Festivals Calendar - June 2009

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- The following are the major cultural and tourist
festivals to be held in South Korea in June:

* Muju Firefly Festival
When: June 13-21
Where: Muju, North Jeolla Province.
Fireflies, known as "banditburi" in Korean, were ubiquitous in Korea several
decades ago, but disappeared from most of the nation during its
industrialization. The friendly insects are now considered a symbol of a clean
environment. The 13th annual Firefly Festival in Muju offers a first-hand look at
the environment through such activities as an exploration tour for wild
fireflies. There will also be exhibitions of rare insects of the world and
dinosaur fossils, and a competition that involves making eco-friendly topiary
works. Various modern and traditional art performances, including folk plays, as
well as catching trout with bare your hands and rafting.
For detailed information, visit the Web site at www.firefly.or.kr or call
063-324-2440

* Daegu International Musical Festival
When: June 15-July 6
Where: Daegu
Daegu International Musical Festival, or DIMF, is the only exclusive
international musical festival held in the central city of Daegu. The event will
feature a total of 24 musicals, including eight invitational works, five
premiere homegrown musicals and nine musicals performed by students. "Metro
street," written by Australian composer-playwright Mathew Robinson, will open
the festival on June 15.
For more information, call 053-622-1947 or visit the web site http://dimf.or.kr.

* Taean Lily Festival
When: June 19-July 4
Where: Taean, South Chungcheong Province
Nearly 2 million lily blossoms will greet visitors during the Taean Lily
Festival, to be held at the Songamri flower complex on a lot measuring 181,900
square meters (18 hectares). Various lily flowers, including new specimens, and
numerous flowers native to Taean will be on display. Visitors will have a rare
chance to experience making bread with lily flowers.
For further information, call 041-675-7882 or go to www.happylily.com.

* International Oriental Medicine Expo
When: June 4-7
Where: EXCO, Daegu
Daegu has had the largest herbal medicine market in Korea since the Joseon
Dynasty (1392-1910). The four-day expo will offer visitors the chance to
experience Korea's oriental herbal medicine and oriental medicine industry.
About 100 companies displayed their products ranging from herbal remedies and
medical equipment to food and cosmetics during the exposition last year.
For further information, call 053-810-0234 or go to
http://www.dgom.re.kr/Expo/index.html.

*100 years of Korean cartoons Exhibition
When: June 3-Aug. 23
Where: National Museum of Contemporary Arts
An exhibition showcasing 100 years of Korean cartoons will be held from June 3
to Aug. 23 at the National Museum of Contemporary Arts in Gwacheon near Seoul.
About 500 works by some 270 cartoonists will be on display. For further
information, call 02-2188-6000 or go to www.moca.go.kr.

* Mount Taebaek Royal Azalea Festival
When: June 5-7
Where: Mount Taebaek, Gangwon Province
Taebaek in Gangwon Province is a highland city about 800 meters above sea level
and is the place to enjoy the year's last full-blown royal azalea blossoms.
Programs will include trekking along the 1,566-meter Mount Taebaek and
exploration of wild flowers in a picturesque setting of royal azalea blossoms.
For more information, call 033-550-2085 or visit the Web site at
http://festival.taebaek.go.kr/part3/home/html/main.html.
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