The biggest-ever Chinese cultural festival, named as Experience China in South Korea 2006, opened in Seoul Thursday.
A display of about 500 photos revealing the 14-year relations between China and South Korea since 1992 was launched at the Olympic Park in Seoul.
About 300 Chinese people will stage a variety of performance during the 10-day event, including traditional Chinese music, Tibet dances and martial arts performances.
Chinese president Hu Jintao sent a congratulatory message to the opening ceremony. The message, announced by Qian Xiaoqian, deputy director of the Chinese Information Office of the State Council, said the event is the fruit of an important consensus president Hu Jintao and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun reached during his visit to South Korea last November.
 "Boosting cultural exchanges between the two countries is an important way to further the mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two peoples. The event provides a significant opportunity for South Koreans to get closer to China, to experience and understand China. It will play a positive role in promoting friendly cooperation between the two nations."
Kim Chang-ho, the minister of South Korea's Government Information Agency, who jointly hosted the festival with Chinese Information Office of the State Council, said he expected the event to be a good opportunity for closer exchanges and deeper understanding between the two neighbours.
"For thousands of years Korea and China have been sharing Confucianism and have both developed a proper way to develop economy independently. However, more communication and cooperation are needed between the two countries in fields such as public sectors, entrepreneurs, culture and media."
It is also reported that representatives from the two countries will hold journalist and business forums during the event.
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Director: Liu Chi