungcheongbuk-do Province, South Korea

• Event : The 1st Sub-Committee on Bio-Medical Industry

• When : Sep 30~Oct 3• Where : Hotel Ramada, Cheongju City • Contact : Division of Bio industry

T. +82-43-220-4612

• Region : Gangwon-do Province, South Korea

• Event : The 12th Meeting of the Conference the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity

• When : Sep 30~Oct 18• Where : Pyeongchang Alpensia Resort • Contact : Environmental Division of

Pyeongchang County T. +82-33-330-2362

• Region : Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea

• Event : ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2014

• When : Oct 20~Nov 7• Where : BEXCO • Contact : International Relations

Division, Busan Metropolitan City T. +82-51-888-3541

• Region : Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea

• Event : NEAR General Assembly • When : Oct 21~24• Where : Yeongam County, Jellanam-do

Province • Contact : International Relations

Division, Jeollanam-do Province T. +82-61-286-2431

• Region : Sakhalin Region, Russia • Event : International Conference • When : Sep 9~10• Where : Sakhalin Region

1 2

7 9

14 15 16

9/28 9/30

19 20 21

5 6 7

12 1413

21 22 23

NEAR NEWS Vol. 5810

NEAR This Month Schedule of NEAR Member

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

• Region : Uvs Province, Mongolia • Event : Uvs Excellent Products Fair• When : Sep 4~5• Where : Ulaangom• Contact : Trade and Industry Service Division, Office of Uvs Province Email : ts.mbr_uvte@yahoo.com

• Region : Hyogo Prefecture, Japan • Event : International Frontier Industry

Sample Market 2014 • When : Sep 4~5• Where : Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture • Contact : Division of New Industrial Information, Hyogo Prefecture T. +81-78-362-3054 +81-78-362-4466

• Region : Heilongjiang Province, China • Event : The 3rd New Material Industry

Expo • When : Sep 6~8 • Where : Harbin • Contact : The Foreign Affairs Office of Peopleʼs Government of Heilongjiang (T)+46-451-53638943 (F)+46-451-53607553 Email : ouyachu@163.com

• Region : Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea

• Event : International Climate & Environmental Fair 2014

• When : Sep 17~19• Where : KIMDAEJUNG Convention

Center • Contact : Environmental Policy Division

T. +82-62-13-4152

• Region : Republic of Sakha(Yakutia), Russia

• Event : The 6th International Wrestling Grand Prix Conference

• When : Oct 3~5• Where : Yakutsk City • Contact : Division of Athletics, Republic

of Sakha T.+7-4112-34-08-49

• Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea

• Event : Daegu international Coffee & Cafe Fair 2014

• When : Oct 8~11• Where : Daegu EXCO • Contact : Coffee Fair Secretariat

T. +82-53-384-7244 http://www.coffeefair.co.kr/index.php

• Region : Shandong Province, China • Event : The 15th International

Vegetables Food Expo • When : Oct 16~19• Where : Yantai • Contact : The Foreign Affairs Office of

Peopleʼs Government of Yantai T. +86-535-6235300

• Region : Gangwon-do Province, South Korea

• Event : GTI International Trade & Investment Expo 2014

• When : Oct 23~26• Where : Gangneung City (Gymnasium)• Contact : GTI Secretariat

T. +82-33-249-2054

• Region : Tottori Prefecture, Japan • Even : International Art Exhibition for

Artists with Disabilities• When: Oct 25~Nov 3• Where : Tottori Prefectural Museum • Contact : International Art Exhibition for

Artists with Disabilities Secretariat (Nihonkai Shinbun Project Division) T. +81-857-26-7157

• Region : Chungcheongbuk-do Province, South Korea

• Event : Osong International BIO Industry Exposition 2014

• When : Sep 26~Oct 12• Where : Osong, Chungcheongbuk-do Province • Contact : Organizing Committee of Osong

International BIO Industry Expo 2014 T. +82-43-230-6021~4

• Region : Shandong Province, China • Event : China Qufu International

Confucius Cultural Festival • When : Sep 27~29 • Where : Qufu City • Contact : The Foreign Affairs Office of

Peopleʼs Government of Jining T.+7-4112-34-08-49

• Region : Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea

• Event : The 1st World Conservation Congress Jeju

• When : Sep 24~27

• Region : Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea

• Event : The 2nd World Environmental Capital International Forum

• When : Sep 24~27• Where : Jeju International Convention

Center and Jeju

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10 11 12 13

17 18 19 20

1 2 3 4

22 23 24 25

8 9 1110

15 16 17 18

24 25 26 27

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 11

Feature Report NEAR Members' Cultural Series 3 – The World of Siberia

The World of Siberia

NEAR Members' Cultural Series 3

NEAR NEWS Vol. 5812

Feature Report NEAR Members' Cultural Series 3 – The World of Siberia

The Origin of ‘the World of Siberia’‘The World of Siberia’ was held 2003 in Shushenskoe village for the first

time titled ‘Shushenskoye’ festival. An inaugural festival was participated

by more than 7,000 viewers along with more than 40 ethnic musicians.

The festival had a great appeal to audience in communicating only with a

universal language such as music, dance, and traditional craft, and in

telling a vivid story on unlimited art potentials and beauty in Suberia. The

festival has evolved into a gathering that allows participatns to take a

lecture and experience the program by adding educational communication

to the festival in 2009 and 2010. The festival name was changed into 'the

World of Siberia' in 2012.

The World of Siberia, International Festival 2014

‘The World of Siberia’ International Ethnic Music and Crafs Festival was

held in the Shushenskoe village, Krasnoyarsk Krai on July 11-13.

Participants were able to enjoy the festival in seven places; 1. Big Festival:

ehnic music ceremony; 2. Small Festival: master-class; 3. City of Master

Craftsman: art and artworks fair; 4. Ethnic Awarness Madang: medical

treatment based on traditional ethnic culture; 5. Ethnic Communication

Madag; 6. Family Recreation Park Madang; 7.Museum for Shushenskoe

Preservation.

This festival's hilight was to choose the best team in ethnic music

ceremony. Thanks to unprecedented participants's interest in the ethnic

music ceremony this year, a total of 199 participating teams competed by

submitting videos. 31 teams consisting of talented bands and soloists were

nominated and a team won the first prize ‘peace.’

The largest number of participants of all time participated in the fstival

and participants from Russia and Mongolia were chosen for the finalists.

According to the organizing committee, more than 30,000 travelers came

by the festival. More than 11,000 participants and viewers enjoyed the

festival for three days in seven places.

Director Tamara Purtova of ‘State Russian Institute (House) for Folk

Arts,’ honored Artisan of the Russia Federation participated in ‘the World

of Siberia’ International festival for the first time this year and expressed

his impressions on the festival saying that the festival served as a platform

to show the fact that many different races and various cultures co-exist in

the wide region, Russia.

‘Khusugtun,’ a participating group from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia won top

honors of a 'peace' prize at the end of the Festival.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 13

NEAR Member Tour Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Hyogo Prefecture Japan in Miniature

Hyogo Prefecture is situated in the geographical center of Japan. As there is the East Sea in the north and the Seto Inland Sea in the south, bordering the Pacific Ocean through Setonaikai in the south, the topography, climate, history, and culture are very changeable. For this reason, Hyogo Prefecture is called 'Japan in miniature' and visitors feel as if they go around everywhere in Japan while visiting the Hyogo.NEAR News will introduce a variety of attractions of Hyogo Prefecture with six themes; 1)See and Feel 2) Taste 3) Stay and Heal 4) Play and Enjoy 5) Shop 6)Learn and Experience.

Mt Rokko, which is full of green colors, Kobe Port, spreading all over the

world, and Kobe, which is a port city, exuding exotic feeling. As the Kobe

is the place which is always crowded with foreigners, a variety of diverse

cultures have permeated. The biggest example includes Kitano street, rooster

shaped weathercock, and scale shaped house.

In addition, Himeji Castle firstly designated as the World Heritage in Japan is called ‘White Heron Castle’ with the beautiful

appearance. The historic value of the Castle is recognized around the world. It is currently under renovation, but will be opened on March 27, 2015.

Further, Takeda Castle has much of interest in Japan, located in Tajima, the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture. It is also called “Castle in the Sky” and

“Machu Picchu in the Orient.”

As there are a lot of cuisine restaurants recognized ‘the best’ in Japan, including

French and Italian restaurants as well as Japanese restaurants, visitors are able to

taste the cuisines favorably reviewed by the gourmets.The best is Kobe Beef. The

taste of the beef is lender and its plain fat is well known enough to be known all over

the world.

Sweet food is also the top in Hyogo and Kobe. Since opening of the Kobe port,

as many Europeans and Americans have emigrated to Kobe, cake culture has been developed and Kobe became the

best well known region in Japan.

It is also famous place for tasting cakes with the most high quality in Japan.

01-

See and Feel

02-Taste

Kobe Beef, favorably reviewed by

the gourments all over the world

Himeji Castle, the first Japanese World Heritage Site

NEAR NEWS Vol. 5814

NEAR Member Tour Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Yukata and wooden shooes at Kinosaki hot spring

Takarazuka Opera

Kobe Collection

‘he Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution’ reproducing the largest earthquakes

There are many different color’s hot springs raging from

Japan's oldest hot springs to characterful hot springs. The best

one of the hot springs is Arima hot spring, which is one of the

oldest hot springs in Japan. Arima hot spring has two types of

hot spring waters which spring up at various sources around

the town: the Kinsen (“gold water”) is colored brown with

iron deposits, while the clear Ginsen (“silver water”) contains radium and carbonate.

Hyogo Prefecture where Tezuka Osamu, a world -famous

cartoonist, was born is the starting point of Japanese animation. In

Takarazuka where he stayed from childhood to adolescence for about

20 years, there are both facilities that allow people to experience

animation production and the Tezuka Osamu Memorial hall. One of

the main features in Hyogo Prefecture tour is that it has a variety of

entertainment prepared. Among others, the most representative Hyogo tour is Takarazuka Opera.

Takarazuka is the oldest in Japan and popular. In particular, the casting members are all-female and

impressive stage causes profound emotion to many people.

Kobe has developed into an international city

through exchange with foreign countries focusing

on the Port of Kobe and built unique culture and

sense. Kobe collection held every spring and winter

became a kind of dream among the Japanese young

people.

In addition, as there are suburb outlet malls, it is possible to get high-quality

brand with a reasonable price.

Hyogo Prefecture experienced the Great Hanshin Awaji

Earthquake, which was a rare case in the world in 1995, but the

human, material and mental support rendered by the peoples of

the world has been a huge encouragement to the affected region.

The Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution was

established to convey lessons to the next generation and reduce

the damage by the disaster.

We welcome your visit to the Hyogo Prefecture full of attractiveness.

03-

Stay and Heal

04-

Play and Enjoy

05-

Shop

06-

Lean and Experience

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 15

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROKT. 054-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail neargov@hotmail.co.kr Website www.neargov.org