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Drumbeats from Africa and the sounds of Korea signaled the beginning of the cultural competition semifinals at the 2004 World Culture Open (WCO) on Sunday. Under the theme, "The Search of Harmony: Past, Present and into the Future," 130 teams from 40 countries gathered in Seoul to participate in the first World Culture Open.
The organizers are calling the event a cultural Olympics aimed at promoting peace, harmony and understanding by highlighting the diversity of the world's cultures. It is indeed a competition but participants say this Olympics is less about winning and more about learning.
"Culture, even though we are competing we are not fighting. We have different cultures. I come from mine and you have your culture. We enjoy each other's culture and we share ideas. If I'm a dancer there's a movement I like pick it up and incorporate into mine, that's how culture grows and changes."
During the four-day semifinals in Seoul, participants will show their talents and skills in three categories: creative arts, holistic well-being, and humanitarian service. Dancers, musicians, martial artists, and non-governmental organizations are among those who will be judged on their efforts to preserve and develop traditional cultures.
There are also plenty of events for the public to check out besides the competition itself with galas and festivals showcasing unique performances around the capital. The final round of competition is scheduled to begin in Pyongyang, North Korea on the 16th. Organizers of the WCO hope to hold the cultural competition once every two years.
Arirang TV
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