korean festival

REMARKS BY CONSUL GENERAL YOUNG KUK PARK on THE OCCASION OF

2007 KOREAN FESTIVAL AT EASTWOOD PARK

 

 

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

 

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to this Korean Festival, which marks the successful close of Korea Week 2007.

 

Korea Week began last Saturday with a festival celebrating Korean Chuseok or ‘Thanksgiving Day’.  It continued throughout the week with Sydney residents being treated to a series of cultural performances and activities in a promotional campaign designed to increase awareness of Korea’s unique history and culture.  It finishes today with a multicultural celebration filled with yet more diverse performances and activities.

 

Following on from Korea Week, next week, on the 3^rd of October, we will mark the anniversary of our National Foundation Day which celebrates the founding of the Korean nation in the year 2333 BC.  After that, on the 5^th of October we will celebrate the first ever ‘Korean Day’.  This day was designated this year by the Korean Government to promote and advance the affection and interest of the mother country to the 7 million overseas Koreans in the hopes of strengthening their identity and pride as Koreans.

 

Are these too many events?

No, never too many.  I believe these festivals and celebrations have achieved and will achieve several important outcomes.

 

The first is the introduction of Korean culture and history to the wider Australian community.  Many Australians may already have some awareness of Korea through its hosting of international sporting events such as the World Cup Soccer and Seoul Olympic Games.  However, very few Australians are aware of Korea’s long and rich history.  I hope that more Australians will become inspired to increase their knowledge of Korea as a result of these festivals and celebrations.

 

Secondly, a deepening of the friendship and understanding between Koreans and other communities in Australia.  What is remarkable in today’s festival is the participation of other communities with the Chinese and Vietnamese communities performing the Chinese Lion Dance and Vietnamese Martial Arts.  We have even had a Didgeridoo performance by the local indigenous community.  By sharing each others unique and vibrant cultures, mutual tolerance and acceptance can be achieved in our society.

 

Thirdly, an opportunity for increased understanding between the first and second generations of the Korean community in Australia.  Like most immigrant communities, the Korean community is not immune to the pressures of inter-generational conflict arising from language barriers.  In coming together to celebrate Korean culture, I hope that mutual respect and harmony will be further deepened in the Korean community.  (In this context, I appreciate the participation of the younger generation with the Youth Dance).

 

Fourth, feelings of integration and unity inspired by communal celebratory activities.  Today we rejoice not only by watching the performances of others but also in the fact that we can all take part.  We have the Tug of War, Arm Wrestling, Jegi Chagi and the Grand Circle Dance (Kang Kang Soworllae) as activities that all can join in.

 

With this festival, all people, regardless of religion, ethnicity or age, can celebrate and rejoice and participate fully.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for participating today.  I hope you enjoy the extensive program of activities we have lined up for you today.  And I would like to sincerely thank the Korean Society of Sydney for organizing this event.

 

Thank you.