Int`l cultural expo attracts global attention

The cultural festival for the global community, Gyeongju International Cultural Expo 2000, opened today.

With more than 9,500 representatives of culture and the arts from 62 nations participating in the world cultural festival, the event, comprised of exhibitions, Audio-Visual(AV) shows and performances, will run until November 10th at the Expo grounds in Gyeongju Bomun complex and other locations in Gyeongju.

With `A breath of the new millenium` as its main theme, the opening ceremony for the Expo was held at the Baek-Kyul Theater within the Expo grounds at 11:00 a.m. The festival will continue on its grand voyage for 71 days.

The opening ceremony was attended by more than 2,000 people, including luminaries from the government, culture and arts sectors, ministry officials and citizens. The ceremony kicked off with an opening declaration made by governor Lee and a congratulatory performance made by a joint foreign troupe.

For the opening performance, a traditional play called ¡®Syeobal balgui Darae¡¯(Under the Moon Shining Bright), which is a modern interpretation of the Silla fable `Cheoyong¡¯s generosity¡¯, was performed. Around 100 performers danced and sang for 60 minutes, producing a wonderful ambience.

At the Gyeongju Expo 2000, the spotlight will be on Korean culture, and the festival will focus on Korea`s potential as a cultural leader in the 21st century.

The main events will include an audio-visual presentation called ¡®Into the heart of Seorabul¡¯, which will use virtual reality to illustrate the Silla period and the 9 story Hwangryong-sa wooden pagoda, and an exhibition titled `Following the Eastern Light¡¯, which will elucidate the cultures of Eurasian nations along the Silk Road.