Promoting World Cup – Arirang Festival Together

The government is currently reported to be promoting a inter-Korean contract to promote tourism business that connects the `Arirang Festival`, which will held in Pyongyang from April 29 to June 29, and the World Cup (May 31 to June 30).

A high-ranking government official said, "It would be profitable for both South and North Korea if the Arirang Festival and the World Cup are connected. But this matter requires both countries’ mutual agreement for them to carefully examine its feasibility."

He also said, "It is a positive event if (South and North) exchange tourists. The Arirang Festival seems to be for unity of the political system internally and for economic security externally, rather than an intended hindrance to the World Cup."

The government is reported to be ready for negotiations if the North suggests joint tourism which invites the World Cup tourists and South Korean personnel. It will consider taking transportation measures through the Mt. Kumgang route or Panmunjom.

However, even if the joint tourism succeeds, a certain amount of controversy is expected like the one during last year’s `8.15 National Unification Festival` where selected private groups from the South caused socio-ideological troubles.

Chung-Ang University Professor Je Sung-Ho said, "There is a strong sense of instant conceptual agreement to use the two important festivals, for political purposes, to show the fruits of the `Sunshine policy`. In order to maintain the South-North relationship for the long term, the relationship must not be used for political purposes at the end of the administration`s term."

The government called for an executive-level meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), presided by Unification minister Hong Soon-Young, and held discussions to settle the meeting dates with the North through the Korean National Red Cross in order to resume the 4th family exchange around the Lunar New Year (February 12).

Young-Sik Kim taylor55@donga.com · Jong-Hoon Lee spear@donga.com