near news vol.68(eng)

Vol. 68

NEARNewsOne Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEARMay-June 2016

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional

Governments

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I NEAR Member Event Schedule

Feature Report 2016 NEAR Working-level Workshop Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia – China, Japan, and South Korea

Tiantan in Beijing, the temple which held the Heaven Worship Ceremony during the Ming and Qing Dynasty of China

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

NEAR News“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).

Vol. 684 6 15

NEAR is...a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 80 regional governments (73 member regions and 7 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.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 humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

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 Northeast Asia Regional

Governments

The 14th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention (Hyogo Prefecture, Japan)

The 14th Sub-Committee meeting on Disaster Prevention was held from March 9-12 in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. A total of 32 people from 17 organizations in three countries attended the meeting.

Sub-Committee meetings on Disaster Prevention have been held annually by NEAR since 2002, and the meeting has been aiming to build the participating organizations’ capacity for preventing disasters and reducing harm in Northeast Asia.

NEAR Secretariat Meeting with the Japanese Members (March 10)

The NEAR Secretariat delegation had a meeting with the representatives from Hyogo, Shimane, and Toyama Prefecture, Japan, after the sub-committee meeting on Disaster Prevention.

At this meeting, discussion and a Q&A session on the agendas of the Working-level Workshop and General Assembly were followed.

At the meeting, it was suggested that the NEAR Secretariat provide an environment in which the international staff members can get involved in the decision-making process and various opinions regarding the Young Leaders’ Forum, membership fee system and fee usage, and the rules and regulations of the Youth Exchange Camp were shared.

At this meeting the NEAR Secretariat agreed with the members in Japan to mutually cooperate for the development of the Association.

NEAR Secretary-General Attends the Opening Ceremony for Gyeonsangbuk-do’s New Provincial Office Building

On March 10th (Thu.), NEAR Secretariat-General Jun Jae-won attended the opening ceremony for Gyeonsangbuk-do’s new provincial office building in Andong. The ceremony was held in the open space in front of the main building and was attended by around 10,000 guests, including President Park Geun-hye.

Before the ceremony, Secretary-General Jun participated in the Welcoming Luncheon for the diplomatic Corps in South Korea at Andong Grand Hotel. The Secretary-General met with the Vice-Governor for Economic Affairs and the Ambassador for International Relations of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the Chairman of Saemaul Globalization Foundation, and over 40 diplomatic corps from the European Union and over 20 countries.

Visit to Sichuan and Hubei Province, China (March 22-25)

The Secretary-General Jun Jae-won visited Sichuan and Hubei Province, China to promote NEAR. Secretary-General Jun had a meeting with Chung Jae-nam, the Consul-General of the Korean Consulate General in Wuhan, China. The Secretary-General said that the cooperation of the Consulate General will be appreciated since it will encourage Jiangxi Province, one of the provinces with the most potential that is under the jurisdiction of the Korean Consulate General in Wuhan, to join NEAR. Consul-General Chung Jae-nam responded that he will support the enhancement of interactions between the areas under his jurisdiction and the NEAR members in Northeast Asia.

On March 23rd (Wed.), the NEAR Secretary-General visited the Foreign Affairs Office in Hubei Province, China, and introduced the various events of NEAR and the member fee system. NEAR events, such as the Working-level Workshop (April), Youth Leaders’ Forum (August), General Assembly (September), and International Forum (November), were introduced, and active participation was requested. “Since Hubei Province is considered to be China’s third educational city, after Beijing and Shanghai, many citizens are highly educated. Through the platform provided by NEAR, we are expecting to have more exchanges amongst high schools and universities in NEAR member countries. NEAR will be a bridge that will connect the members,” said Feng Shi Qu, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office.

On March 24th (Thur.), NEAR Secretary-General Jun and the secretariat staff visited Sichuan Province, China, and suggested that it join NEAR after a brief introduction of the association.

Secretary-General Jun said in the meeting, “Joining NEAR will provide a good opportunity to co-prosper through regional exchanges and cooperation among the municipalities of Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia.” Zhang Tao, Deputy Director of “Sichuan Provincial Department of Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs responded that Sichuan Province will consider joining NEAR as an official member after participating first as an observer member. It is willing to attend the NEAR General Assembly Meeting in September.

NEAR Activities / Secretariat NewsNEAR This Month

Secretariat News

NEAR ActivitiesHyogo Prefecture, the facilitator of the event, has been conducting various

measures for disaster prevention and the maintenance of facilities, based on the lessons it learned from the Great Hanshin earthquake (or Kobe earthquake) in 1995. The meeting was followed by special lectures and discussions from the related international organizations as well as a visit by the participants to the disaster-preventing facilities in Hyogo Prefecture.

The NEAR Secretariat sent the group of staff members led by Under-Secretary-General Lee Sang-gi, supported the administration of the hosting Hyogo Prefecture, and encouraged other participants from various countries to learn about disaster prevention.

NEAR NEWS Vol. 684

Secretariat News

Attending the First High-Level Follow-up Dialogue on Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific

On March 30th (Wed.), Secretary-General Jun attended the First High-Level Follow-up Dialogue on Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific. This meeting was co-hosted by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN ESCAP and was held in Songdo Sheraton Hotel in Incheon, one of the NEAR members.

At this meeting, the attendees discussed ways to finance the development necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the UN. About 100 attendees, including high-level officials such as finance ministers and presidents of central banks from over 20 countries, scholars, and the representatives of international organizations, were present.

Secretary-General Jun and other participants discussed promoting the role of the regional governments in Northeast Asia and their cooperation. He also introduced NEAR to other organizations, such as the International Development Bank.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is an inter-government body in Asia and the Pacific that is taking an important role in promoting economic and social development and cooperation. All six countries of NEAR are members of UN ESCAP.

Appointment of New Foreign Staff

They have recently been appointed as international staff from their respective countries and they will be in charge of opinion coordination and liaison among the members for the next one to two years.

The Delegation Headed by the Vice Chairperson of Ningxia CPPCC, China, Visits the NEAR Secretariat

The delegation headed by Vice Chairperson Li Shufen of the Ningxia CPPCC (Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) visited the NEAR Secretariat on Friday, April 22, 2016.

NEAR Secretary-General Jun welcomed the delegation, expressing his gratitude for the active participation and genuine support of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region since it became a member in 2000.

Vice Chairperson Li has responded by saying that Ningxia has benefitted from the international exchanges taking place in Northeast Asia through the NEAR network. She added that every effort would be made to attend the general assembly and international forum, and that Ningxia would like to promote local products such as goji berries and wine and expand its market.

Ningxia became a member of NEAR at the third General Assembly in 2000 and was appointed as the ninth NEAR Chair Region. As an active member of NEAR, Ningxia successfully held the ninth General Assembly in 2012.

Visit to Shanghai and Anhui Province, China (April 24-27)

On April 24th, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Daegu Metropolitan City held the Korea-China Culture and Tourism Festival at Shigi Square located in Nanjīng Lu, Shanghai, China. To celebrate the year 2016, the festival entitled “The Year of the Chinese Visit to Daegu·Gyeongbuk,” was co-organized by local Chinese citizens, the tourism industry, and prominent names in media to attract higher numbers of ”Youke” (Chinese tourists) to Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

During the day, Secretary-General Jun Jae-won, as a part of the delegation from Gyeongsangbuk-do headed by the governor Kim Kwan-yong, attended the opening ceremony of the Shanghai investment center and the signing of an MOU between Daegu Haany University and a Chinese company, “New Life,” regarding ”K-Beauty Cosmetics Industry Promotion.”

On April 26th, Secretary-General Jun visited Anhui Province, China, and extended an invitation to join NEAR. He also met Director-General Wangxin of Anhui Provincial Foreign Affairs Office and introduced NEAR and the main projects undertaken by the organization. He added that by joining NEAR, Anhui Province would play a significant role in promoting regional exchange and cooperation.

Director-General Wangxin responded that Anhui Province would try its best to actively participate in various events, such as the General Assembly, as well as to join NEAR, an ideal platform for cooperation with other regional governments of nearby countries within Northeast Asia.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 5

Guan Cha Foreign Staff from China

Jilin Province+82-54-223-2326

Tseveendorj BaigalmaaForeign Staff from Mongolia

Khentii Province+82-54-223-2327

Harada Norihisa Foreign staff from Japan

Toyama Prefecture +82-54-223-2386

Irgit ValeriyForeign Staff from Russia

Tuva Republic+82-54-223-2325

NEAR Member News

China - Henan Province

International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism 2016

The 2016 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism (IMFT)–Zhengzhou, China– jointly organized by the China National Tourism Administration, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the People’s Government of Henan Province, will be held in Zhengzhou, Henan Province from May 24 to May 26, 2016.

IMFT 2016 will bring together the knowledge and experience from mayors of worldwide tourism cities as well as experts from international organizations through a series of related activities, including the IMFT Conference and the International Tourism Cities’ Show, to explore the role of tourism in accelerating the interaction between cities.

The IMFT has been successfully held in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014, which made it a grand event in international tourism communities with prospective and globally cooperative meaning and a high-end dialogue platform for tourism communities and cities in the world. The IMFT has been playing an important role in enhancing the development of global travel and tourism and also obtained high appraisal from the international tourism circles and cities.

As an important part of global tourism, China has achieved significant gains in tourism development under the leadership of the Chinese government and is becoming the strategic mainstay industry of the national economy

China has become the third-largest international inbound destination and the top tourist source country with the largest global domestic tourism market. China’s tourism progress is related to industrialization, socialization, internationalization and modernization

Henan, as the host province of IMFT, is a major tourist source region, destination and distribution center in central China, known for its economic strength and abundant cultural and tourism resources. It is an important node province in China’s development initiative of “One Belt and One Road”, which has a great bearing on not only China but also on the rest of the world.

http://asiapacific.unwto.org/event/international-mayor-s-forum-tourism-2016

Japan - Fukui Prefecture

Cooperation and Exchange between Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and Zhejiang Province, China

Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and Zhejiang Province, China, signed a friendship agreement in October, 1993, and this year marks the 22nd anniversary. When the governor of Fukui Prefecture visited Zhejiang Province to meet with Governor Li Qiang in February, 2014, he had agreed to strengthen the cooperation among the various fields of youth exchange, economics, culture, and tourism.

In behalf of the agreement, last year the cultural exchange between elementary and middle school students through calligraphy classes started; also, some students were sent to Zhejiang Province, China, and enriched the exchange through sports and cultural activities such as table tennis, badminton, calligraphy, and ceramics.

Last December, 100 high school students from six high schools visited in Zhejiang Province, visited Fukui Prefecture, and attended classes in a high

school in Fukui Prefecture; they also found time to understand each other better via homestay.

Last September, a government delegation from Japan and a tourism-promotion team visited Fukui Prefecture and signed an MOU, putting much effort toward the enlargement of networks for tourism cooperation.

Fukui Prefecture will participate more actively to encourage cooperation in various fields, including youth exchange, culture, economics, education, and tourism.

3. Calligraphy Class (Zhejiang Province, China)

Japan - Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Smart City Expo 2016 in June

The Kyoto Smart City Expo will be held from June 1 to June 3 at the Kyoto and Kansai Science City in cooperation with the Smart City Expo World Congress developed in Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Vinay Venkatraman, who has spoken at TED, will open up the symposium, special lectures, and panel sessions conducted by the prominent experts and researchers in the fields of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the keynote speaker at the International Symposium on June 1st.

World-wide business-matching opportunities among Japanese domestic and international corporations and organizations related to Smart City, based on ICT, will be prepared at the ”Smart City Messe in Keihanna” on June 2nd and June 3rd.

Through this expo, ”Smart City” will be seeking solutions to various issues, including the upgrading of the standard of life culture and the sustainable increase in social welfare, economy, and society; this will provide an opportunity for the creation of new businesses. ※ For more information, please refer to the official webpage (http://expo.

smartcity.kyoto/e/).

NEAR Member News

2. Promoting Tourism Exchange and Cooperation1 . 100 High school Students from Zhejiang Province,China Visit Fukui Prefecture, Japan

NEAR NEWS Vol. 686

NEAR Member News

South Korea - Gyeonsangbuk-do Province

Partial Opening of Homigot Dulle-gil Trail

“Dulle-gil” (a walking road) around Homigot, well known for its far-east location, is partially open in Pohang City, Gyeongsanbuk-do Province, South Korea, and will lead you to a better view of the beautiful coastal area.

According to Pohang City, this partial opening of the coastal road of Homigot peninsula from Seonbau to Haseondae in Ibam-ri, Donghae, will be meaningful because it shows the geographical importance of the area and the potential for becoming a marine tourism resource.

Looking similar to the shape of tiger’s tail, the tracking road connects about 58km of the east coastal line of Donghae-myeon, Guryongpo-eup, Homigot-myeon, and Janggi-myeon, starting with Yeongil Bay, Pohang City. Currently, only a 700m walking trail from Seonbau (which means a soaring rock), Ibam-ri to Masan-ri, is open. Visits to this trail were once prohibited because of cliffs and strong waves around the area. Now open to the public, it will allow people to enjoy the view of strange rocks and bizarre stones and Hae-guk (a local flower) habitat, as well as the sunset and a night view from Posco.

Mr. Pyeon Jang-sub, Chief of Pohang City International Cooperation and Tourism Division has said that there has not been a coastal road with such amazing views of nature as this. He also expects to attract even more visitors if this area can be developed with the methods and polices of “Road Tourism,” since a highway between the two cities of Ulsan and Pohang, in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and KTX (Korea Train eXpress) are now in service.

South Korea - Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

The 13th Pohang International Fire & Light Festival

Pohang, South Korea, is known as “The City of Fire and Light.” It has been said that Pohang’s light originates from “the beginning of the light” in the story of the spirit of the sun and moon, “Yeonorang” and “Seonyeo,” from the Silla Kingdom. The 13th Pohang International Fire and Light Festival, a main event in Pohang during the summer season, will be held from July 28 to 31 at Youngildae Beach.

At the festival, about 100,000 beautiful and fascinating fireworks will be lit at Youngilman, providing a wonderful nighttime ocean view.

South Korea - Gyeongi-do Province

2016 Korea International Boat Show – The Platform for Ocean-Leisure Industry in Korea

In 2015, the eighth Korea International Boat Show held at KINTEX, Goyang City, a metropolitan area near Seoul, Korea, was a great success. It was complimented by international industry experts and the participants, who said that KIBS was now considered one of the three main boat shows in Asia after only eight years, a relatively short period of time. This year, the eighth Gyeonggi Boat Show will be held for four days, from May 19 to 22, extending its exhibition categories to fishing. Please refer to the table below for more information.

Details of the International Boat ShowTime 10:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)Place KINTEX Hall 3, 4, 5 ARA Gimpo MarinaHost Gyeonggi-do Province, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Organizer KINTEX, KOTRA

Contents Boat, boat systemMarine equipment and accessories Personal accessories and equipment or service for water sports

[Short Article – South Korea]Trial Tax Refund for Foreigners Receiving Cosmetic Surgery or Aesthetic Services

The tax rebate for foreign visitors will be granted beginning April 1, 2016, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Unlike internal medicine and general surgery, for the treatment of which the value-added tax has been withdrawn, a tax on cosmetic surgery and aesthetic services has been imposed. However, for foreign visitors who undergo cosmetic surgery, the value-added tax will be withdrawn. Further information, including a list of the hospitals participating in the tax refund, can be found at www.medicalkorea.or.kr. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is aiming for an increasing number of hospitals to participate in the tax rebate program so that they may attract more foreign medical tourists to Korea. The ministry would also assign tourists to the participating hospitals and institutions over other non-participating institutions.

Cosmetic operations and aesthetic services, including liposuction, nasal surgery, and eyelid surgery, undertaken between April 1st of this year and March 31, 2017, are subject to the tax refund.

The trial tax rebate scheme will last for a year, from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, when it will be reviewed. After the trial period, whether or not it will be continued will depend upon its effectiveness.


NEAR NEWS Vol. 688

Region : Incheon Metropolitan City, South KoreaEvent : 14th Aerobic Gymnastics World ChampionshipsWhen : June 13-19Where : Namdong Gymnasium, Incheon Metropolitan CityContact : Division of Sports Promotion, Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports (T) +82-32-440-4074 (T) +81-857-26-7919

Region : Henan Province, ChinaEvent : International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism 2016When : May 24-26Where : Zhengzhou CityContact : Tourist Office, Henan Province (T) +86-371-65506790 Foreign Affairs Office, Henan Province (T) +86-371-69068089 (F)+86-371-69068089

NEAR Member Event Schedule NEAR Member Event Schedule

Region : Incheon Metropolitan City, South KoreaEvent : Incheon World-Inline CupWhen : May 15Where : Songdo Coastal Boulevard, Inchon CityContact : Division of Sports Promotion, Incheon Metropolitan City Government (T)+82-32-440-4074

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Region : Jeollanamdo Province, South KoreaEvent : World Eco-Friendly Design ExhibitionWhen : May 5-29Where : Jeonnam Agricultural Research & Extension Services, Jeollanam-doContact : International Cooperation Office, Jeollanamdo ProvincialGovernment (T) +82-61-286-2421 (T) +81-857-26-7919

Region : Primorsky Territory, RussiaEvent : The 2nd Pacific Tourisy Forum and the 20th Pacific International Tourism ExpoWhen : May 18-22Where : Russkiy Island, VladivostokContact : Division of Tourism, Primorsky Territory (Т) +7 423 240 08 16 (Т) +7 432 240 23 21 [email protected]

Region : Kyoto Prefecture, JapanEvent : Kyoto Smart City Expo 2016When : June 1-3Where : Kyoto city, Kyoto PrefectureContact : Kyoto Smart City Expo 2016 Administrative Office (T) +81-75-414-5194

Region : Ulaanbaataar, MongoliaEvent : Ulaanbaatar International Tourism ExpoWhen : June 4-5Where : Ulaanbaatar CityContact : Division of Tourism, Ulaanbaatar Government (T)+976 - 70128687

Region : Heilongjiang Province, ChinaEvent : The 27th Harbin International Trade FairWhen : June 15-19Where : Harbin City, Heilongjiang ProvinceContact : Heilongjiang Province Foreign Affairs Office (T) +86-451-53638943 (F) +86-451-53607553

Region : Krasnoyarsk Territory, RussiaEvent : The 5th Krasnoyarsk International Music Festival of the Asia-Pacific regionWhen : June 23-29Where : Krasnoyarsk City, RussiaContact : Culture Division of Krasnoyarsk Territory (T) +7 (391) 249-34-84 (E) [email protected] [email protected]

Region : Republic of Khakassia, RussiaEvent : International Cultural Tourist Forum “Siber il”When : June 30-July 3Where : Republic of KhakassiaContact : Government of Republic of Khakassia

Region : Gyeonggi-do Province, South KoreaEvent : Good Game Show KoreaWhen : May 19-22Where : KINTEX, Gyeonggi-do ProvinceContact : Office of Foreign Affairs, Gyeonggido Provincial Government (T) +82-31-8008-2198

Region : Gyeonggi-do Province, South KoreaEvent : Gyeonggi International Boat ShowWhen : May 19-22Where : Goyang city, Gyeonggi-do ProvinceContact : Office of Foreign Affairs, Gyeonggido Provincial Government (T) +82-31-8008-2198

Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, South KoreaEvent : Colorful Daegu Festival 2016When : May 7-8Where : Downtown Area in Daegu CityContact : Daegu Foundation for Culture (T)+82-53-422-0996 http://www.cdf.or.kr/kor/

NEAR Member Event Schedule

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기획 취재

The 11th Working-level Workshop 2016 was held April 27-29 at Best Western Hotel in Pohang in the presence of approximately 80 working-level staff members of 36 regional governments from five countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia.

The Working-level Workshop is a platform for working-level staff members to gather together to discuss and improve the activities of NEAR, which has been meeting from

2006 to the present day. Approximately 800 people participated in the meeting as of this year. The workshop included a report on the Secretariat activities and an

introduction of the main events by member regions. Participants also discussed NEAR’s current affairs, the introduction of NEAR membership fees,

and the amendment of the NEAR Charter, among other items.

Congratulatory Speech by the Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Busan, South Korea

Group Photo of the NEAR Working-level Workshop Participants

2016 NEARWorking-level Workshop

The 11th Working-level Workshop 2016 was held April 27-29 at Best Western Hotel in Pohang in the presence of approximately 80 working-level staff members of 36 regional governments from five countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia.

The Working-level Workshop is a platform for working-level staff members to gather together to discuss and improve the activities of NEAR, which has been meeting from

2006 to the present day. Approximately 800 people participated in the meeting as of this year. The workshop included a report on the Secretariat activities and an

introduction of the main events by member regions. Participants also discussed NEAR’s current affairs, the introduction of NEAR membership fees,

and the amendment of the NEAR Charter, among other items.

2016 NEARWorking-level Workshop

Welcome Speech by the Secretary-General

● NEAR Secretariat Report The NEAR Secretariat reported on the Secretariat’s achievements in 2015 and the plans for 2016. The main

events in 2016 include the 11th NEAR General Assembly, the NEAR International Forum, the Young Leaders’ Forum in Northeast Asia, and the Fourth Annual Youth Contest. The Secretariat requested the active cooperation of the members.

The Secretariat reported on the actions taken to revitalize the sub-committees. As a result of the opinions of the sub-committee coordinators, it has been agreed that the coordinator position will either be maintained or handed over to other members. This action is scheduled to be undertaken before the General Assembly this year.

2016 NEAR Working-level WorkshopFeature Report

NEAR NEWS Vol. 6810

● Presentation by Member RegionsToyama Prefecture, Japan, presented the main activities of the Sub-Committee on the Environment, including

environmental experiences in Northeast Asia, the poster contest on environmental protection, and plans for the next term. Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, reported on the activities of the Sub-

Committee on Disaster Prevention, as well as on the next meetings. Shimane Prefecture, Japan, reported on the programs of the Sub-Committees of Educational and Cultural

Exchange from July 31 to August 5. Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea, gave a presentation about the city and its main projects, along with the goal of

the city. Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea, gave a presentation of the “World Eco-Friendly Design Exhibition,” which will be held from May

5 to 29. Lastly, the Irkutsk Region, Russia, was introduced and, as the Chair of NEAR, requested the active participation of

members in the upcoming General Assembly meeting this September.

● NEAR Membership Fee System and Revision of the NEAR CharterThe membership fee system and the amendment of the NEAR Charter were the main agendas discussed

among the working-level staff members. Specifically, Japanese members supported the membership fee system but emphasized the need to adopt clear rules concerning the use of membership fees.

Chinese, Mongolian, and Russian members also supported the membership fee system; however, the suggestion of a tiered fee system was emphasized once again.

During the next discussion, which concerned the revision of the NEAR Charter as it relates to the expansion of its membership to include associate members, most of the participants pointed out that due to the ambiguity of member categorization, associate members and observer members may cause further complications in the operation of the membership fee system. Furthermore, the opinion was expressed that the expansion of NEAR membership to adopt associate members would require more time for consideration.

● Site VisitThe participants visited the world-leading steel

production company, POSCO, after the meeting, followed by a visit to the NEAR Secretariat Office located in Pohang. On the last day of the workshop, they visited Yandong Village in Gyeongju, a UNESCO world heritage site, where the participants experienced a traditional village and culture.

● Presentation byby Member RegionsRegionsToyama Prefecture, Japan, presented the main activities

environmental experiences in Northeastplans for the next term. Hyogo

Committee on Disaster PreventionJapan, reported on the programs

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Discussion Session : Membership Fee System and Revision of NEAR Charter Welcome Reception

Visit to NEAR Secretariat Office Visit to Yandong Village in Gyeongju

– Shimane Prefecture, Japan

2016 NEAR Working-level Workshop


Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia– China, Japan, and South Korea

Marriage Culture and Tradition in China

These customs are representative of the major Chinese wedding traditions. In China, the three most important events in life are birth, death, and marriage. It follows naturally that traditions surrounding the wedding ceremony constitute a major part of Chinese culture.

1. The Color Red: Forever the Main Color in China In a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, the use of the color red is ubiquitous,

from the ceremonial dress of the bride and groom to the decorations. Despite the influx of Western culture, which has influenced and combined with traditional customs, red continues to be the main color, as it is considered symbolic of luck and wealth and is highly valued. Thus, many young couples still prefer red, as opposed to white, wedding dresses.

All over the world, marriage is considered to be one of the happiest and most momentous occasions in life. The wedding ceremony remains unchanged in that family, relatives, and friends gather to celebrate with the bride and groom as they start their new lives together as a married couple. However, customs and conventions have evolved over time, with each country maintaining their own unique traditions. In this article, the wedding cultures of three NEAR member countries - China, Japan, and South Korea - will be introduced.

CHINA

Marriage Culture in Northeast Asia

NEAR NEWS Vol. 6812

Marriage Culture and Tradition in Japan

1. Monetary GiftIn Japan, when giving a monetary gift, the amount should begin with an odd number value. The amount

of money differs depending on how close the guest is to the groom or bride.

Family, Relatives Friends, Co-worker

20’s : 30-50 thousand yen ($300-$500, 0.3-0.5 million won)30’s~40’s : 50-100 thousand yen ($500-$1000, 0.5-1 million won)50’s : 70-100 thousand yen ($700-$1000, 0.7-1 million won)

Average : 30 thousand yen ($300, 0.3 million won)If not attending : 10-20 thousand yen ($100-$200, 0.1-0.2 million won)

The reason behind giving a relatively expensive monetary gift is that the average cost for a meal per person is 20 thousand yen ($200, 0.2million won) and because of the distribution of an approximately ten thousand yen ($100, 0.1 million won) gift. Also, in some cases a portion of the transportation or accommodation cost is covered by the marrying couple. As a result, the couple only invites those who they consider really close in order to avoid any awkward situations.

2. Grandiose Wedding Car Processions On the day of the wedding, it is customary for the

groom to escort the bride and guests from her home to the wedding hall. Grandiose car processions make for a striking display: The size and length of the procession are grand enough to show off the wealth of the marrying couple. Since the wedding ceremony is one of the most important events in life, some people even rent luxury cars for the procession. The number or the brands of cars vary depending on the social and economic status of the couple.

3. Wedding Ceremony Venues: Hotel Weddings

Wedding ceremonies are typically held at hotels or wedding halls where the reception also takes place. In order to secure a good wedding hall, reservations must be made as far as one year in advance. Family and friends of the bride and groom prepare monetary gifts in red paper envelopes called “Hongbao.” Alcohol, drinks, cigarettes, food and “wedding candies” are placed on the guest tables. The wedding candies known as “xitang” are packaged in red envelopes or small boxes and are taken by the guests as souvenirs. The phrase “When will you treat us to xitang?” is used when wanting to ask a couple when they will marry.

JAPAN



2. Wedding Invitations and Guest Seat ArrangementWhen you get an invitation, you must RSVP to the couple. On the wedding day, the guest must bring the

invitation with them.After giving the monetary gift to the marrying couple, the guest will receive his/her seat arrangement and sit

in the assigned seat where his/her nameplate is placed. When the wedding ceremony finishes, the guest must take his/her nameplate with him. Friends, mentors, and co-workers are assigned to sit in the front seats, and family and relatives are assigned to sit at the back tables.

·A~B : Co-workers(Senior), Mentors

·C~E : Friends

·F~G : Family, Relatives

MAINA

F

C D E

B

G

3. 1. Dress Code for GuestsFemale guest

- Dress code: Dress, not fancier than the bride’s- Knee-length skirt - Avoid black or white color- Wear bolero or shawl on top- Wear skin-color stockings (avoid black)- Clutch bag or mini bag- Avoid open-toed shoes- If your hair is long, do it up-style

Male guest

- Dress code: Suit in black- White dress shirts- Whitish plain silk tie - Whitish plain pochette- Black shoes- Plain black socks - Plain black simple belt

4. Wedding Ceremony∙ Number of guest: 100 on Average∙ Ceremony time: three hours on average∙ Special features of Japanese-style wedding ceremony - In Japan, the wedding ceremony is held in various places, such as temples, churches, and wedding halls in

hotels, and only those who are close to the couple are invited. When the ceremony is held at church, the procedure is very similar to that of Korea, except that the reception is considered more important in Japan.

- Order of the reception

Session 1[in Wedding Dress/Suit]

<The bride and the groom>Chang dress/suit or Makeup

Session 2[in Kimono, traditional Japanese costume]

The bride and the groom enter → The MC greets and starts the reception → The welcoming speech of the bride and groom → Speech of the groom → Speech of the bride → Wedding Cake Cutting → Cheers all together → Feast

The bride and the groom light up the candles on each table (expressing gratitude) → Special song performance or event by friends of the bride or the groom → Special thanks from the bride and groom’s familyà Closing → Exit

<Guest>A movie clip that includes memories

of the bride and the groom


NEAR NEWS Vol. 6814

Marriage Culture and Tradition in South Korea

1. Traditional Wedding CultureThe traditional Korean wedding ceremony used to

be complicated, but it has become simpler these days. Since the parents of each side traditionally used to match the bride and the groom, the groom’s family sent a “Ham,” a box of wedding gifts, to the bride on the day before the wedding.

Friends of the groom delivered it to the bride’s house with their faces covered with masks.

The tradition still exists today. However, the procedure changed to save on wedding costs, so the “Ham” became less expensive. The wedding procedure is now simplified.

2. Modern Korean Wedding Culture •Wedding invitation : the marrying couple sends

as many invitations as possible. On the wedding day, over 200 to 300 guests come, since the bride’s guests and the groom’s parents are coming as well. An RSVP is not necessary.•Monetary gift : The amount of each monetary

gift depends on the closeness of the guests to the couple, and the amount ranges in an odd number starting won, usually 50,000won. If the guest is close to the marrying couple, a wedding gift is also acceptable. If a guest cannot come, he can transfer the monetary gift to the marrying couple or to their parents before the wedding ceremony.

Family, Relatives Friends, Co-workers

100,000 won ($100) or above

50,000 won ($50) or above* 100,000 won ($100) and above (Depending on the region and the closeness of the relationship). Especially in metropolitan cities, such as Seoul, the amount begins at around 100,000 won. If a guest is close to the couple, it starts from 100,000 won, 150,000 won, and 200,000 won.

•Dress code of the guest : Dress suits or semi-casual suits Since the bride is wearing a white dress, female guests should avoid wearing white clothes.

3. The Ceremony in the Wedding Hall and Pyebaek, the Traditional Wedding Ritual

Unlike in the past, the Korean wedding ceremony is held in a wedding hall or a hotel. Compared to other countries, the length of the wedding ceremony is relatively short. The ceremony takes 20 minutes, from the entrance of the groom and bride to the opening remarks to a special song performance. Recently, it has become popular to keep the wedding ceremony simple, in the form of a “small wedding,” without an officiator. Instead, the parents of each side share the words of blessing in the small wedding.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds take group pictures with the immediate family, co-workers, and relatives. Then, while the guests have a feast at the reception hall, the bride and groom will participate in “Pyebaek.” Pyebaek is a ritual in which the bride visits, newly meets, and bows to the groom’s family and parents. In modern days, because the wedding hall or the hotel where the couple has the ceremony provides a place for Pyebaek, the newlyweds do not necessarily have to visit the groom’s home.

Brides put plates of dates, chestnuts, rice wine, and

fruit on the table, then bow to the groom’s parents and to the closest relatives in the family order, and then give each of them a cup of rice wine.

When the married couple bows to the groom’s parents, they will give a monetary gift to the couple. We would like to introduce several interesting rituals that occur during Pyebaek. When the bride bows to the parents of the groom, the parents throw dates and chestnuts at the bride and wish the newly married couple happiness and prosperity. The couple should eat all of the dates and chestnuts received during Pyebaek. They especially have to finish eating one date by biting it simultaneously. It is said that the one who takes the date’s pit will be likely to take the lead in the family. Then the couple will walk around the place as the groom carries the bride on his back. If the size of the turn is small, it means that they will live in a small house; if the circle is big, then they will live in a big house.

KOREA



The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (37668) 3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROKT. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail [email protected] Website www.neargov.org

near news vol.68(eng)

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