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| Exposition in the "Village" |
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Republic of Korea is extremely good at taking advantage of international sports events to promote its own culture and customs. People can still remember the 1988 Olympics, which was an eye-opener to the rest of the world as it demonstrated a gorgeous range of colorful Korean art.
In June, when I came to Busan to cover the World Cup, I was deeply impressed by the Koreans' unreserved efforts to present their cultural traditions to visiting foreigners. This time, I came again for the Asian Games, and my impression of their zeal has been reinforced.
 Along with various expositions and performances everywhere in Busan, a small cultural exhibitions in the athletes' village is a masterpiece of meticulous arrangement. The exhibition is located just next door to the athletes' canteen, so athletes and coaches, often under time constraint, can go there for a walk after dinner. The scale of the show is deliberately small because the same reason—most inhabitants here are busy.
In spite of its size, the exposition is elaborately designed, featuring several categories ranging from costumes to pottery. The exhibits on display are simple, and need to elaboration or explanation—considering that the residents there speak dozens of different languages! Visitors can also buy souvenirs if they are interested in the fancy exhibition.
 Unlike visitors and journalists, athletes and coaches can hardly be involved in the various cultural activities taking place in Busan. But organizers of the Asian Games have shown their consideration by arranging the exposition in the "village", so that the athletes can get a feel of the host country's culture as well as its people's hospitality.
(by Luo Hongtao, CCTV sports reporter)
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| Editor: Zhao Xuan CCTV.com |
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