KITE FLYING FESTIVAL (Seoul: Nov 6th)

Kites and kite flying has a very long history. Fascination of men to fly and to touch the sky led to inventing kites which turned into a more sophisticated hobby and then a national obsession. In almost all cultures and civilizations we see the importance given to kite flying and particularly in Asia.

In the Indian subcontinent - kite flying is a huge festival and Vasantu also called Basant - celebrating the coming of spring has the most important feature called kite flying. The city of Lahore is the hub. It kicks off in late February to early March and plays a very important role in conneting us with relgion, folklore and tradition - all in one string and has brought us a feelings of 'being free' by simply flying a kite in the air. Skies in early spring are filled with colorful kites giving a sense of spring in the sky.

China is credited with the invention of kites some 3000 years ago and there are many legends and myths to its creation. In Korea, if we look at the old painting, we see children flying kites and definitely it has been equally popular in Korea too. With modernization these simple hobbies have become large ventures or projects which have been used to attract tourists and has, in turn, initiatied the Kite Flying Association in almost all the countries. Here, Kite Flying Association of Korea is celebrating the Kite Festival scheduled on November 6th (Sunday). For registration please visit the website of Korea's Kite Flyers Association and click on a form for foreigner's to apply.

First 250 entries are eligible for free kites and string and will also be able to contest in the grand prize by Seoul Mayor and 5 more different organization.

Location: Yeouido, Han River Park across Yeouido SoonBok Um Church.
For more info. call: 02-3780-0561
Register at: http://www.kokfa.or.kr/
Contact person: Mr. Cho (02-720-4114)