Itaewon Global Village Festival spotlights Garrison relationship

Photo By Sgt. Samuel Han | A member of a traditionally dressed Korean marching band twirls a disc on a stick to entertain audience members during the 2011 Itaewon Parade on Itaewon Street, Oct. 29.  

11, SOUTH KOREA

10.29.2011

Story by Pfc. Samuel Han 

U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan

ITAEWON, South Korea - Itaewon kicked off the annual Itaewon Global Village and Culture Festival Oct. 29. Several Itaewon officials, including Yongsan-gu District Mayor Sung Jang-hyun welcomed everyone and encouraged community members to participate during the opening ceremony.

"I hope everyone enjoys all of the food and entertainment that we have prepared for tonight and the fellowship that we share with the members of all of the different countries that share our world," Sung said.

Following the introductory remarks, many of the honored guests, including ambassadors from numerous countries and Col. William P. Huber, the garrison commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, were recognized.

Huber and Sung were dressed throughout the day in the traditional Korean hanbok to signify the friendship between Yongsan Garrison and Itaewon. In addition, each of the guests wore their national outfits, in order to represent their native cultures.

After the opening ceremony, various artists put on special performances to kick off the festival, including traditional Korean singer Tae Jin-ah.

During the festival, some of the featured events included the International Food Festival and a grand sale offering steep discounts in numerous stores and restaurants. Stalls were opened all throughout Itaewon Street where Korean and international sellers could offer various goods that characterized their traditions.

The day provided an opportunity for the international community in Korea to not only experience Korea, but to share their own cultures with others.

At the food festival, some of the most popular food stands included Turkish kebabs, European baked treats and an ice cream show where the vendor playfully twirled and swung the cone in the face of customers, daring them to try to grab it. Community members eagerly lined up throughout the day to get their hands on various delicacies.

Other stalls also offered culturally significant items such as Korean letter painting, where professional artists wrote messages for customers using a traditional Korean calligraphy style.

Another highlight of the weeklong event was the parade prior to the opening ceremony. During this event, countless groups marched down Itaewon while performing, including a Taekwondo team, traditional and contemporary dance teams, and the United States Eighth Army band.

Throughout the day, foreigners, Koreans, and soldiers alike could be seen enjoying the festivities of the day.

"Let us shed off our national and cultural differences; instead, as friends, let us come together to enjoy this festival," Sung said.

The Itaewon Global Village and Cultural Festival runs through Nov. 6.

• Date Taken: 10.29.2011
• Date Posted: 11.03.2011 02:55
• Story ID: 79488
• Location: 11, KR