Seoul Fete to Mark 2 National Holidays

Australians and New Zealanders living in Seoul need not miss out on celebrating their national days. The Australia - New Zealand Society has planned a party at the Grand Hyatt Seoul to commemorate the two holidays, which fall within ten days of each other.

Tickets are available to members and guests, "but you must come as your favorite Australian or New Zealand character or in theme," said society president Neil McKenzie.

The party starts at 7 p.m. on January 27th. In previous years, party-goers have dressed up as Australian movie characters and members of the British royal family.

There will be door prizes and a talent quest with awards for best dressed and the best performers. Poetry readings, stand-up comedy sketches and skits are welcome, Mr. McKenzie said.

He expects about 150 people to celebrate over an Aussie and Kiwi menu with selected wine and beer for 75,000 won ($60) per person. For ticket information call 031-736-2130

Although the two nations celebrate with completely different events on different days, the expatriate society in Seoul traditionally throws one party. The Australian holiday is Jan. 26 and the New Zealand holiday is Feb. 6.

Australia Day 2001 marks the centennial of the federation, which joined several colonies on the continent.

The New Zealand holiday, Waitangi Day, commemorates a treaty signed by the British crown and the Maori chiefs in 1840 that gave England control of the country.

Elsewhere, an Internet-based wine company will introducing Australian wines at a Jan. 10 dinner at the Grand Inter-Continental Hotel. It is a coincidence that the event falls so close to Australia Day, said Micky Choi, a self-described wine communicator of Best Wineshop & WineNews, the sponsors.

As part of the dinner, Brenton Roneberg of De Bortoli Wines will introduce his company's products at the hotel's Vinotheque.

by Joe Yong-hee