Korean festival reminds us...

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최종수정 : 2006-06-08 00:00

Korean festival reminds us of our heritage

By Jay Sung

With less than two weeks to go, Jay Je Hun Sung and his team of volunteers are operating at full tilt to ensure this year's Korean Heritage Festival: Celebration 2006 goes off without a hitch. Sung is the volunteer co-ordinator for the annual festival that will celebrate its fifth year on Saturday, June 17.

For me, the Korean Heritage Day Festival is important in decreasing the gap between generations and communities while strengthening the unity among Korean people.
By experiencing a festival that covers a wide range of activities - from traditional events to more modern, younger generation-oriented events - both the old and young generations get a chance to expose themselves to something they would not normally.
Also, having a festival in one location will allow people to experience not only Korean culture, but interact with one another, regardless of their age group.
I believe this is especially important for second-generation Koreans, as they often do not have the knowledge or the opportunity to experience Korean culture. In this sense, it will enrich their understanding and appreciation of their root culture.
Korea is still not yet well recognized in the Canadian society, compared to other big-name Asian communities like China and Japan.
As people get to experience more community events like this, hopefully they will come to recognize the value of Korean culture and understand that the Korean culture is also big part of the multiculturalism in Canada.
Personally, having a festival like this serves as a way to constantly remind myself of where my roots are. Even though I am always exposed to Canadian society, I have never forgotten where I came from. When I see myself engaging in activities that relates to Korean culture, it reassures me of who I am and how I should live. That is why I take pride in participating in the festival and as I participate in it, I feel I am contributing to spreading the Korean culture.
Furthermore, the festival helps me to develop and better my personal character, as I learn new things in working with fellow Koreans.
In all, I believe - and hope - that the Korean Heritage Day Festival will act as a bridge that interconnects differences in communities, individuals and generations.

The fifth annual Korean Heritage Day Festival: Celebration 2006 takes place on Saturday, June 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Centre Stadium (Percy Perry Stadium) 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam. The festivities will begin with a parade around the stadium at 10:30 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies hosted by CBC's Miyoung Lee and UBC Prof. Ross King. Performances include traditional and modern Korean dance and music, as well as martial arts demonstrations, authentic Korean food, and interactive activities for the whole family.
Anyone interested in submitting a C3 column should contact Angela MacKenzie at aymackenzie@gmail.com.