NEAR news vol.68(ENG)

NEAR One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR May-June 2016

Vol.

News

68 Tiantan in Beijing, the temple which held the Heaven Worship Ceremony during the Ming and Qing Dynasty of China

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I NEAR Member Event Schedule

Feature Report 2016 NEAR Working-level Workshop Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia – China, Japan, and South Korea

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR News

“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).

4 Vol. 68

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

6

15

NEAR is... a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 80 regional governments (73 member regions and 7 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 Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities / Secretariat News

NEAR Activities Hyogo Prefecture, the facilitator of the event, has been conducting various

The 14th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention (Hyogo Prefecture, Japan)

measures for disaster prevention and the maintenance of facilities, based on the

The 14th Sub-Committee meeting on Disaster Prevention was held from

1995. The meeting was followed by special lectures and discussions from the

March 9-12 in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. A total of 32 people from

related international organizations as well as a visit by the participants to the

17 organizations in three countries attended the meeting.

disaster-preventing facilities in Hyogo Prefecture.

lessons it learned from the Great Hanshin earthquake (or Kobe earthquake) in

Sub-Committee meetings on Disaster Prevention have been held annually by

The NEAR Secretariat sent the group of staff members led by Under-

NEAR since 2002, and the meeting has been aiming to build the participating

Secretary-General Lee Sang-gi, supported the administration of the hosting

organizations’ capacity for preventing disasters and reducing harm in Northeast

Hyogo Prefecture, and encouraged other participants from various countries to

Asia.

learn about disaster prevention.

Secretariat News NEAR Secretariat Meeting with the Japanese Members (March 10)

Visit to Sichuan and Hubei Province, China (March 22-25)

The NEAR Secretariat delegation had a meeting with the representatives from

The Secretary-General Jun Jae-won visited Sichuan and Hubei Province,

Hyogo, Shimane, and Toyama Prefecture, Japan, after the sub-committee

China to promote NEAR. Secretary-General Jun had a meeting with Chung Jae-

meeting on Disaster Prevention.

nam, the Consul-General of the Korean Consulate General in Wuhan, China.

At this meeting, discussion and a Q&A session on the agendas of the Workinglevel Workshop and General Assembly were followed.

The Secretary-General said that the cooperation of the Consulate General will be appreciated since it will encourage Jiangxi Province, one of the provinces with

At the meeting, it was suggested that the NEAR Secretariat provide an

the most potential that is under the jurisdiction of the Korean Consulate General

environment in which the international staff members can get involved in the

in Wuhan, to join NEAR. Consul-General Chung Jae-nam responded that he

decision-making process and various opinions regarding the Young Leaders’

will support the enhancement of interactions between the areas under his

Forum, membership fee system and fee usage, and the rules and regulations of

jurisdiction and the NEAR members in Northeast Asia.

On March 23rd (Wed.), the NEAR Secretary-General visited the Foreign

the Youth Exchange Camp were shared.

At this meeting the NEAR Secretariat agreed with the members in Japan to mutually cooperate for the development of the Association.

Affairs Office in Hubei Province, China, and introduced the various events of NEAR and the member fee system. NEAR events, such as the Working-level Workshop (April), Youth Leaders’ Forum (August), General Assembly

NEAR Secretary-General Attends the Opening Ceremony for Gyeonsangbuk-do’s New Provincial Office Building On March

10th

(September), and International Forum (November), were introduced, and active participation was requested. “Since Hubei Province is considered to be China’s third educational city, after Beijing and Shanghai, many citizens are highly

(Thu.), NEAR Secretariat-General Jun Jae-won attended the

educated. Through the platform provided by NEAR, we are expecting to have

opening ceremony for Gyeonsangbuk-do’s new provincial office building in

more exchanges amongst high schools and universities in NEAR member

Andong. The ceremony was held in the open space in front of the main building

countries. NEAR will be a bridge that will connect the members,” said Feng Shi

and was attended by around 10,000 guests, including President Park Geun-hye.

Before the ceremony, Secretary-General Jun participated in the Welcoming

Qu, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office.

On March 24th (Thur.), NEAR Secretary-General Jun and the secretariat staff

Luncheon for the diplomatic Corps in South Korea at Andong Grand Hotel. The

visited Sichuan Province, China, and suggested that it join NEAR after a brief

Secretary-General met with the Vice-Governor for Economic Affairs and the

introduction of the association.

Ambassador for International Relations of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the

Secretary-General Jun said in the meeting, “Joining NEAR will provide a

Chairman of Saemaul Globalization Foundation, and over 40 diplomatic corps

good opportunity to co-prosper through regional exchanges and cooperation

from the European Union and over 20 countries.

among the municipalities of Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia.” Zhang Tao, Deputy Director of “Sichuan Provincial Department of Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs responded that Sichuan Province will consider joining NEAR as an official member after participating first as an observer member. It is willing to attend the NEAR General Assembly Meeting in September.

4

NEAR NEWS Vol. 68

Secretariat News

The Delegation Headed by the Vice Chairperson of Ningxia CPPCC, China, Visits the NEAR Secretariat The delegation headed by Vice Chairperson Li Shufen of the Ningxia CPPCC (Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) visited the NEAR Secretariat on Friday, April 22, 2016.

NEAR Secretary-General Jun welcomed the delegation, expressing his gratitude for the active participation and genuine support of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region since it became a member in 2000.

Vice Chairperson Li has responded by saying that Ningxia has benefitted from

Attending the First High-Level Follow-up Dialogue on Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific

the international exchanges taking place in Northeast Asia through the NEAR

On March 30th (Wed.), Secretary-General Jun attended the First High-Level

assembly and international forum, and that Ningxia would like to promote local

Follow-up Dialogue on Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific. This

network. She added that every effort would be made to attend the general products such as goji berries and wine and expand its market.

meeting was co-hosted by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN

Ningxia became a member of NEAR at the third General Assembly in 2000

ESCAP and was held in Songdo Sheraton Hotel in Incheon, one of the NEAR

and was appointed as the ninth NEAR Chair Region. As an active member of

members.

NEAR, Ningxia successfully held the ninth General Assembly in 2012.

At this meeting, the attendees discussed ways to finance the development necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the UN. About 100 attendees, including high-level officials such as finance ministers and presidents of central banks from over 20 countries, scholars, and the representatives of international organizations, were present.

Secretary-General Jun and other participants discussed promoting the role of the regional governments in Northeast Asia and their cooperation. He also introduced NEAR to other organizations, such as the International Development Bank.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is an inter-government body in Asia and the Pacific that is taking an important role in promoting economic and social development and cooperation. All six countries of NEAR are members of UN ESCAP.

Visit to Shanghai and Anhui Province, China (April 24-27) On April 24th, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Daegu Metropolitan City held the Korea-China Culture and Tourism Festival at Shigi Square located in Nanjīng Lu, Shanghai, China. To celebrate the year 2016, the festival entitled “The Year of the Chinese Visit to Daegu·Gyeongbuk,” was co-organized by local Chinese citizens, the tourism industry, and prominent names in media to attract higher numbers of ”Youke” (Chinese tourists) to Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

During the day, Secretary-General Jun Jae-won, as a part of the delegation from Gyeongsangbuk-do headed by the governor Kim Kwan-yong, attended the opening ceremony of the Shanghai investment center and the signing of an MOU between Daegu Haany University and a Chinese company, “New Life,”

Appointment of New Foreign Staff

regarding ”K-Beauty Cosmetics Industry Promotion.”

On April 26th, Secretary-General Jun visited Anhui Province, China, and extended an invitation to join NEAR. He also met Director-General Wangxin of

They have recently been appointed as international staff from their respective

Anhui Provincial Foreign Affairs Office and introduced NEAR and the main

countries and they will be in charge of opinion coordination and liaison among

projects undertaken by the organization. He added that by joining NEAR, Anhui

the members for the next one to two years.

Province would play a significant role in promoting regional exchange and cooperation.

Guan Cha Foreign Staff from China

Harada Norihisa Foreign staff from Japan

Jilin Province +82-54-223-2326

Toyama Prefecture +82-54-223-2386

Tseveendorj Baigalmaa Foreign Staff from Mongolia

Irgit Valeriy Foreign Staff from Russia

Khentii Province +82-54-223-2327

Tuva Republic +82-54-223-2325

Director-General Wangxin responded that Anhui Province would try its best to actively participate in various events, such as the General Assembly, as well as to join NEAR, an ideal platform for cooperation with other regional governments of nearby countries within Northeast Asia.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

5

NEAR Member News

NEAR Member News China - Henan Province International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism 2016

school in Fukui Prefecture; they also found time to understand each other better via homestay.

Last September, a government delegation from Japan and a tourism-promotion team visited Fukui Prefecture and signed an MOU, putting much effort toward the enlargement of networks for tourism cooperation.

The 2016 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism (IMFT)–Zhengzhou,

Fukui Prefecture will participate more actively to encourage cooperation in

China– jointly organized by the China National Tourism Administration, the

various fields, including youth exchange, culture, economics, education, and

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the People’s Government of Henan

tourism.

Province, will be held in Zhengzhou, Henan Province from May 24 to May 26, 2016.

IMFT 2016 will bring together the knowledge and experience from mayors of worldwide tourism cities as well as experts from international organizations through a series of related activities, including the IMFT Conference and the International Tourism Cities’ Show, to explore the role of tourism in accelerating

1 . 100 High school Students from Zhejiang Province,China Visit Fukui Prefecture, Japan

2. Promoting Tourism Exchange and Cooperation

the interaction between cities.

The IMFT has been successfully held in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014, which made it a grand event in international tourism communities with prospective and globally cooperative meaning and a high-end dialogue platform for tourism communities and cities in the world. The IMFT has been playing an important role in enhancing the development of global travel and tourism and also obtained high appraisal from the international tourism circles and cities.

As an important part of global tourism, China has achieved significant gains in tourism development under the leadership of the Chinese government and is

3. Calligraphy Class (Zhejiang Province, China)

becoming the strategic mainstay industry of the national economy China has become the third-largest international inbound destination and the top tourist source country with the largest global domestic tourism market.

China’s tourism progress is related to industrialization, socialization, internationalization and modernization Henan, as the host province of IMFT, is a major tourist source region,

Japan - Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Smart City Expo 2016 in June

destination and distribution center in central China, known for its economic strength and abundant cultural and tourism resources. It is an important node

The Kyoto Smart City Expo will be held from June 1 to June 3 at the Kyoto

province in China’s development initiative of “One Belt and One Road”, which

and Kansai Science City in cooperation with the Smart City Expo World

has a great bearing on not only China but also on the rest of the world.

Congress developed in Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Vinay Venkatraman, who has

http://asiapacific.unwto.org/event/international-mayor-s-forum-tourism-2016

spoken at TED, will open up the symposium, special lectures, and panel sessions conducted by the prominent experts and researchers in the fields of the Internet

Japan - Fukui Prefecture

of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the keynote speaker at the International Symposium on June 1st.

World-wide business-matching opportunities among Japanese domestic and

Cooperation and Exchange between Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and Zhejiang Province, China

international corporations and organizations related to Smart City, based on ICT,

Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and Zhejiang Province, China, signed a friendship

including the upgrading of the standard of life culture and the sustainable

agreement in October, 1993, and this year marks the 22nd anniversary. When the

increase in social welfare, economy, and society; this will provide an

governor of Fukui Prefecture visited Zhejiang Province to meet with Governor Li Qiang in February, 2014, he had agreed to strengthen the cooperation among

opportunity for the creation of new businesses. ※ For more information, please refer to the official webpage (http://expo.

the various fields of youth exchange, economics, culture, and tourism.

smartcity.kyoto/e/).

In behalf of the agreement, last year the cultural exchange between elementary and middle school students through calligraphy classes started; also, some students were sent to Zhejiang Province, China, and enriched the exchange through sports and cultural activities such as table tennis, badminton, calligraphy, and ceramics.

Last December, 100 high school students from six high schools visited in Zhejiang Province, visited Fukui Prefecture, and attended classes in a high

6

NEAR NEWS Vol. 68

will be prepared at the ”Smart City Messe in Keihanna” on June 2nd and June 3rd.

Through this expo, ”Smart City” will be seeking solutions to various issues,

NEAR Member News

South Korea - Gyeonsangbuk-do Province Partial Opening of Homigot Dulle-gil Trail

South Korea - Gyeongi-do Province 2016 Korea International Boat Show – The Platform for Ocean-Leisure Industry in Korea

“Dulle-gil” (a walking road) around Homigot, well known for its far-east

In 2015, the eighth Korea International Boat Show held at KINTEX, Goyang

location, is partially open in Pohang City, Gyeongsanbuk-do Province, South

City, a metropolitan area near Seoul, Korea, was a great success. It was

Korea, and will lead you to a better view of the beautiful coastal area.

complimented by international industry experts and the participants, who said

According to Pohang City, this partial opening of the coastal road of Homigot

that KIBS was now considered one of the three main boat shows in Asia after

peninsula from Seonbau to Haseondae in Ibam-ri, Donghae, will be meaningful

only eight years, a relatively short period of time. This year, the eighth Gyeonggi

because it shows the geographical importance of the area and the potential for

Boat Show will be held for four days, from May 19 to 22, extending its exhibition

becoming a marine tourism resource.

categories to fishing. Please refer to the table below for more information.

Looking similar to the shape of tiger’s tail, the tracking road connects about 58km of the east coastal line of Donghae-myeon, Guryongpo-eup, Homigotmyeon, and Janggi-myeon, starting with Yeongil Bay, Pohang City. Currently, only a 700m walking trail from Seonbau (which means a soaring rock), Ibam-ri to Masan-ri, is open. Visits to this trail were once prohibited because of cliffs and strong waves around the area. Now open to the public, it will allow people to enjoy the view of strange rocks and bizarre stones and Hae-guk (a local flower)

Details of the International Boat Show Time Place Host Organizer Contents

10:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:00) KINTEX Hall 3, 4, 5 ARA Gimpo Marina Gyeonggi-do Province, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries KINTEX, KOTRA Boat, boat system Marine equipment and accessories Personal accessories and equipment or service for water sports

habitat, as well as the sunset and a night view from Posco.

Mr. Pyeon Jang-sub, Chief of Pohang City International Cooperation and Tourism Division has said that there has not been a coastal road with such amazing views of nature as this. He also expects to attract even more visitors if this area can be developed with the methods and polices of “Road Tourism,” since a highway between the two cities of Ulsan and Pohang, in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and KTX (Korea Train eXpress) are now in service.

South Korea - Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

[Short Article – South Korea] Trial Tax Refund for Foreigners Receiving Cosmetic Surgery or Aesthetic Services

The 13th Pohang International Fire & Light Festival

according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Unlike internal medicine

The tax rebate for foreign visitors will be granted beginning April 1, 2016, and general surgery, for the treatment of which the value-added tax has been

Pohang, South Korea, is known as “The City of Fire and Light.” It has been

withdrawn, a tax on cosmetic surgery and aesthetic services has been

said that Pohang’s light originates from “the beginning of the light” in the story

imposed. However, for foreign visitors who undergo cosmetic surgery, the

of the spirit of the sun and moon, “Yeonorang” and “Seonyeo,” from the Silla

value-added tax will be withdrawn. Further information, including a list of

Kingdom. The 13th Pohang International Fire and Light Festival, a main event in

the hospitals participating in the tax refund, can be found at www.

Pohang during the summer season, will be held from July 28 to 31 at Youngildae

medicalkorea.or.kr. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is aiming for an

Beach.

increasing number of hospitals to participate in the tax rebate program so that

At the festival, about 100,000 beautiful and fascinating fireworks will be lit at Youngilman, providing a wonderful nighttime ocean view.

they may attract more foreign medical tourists to Korea. The ministry would also assign tourists to the participating hospitals and institutions over other non-participating institutions.

Cosmetic operations and aesthetic services, including liposuction, nasal surgery, and eyelid surgery, undertaken between April 1st of this year and March 31, 2017, are subject to the tax refund.

The trial tax rebate scheme will last for a year, from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, when it will be reviewed. After the trial period, whether or not it will be continued will depend upon its effectiveness.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

7

NEAR Member Event Schedule

May 2016

NEAR Member Event Schedule

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

1

2

3

8

9

10

Region : Incheon Metropolitan City, 15 South Korea Event : Incheon World-Inline Cup When : May 15 Where : Songdo Coastal Boulevard, Inchon City Contact : Division of Sports Promotion,

Incheon Metropolitan City Government (T)+82-32-440-4074

16

17

22

23

29

30

Region : Henan Province, China 24 Event : International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism 2016 When : May 24-26 Where : Zhengzhou City Contact : Tourist Office, Henan Province

(T) +86-371-65506790 Foreign Affairs Office, Henan Province

(T) +86-371-69068089 31 (F)+86-371-69068089

5

6

7

12

Region : Incheon Metropolitan City, 13 South Korea Event : 14th Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships When : June 13-19 Where : Namdong Gymnasium, Incheon Metropolitan City Contact : Division of Sports Promotion, Department

of Culture, Tourism, and Sports

(T) +82-32-440-4074

(T) +81-857-26-7919

14

19

20

21

26

27

28

June 2016

8

NEAR NEWS Vol. 68

NEAR Member Event Schedule

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

4

Region : Jeollanamdo Province, 5 South Korea Event : World Eco-Friendly Design Exhibition When : May 5-29 Where : Jeonnam Agricultural Research & Extension Services, Jeollanam-do Contact : International Cooperation Office, Jeollanamdo ProvincialGovernment (T) +82-61-286-2421 (T) +81-857-26-7919

6

Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, 7 South Korea Event : Colorful Daegu Festival 2016 When : May 7-8 Where : Downtown Area in Daegu City Contact : Daegu Foundation for Culture (T)+82-53-422-0996 http://www.cdf.or.kr/kor/

11

12

13

14

Region : Primorsky Territory, Russia 18 Event : The 2nd Pacific Tourisy Forum and the 20th Pacific International Tourism Expo When : May 18-22 Where : Russkiy Island, Vladivostok Contact : Division of Tourism, Primorsky Territory (Т) +7 423 240 08 16 (Т) +7 432 240 23 21 tour@primorsky.ru

Region : Gyeonggi-do Province, 19 South Korea Event : Good Game Show Korea When : May 19-22 Where : KINTEX, Gyeonggi-do Province Contact : Office of Foreign Affairs, Gyeonggido Provincial Government (T) +82-31-8008-2198

Region : Gyeonggi-do Province, 20 South Korea Event : Gyeonggi International Boat Show When : May 19-22 Where : Goyang city, Gyeonggi-do Province Contact : Office of Foreign Affairs, Gyeonggido Provincial Government (T) +82-31-8008-2198

21

25

26

27

28

1

2

3

Region : Ulaanbaataar, Mongolia 4 Event : Ulaanbaatar International Tourism Expo When : June 4-5 Where : Ulaanbaatar City Contact : Division of Tourism, Ulaanbaatar Government (T)+976 - 70128687

8

9

10

11

Region : Heilongjiang Province, China 15 Event : The 27th Harbin International Trade Fair When : June 15-19 Where : Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province Contact : Heilongjiang Province Foreign Affairs Office (T) +86-451-53638943 (F) +86-451-53607553

16

17

18

22

Region : Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia 23 Event : The 5th Krasnoyarsk International Music Festival of the Asia-Pacific region When : June 23-29 Where : Krasnoyarsk City, Russia Contact : Culture Division of Krasnoyarsk Territory (T) +7 (391) 249-34-84 (E) Natarov@econ-krsk.ru inter@econ-krsk.ru

Region : Republic of Khakassia, 24 Russia Event : International Cultural Tourist Forum “Siber il” When : June 30-July 3 Where : Republic of Khakassia Contact : Government of Republic of Khakassia

25

Region : Kyoto Prefecture, Japan Event : Kyoto Smart City Expo 2016 When : June 1-3 Where : Kyoto city, Kyoto Prefecture Contact : Kyoto Smart City Expo 2016 Administrative Office (T) +81-75-414-5194

29

30

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

9

기획 취재 Report Feature

2016 NEAR Working-level Workshop

2016 NEAR Working-level Workshop Welcome Speech by the Secretary-General

The 11th Working-level Workshop 2016 was held April 27-29 at Best Western Hotel in Pohang in the presence of approximately 80 working-level staff members of 36 regional governments from five countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia.

The Working-level Workshop is a platform for working-level staff members to gather together to discuss and improve the activities of NEAR, which has been meeting from 2006 to the present day. Approximately 800 people participated in the meeting as of this year.

The workshop included a report on the Secretariat activities and an introduction of the main events by member regions. Participants also discussed NEAR’s current affairs, the introduction of NEAR membership fees, and the amendment of the NEAR Charter, among other items.

Congratulatory Speech by the Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Busan, South Korea

Group Photo of the NEAR Working-level Workshop Participants

● NEAR Secretariat Report The NEAR Secretariat reported on the Secretariat’s achievements in 2015 and the plans for 2016. The main events in 2016 include the 11th NEAR General Assembly, the NEAR International Forum, the Young Leaders’ Forum in Northeast Asia, and the Fourth Annual Youth Contest. The Secretariat requested the active cooperation of the members.

The Secretariat reported on the actions taken to revitalize the sub-committees. As a result of the opinions of the sub-committee coordinators, it has been agreed that the coordinator position will either be maintained or handed over to other members. This action is scheduled to be undertaken before the General Assembly this year.

10

NEAR NEWS Vol. 68

2016 NEAR Working-level Workshop

– Shimane Prefecture, Japan

● Presentation by Member Regions Toyama Prefecture, Japan, presented the main activities of the Sub-Committee on the Environment, including environmental experiences in Northeast Asia, the poster contest on environmental protection, and plans for the next term. Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, reported on the activities of the SubCommittee on Disaster Prevention, as well as on the next meetings. Shimane Prefecture, Japan, reported on the programs of the Sub-Committees of Educational and Cultural Exchange from July 31 to August 5. Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea, gave a presentation about the city and its main projects, along with the goal of the city. Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea, gave a presentation of the “World Eco-Friendly Design Exhibition,” which will be held from May 5 to 29. Lastly, the Irkutsk Region, Russia, was introduced and, as the Chair of NEAR, requested the active participation of members in the upcoming General Assembly meeting this – Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea September.

– Irkutsk Region, Russia

● NEAR Membership Fee System and Revision of the NEAR Charter The membership fee system and the amendment of the NEAR Charter were the main agendas discussed among the working-level staff members. Specifically, Japanese members supported the membership fee system but emphasized the need to adopt clear rules concerning the use of membership fees.

Chinese, Mongolian, and Russian members also supported the membership fee system; however, the suggestion of a tiered fee system was emphasized once again.

During the next discussion, which concerned the revision of the NEAR Charter as it relates to the expansion of its membership to include associate members, most of the participants pointed out that due to the ambiguity of member categorization, associate members and observer members may cause further complications in the operation of the membership fee system. Furthermore, the opinion was expressed that the expansion of NEAR membership to adopt associate members would require more time for consideration.

Discussion Session : Membership Fee System and Revision of NEAR Charter

Welcome Reception

● Site Visit The participants visited the world-leading steel production company, POSCO, after the meeting, followed by a visit to the NEAR Secretariat Office located in Pohang. On the last day of the workshop, they visited Yandong Village in Gyeongju , a UNESCO world heritage site, where the participants experienced a traditional village and culture.

Visit to NEAR Secretariat Office

Visit to Yandong Village in Gyeongju

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

11

Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia

Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia

– China, Japan, and South Korea

All over the world, marriage is considered to be one of the happiest and most momentous occasions in life. The wedding ceremony remains unchanged in that family, relatives, and friends gather to celebrate with the bride and groom as they start their new lives together as a married couple. However, customs and conventions have evolved over time, with each country maintaining their own unique traditions. In this article, the wedding cultures of three NEAR member countries - China, Japan, and South Korea - will be introduced.

CHINA

Marriage Culture and Tradition in China These customs are representative of the major Chinese wedding traditions. In China, the three most important events in life are birth, death, and marriage. It follows naturally that traditions surrounding the wedding ceremony constitute a major part of Chinese culture.

1. The Color Red: Forever the Main Color in China

In a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, the use of the color red is ubiquitous,

from the ceremonial dress of the bride and groom to the decorations. Despite the influx of Western culture, which has influenced and combined with traditional customs, red continues to be the main color, as it is considered symbolic of luck and wealth and is highly valued. Thus, many young couples still prefer red, as opposed to white, wedding dresses.

12

NEAR NEWS Vol. 68

Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia

2. Grandiose Wedding Car Processions

On the day of the wedding, it is customary for the

groom to escort the bride and guests from her home to the wedding hall. Grandiose car processions make for a striking display: The size and length of the procession are grand enough to show off the wealth of the marrying couple. Since the wedding ceremony is one of the most important events in life, some people even rent luxury cars for the procession. The number or the brands of cars vary depending on the social and economic status of the couple.

3. Wedding Ceremony Venues: Hotel Weddings

Wedding ceremonies are typically held at hotels or

wedding halls where the reception also takes place.

In order to secure a good wedding hall, reservations must be made as far as one year in advance. Family and friends of the bride and groom prepare monetary gifts in red paper envelopes called “Hongbao.”

Alcohol, drinks, cigarettes, food and “wedding candies” are placed on the guest tables. The wedding candies known as “xitang” are packaged in red envelopes or small boxes and are taken by the guests as souvenirs. The phrase “When will you treat us to xitang?” is used when wanting to ask a couple when they will marry.

JAPAN Marriage Culture and Tradition in Japan 1. Monetary Gift

In Japan, when giving a monetary gift, the amount should begin with an odd number value. The amount of money differs depending on how close the guest is to the groom or bride.

Family, Relatives

Friends, Co-worker

20’s : 30-50 thousand yen ($300-$500, 0.3-0.5 million won) 30’s~40’s : 50-100 thousand yen ($500-$1000, 0.5-1 million won) 50’s : 70-100 thousand yen ($700-$1000, 0.7-1 million won)

Average : 30 thousand yen ($300, 0.3 million won) If not attending : 10-20 thousand yen ($100-$200, 0.10.2 million won)

The reason behind giving a relatively expensive monetary gift is that the average cost for a meal per person is 20 thousand yen ($200, 0.2million won) and because of the distribution of an approximately ten thousand yen ($100, 0.1 million won) gift. Also, in some cases a portion of the transportation or accommodation cost is covered by the marrying couple. As a result, the couple only invites those who they consider really close in order to avoid any awkward situations.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

13

Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia

2. Wedding Invitations and Guest Seat Arrangement

When you get an invitation, you must RSVP to the couple. On the wedding day, the guest must bring the invitation with them.

After giving the monetary gift to the marrying couple, the guest will receive his/her seat arrangement and sit in the assigned seat where his/her nameplate is placed. When the wedding ceremony finishes, the guest must take his/her nameplate with him. Friends, mentors, and co-workers are assigned to sit in the front seats, and family and relatives are assigned to sit at the back tables.

MAIN A C

·A~B : Co-workers(Senior), Mentors

B D

F

·C~E : Friends

E

·F~G : Family, Relatives

G

3. 1. Dress Code for Guests Female guest - Dress code: Dress, not fancier than the bride’s - Knee-length skirt - Avoid black or white color - Wear bolero or shawl on top - Wear skin-color stockings (avoid black) - Clutch bag or mini bag - Avoid open-toed shoes - If your hair is long, do it up-style Male guest - Dress code: Suit in black - White dress shirts - Whitish plain silk tie - Whitish plain pochette - Black shoes - Plain black socks - Plain black simple belt

4. Wedding Ceremony

∙ Number of guest: 100 on Average ∙ Ceremony time: three hours on average ∙ Special features of Japanese-style wedding ceremony - In Japan, the wedding ceremony is held in various places, such as temples, churches, and wedding halls in hotels, and only those who are close to the couple are invited. When the ceremony is held at church, the procedure is very similar to that of Korea, except that the reception is considered more important in Japan.

- Order of the reception Session 1 [in Wedding Dress/Suit]

<The bride and the groom> Chang dress/suit or Makeup

The bride and the groom enter → The MC greets and starts the reception → The welcoming speech of the bride and groom → Speech of the groom → Speech <Guest> of the bride → Wedding Cake A movie clip that includes memories Cutting → Cheers all together → of the bride and the groom Feast

14

NEAR NEWS Vol. 68

Session 2 [in Kimono, traditional Japanese costume]

The bride and the groom light up the candles on each table (expressing gratitude) → Special song performance or event by friends of the bride or the groom → Special thanks from the bride and groom’s familyà Closing → Exit

Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia

KOREA Marriage Culture and Tradition in South Korea

Family, Relatives

Friends, Co-workers

100,000 won ($100) or above

50,000 won ($50) or above * 100,000 won ($100) and above (Depending on the region and the closeness of the relationship).

Especially in metropolitan cities, such as Seoul, the amount begins at around 100,000 won.

If a guest is close to the couple, it starts from 100,000 won, 150,000 won, and 200,000 won.

1. Traditional Wedding Culture

The traditional Korean wedding ceremony used to be complicated, but it has become simpler these days. Since the parents of each side traditionally used to match the bride and the groom, the groom’s family sent a “Ham,” a box of wedding gifts, to the bride on the day before the wedding.

Friends of the groom delivered it to the bride’s house with their faces covered with masks.

The tradition still exists today. However, the procedure changed to save on wedding costs, so the “ Ham ” became less expensive . The wedding procedure is now simplified.

2. Modern Korean Wedding Culture

•Wedding invitation : the marrying couple sends as many invitations as possible. On the wedding day, over 200 to 300 guests come, since the bride’s guests and the groom’s parents are coming as well. An RSVP is not necessary.

•Monetary gift : The amount of each monetary gift depends on the closeness of the guests to the couple, and the amount ranges in an odd number starting won, usually 50,000won. If the guest is close to the marrying couple, a wedding gift is also acceptable. If a guest cannot come, he can transfer the monetary gift to the marrying couple or to their parents before the wedding ceremony.

•Dress code of the guest : Dress suits or semicasual suits Since the bride is wearing a white dress, female guests should avoid wearing white clothes.

3. The Ceremony in the Wedding Hall and Pyebaek, the Traditional Wedding Ritual Unlike in the past, the Korean wedding ceremony is held in a wedding hall or a hotel. Compared to other countries, the length of the wedding ceremony is relatively short. The ceremony takes 20 minutes, from the entrance of the groom and bride to the opening remarks to a special song performance.

Recently, it has become popular to keep the wedding ceremony simple, in the form of a “small wedding,” without an officiator. Instead, the parents of each side share the words of blessing in the small wedding.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds take group pictures with the immediate family, co-workers, and relatives. Then, while the guests have a feast at the reception hall, the bride and groom will participate in “Pyebaek.” Pyebaek is a ritual in which the bride visits, newly meets, and bows to the groom’s family and parents. In modern days, because the wedding hall or the hotel where the couple has the ceremony provides a place for Pyebaek, the newlyweds do not necessarily have to visit the groom’s home.

Brides put plates of dates, chestnuts, rice wine, and

fruit on the table, then bow to the groom’s parents and to the closest relatives in the family order, and then give each of them a cup of rice wine.

When the married couple bows to the groom’s parents, they will give a monetary gift to the couple.

We would like to introduce several interesting rituals that occur during Pyebaek. When the bride bows to the parents of the groom, the parents throw dates and chestnuts at the bride and wish the newly married couple happiness and prosperity. The couple should eat all of the dates and chestnuts received during Pyebaek. They especially have to finish eating one date by biting it simultaneously. It is said that the one who takes the date’s pit will be likely to take the lead in the family. Then the couple will walk around the place as the groom carries the bride on his back. If the size of the turn is small, it means that they will live in a small house; if the circle is big, then they will live in a big house.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

15

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (37668) 3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK T. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail near@neargov.org Website www.neargov.org