NEAR One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR July-August 2016
Vol.
News
69
Juwang Mountain, Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea
NEAR This Month
NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I NEAR Member Event Schedule
Reflections on my NEAR Internship Gwon Jihwan, College of Humanities and International Studies, Keimyung University
Feature Report Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia – Mongolia and Russia
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).
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Russia-China Culture and Art Fair
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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
NEAR Activities MOU Signing between NEAR and ICLEI An MOU between NEAR and ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) was signed on June 16 (Thurs.). The Secretary-General of NEAR Jun Jae-won and the Secretary-General of
young adults in their 20s with the purpose of discussing and extending their understanding of the community in Northeast Asia through various activities and cooperation. Under the theme of ‘The future of Northeast Asia: I, We and the Northeast Asia’, topic discussions, presentations, special lectures, site visits and activities will be held at the forum.
ICLEI Gino Van Begin signed the MOU for the cooperation of interests and knowledge sharing in the areas of environmental issues and energy efficiency,
The 11th NEAR General Assembly (September 26-29)
among other items at the ICLEI East Asia Secretariat office in Seoul, South Korea. The two organizations will be working closely together on areas of shared
The 11th NEAR General Assembly meeting will be held from September 26 to
interests for a sustainable future and looking forward to enjoying further
29 in Irkutsk, Russia, the 11th chair of NEAR. As the year 2016 is the 20th
cooperation and mutual understanding among the regions in Northeast Asia
anniversary of the foundation of NEAR, celebratory events will be prepared as
through the network built today.
well.
ICLEI is the leading global network of more than 1,000 cities, towns and regions from 86 countries committed to building a sustainable future.
At the meeting, decisions will be made on the main agenda: the General Assembly this year, adoption of the membership fee system, and amendment of the NEAR Charter. Moreover, presentations on the main activities and achievements of NEAR will be delivered, and the next chair selection and new members to NEAR will follow the acceptance process. The celebratory reception for the 20th anniversary of NEAR will be also held. At this General Assembly meeting, important agendas such as acceptance of the membership fee system will be dealt with. We ask for the heads or the representatives of each member attend, and for the presentation materials and applications to be submitted to the Secretariat office by early August.
Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development and Coordination (Magadan Region, Russia) Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development and Coordination Meeting will be held in Magadan Region, Russia for two days from July 15 to 16, 2016. Officials, specialists, and investment companies in NEAR member regions are welcome to join the meeting. The sub-committee meeting is held along with the 3rd Magadan International Investment and Trade Industry Fair. On the 16th of July, the participants will attend the Gold Festival cultural tour.
The 16th Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange (Shimane Prefecture, Japan) The Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange Meeting will take place from August 19 to 24 in Shimane prefecture, Japan. Discussions and presentations on tourism policy as well as various programs regarding homestay, traditional culture experience, and visiting themed institutes will be held.
2016 NEAR Young Leaders’ Forum (August 7-12) NEAR Young Leaders’ Forum will be held from August 7 to 13, 2016 in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. It is aimed at university students and
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Secretariat News
Secretariat News Attending the 2016 Silk Road International Expo (May 12-15) On May 13, the NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won participated in the 2016 Silk Road International Expo and Investment & Trade Forum for Cooperation between East & West China in Xian, China. At the opening ceremony, Secretary-General Jun visited the main event hall, and stated that “This expo is a great platform for mutual exchange and trade since countries in the surrounding regions of the Silk Road are attending. It is necessary for NEAR to consider various practical ways for promoting exchange and cooperation in the region.� Korea and Kazakhstan were selected as Guests of Honor, and many government and business delegations including the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korea also attended the Expo.
NEAR Secretary-General Attending Reception in Celebration of Russia Day In celebration of Russia Day, Secretary-General Jun Jae-won attended the reception in Busan, hosted by the Consulate-General of Russia. Officers from major cities in South Korea such as Busan, Daegu and Ulsan, along with diplomats, politicians, economists, scholars and journalists also attended the event. At the meeting with the Consulate-General Alexander Vostrikov, NEAR
Attending the 2016 Northeast Asia Environment Forum in Toyama, Japan (May 23-24)
Secretary-General Jun delivered a congratulatory message, thanking to the host for the invitation to the Russia Day celebrations. The Consulate-General responded that Russia would participate actively in the various NEAR events.
Secretary-General Jun participated to the 2016 Environmental Expert Meeting among Northeast Asia Region which was held on May 23. He gave a congratulatory speech at the meeting attended by approximately 50 environmental experts from Korea, China, Japan, and Russia gathered. Secretary-General Jun stated that he wished for further interchange among the regional governments in Northeast Asia through the forum. Regarding the new Toyama Declaration which was declared at this forum, the Secretary-General suggested working together to review the results of various events previously run by NEAR and also the future plans for cooperation through the existing platform of NEAR Sub-Committee on Environment coordinated by Toyama Prefecture, Japan. At the welcome reception, Secretary-General Jun delivered his gratitude to Governor Takakazu Ishii of Toyama Prefecture for the active support and requested active participation in the upcoming General Assembly and International Forum this year.
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Secretariat News
NEAR Foreign Staff Visit to Pohang Traditional Culture Festival for Dano
in the East Sea Rim.’ Following the keynote speech by the former Minister of Ocean and Fisheries Yoon Jin-sook, various topics on the protection strategies, development of technology, and case studies of effective environmental maintenance were presented. NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won mentioned at the forum that he hoped that NEAR members would be able to reach a break though in the form of economic growth in the East Rim through effective development and protection of the coastal area. Following the main forum, on June 10, the Secretariat staff visited the Pohang Canal and took the cruise along with other participants of the forum.
NEAR Attendance of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Partnership Between Gyeongsangbuk-do and Irkutsk Region Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, a member of NEAR, and Irkutsk Region, the NEAR chair held an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of their partnership. NEAR Secretariat staff attended the 20th Pohang Traditional Culture Festival
On June 30, the 20th anniversary celebration event along with the Korea-Russia
for ‘Dano’, one of the 4 major traditional holidays in Korea which takes place on
Culture Concert was held at Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office located in
the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar Korean calendar (June 8).
Andong, South Korea.
On the 8th of June, a group of NEAR secretariat foreign staff headed by
About 500 guests attended the event, including the Governor Kim Kwan-yong
Secretary-General Jun watched the opening ceremony, special performances and
of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the Governor Levchenko Sergey of Irkutsk
traditional games of the local residents, such as Wolwolicheongcheong (known
Region, and the Consulate-General Alexander Vostrikov stationed in Busan.
as ‘play singing dance’), Yutnori (traditional board game), Tuho (pitchpot), and
From NEAR, the Secretary-General Jun Jae-won and foreign staff participated
Geunae (swing).
in the event.
Foreign staff who attended the festival stated that experiencing Nongak
As a part of celebrations, participants viewed a presentation video-clip of the
(traditional farmer’s music) and Korean traditional games such as Yutnori being
cooperation and exchange history between the two regions, and a congratulatory
played was very impressive.
speech was given, followed by a joint statement signing ceremony.
Secretary-General Jun stated that as foreign staff spent a meaningful time
The visit of the delegation from Irkutsk Region of about 50 people including
experiencing traditional Korean culture through participating in traditional
economists and performing team headed by the Governor Levchenko Sergey
Korean customs through Dano, NEAR Secretariat will continuously provide
was meaningful not only because it was the first visit of foreign guests since the
opportunities at NEAR to experience one another’s cultures.
opening of the new Gyeongsangbuk-do provincial office, but it also presented an ideal opportunity for the two NEAR member regions to enhance their
NEAR Secretariat Attendance of the Coastal Development Forum
NEAR Secretariat staff members participated in the 6th Coastal Development Forum held at the POSCO International Hall on June 9 and 10. At the forum hosted by the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries, Gyeongsangbukdo Province, and Pohang City, various presentations and discussions were held under the theme of ‘Effects of the usage of the coastal area for economic growth
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friendship and cooperation.
NEAR Member News
NEAR Member News China - Shandong Province The
8th
Qingdao International Sailing week and 2016 International Marine Festival
invite the IWC with the cooperation and agreement of the public and private sectors and hold the blind-test IWC 2016 Sake Competition for the first time in Japan. 1,282 Sake brands applied for the competition, indicating an increase of 1.5 times compared to the previous year. Best brands were selected from 9 different
Established in 2009, Qingdao International Sailing event has now become one
categories of Sake including Normal, Junmai-shu, Ginjo-shu (meaning that
of the biggest marine events in Asia. The event consists of three sailing matches:
distilled alcohol was added), and Go-shu. The 2016 Champion Sake will be
the Mayor’s Sailing Match, Qingdao International Sailing Match, and Qingdao
selected and announced at the award ceremony held in July, in London, UK.
International Sailing Camp. Since 2014, Qingdao International Sailing Week has been held in combination with Qingdao International Marine Festival. The eighth Qingdao International Sailing Week and Qingdao International Marine Festival will be held in Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Shandong province, from August 6 to 14. This event aims to be an open, international event which encourages participation of citizens in realization of the One Belt One Road Initiative by the Chinese Government. By holding a series of sailing activities focused on cultural exchange, sailboat provision, sailing industry, marine science technology tourism and leisure, the international sailing match is now considered a civil festival, representing “Blue Qingdao” as well as boosting the blue economy, ocean sports, ocean culture & tourism, marine science technology, environmental protection, and energy conservation.
Japan - Shimane Prefecture Private Exchange with Primorsky Territory, Russia, through Peonies from Shimane Prefecture
Japan - Hyogo Prefecture IWC 2016 Sake Competition in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Shimane Prefecture has been exercising exchange in various fields through
The International Wine Challenge (IWC), one of the most authoritative blind
administrative and private exchange and economic cooperation for mutual
tasting competitions in the world, held the 2016 Sake Competition in Hyogo for
understanding and friendship enhancement since signing the ‘Friendship
3 days from May 16 to 18. Hyogo Prefecture, where Nada Gogo, one of the main sake brewing areas in
Exchange Agreement’ with Primorsky Territory, Russia in 1991. In light of the the 25th anniversary of the friendship exchange between
Japan is located, has the highest production of ‘Yamada Nishiki’ (rice that is
Shimane Prefecture, Japan and Primorsky Territory, Russia this year, a special
used for brewing) in Japan. Yamada Nishiki produced in Hyogo Prefecture is
ceremony along with various events will be held to introduce culture and
distributed to 543 places in Japan, and the products are highly evaluated.
artworks of Shimane Prefecture to Primorsky Territory. A theatrical team and
To make it happen, a ‘Village-Rice’ system, known as a contract-based wine producing cycle, has been established, along with the suitable climate and the
choir from Primorsky Territory will also be invited to Shimane Prefecture to perform.
quality of soil in the area. The system guarantees the production amount
The ‘Vladivostok Private Exchange Team’ which consisted of 13 people who
between rice and sake (rice-wine) producers. Due to this system, sake
are in the peony importing business visited Shimane Prefecture, Japan during the
production did not cease even during the Hanshin Awaji Earthquake, a great
Golden week (first week of May). Here, the peony blooms most beautifully and
earthquake which occurred on January 17, 1995 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
is the flower of the prefecture.
Based on this strong trust–based relationship, Hyogo Prefecture was able to
The ‘Vladivostok Private Exchange Team’ which consisted of 13 people who
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NEAR Member News
are in the peony importing business visited Shimane Prefecture, Japan during the Golden week (first week of May). Here, the peony blooms most beautifully and is the flower of the prefecture. During the visit, the delegation demonstrated Russian folk songs, dance and
South Korea - Chungcheongbuk-do Province 2016 Cheongju World Martial Arts Masterships
performances at the Peony Festival held in Shimane Prefecture. Further events
- Date : September 3(Sat.)-8(Thur.) / For 6 days
were held, such as an exhibition of paintings of peonies by Russian children, cultural exchange events among the elementary, middle and high school
- Place : Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, South Korea Chungcheongbuk-do, well-known for the being the birthplace of Korean
students in Shimane prefecture and the private exchange team in Russia, and a
traditional martial arts, will hold the first Cheongju World Martial Arts
visit to the memorial for Russian soldiers who fought during the Russo-Japanese
Masterships from September 3 to 8. At this competition, 1,600 athletes from
War. Lastly, there was a tour to Matsue Castle, Izumo Taisha, and
over 30 countries will be competing against one another over 13 kinds of martial
Okinotorishima, where participants were able to take part in cultural experiences
arts such as Taekwondo, Taekkyon, Wushu, Sambo, Horseback archery,
such as making traditional paper-balls.
Muaythai, Ju-jitsu, Kurash, and Kickboxing Performing matches. Moreover, there will be international matches in Capoeira, a martial art which originated
South Korea - Daegu Metropolitan City 2016 Daegu Chimac Festival The 2016 Daegu Chimac Festival will be held from July 27 to 31 for five days at Daegu Doyu Park.
from Brazil among 30 countries and 7 kinds of record breaking matches such as high kicking, break-fall, and knife-hand-breaking. Right up until the first Martial Arts Masterships to be held this year, those in the Korean martial arts field have been preparing for over a decade, under the leadership of Chungcheongbuk-do Province. As a result, in the year 2000, the World’s first Martial Arts Festival was held in Cheongju which was a surprise to
In 2013, the ‘Chimac Festival’ was the most searched keyword online, and
China, known as the origin of the oriental martial arts. Moreover, the World
0.88 million people participated to the festival. This year, more than 1 million
Martial Arts Association was organized, consisting of over 40 countries and was
people are expected to visit. The festival participants can enjoy various events
designated status as an official NGO in partnership with UNESCO.
such as the Chicken and Beer Industry EXPO, the Chimac Premium Lounge,
In 2008, the Traditional Martial Arts Promotion Act was enacted and
and the Chimac Live Pub which includes contests and talk shows, Movie on
Taekkyon was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Additionally, the
Dotjari (mat) festival, and the Chimac Summer Water Park.
International Center for Martial Arts affiliated by UNESCO was built in
For the past three years, only sales of canned beer were allowed in indoor
Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, South Korea. More recently, martial
markets following the notice from the Office of National Tax Administration of
arts have been modernized, and developed into life & leisure sports, as well as
South Korea. However, this year during the festival the participants will be
and is becoming the economic growth engine of a high-value added contents
allowed to drink draft beer outdoors.
industry related to health & well-being, movie, animations and games.
For more information about the festival, please refer to the website below. http://chimacfestival.com/
Please, come to the 2016 World Cheongju World Martial Arts Masterships this September and enjoy dynamic competitions among world class players.
Emblem
Mascot
Mongolia - Khenti Aimag Mini Festival ‘Altargana 2016’ The 22nd Altargana 2016 will be held from June 30 to July 3 in Ulan-Ude, the Capital city of Republic of Buryatia, Russia. This festival aims to unite the Buriat tribe spread throughout Mongolia, Russia, and China as well as recovering and passing down traditions, culture, and sports to the next generation. Before the main festival, a mini festival ‘Altargana 2016’ was held in Basiret, Khenti Aimag, Mongolia from May 20 to 21. At this mini festival, the Buriat people will compete in 14 different categories including Buriat traditional song, handicraft competition, traditional costume fashion show, poetry competition, essay competition, beauty contest and photo competition. The winner of each contest will participate in the ‘Altargana 2016’ as representatives of Khenti Aimag.
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NEAR Member News
The Altargana Festival was started in the town of Dardal Sum located in Khenti Aimag which is known as the birthplace of Genghis Khan in 1994. It is
exhibitions, concerts, meeting with artists, and 3D-mapping. So far at the festival, world class teams have taken part and presented shows.
held alternatively in Russia and Mongolia. The word ‘Altargana’ refers to flowers which can grow whatever the conditions.
Russia – Amur Region The 7th International Festival «China-Russia Culture and Art Fair» The 7th International Festival-Russia and China Art Fair will be held from August 8 to 16. Main programs of the festival are: Nomad Festival, «Charming World and the Tribes of Russia», «Discussion among the Culture», writers’ forum «Reading Pushkin Focusing on His Life and the Hardships», and Art Fair by Russian and Chinese Artists, Exhibition, and Events for Russia-China Silver Artists. So far, the six international Russia-China Culture and Art Exhibition festivals have been held annually in cooperation with the Amur Region, Russia and Heilongjiang Province, China. This festival is supported by the Russian and Chinese Ministry of Culture and is a realisation of the Innitiative project by both the Amur (Russia) and Heilongjiang (China) provincial government. This festival is considered one of the biggest and most unique festivals held jointly by both countries, and a creative and interesting meeting platform which consists of great programs. For the previous six festivals, a joint Chinese and Russian team performed and more than 5,000 particpants and 150,000 visitors came and made connections between the two cultures. Creative teams, writers, artists, business people from all over the nations, have surpassed national bounderies to take part. The main programs of the festival are round table discussions focusing on international cooperation and development, art and handicraft fairs, photo
The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments
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NEAR Member Event Schedule
NEAR Member Event Schedule
July
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
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Region : Thomsk Region,Russia 4 Event : ENVIROMIS-2016 International Conference on Environmental Observations, Modeling and Information Systems Environmis-2016 When : Jul.4-9 Where : Thomsk Region, Russia Contact : Institute of Monitoring Climatic and Ecological Systems (W) http://www.imces.ru/en
Region : Khuvsgol Province, Mongolia 5 Event : Tsaatan (Reindeer) Festival When : Jul.5-8 Where : Khatgal Lake Contact : Administrative Office, Department of Social Development (T) +976-70388184(T) +976-70388184 (E)bayar_019@yahoo.com info@montravels.com
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Region : Ulaanbaatar City,Mongolia 11 Event : Naadam Festival When : Jul.10 Where : Ulaanbaatar City Contact : Ulaanbaatar Department of Tourism, Festival committee (T) +976-11-325599 +976-11-329659
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Region : Khakassia Republic, Russia 1 Event : Youth Folk Tourism Forum‘Etnova’ When : Aug. 1 Where : Khakassia Republic Contact : Economic Division, Khakassia Republic
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Region : NEAR Secretariat 7 Event : NEAR Young Leaders’ Forum When : Aug. 7-13 Where : Gyeongju, Gyeonsangbuk-do Province Contact : (T) +82-54-223-2320(CN) +82-54-223-2317(JP) +82-54-223-2384 (MN) +82-54-223-2319(RU) +82-54-223-2318(EN)
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Region : Kamchatka Territory, Russia 9 Event : International Day of the World’s Indigenous People When : Aug. 9 Where : Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Contact : Culture Division, Kamchatka Territory (T)+ 7-4152-41-02-30 (E) culture@kamgov.ru
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Region : Hyogo Prefecture, Japan 22 Event : 11th EMECS Conference When : Aug.22-27 Where : Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation Contact : Conference Organization Committee Dr.AlexandraErshova (E) ershova@rshu.ru Dr.GeorgeGogoberidze (E) ggg@rshu.ru (W) http://www.emecs.or.jp/en/emecs/emecs11 (*EMECS: Environmental Managemeng of Enclosed Coastal Seas)
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Region : Ulaanbaatar City,Mongolia Event : ‘Deeltei Mongol’ Mongolian Traditional Costume Festival When : Jul.10 Where : Ulaanbaatar City Contact : Department of Tourism (T) +976-70128687
August 2016
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NEAR Member Event Schedule
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Region : NEAR Secretariat 15 Event : Sub-Committee On Mineral Resources Development and Coordination When : Jul.15-16 Where : Magadan Region, Russia Contact : Department of natural resource and Environment (T) (4132) 643259 (E) PritolyukIV@49gov.ru
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Region : Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia 23 Event : Yak Festival When : Jul.23 Where : Bat-Orgil Sum Contact : Department of Nature Tourism, Uvurkhangai Province (T) +976–99058710 +976–94007001 (E)info@uvurkhangaitravel.com
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Region : Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia 22 Event : Felt Artwork Festival When : Jul.22 Where : Khujirt Sum Contact : Department of Nature Tourism, Uvurkhangai Province (T) +976–99058710 +976–94007001 (E)info@uvurkhangaitravel.com
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Region : Dundgovi Province, Mongolia 10 Event : Airag Festival When : Aug.10-15 Where : Baga Gazriin Chuluu Contact : Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dundgovi Province (E) blissfull_0247@yahoo.com
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Region : NEAR Secretariat 19 Event : NEAR Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange When : Aug.19-24 Where : Shimane Prefecture, Japan Contact : Division of Cultural and International Affairs, Shimane Prefecture (T) +81-852-22-6493
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Region : Inchoen Metropolitan City, South Korea Event : International Realtor Conference Incheon 2016 When : Aug.31-Sep.3 Where : Songdo Convensia Contact : Investment Promotion Division, Incheon (T) +82-32-440-3283
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Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea Event : 2016 Daegu Chimacfestival (Chicken and Beer) When : Jul.27-31 Where : Duryu Park, Daegu, South Korea Contact : Organizing Committee of DCIA (T) +82-53-631-0052 (W) www.chimc.or.kr
Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea Event : The 7th International LED & Display Expo When : Aug. 24-26 Where : Daegu Exco Contact : LED+ Secretariat Office (T) +82-53-601-5398 (W) www.lndexpo.co.kr/kor/
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Region : Toyama prefecture,Japan Event : The World Festival of Children’s Performing Arts in Toyama 2016 When : Jul.30-Aug.4 Where : Toyama Prefecture Contact : Life Environment and Culture Promotion Department (T) +81-76-444-3455 (F) +81-76-444-4438 The Executive Committee of the World Festival of Children’s Performing Arts in Toyama, 2016 13 (E)info@uvurkhangaitravel.com
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Reflections on my NEAR Internship
Reflections on my NEAR Internship
Reflections on my NEAR Internship
As soon as I arrived at the Republic of Tuva on September 19 2015, I attended the first international forum in Tuva. Many young leaders and entrepreneurs showed interest in the topic of branding and creating a tourist hotspot in Tuva. It took me some time to fully understand the topic, but as I participated further in the forum, I earned much insight and knowledge which lead me to want to help the Tuvan people. The Republic of Tuva boarders Mongolia and is twice the size of South Korea. The Tuvan Republic, a federal subject of Russia, has a population of about 0.31 million people and possesses a highly-valued-culture and nationalism. Recently, the land of Tuva was considered to be archaeologically important and well-known for medicinal herbs. There are few things that I learned from the forum. First, the throat singing method originated in Tuva. Many Tuvan people including artists and local college students made great efforts to guard and pass on their traditional culture. I also discovered that Tuvan musical instruments and sports were similar to those found in Korea. There is sport called Huresh wrestling in Tuva which is similar to Ssireum, a Korean style of wrestling.
When I first arrived at the R e p u b l i c o f Tu v a , I w a s impressed to see an untamed nature and a land of diversity, home to the Shamans. Many may simply see an under developed land, but for me, the wide, rolling plains gave me a great sense of relaxation and peace.
There are wrestling matches and events every summer at the Huresh wrestling stadium. It was a shame that I was not able to see the games while I was staying in Tuva. Moreover, there are musical instruments similar to Korean traditional stringed instruments such as the Gayageum or Haegeum. At the forum that I attended, there were performances on Tuvan traditional instruments. It was very impressive to see a performance of One Million Roses, known to most Koreans as a song sung by the famous singer, Sim Soo-bong was performed at the forum in the Tuvan language. From the forum for two nights and three days, I learned much about Tuva including its culture, history and life style. The forum was more meaningful because there were many opportunities for participants to experience through hands-on activities. After the forum, I prepared for the Korean class as part of my internship. However, on the first day of class, professors in charge seemed to be a little bit worried because not too many students applied for the class,
Gwon Jihwan Russian Language & Literature Major, College of Humanities & International Studies, Keimyung University
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compared to the previous year. But as the class went on, our worries soon disappeared and the class became more meaningful so that even as an intern, I was able to learn from my students in the Korean class. When there was no class, I audited a class in Tuvan State University. Maybe because I was a foreigner, a Korean, many students welcomed me and that made my stay and adaptation to the culture in Russia easier. Because of Hanryu, the Korean wave, many students were saying simple sentences like “Anyounghaseyo (Hello) or Saranghaeyo (I love you)� in Korean perfectly, and that really surprised me.
Reflections on my NEAR Internship
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Students were very innocent and had bright personalities. When taking classes together, they asked me various questions about Korea. It was impressive when one of my friends asked me “Do Koreans usually look younger than their real age?”
1. The 1st International Tuvan Youth Forum 2. Group Photo with international friends (Turkmenistan, Mongolian) 3. Street in Fall 4. The 1st International Tuvan Youth Forum 5. Korean Class 6. 20th Anniversary of Tuvan State University
During my stay in Tuva as an intern, I attended as many events as I could. I attended the 20th anniversary of the foundation of Tuvan State University on October 16 and the opening ceremony of the national museum of the Republic of Tuva as an international student on November 3. In Tuva, there are many students from China, Mongolia, Japan and Turkmenistan and they experience much cooperation and exchange. After attending various events, I thought that it will be helpful to have more opportunities for exchange between the youth of Korea and the Republic of Tuva. For those who only have learned about Korea through Korean dramas, movies and celebrities through ‘Hanryu’, Korea is a veiled country they have not yet visited. Some students want to enroll in universities in Korea to learn the language. I felt that it was a shame that I could not give more practical help to those students. As I am finishing up my internship, I hope that the opportunities for exchange between Tuva Republic and Korea will increase. “Though Tuvan people know about Korea, Koreans don’t know about the Tuvan people. How can we introduce the Republic of Tuva to South Korea?” This was my question to the Governor of the Republic of Tuva at the forum. I wish for the mutual prosperity of both countries through not only internships to teach Korean classes, but also various events and programs to promote cultural exchanges. Lastly, I would like to deliver gratitude to Сайлык Михайловна (Saylyk M.) who helped me in many ways.
Downtown Tuva
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Feature Report
Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia
Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia - Mongolia, Russia -
Marriage is one of the greatest and happiest events all over the world. Wedding ceremonies retain their value as a place where family, friends, and relatives gather together in order to celebrate the marrying couple. Wedding ceremonies haves changed over generations, and traditions and cultures differ from country to country. In this issue, wedding cultures of NEAR member coutries including Mongolia and Russia will be introduced.
Mongolia Mongolia is a vast land with many different tribes, and the wedding culture differs from region to reigion. The culture also differs in accordance to the location of the ceremony: If the wedding is in the city, the ceremony takes place in a wedding hall, if it takes place in the country, then the ceremony takes place in a ger. In this issue, we are going to take a look at a modern style wedding of Halh tribe in the city area.
1. Wedding Season
Weddings take place when food such as dairy products are abundant, before
preparations for the winter have to be made. Since Mongolia is a vast country, the wedding needs to take place when people are able to travel and gather together for the occasion. Therefore, fall is considered the season for weddings in Mongolia.
2. Wedding Ceremony Procedure
Wedding Photo
Suhbaatar Square (Central Square of Ulaanbaatar), Zaisan Memorial Hill, Gandan Temple
Downtown
Reception
The entry of the bride and the groom, Reception, Special Song, Lively music to which people dance or to relax
Hotel
3. Wedding Ring
Mongolian Wedding rings resemble the traditional
Process
Events
Venue
Engagement
Engagement takes place a few months before the wedding ceremony
The bride’s house
Khatan suikh (Queen’s earings)’. The pattern of the
Escort the Bride
On the Wedding day, the groom escorts the bride to the wedding hall from her house
Bride’s house → Wedding hall
Ger (traditional house), and woman’s ring ressembles to
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Vows, Wedding Certificate, Exchange of Wedding Rings, Lightening of the Stove, Milk Drinking Ceremony, Photo Shoot
National Wedding Hall of Mongolia
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NEAR NEWS Vol. 69
patterns of ‘Khaan buguivch (King’s braclet) and man’s ring is in the shape of a roof of the traditional the post holding the ceilling.
Wedding Ring (Above : Woman’s Ring, Below : Man’s Ring)
Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia
Russia Since the Russian people enjoy and appreciate community fellowship over good, they like to attend wedding ceremonies where they can enjoy the celebrations. At the wedding ceremony there are all kinds of mixed emotion: joy & sadness, laughter & tears, and happiness & worries.
1. Engagement to the Bride
The groom and the bride do not get married without the permission of their
parents. First, the groom meets the parents of the bride. If the parents do not have any objections to the groom, he asks his prospective father-in-law to allow him to marry his daughter. When arriving at the bride’s house, the groom prepares two sets of bouquet : One for his future mother-in-law, and the other for his future wife.
2. Paying the Ransom for the Bride before the Marriage
The wedding ceremony starts by the paying of the ransom for the bride to the
parents. Early in the morning of the wedding day, the groom dresses up and drives the wedding car with his friends to the bride’s house. The escort car shall be easily seen and known to the people around. As all the wedding cars are well polished and decorated elegenty as well as noisy because of loud music and the car horn, it is made known that the groom is in the car. On arrival at the bride’s house, the groom and the friends will face ‘challenges’ which test the groom before finally taking the bride. If the groom fails to pass the
the marrying couple. The guests give presents to the bride and the groom, and the bride and groom sell some belongings that they have brought to raise money for married life. As the party reaches its peak, people light fireworks and release balloons.
test, the family might not agree with the wedding. This ceremony is considered to be the last chance to ‘negotiate’ the price of the ransom for the bride. After the groom passes all the test, they all go to Zags, an organization that registers all marriages, births, and deaths in Russia, to register the marriage.
3. Wedding Ceremony
All Russian wedding ceremonies must go through Zags. The official wedding takes place at a special hall in an elegant environment with dignified music. After they are officially became the married couple, they finish the wedding ceremony by kissing each other. When the married couple emerge from the Zags, their friends greet them with shouts of ‘Congratulations’ and throw rice, coins, and flower petals. Along with the greeting, the newly weds release white doves which symbolize love and dedication for each other. After it is all finished, the couple and the guests go on a tour of the city and take photos.
4. Reception
Marriage Custom in the Republic of Tuva, Russia Russia is a nation of many tribes, and each tribe has its own unique wedding ceremony traditions. Here, we will take a look at the modern wedding ceremony in Tuva. From long ago, the parents of both the bride and the groom asked the Shaman to select the wedding date. The tradition is still alive now. Before the marriage, the parents of both sides, close relatives and family prepare the gift and ransom for the marrying couple. When meeting officially with the family, mutual respect is important. In the past, the official meeting took place three times. First in the valley, second at the riverside, and last, near the groom’s parents’ house. At the last meeting, the mother of the groom gives a bowl of milk to the bride and her family in a scarf called Khata. After the official meetings are done, the Tuvan wedding ceremony begins.
The last part of the wedding ceremony is the reception. The newly weds meet
At the wedding, the bride is at the center of the ceremony. The family
the groom’s parents while they are holding a bread which is round in shape
he family stands in a long line and shares blessings and gifts with the
symbolizing long and happy marriage, and an icon (holy picture). At the last part
bride. Following the Tuvan tradition, blessings are shared by the older
of the reception, the bride throws the bouquet to a woman who is engaged to be
to the younger generation. It is believed that through the blessings of
married. Typically, close family members deliver the congratulatory message to
the older generation, the young couple will be able to learn the social values and morals and live according to them. After the wedding ceremony the newlyweds start their happy married life. Data source: http://rusvesta.ru/, http://www.lib.rtyva.ru/news/94/6376/
The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments
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The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments
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