hankyoreh

A larges-scale expo, titled the Hallyu Expo in Asia, highlighting South Korean pop culture kicked off on November 29 on the southern resort island of Jeju.

The "Hallyu," or Korean wave expo, which will continue until March 10 of the next year, was designed to deepen understanding of Korean pop culture among Asians and boost cultural exchanges among countries in the region, the organizers said.

An opening ceremony held at the Jeju International Convention Center was attended by more than 2,000 people, including Jeju Island Governor Kim Tae-hwan and South Korean actor Bae Yong-joon. It was followed by a variety of star-studded events.

The expo will showcase dramas, movies, and music well known to Asian fans, with shows and films such as "Winter Sonata" and "Dae Jang Geum, or Jewel in the Palace" being screened. In addition, the expo features stores where visitors are able to shop for DVDs featuring their favorite Korean stars, organizers said.

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