near news vol.44 (eng)

NEARNEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia2012. 3-4

Vol. 44

News

The Association of North East Asia Regional

Governments

Special Contribution Suggestion for the Mutual Growth of Northeast Asian Regions

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities / Secretariat News / NEAR Member News

Feature ReportThe Most Beloved Tree of the Russian People “Beryoza”

NEAR Member TourJeollabuk-do Province, Korea

Gimje Horizon Festival, Jeollabuk-do Province, Korea

“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).

NEAR News

Vol. 44

9 13 15

NEAR is...an international organization founded in Sept. 1996

in Gyeongju, South Korea by 29 regional

governments in four Northeast Asian countries,

including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia.

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 trade, education

& cultural exchanges, environment, disaster

prevention, cross-border cooperation, science &

technology, ocean & fisheries to tourism.

Today, with the participation of North Korea and

Mongolia and the accession of new member

governments, NEAR encompasses 70 member

regions in six countries as an organization

representing Northeast Asia dedicated to regional

diplomacy & cooperation.

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 North East Asia Regional

Governments

NEAR This Month

NEAR NEWS Vol. 42

Special Contribution

4

Special Contribution

Suggestion for the Mutual Growthof Northeast Asian Regions

This year, on 7-8 February, the 2012 Northeast Asia International Conference for Economic Development (NICE)was held in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It is more than twenty years since the 1st one formerly known as theInternational Forum on the Japan Sea Rim Region was held in 1990. During the almost two decades, NortheastAsia, except for North Korea, has experienced a dramatic social transformation. With the progress of free marketeconomy, economic agents such as business firms have become to play a direct role in the economic growth and -cohesion of this region, which, in the economic aspect, makes a decisive difference between today’s Northeast Asiaand that of twenty years ago. Today, even the foreign economic relations between Northeast Asian countries arecontrolled by the same standard called market mechanisms.

However, if you take a general view of Northeast Asia, in terms of the status of market economy, there are severaldistinct differences between each country which are caused by historical and geographical reasons.

First, there is a considerable difference in quality between market economies like Korea and Japan which havebeen formed over a long period of time and transition economies which have undergone quicker paced transitionfrom a centrally planned economy to a free market. Differences are not only in their legal systems and actions oflaw enforcement agencies, but also in the morals of main economic agents. Second, they don’t have easy access tothe information on each other’s market and economic agents. Third, difference in the accessibility to the market dueto geographical reasons: For example, landlocked countries like Mongolia have no direct access to seaports, whichhinders access to and from foreign markets. Fourth, there are capital-rich countries with well-developed capitalmarkets and those with less developed. Fifth, difference in the market size: In contrast to the huge Chinese market,the consumption and labor markets of Mongolia and Far East Russia are less attractive. Sixth, each country hasdifferent market conditions ranging from natural resources, advanced technology, well-developed logistics andinfrastructure. To sum up, from the perspective of market conditions, each country in Northeast Asia is significantlydifferent, but equally under the influence of globalization of the market economy.

However, such distinctions mean the existence of strong complementarity at the same time. In other words, thereis potential for Northeast Asian central and regional governments to promote mutual economic development andbenefit each other through mutual solidarity and concerted efforts. With this being said, I would like to introducesome suggestions made at the recent NICE and other international conferences participated by ERINA.

First, differences in market systems, morals of economic agents and business customs between countries andregions give rise to various problems in business transactions and investment activities. In particular, when it comesto SMEs with less capital, such transactions are too risky for them, and hence, difficult to expect practical,comprehensive economic cooperation to develop. Therefore, central or regional governments in Northeast Asia needto focus efforts on creating a level playing field with fair and equitable market conditions so that businesses canengage in safe transactions. In particular, we may expect that neighboring regional governments would establish astanding cooperation organization to make this happen.

Second, two decades have already passed since the beginning of the transformation into a free market economy,but the economic agents of Northeast Asia still don’t understand each other well. They do not know where to findwhat type of business partners and have no idea what kind of business potential to see. Therefore, it is necessary tocreate a business information network which covers the whole Northeast Asian market to help them better identifysuitable business partners.

Third, it is desirable to develop international logistics infrastructure from inland regions to the Pacific. Not onlyphysical infrastructures including roads and railways must be constructed, but also institutional ones must beimproved such as removing institutional barriers to cross-border movements. This is a task to be undertaken byrelated regional and central governments through concerted efforts and cooperation.

Fourth, when it comes to Northeast Asia, countries or regions with small markets and low capital accumulation arerich in natural resources, whose development can be of strategic importance for their economic growth. However,they often lack the technology, logistics infrastructure and the capital to realize such an economic developmentstrategy. This is when international financial cooperation comes into play in solving financing problems. For thisreason, NICE suggested to set up a “Northeast Asia Development Fund” to attract private money.

The above-mentioned efforts at least should be taken into account to realize the mutual growth of Northeast Asianregions. However, above all else, the very prerequisite for such efforts is the solidarity and political will forcooperation among Northeast Asian regional governments. To meet this prerequisite, we have to think aboutfundamentally improving how they communicate with each other.

Yoshiaki NISHIMURA, Chairmanof the Board of Trustees & Director-General

The Economic Research Institute

For Northeast Asia (ERINA)

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments 5

The 10th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention

was held on 12-15 March in Kobe City, Hyogo

Prefecture, Japan, participated by 33 attendees

including disaster prevention officers from 17

member regions in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia

and Russia and NEAR Director General KIM Jong-

Hak. After joining a lecture on the disaster prevention

strategy of Hyogo at the Hyogo Anti-Disaster Center,

participants made a study-visit to Disaster Reduction

and Human Renovation Institution, E-Defense, Miki

Disaster Prevention Park and Kobe Fire Department

among many other facilities to learn developed

systems for immediate response to disaster and the

importance of long-term disaster management plans.

The Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate Change which

was originally set to be held in May in Daegu Exhibition

Convention Center, Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea has been

postponed to 28-30 August. “Daegu will organize the

inaugural meeting of the Sub-Committee back-to-back with

the International LED & Display Korea, the biggest trade fair

in Korea for Led Industry, not only to form a partnership to

fight climate change, but also to expand opportunities for

policy exchange and business cooperation among participating

regions,” said an official of the coordinator region.

NEAR Director General KIM Jong-Hak performs CPR on a dummy. Assistant Director Zhou Xikang of the Foreign Affairs Office of NingxiaHui Autonomous Region speaking at the 8th NEARWorkingCommittee

Disaster prevention officers from China, Korea, Mongolia andRussia visited the Hyogo Anti-Disaster Center

The NEAR Working-level Workshop is to be held

from the 29th to 31st May in Gyeongju City

(Gyeongsangbuk-do Province) and Yeosu City

(Jeollanam-do Province), Korea. The annual

gathering of working-level officials of member

local authorities will comprise: Activity Report

2012 of the Secretariat; capacity-building lecture on

foreign cooperation by the Economic Research

Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA); Presentations

by regional representatives; discussion on

introducing new partnership projects, and etc. Also,

participants will make a study-visit to the EXPO

2012 Yeosu Korea in Jeollanam-do Province, as

part of the “Discover the Region” program.

The Sub-Committee on Energy &

Climate Change Postponed to August

The NEAR Working-level Workshop on

29-31 May in Gyeongju and Yeosu

‘‘

‘‘

During this Sub-Committee, our discussion

was focused on the disaster reduction efforts

after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

(1995) and the Great East Japan Earthquake

(2011). It was especially meaningful to

participate in the simulation drills at the Disaster

Reduction and Human Renovation Institution

and Hyogo Prefectural Emergency Management

and Training Center. I would like to once again

extend condolences to the affected families and

thank Japanese authorities for sharing their

experiences and helping us learn lessons.

Recently, Korea has had huge human and

property losses from flooding and landslides

caused by constant heavy rains. My visit to

Hyogo confirmed the importance of early

establishment of preventive and relief measures

by disaster management authorities in the most

vulnerable areas. Also important is to enhance

the awareness of local citizens through

education, information sharing and emergency

drills. It is “us” who should protect the safety of

me, my family and my region.

KIM Hong-Yeon, Disaster Management

Division, Daegu Metropolitan City (Korea)

‘‘

‘‘

I thank Hyogo Prefecture for organizing this

event through which I was able to get deeper

understanding about disaster prevention and

reduction measures. It was especially insightful

to know we can really reduce the damage caused

by earthquakes depending on our self-help and

mutual aid.

Xiao Rongcheng, Red Cross Society of

Changsha, Hunan Province (China)

The Sub-Committee on Disaster

Prevention Held on 12-15 March

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region officially

kicked off preparation for the 9th NEAR General

Assembly 2012 scheduled for July by visiting

foreign embassies and organizations in China.

Recently, Assistant Director Zhou Xikang of the

Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office visited the

Korean, Japanese, North Korean, Mongolian and

Russian Embassies as well as the Beijing Office

of the Council of Local Authorities for

International Relations, a joint network of

Japanese local authorities, to ask for support and

cooperation for more regions in respective

countries to participate in the General Assembly.

The 9th Chair Region and the NEAR Secretariat

plan to further step up communication efforts to

bring the conference into success.

Ningxia Begins Full-scale Preparation

for the 9th NEAR General Assembly

NEAR Activities

NEAR NEWS Vol. 42

Secretariat News / NEAR Member News

6

NEAR This Month

Secretariat News

NEAR Member News

*R20 (Regions of Climate Action): R20 is anon-profit organization founded in 2011 byGovernor Arnold Schwarzenegger and otherglobal leaders in cooperation with the UnitedNations to help states, provinces, regions andother sub-national governments around theworld develop, implement, and communicatelow-carbon and climate resilient economicdevelopment projects, policies, and bestpractices. R20 Headquarters is located inGeneva, Switzerland. *AER (Assembly of European Regions): AERis the largest independent network of regionsin the wider Europe, founded in 1985 topromote the principle of subsidiarity andregional democracy. It brings together morethan 250 regions from 35 countries and theGeneral Secretariat is located in Strasbourg,France.

NEAR Secretary General KIM Jae-Hyo, Honorary Chair ArnoldSchwarzenegger of R20 and President Michele Sabban of AER(from left)

Secretary General KIM Jae-Hyo visited Geneva,

Switzerland on 6-11 March to participate in the Pre

Rio+20 Conference “The Road to Rio: Regions

Building the Green Economy” and the General

Assembly of Regions of Climate Action (R20) at

the invitation of the organization. On the sidelines

of the conference, he met with his R20 counterpart

and the President of the Assembly of European

Regions (AER) to confirm the leading role of

regions in fighting climate change and agreed to

promote partnership with the two organizations.

Secretary General Kim Visited R20

General Assembly

NEAR Director General KIM Jong-Hak attended

the founding ceremony of People.com.kr Co. Ltd.,

which operates the Korean website built by

People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the

Communist Party of China. As part of the

ceremony, participants took part in a special lecture

and exchanged views on recent social and

economic developments in China and the agenda of

“Lianghui (The Two Meetings)” or the Chinese

People’s Political Consultative Conference

(CPPCC) and plenary sessions of the National

People’s Congress which began from 3 March in

The Secretariat Welcomes

Establishment of People.com.kr

Vice Governor for Political Affairs LEE In-

Seon of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province made an

official visit to the Secretariat to discuss how to

make the most of NEAR to promote partnerships

between Northeast Asian regions. At the

luncheon meeting, Secretary General Kim and

Vice Governor Lee talked about NEAR’s key

achievements in 2011 as well as major plans for

2012. “NEAR have produced many results by

promoting exchange and cooperation between

member regions in various fields, including

economy & trade, environment, science &

technology,” said Lee while asking the

Secretariat to do its best not only to promote the

win-win growth of regions, but enhance the

international profile of NEAR.

Beijing.

During his talks with JIE Hae-Bum, Director of

the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies of Chosun

Daily, Korea’s one of the major daily newspapers

and the sponsoring organization of this event, Mr.

Kim congratulated the successful launching and

agreed to forge closer cooperation between the two

organizations.

Vice Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-

do Visited NEAR Secretariat

Hunan Province - China

When: 18-20 May, 2012

Where: “1+3” mode (most activities to be held in Changsha City, and

some activities in Zhuzhou, Xiangtan and Zhangjiajie cities)

Organized by: Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Hunan Dept. of

Commerce, People’s Gov. of Changsha, People’s Gov.

of Zhuzhou, People’s Gov. of Xiangtan and People’s

Gov. of Zhangjiajie

Theme: “Opening-up, Rising & Green Development”

Important Events: World Chinese Business

Leader Summit; The Symposium between the

Six Provinces of Central China and

Multinational Companies; Development

Forum of New Energy and New Material

Industries; Seminar of the Cultural Creative

Industries; Mayor Forum on Sustainable

Development of Year 2012 and etc.

Official Website: www.expocentralchina.org.cn

The 7th Central China Investment and Trade Expo

Upcoming in Hunan

NEAR This Month NEAR Member News


Yinchuan Hedong Airport, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

"The Niigata Sake-no-Jin 2012," Japan's largest Sake event, was held for

the eighth time on March 17 and 18 in Niigata City. The Toki Messe

Convention Center, where the festival took place, was crowded with

visitors who welcomed its resumption, for it was suspended by the Great

East Japan Earthquake last year. Over 500 kinds of Niigata's local sake

recognized not only nationwide but also overseas were offered for tasting

and purchase.

A number of foreigners

were seen visiting the

festival which has recently

been drawing increasing

attention from the world.

Greater expansion of

overseas market for

Niigata's local sake is

expected with its growing

export.

Deputy Director-General Li Rong speaks at the welcoming reception hosted by the Korea-ChinaEconomic Association.

Young students from Japan and Russia mingle with each other during “The 21st-CenturyIshikawa Wings of Youth” program.

Over 500 kinds of Niigata's local sake was introduced atthe Niigata Sake Festival 2012

A direct flight from Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia Hui Autonomous

Region to Seoul, South Korea officially launched on Mar. 24 with the signing

ceremony participated by SONG Gi-Cheong, Consul of the South Korean

Consul in Xian and Li Weidong, Vice Mayor of Yinchuan City. The Yinchuan-

Seoul route will serve as the first direct link between Ningxia and an overseas

country. It is reported that the Yingchuan Hedong Aiport achieved a comprehensive

improvement in upgrading the related facilities, human resources and translation

of traffic signs in Korean. The flight from Yinchuan to Seoul, which takes about

4 hours, will be operated by Jin Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korean Air

Lines Co. Ltd. There will be two round-trip flights a week and up to 104 scheduled

flights in a year.

Direct Flight from Yinchuan to Seoul Officially Launched

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region - China

Sake Lovers Gather for Niigata Sake Festival 2012

Niigata Prefecture - Japan

Ishikawa Prefecture has promoted comprehensive partnerships with Irkutsk

Region of Russia, Jiangsu Province of China and Jeollabuk-do Province of

Korea in various fields, including youth exchange, and one of its outstanding

joint projects is “The 21st-Century Ishikawa Wings of Youth.” This program

aims to develop a global mindset and tolerance among young talents who will

shoulder the future of Northeast Asia. Well received by participating students,

it gives opportunities to visit partner regions and experience the school life,

culture and home-stays. The youth exchange program is scheduled for 2012 as

well and Ishikawa expects more interest and participation by youth who want

to have various experiences, transcend the barrier of language and culture and

extend the boundaries of friendship.

Ishikawa Helps Youths to Spread Wings of

International Friendship

Ishikawa Prefecture - Japan

At the invitation by the Japan-China Economic Association and the Government

of Gyeonggi-do Province of Korea, a delegation led by Deputy Director-

General Li Rong of the Shandong Foreign Affairs Office visited Japan and Korea

from 28 Feb. to 8 March to make industrial visits and further joint projects.

The delegation consisting of 27 members including public officials of

construction, environment and energy departments of Shandong Province and

its cities as well as representatives of 17 construction design - and related companies

learned Japan and Korea's policies on environment-friendly construction and

energy-saving strategy and technology for buildings. The industrial visits and

discussions on joint projects with Korea and Japan laid the foundation for closer

bilateral cooperation between businesses.

Shandong Delegation Visited Korea and Japan to

Promote Green Construction Projects

Shandong Province - China

NEAR NEWS Vol. 42

NEAR Member News

8

NEAR This Month

Gyeognsangbuk-do Governor Tours Europe and AfricaThe panoramic view of the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea

Governor Toshizo Ido of Hyogo Prefecture (center left) and Governor KIM Du-Kwan ofGyeongsangnam-do Province

Governor KIM Du-Kwan of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Korea paid an

official visit to Hyogo prefecture to meet with Governor Toshizo Ido and sign a

Letter of Intent on Friendly Relations and Cooperation. Hyogo, which is

inhabited by quite a number of Koreans from Gyeongsangnam-do, has been

actively engaged in promoting exchanges between parliaments, youths and

sports. Through this LOI, both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation and

exchanges in human resources, culture and economy.

Hyogo and Gyeongsangnam-do Sign LOI on Friendly

Relations and Cooperation

Hyogo Prefecture - Japan

Governor KIM Kwan Yong embarked on a tour to Europe and Africa on 15-

22 March to participate in the 6th World Water Forum and promote the

Saemaul Movement* in poverty-stricken areas.

In France, Kim attended the 6th World Water Forum and a special handover

ceremony held in Marseille as Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Daegu

Metropolitan City were announced as the co-hosts of the next forum in 2015.

In Ethiopia, he met with high-ranking government officials and looked around

the sites of the Saemaul Project, which Gyeongsangbuk-do has carried out

since 2010 in Africa to combat poverty under the slogan, “Keep Company on

the Road to Co-existence and Prosperity of Humankind.”

Gyeognsangbuk-do Governor Tours Europe and Africa

to Promote World Water Forum and Saemaul Movement

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province - Korea

The International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 (officially approved by the

Bureau of International Expositions) is being held from 12 May to 12 August

in Yeosu City of Jeollanam-do Province under the theme, “The Living Ocean

and Coast.” The Exposition will be an opportunity for the international

community to clearly understand the function and value of the ocean and

coast, share knowledge on the proper use of them and recognize the need for

cooperation to protect them.

Exhibition of the Ocean, for the Ocean The Expo 2012 Yeosu will showcase Korea's top-notch shipbuilding technologies,

marine-bio industries and offshore CO2 capture and storage technologies on

top of the world's state-of-the-art marine technologies and equipments. Also,

participants will be able to have a glimpse of futuristic underwater cities,

explore global marine ecosystems and even learn the relationship between the

ocean as a vital life force and humans who have thrived on its resources

through time. Don't miss the chance to enhance your understanding on

marine industrial technologies, ocean civilizations, marine cities and life!

Experience “The Living Ocean and Coast” in EXPO

2012 YEOSU KOREA

Jeollanam-do Province - Korea

Low-carbon, Green ExpoThe entire site of EXPO 2012 Yeosu is designed to form a model city

displaying the low-carbon lifestyle of the future. All preparations and events

will leave a limited carbon footprint, and the Energy Park will become the

test-bed for renewable energy. The entire Expo site will be constructed with

environmentally-friendly methods and recycled materials to produce the least

amount of waste possible.

Floating ocean forest and a mini-sized environment-friendly fish farm are on

display around the expo site while visitors can drink water produced by

desalination facilities at the “Sky Tower,” the tallest structure innovatively

created by renovating an abandoned pair of cement silos. At the Energy Park,

Korea’s largest one, visitors will see how new and renewable energy is

generated, indulge in hands-on activities and learn principles of green energy

production. It features a photovoltaic power plant, energy manufacturing

facilities, online electric bus, bike water cannons (visitors can generate

electricity by pedaling a bike), recycled rockets and many others.

Furthermore, the Expo is brimming with cultural programs, with 40

performances and events taking place every day for the entire period of 93

days - 3,700 events in total! A flavor of culture and art will be found in official

events, exhibition contents and seminars.

The International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012

When : 12 May 12 August, 2012 (93 days)

Ticket Prices(Standard Day Pass) : Adults KRW 33,000 /Youth KRW 25,000 / Seniors and Children KRW 19,000

Website : www.expo2012.kr

Once-stop Cal l Center : T.+82-1577-2011

NEAR This Month NEAR Member News


On the 23rd March, the 3rd International Investment Conference was organized

by the municipal government in Ulaanbaatar City, participated by 40 domestic

and foreign investors. The conference was opened by the welcoming remarks

of Mayor Munkhbayar and Mongolian Prime Minister Batbold with

Mongolian, English and Chinese as working languages. The morning session

comprised presentations and discussion on the current water supply system of

Ulaanbaatar, introduction of new public transport services and mid- and long

term projects to solve car congestion. In the afternoon, various large-scale

projects of the Mongolian capital were introduced, including the construction

of national parks and the naturalization of beavers in the Tuul River.

The 3rd International Investment Conference

Ulaanbaatar City - Mongolia

The 16th edition of the Pacific International Tourism Expo (PITE) will be

held on 25-27 May in Vladivostok, Russia, organized by the Department

of International Cooperation and Tourism of Primorsky Territory.

Representatives of world-leading tourism companies from Russian regions

and 10 foreign countries will participate. Primorsky expects PITE to

provide an important platform to identify new business partners and

promote cooperation between neighboring countries and regions.

Pacific International Tourism Expo to Be Held in Vladivostok

Primorsky Territory - Russia

A Kamchatka delegation led by Governor

Ilukhin Vladimir Ivanovich paid an official

visit to Korea on 3-9 April. After holding an

investment conference on 3 April, the

delegation visited Shihwa Tidal Power Plant,

Hyundai Steel in Dangjin and Chungju

Hydroelectric Power Plant. The seven days

visit was ended with a business meeting with

Korean CEOs on the 8th.

Kamchatka Governor Officially Paid Visit to Korea

Kamchatka Region - RussiaAs part of the International Sport Forum “Russia-Country of Sports” to be

held on 4-7 July, the 5th Children of Asia International Sports Games 2012 will

be held in Yakutsk City, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) on 4-16 July. The

Children of Asia Games aims to develop children's sports and to strengthen

the ideas of Olympism and international sports cooperation. Under the

auspices of the International Olympic Committee and UNESCO, the event

will unite young people from all around the world to participate and compete

in 20 different sports in the cities of Yakutsk, Mirny and Neryungri. This year,

three new sporting disciplines will be introduced: swimming, sambo and

freestyle wrestling for persons with disabilities.

The 5th Children of Asia International Sports Games 2012

Republic of Sakha(Yakutia) - Russia

“By organizing the world festival of water, one of the key industries for low-

carbon & green growth, we will be able to become the center of world water

industry and create more quality jobs,” said Kim. He also confirmed that

Gyeongsangbuk-do would continue to provide development assistance by

spreading Saemaul and volunteer works, which would in turn help create a

business environment favorable to Korean companies.

Pacific International Tourism Expo 2012

Dalexpocenter Co., Ltd

Contact: +7 (423) 245-1502, 23-00-518

Website: www.dalexpo.vl.ru

Ulaanbaatar Mayor Munkhbayar (center right) and Mongolian Prime Minister Batbold(center left)participated in the 3rd International Investment Conference.

National teams make their entrance to the stadium at the 4th Children of Asia International Sports Games

The 15th Pacific International Tourism Expo

Ilukhin Vladimir Ivanovich, Governor of Kamchatka Region

*The Saemaul Movement or the New Village Movement is a political initiative launched by thelate South Korean president PARK Chung-Hee to modernize the rural South Korean economy.

NEAR NEWS Vol. 42

Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions

10

NEAR This Month

May2012. 5.

Sunday Monday Tuesday

6 7 8

13 14 15

27 28 29

3 4 5

June2012. 6.

��Region Jeju Special Self-governing

Province (Korea)��Event Jeju Godmother Sulmundae Festival��When 15 May��Where Jeju Stone Park��Contact Peace & Cooperation Division,

Jeju Special Self-governing

Province

T. +82-64-710-6263

F. +82-64-710-6259

��

Region Khabarovsk Territory (Russia)��

Event International Band Festival

“The Amur Waves-2012”��

When 28 May - 3 Jun��

Where Khabarovsk City��

Contact Cultural Dept., Khabarovsk Territory

T. +7-4212-32-50-66

F. +7-4212-32-50-66��

E-mail [email protected]

20 21 22

Events of NEAR Member Regions

NEAR This Month Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions


��

Region Busan Metropolitan City (Korea)��

Event Busan International Motor Show 2012

(BIMOS 2012)��

When 24 May-3 Jun��

Where BEXCO, Busan Metropolitan City��

Contact BEXCO Busan

T. +82-51-740-7391

F. +82-51-740-3540

��

Region Primorsky Territory (Russia)��

Event Pacific International Tourism

Exhibition(PITE)��

When 25-27 May ��

Where Vladivostok City��

Contact T. +7-423-220-8340

+7-423-240-0952

F. +7-423-220-9259��

E-mail [email protected]

��

Region Irkutsk Region(Russia)��

Event The 2nd international forum “Baikal

hospitality”��

When 24-26 May��

Where Irkutsk City��

Contact Tourism Bureau, Irkutsk

Region

T./F. +7-3952-34-28-23

��

Region Ningxia Hui Autonomous

Region (China)��

Event The 4th China (Ningxia) International

Culture, Arts and Tourism Expo��

When 1 Jun -31 Oct��

Where Yinchuan City��

Contact Cultural Dept. of Ningxia Hui

Autonomous Region

T. +86-951-6024977

F. +86-951-6024977

��

Region Heilongjiang Province (China)��

Event The 23rd International China Harbin

Fair for Trade and Economic

Cooperation��

When 15-19 Jun��

Where Harbin City��

Contact Administration Office of China Harbin

International Economic and Trade

Fair

T. +86-451-82340100

F. +86-451-82340226

��

Region Altai Territory (Russia)��

Event International Youth Forum

“ATP. Siberia”��

When 23 -30 June��

Where Altai Territory��

Contact Bureau of Education and Youth

Projects, Altai Territory

T. +7-3852-63-59-22

F. +7-3852-35-35-59

��

Region Hunan Province(China)��

Event The 7th Central China Investment and

Trade Expo��

When 18-20 May��

Where Hunan Province��

Contact Dept. of Commerce of Hunan Province

T. +86-731-82287058

F. +86-731-82287058

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9 10 11 12

16 17 18 19

30 31

1 2

6 7 6/15 6/23

��Region Jeollanam-do Province (Korea)��Event International Exposition Yeosu

Korea 2012��When 12 May-12 Aug��Where New Port area in Yeosu��Contact Organizing Committee of the EXPO

2012 Yeosu Korea

T. +82-1577-2012��Website http://www.expo2012.kr

��

Region Irkutsk Region(Russia)��

Event International Opera Music Festival

“The Breath of Baikal”��

When 30 May-3 Jun��

Where Irkutsk City��

Contact Dept. of Culture and Archives, Irkutsk

Region

T. +7-3952-20-30-55

F. +7-3952-20-30-55

��Region Daegu Metropolitan City(Korea)��Event Colourful Daegu Pre-Championship

Meeting��When 16 May��Where Daegu Stadium��Contact Organizing Committee of the

Colourful Daegu Pre-Championship

Meeting

T. +82-53-803-9000

F. +82-53-803-9159

23 24 25 26

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 42

A Night at Golgulsa - Templestay

12

Feature Report

“Beryoza”The Most Beloved Tree of the Russian People

“Beryoza” or the birch tree is the national tree of Russia, widely spread all across the

country. From the root, leaves, bark, tar to the lumber, it has many practical uses in the

lives of the Russian people. In particular, birch leaf has a wide variety of medicinal

applications.

With over 100 species, birch has played an important role in the cultures of many

peoples, including the Slaves, the Skandinavians and the Finno-Ugric people.

Medicinal Qualities

Birch has a wide variety of medicinal

applications; different parts are often used for

different purposes. Bark extract is effective

against anti-biotic-resistent infections. Birch

leaf is an excellent agent against kidney and

urinary tract disorders, such as bladder

infections. It also alleviates dermatological

ailments and effective in treating skin and

uterine cancer. Birch tea made from the leaves

and bark aids in the treatment of digestive

disorders in children.

Venik Massage

Russian sauna, called banya, is a very old

tradition in Russia and an essential part of it is

the venik - a leafy, fragrant bundle of birch tree

twigs. In a Russian bathhouse, you will find

these veniks or birch brooms soaked in

buckets of warm water. Bathers slightly whisk

themselves or each other with it and the hot

part of the venik is compressed to the body,

which makes it possible to provide an intensive

heat therapy and increase sweating. The best

time to “harvest” veniks is at the beginning of

June - on the Trinity Day - 49 days after Easter.

Effects on Body Systems

The venik helps with muscle and joint pain

after physical exercise. It cleans the skin,

accelerates the healing of rashes, wounds and

scratches and it smells wonderfully. Birch

tree veniks also have a relaxing and uplifting

effect on your emotional state.

Its special virtue is that it widens the small

bronchi, aiding in the removal of phlegm and

improves the ventilation of the lungs - good for

asthmatics and smokers. Also, venik leaves

release phytoncides - a biologically active

substance that kills or depresses the growth

and development of pathogens.

How to Use Venik

The Venik has to be properly prepared before

use. It must be soaked for a minimum 20

minutes in warm water, followed by 10 minutes

in hot water until the leafs become soft.

Several venik massage techniques include

waggling, compression, stroking, lashing,

rubbing and stretching.

Chaga Mushroom

Chaga is a woody mushroom that grows on

birch trees with a black, scarred outer surface

that looks like burnt charcoal. Chaga normally

takes 20 years to mature before it is harvested.

Shortly after harvesting the mushrooms, the

birch tree host usually dies off - because all of

its life-giving nutrients were consumed by

them. In Russian folk medicine chaga is used

to treat cancers, often stomach and lung

cancer, and it is likewise considered effective

for other common stomach diseases.

| Venik |The venik is a leafy, fragrant bundle of birch twigs.

1. A house built of birch logs

2. Birch sap is extracted from a birch tree

3. A Russian bathhouse built of birch

4. An experience in a Russian sauna usually consists of

whipping one’s own or each other's body with the venik

5. Chaga mushrooms grows wild on birch trees

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Feature Report A Night at Golgulsa - Templestay


Visit Jeonbuk Year Promotion Hall

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‘‘Come and Visit Jeollabuk-do andDiscover the Hidden Charms of Korea!

‘‘

Tip!

Tourist Contact and Inquiries

Visit Jeonbuk Year Tel: +82-63-282-1330 Homepage: http://www.gojb.net/Jeonju Hanok Village Tel: +82-63-282-1330 Homepage: http://tour-eng.jeonju.go.kr/ Mt. Maisan Tel: +82-63-433-0012 Homepage: http://maisantapsa.co.krSaemanguem Tel: +82-63-450-9100 Homepage: http:// smgc.go.kr

Jeollabuk-do

Jeollabuk-do is located in an area between 125 ~127 inlongitude and 35 ~36 in latitude. It consists of 6 cities, 8counties, 14 towns and 145 townships.Address : 225, Hyoja-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do

560-871, KoreaContact : +82-63-280-2707

NEAR NEWS Vol. 42

Amur Region of Russia

14

NEAR Member Tour

Jeollabuk-doProvince, Korea

Dear honorable NEAR member regions, Greetings from Jeollabuk-do. This

year is Visit Jeonbuk(Jeollabuk-do) Year. Jeollabuk-do is the hometown of

Korean culture and has a strong traditional Korean atmosphere. We are also

preparing to be a future economic hub of Northeast Asia through the Saemanguem

reclamation project, which has the longest sea wall in the world. We can say that our

province is one which you can experience the past, present and future of Korea.

You can have many beautiful memories in Jeollabuk-do. Please come and visit us,

and discover the 2012 different hidden charms of Jeollabuk-do.

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1. Mt. Maisan of Jinan 2. Hanok Village of Jeonju 3. Dolmen park of Gochang

4. Korea Food Festival 5. Muju Firefly Festival 6. Gochang Moyang Castle Festival 7. World Sori Festival

Discover the 2012 different hidden

charms of Jeollabuk-do. Experience the

flavors and charms of Korea! We are

waiting for you! _ The 2012 Visit Jeonbuk Year

has started. Jeollabuk-do has prepared its own special

programs for visitors to help them find our charms and

flavors. We offer various intriguing programs by

seasons and themes that focus on the “2012 Hidden

Charms of Jeollabuk-do.” Diverse tour programs and

projects including the Street Festival, Visit Jeonbuk

Week and art performances will be performed in

fourteen cities and counties in Jeollabuk-do. Night

performances at Hanok Village will be worth a watch.

We recommend you join the seventh Marine Sports

Festival, Taekwondo Demonstration Performance,

Culture and Tour Guide Competition and Railroad

Traveling Program.

Jeollabuk-do appeared in Michelin

Guide! _ We have promoted our tourist attractions

to the students of our nation. With signing an MOU

with Seoul Educational Office, we are planning to host

150,000 students. We have launched the Jeonbuk Tour

Bus and Railroad Traveling Program for visitors who

reside in Seoul. We will attract 400,000 visitors to

Jeollabuk-do this year and are going to give incentives

to tour companies which promote trips and

international visits. The Michelin Green Guide, the

world famous tour guide book, rated Hanok Village,

Dolmen Museum and Mt. Maisan the highest score.

For international visitors, we are planning to hold two

special music festivals featuring Korean pop stars. We

are going to hold the World Pilgrimage Festival this

year, which we hope lead us to host the Asia

Pilgrimage Congress as well. The Beautiful Pilgrimage

Route will serve as an unprecedented symbol of

harmony and understanding amongst diverse religions.

A Great Selection of Nature and Tourist

Attractions _ You will be attracted by every tourist

attraction in and around Jeollabuk-do. Saemanguem

region near Gunsan has emerged as one of the best

tourist attractions in Korea thanks to its beautiful

islands. It is also well known as the home town of

Korea literature. Plan Your Trip. Here are some

recommended travel routes.

First, in Jeonju, the capital city of Jeollabuk-do, you

can visit historic sites of Joseon Dynasty in the

morning and try Bibimbap (a bowl of rice topped with

different kinds of veggies, sliced beef, egg and red

pepper paste) for lunch. Second, if you are into

jewelry, visit the Jewelry Museum in Iksan where the

love story of Seodong and Sunhwa is still told to this

day. Third, you can visit snow covered Muju - often

called the Alp’s of Korea. You can also go to Jinan

where you will be amazed with the appearance of Mt.

Maisan, as it looks like the ears of horse. Fourth, in

Jangsu, you can try the best apple and beef in an

uncontaminated beautiful region. We recommend you

visit Gimje for the Horizon Festival and Guemsansa

Temple; Namwon for listening to old traditional love

stories; Sunchang for Gochujang(red pepper paste);

finally, you will be fascinated by the beautiful camellia

flowers in Seonwoonsa temple. Here in Gochang you

can also see the dolmen designated as a World

Heritage by UNESCO.

Jeollabuk-do where the festival never

ends! _ We have a lot of festivals year round from

early spring to snowy winter. One of the representative

festivals of Jeollabuk-do is the Jeonju World Sori

Festival held from late September to early October

every year. It’s a global music festival where various

musicians from around the globe perform and play

traditional music. Jeonju international Fermented Food

Expo is another festival which promotes the flavors of

Jeollabuk-do. This festival has been held in the biggest

farming area of Korea. It has also been designated as

the best Culture and Tourism Festival for seven years in

a row by the central government. Muju Firefly Festival

is considered to be an eco-friendly festival to show off

its natural features. Chunhyang Festival has made a

great contribution to succeeding and developing cultural

tradition. Moyangsungje (Moyang Castle Festival) is

another festival that attracts a lot of people. People go

round in a circle around the castle placing small stones

on their head and wish their good health and longevity.

NEAR Member Tour Amur Region of Russia


Festivals of Jeollabuk-doMichelin Green Guide’s Must Sees

3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-no (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK

T. +82-54-223-2311~20 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail [email protected] Website www.neargov.org

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

near news vol.44 (eng)

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