S. Korean resort island set to host Delphic Games next year

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's southernmost resort island is set to
host next year an international festival by and for artists, officials said
Wednesday.
A preparatory committee for the third Delphic Games, which is to be held in the
Jeju Island from Sept. 9 to 15 next year, was launched early Wednesday in central
Seoul.
In antiquity, the Delphic Games were a forum for arts of all kinds. Contestants
competed against each other peacefully and the victors and the towns they
represented were held in great acclaim.
The aim of the Delphic Games of the modern era is to once again take up this
tradition and further it worldwide, not so much as an appeal to regain European
antiquity, but more as a chance and forum for a peaceful dialogue of global
cultures, according to the committee officials.
Held every four-years, the Delphic Games take place at different places and on
different continents each time to decide upon the world champions among the
national champions.
Two previous events were held in Moscow, Russia in 2000 and Kuching, Malaysia in
2005.
The South Korean preparatory committee is headed by Yoo Hong-joon, former head of
the Cultural Heritage Administration.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
(END)