2005 FIS Snowboard World Cup

The FIS Snowboard World Cup, the largest snowboarding championship sponsored by FIS (International Ski Federation), will be held on February 25 & 26, 2005 at Hyundai Sungwoo Resort in Gangwon-do Province. The championships will provide thrills and spills as Snowboarders and skiers acrobatically flip and rotate in the air, making it a particularly popular winter sport among young people. 200 of the world's top snowboarders, from 30 countries, will be displaying their moves at the Snowboard World Cup, which starts in Germany during October goes via Korea and ends in Sweden in March 2005. For more information contact Snowboard World Cup Organizing Committee, Tel: 82-2-6242-3100 web: www.fis-ski.com, e-mail: kjkimboss@msn.com.

Opening of Gyeonghoeru Pavillion in Gyeongbokgung Palace

The Gyeonghoeru Pavillion, which appears on the bank notes of Korean Currency, has now been opened to the public. The Beautiful structure was originally built to entertain foreign envoys and hold official banquets. The pavillion has been closed to the public for 43-years but the governments liberalisation of over access to cultural heritages in Korea. After a trial period, the pavillion will be open to internet- registered visitors 3 times a day, with each time limited to 50 people. Gyeongbokgung Palace is open between 9am and 6pm (except Tuesdays). Contact details are as follows; Tel: 82-2-732-1931 web: http://sca.visitseoul.net

Hotel Amiga Renovated

Hotel Amiga reopened in November 2004 after 3-years of extensive construction. With three new buildings added, the hotel now sports a new lobby, lounge, convention centre and buffet restaurant. Specific points of interest are a restaurant with open kitchen and exclusive bar for foreign guests. When all rooms are available in May, Hotel Amiga will boast a total of 450 rooms, 9 restaurants and a world-class spa, transforming itself into a five-star hotel. Contact information; Tel: 82-2-3440-8000 web: www.amiga.co.kr