By Honorary Reporter George Barker from U.K.

Photos = Song Kwang-woo

Retired professor Song Kwang-woo is planning director of the Korea Kites Research Institute under the Korea Kites Federation. Based in Seoul, he spent 25 years teaching computer science at Shinheung University (now Shinhan University) but now seeks to spread Korean culture and peace through kites.

Song Kwang-woo with his train kite

Inspired by his achievements in kite flying both in Korea and abroad and interested in kite festivals, I interviewed him via email from July 21-22. The following are excerpts from the interview.

Briefly introduce yourself and what sparked your interest in kites.
I am a retiree who previously taught computer science at Shinheung (Shinhan) University for 25 years, and now enjoy my time at the kite federation and associations. I grew interested in kites after visiting the pine mushroom and salmon festivals in Yangyang-gun County, Gangwon-do Province, where I saw the train kite. It inspired me to design kites based on festivals and regions. I started doing research, met experienced kite makers and eventually began designing them.

Kites themed on traditional Korean culture

What kind of kites have you made?
I've crafted both traditional and newly designed kites including train, pilot and designs featuring Korean history and cultural themes. I've created kites with the national flags of the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War, and they were donated to kite experts from those countries at international festivals. Now we receive more invitations from global kite festivals, and I've donated large flag kites to 40 countries.

These kites have the flags of the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War.

What does the the Korea Kite Federation do?
The federation is a community where ICT (information and communication technology) and design experts from around 90 countries collaborate with Korean kite experts, constantly developing new designs and creative kites to help international kite festivals. We upgrade kites with a focus on research, incorporating cultural and historical visions.

What are Korea's renowned kite festivals?
Korea has many kite events such as the Seosan Haemieupseong National Kite Flying Competition, which was held in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This year, we plan to participate in the Seosan Haemieupseong Festival, Jeju Tamna Cultural Festival, Jeju Olle Walking Festival and Yangyang Salmon Festival.

What is your hope for kites?
We will establish the International Kite Committee, which will advise on kite festivals worldiwde, promote international causes such as environmental protection, the Olympics, and (soccer) World Cup through kites and contribute to the message of world peace.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.