Republic of Korea Pavilion at World Expo in Osaka, Japan (Yonhap News)

By Kang Gahui

A pavilion opened at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, showcases Korea's future technologies and values.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency on April 13 said they jointly held that day a ceremony to launch the Republic of Korea Pavilion for 184 days coinciding with the event's opening.

Held under the theme "With Hearts," the pavilion has three sections: technology based on Korea's longstanding sense of jeong (sentiment toward others) and craftsmanship; tradition and modernity with a dedication for a sustainable future; and a message connecting people and technology and Korea and the world.

Covering 3,501.82 square m, the pavilion has minimal architectural elements and features a large media facade showing nature of the four seasons, cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology. It expresses traditional traits through design elements such as white finishing materials, Hansan mosi (fine ramie), upper garments of Hanbok (traditional clothing) and cheongsachorong, a traditional lantern made with blue and red silk patchwork representing yin and yang.

The venue will hold around 30 events centered on Korea Day on May 13 like "Korea Day M Concert," featuring pop music from Korea and Japan; a bilateral friendship dinner; exhibition of outstanding Korean goods; reenactment of a sea voyage of Joseon Dynasty envoys to Japan; K-Tourism Festa and K-Food Fair.

Under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," the Osaka expo runs for six months until Oct. 13 on the artificial island Yumeshima, with 158 countries and global organizations to participate.

kgh89@korea.kr