FOR IMMDEIATE RELEASE
Date: September 6, 2005

Contact: Brad Brennan or Susan Shin
312-981-1717

Re: The rebirth of Cheong Gye Cheon/Cheong Gye Cheon Festival
October 1~3, 2005

Under the national development plan, Cheong Gye Cheon river was covered from Gwanggyo to Sindapcheolgyo (railroad bridge) because it had become a public health hazard. The government constructed the Cheong Gye Expressway and commercial facilities on top of the stream to alleviate the congestion and overcrowding in the area. Over time, the river became seriously polluted and the facilities along the stream rapidly began to corrode, posing a threat to public safety. The restoration of the stream will flow again in October of 2005 after a two years and three month restoration project that started in July of 2003. The opening of the stream will herald Seoul’s transformation into a true environment-friendly city.

In celebration of the successful completion of the stream restoration, Seoul will host an open event to the public. The ceremony will be held at Cheong Gye Square, the starting point of the restored stream. Flowing the official ceremony, a variety of congratulatory events are scheduled to take place: traditional Korean performances, a wish cards flying event, multimedia art shows, and concerts performed by Korean popular entertainers.

For more information regarding this ceremony, please call 312-981-1717 or visit our website at www.tour2korea.com. For Additional information on Korea, please call 1-800-TOUR-KOREA.