Korea pushes to be the best, build the biggest
Published: 12 Nov. 2010, 21:59
Bulguk Temple, on the outskirts of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, is just one of the cultural treasures to be found in this historic region. The ancient city of Gyeongju is a living museum that attracts visitors year-round. [JoongAng Ilbo]
Visitors flock to the Pusan International Film Festival in the southern port city of Busan. The festival, which has become Asia’s biggest cinematic event, screened 308 fi lms from 67 countries this year for more than 182,000 visitors.
An artist뭩 rendering of a segment of the four-rivers restoration project ?which involves the Han, Nakdong, Geum and Yeongsan Rivers. The project aims to improve access to waterfront areas and restore the ecology of rivers and tributaries.
To catch it, you’ll have to be quick. Korea has already begun moving away from the “build, baby, build” mantra that turned it into an economic powerhouse and is fine-tuning its vision.
Today, the country is planning high-tech, sustainable cities ripe for investment and sleek towers that fuse Korean tradition and futuristic forms. Korea is also making strides in sports and culture, renewing historical sites and launching environmental projects.
By this time next year, you might want to check out Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park. Within two years, you could find yourself in Yeosu for an international exposition or snapping pictures of a rebuilt Namdaemun. In 2014, you will be able to witness the completion of Lotte Super Tower 123, which will be one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. And if Korea has its way, there will be a World Cup or Olympic games in its future as well.
This week, Korea rolled out the red carpet for the G-20, but behind the scenes it is also busy laying the foundation for its next round of visitors.
By Matthew Lamers, Allen Wagner
Left: Visitors flock to the Pusan International Film Festival in the southern port city of Busan. The festival, which has become Asia’s biggest cinematic event, screened 308 films from 67 countries this year for more than 182,000 visitors.
Right: An artist’s rendering of a segment of the four-rivers restoration project - which involves the Han, Nakdong, Geum and Yeongsan Rivers. The project aims to improve access to waterfront areas and restore the ecology of rivers and tributaries.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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