Korea Pavilion at Kazakhstan expo is unforgettable memory

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Aigerim Sadykova

Photos∙Video = Aigerim Sadykova

On this day, June 10, 2017, over one million people, especially Kazakhstanis, were waiting for a long time. That was the day when representatives from 115 countries, including Korea, and 22 international organizations gathered in Astana to show their vision of "Future Energy" at an international exhibition. I had the chance to visit the Korea Pavilion and share with you my amazing and unforgettable memories.  

There was a big event that happened in my homeland for the first time. According to Korean Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kim Daesik, this year Kazakhstan and Korea celebrated the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He said that Expo 2017 would allow for the development of cultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries. The expo lasted three months, from June 10 to Sept. 10.

The first thing that catches the eye when you approach the Korea Pavilion in the Asian sector of the expo is a facade or signboard that's surrounded by countless mirrors in the form of seeds. These "seeds of energy" express the hope that Korea has to spread the energy of the future across the whole world, said Kim JaeHong, president of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). You can see your reflection in the small mirrors. It looks very beautiful and unusual. I think the facade of the Korea Pavillion is one of the brightest and can absolutely stick in your memory.  

The second thing that’s hard not to notice are the long queues. The reason why is not only a desire to see what's hidden behind the brilliant facade, but also the prepared show. The Korea Pavilion won the most popular pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 expo, so I think it can do it again. 

What’s expected inside, you wonder. As the creators had planned, the pavilion consists of two floors. That suggests various kinds of interaction. The first floor reveals the vision of Korea. What will be the energy of the future for a country that doesn't have much in the way of natural resources? How has Korea managed to achieve its great results in the energy sector? The entire first floor is divided into three large halls.

There's a special video when you enter the first hall. The video is a masterpiece of well-known comic book artist and illustrator Kim Jung Gi. He's a worldwide phenomenon known for his speed. Also, the artist possesses phenomenal abilities as a draftsman, drawing on a large format without any layout or map as if he sees the picture in his imagination. I was most impressed by the scope of this work and his attention to detail his paintings. In his painting for this expo, he shows the history of the development of Korea's energy industry, beginning with a period of fossil fuel.

After the inspiring show, the organizers invited us to a spacious cinema in order to enjoy a performance. The main characters in this touching story are a Kazakhstani boy Astan and a Korean girl Ara. Astan flies to Jeju Island, hoping to save the trees. A solution to this problem is suggested by the charming Ara. Together, they save Jeju Island. 

The Jeju City in 2030 is a big city where nature and civilization are combined harmoniously. Every step a person takes helps to generate electricity for all the inhabitants.

The animated film is mixed with performances by artists who play the roles of the two main characters. A lot of work was done to create animated films in the first and second halls.

The Korea Pavilion prepared the most beautiful white forest I have ever seen. This is a forest of snow-white trees. I called it the "Fairy Winter Forest." 

In the last hall, the Korea Pavilion shows how nature and civilization will be combined with each other. At the entrance, visitors receive Samsung tablets to be connected with the trees that talk about the technologies used actively in Korea. They are electricity saving, electric stations, intelligent heating systems and energy-independent cities. There's also a solar-powered aircraft that can make an uninterrupted voyage around the globe, and a car with hydrogen fuel.

Our journey through the Korea Pavilion doesn't end there. We go up to the second floor that is dedicated to the rich history of Korea. Guest of every age can satisfy their curiosity here. Toys of the cartoon penguin Pororo are prepared for children. K-pop music and Korean soap operas are shown for pop fans. People interested in sports can see clips about the upcoming PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and about Jeju Island, all while wearing 3-D glasses. 

I couldn't stop myself from trying on the 3-D glasses. Wearing 3-D glasses, I found myself on a hill, ready to jump off and try ski jumping from a springboard. It seemed as if I really was an athlete who was about to become an Olympic champion. 

By the way, there's a restaurant with traditional Korean cuisine and a shop for Korean souvenirs on the second floor. It was like you were visiting Korea without leaving your homeland. 

One of the ambassadors for the Korean pavilion is actor Seo Kang Joog. Kazakhstanis really love him, especially after his visit to the "Feel Korea 2016" event. Another "ambassador" is the world-famous cartoon character Pororo the penguin. As a representative of an endangered species, Poropo the penguin tells children about the theme of the Korea Pavilion through his cartoons in a very cheerful and easy manner.

Also, the creators of the Korea Pavilion offer visitors various performances and concerts.

On July 18 there was a concert with famous singers from Korea. The pop groups AOA, Highlight Beast and B1A4 all performed. K-pop fans in Kazakhstan were excited to see the concert.

I also suggest watching a video I prepared for the Talk! Talk! Korea 2017 contest, where I talk about the Korea Pavilion.

Here's my journey to the Korea Pavilion at Expo 2017.

wisdom117@korea.kr

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