The "Sea Arts Festival" of the 2002 Busan Biennale being held on Haeundae beach has nearly 80 domestic and foreign artists from 10 Asian countries including Japan, China and the Philippines displaying a variety of artwork to attract passers-by.

Busan, the host of the 2002 Asian Games, has become the place of Asian culture fairs with the Citizens' Center opening the "Asia Watercolor Show" yesterday to last until October 12, giving the viewers the chance to enjoy the richness of Asian culture, including Chinese watercolor painting with clever shading and Japanese painting with milky colors that look like oil paintings.

"Busan has become the seasonal place for Asian culture with watercolor paintings from around Asia coming into the port, just as ships from various countries do," said host Jo Gyu-cheol, the director of the Busan Watercolor Painting Association.

The southern port city is also hosting the "Scent of Asian Culture," including the "Ancient Asian Civilization Exhibition," "Asian Theatre Festival," and "Modern Arts Exhibition of the 2002 Busan Biennale." Prior to these, Busan also held "Asian Week," the "Asian Culture Show," and the "Oriental Music Festival."

Including hosting the games and other renowned international events, Busan has emerged as a cultural production base with people performing works reflecting its history and life. (Park Ju-young, park21@chosun.com )