Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
•
Andong Mask Dance Festival
(September/October): This event in the history-rich
Andong area showcases Korea's masked dance traditions, one of the country's
oldest forms of entertainment. It has grown more international in scope, with for-
eign troupes now regularly invited to perform.
•
Chungju World Martial Arts Festival
(September/October): A must for enthu-
siasts, this event draws practitioners of a range of martial arts from around
the world who participate in lectures, demonstrations, and, of course, some no-
holds-barred competition. This being South Korea, indigenous martial arts such
as
taekwondo
receive top billing.
•
Jinju Lantern Festival
(October):The southern city of Jinju was the site of major
Japanese sieges of Korea in the 16th century, and this festival commemorates
the battles fought there. But the tone is far from martial; instead giant, colorful
lanterns that depict a variety of scenes and landmarks from Korean history float
down the city's river in illuminated splendor. The festival also includes exhibits
of lanterns from other countries and lantern-making programs.
•
Busan International Film Festival
(October): For a week or so Busan's Haeundae
Beach gives Los Angeles a run for its money as directors, acting talent, and fin-
anciers from throughout Asia and beyond flock to what has become the region's
premier film event. A busy screening schedule and crammed roster of parties
and receptions add to the general buzz and make it easy to see why this festival
seems to get bigger every year.
After you complete the immigration and customs formalities and have finally been released
into the arrivals area, it's time to organize transport to the city center—which at Incheon
International, as with most South Korean airports, is a fair distance away. While authorities
have tried to crack down on the practice, visitors are still frequently approached in arrivals
areas by men offering taxis or help finding hotels—any such offers, no matter how persist-
ent or persuasive, should be turned down, since they'll inevitably come at a higher price.
