Photonics Expo

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  1. [2010/04/15] A Fiesta in a World of Light (2)

A Fiesta in a World of Light

Posted by Ko Namil (at 2010/04/15 08:26)

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World Photonics Expo 2010 Gwangju, Korea.

The lights of the world have gathered on Geumnamro (금남로) in downtown Gwangju. This is The World Photonics Expo that began on April 2nd and runs to 9th of May. When it comes to festivals in Gwangju, there have been many memorable events so far but the Photonics Expo stands out amongst all.

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Photo by SeungHan Choi

The lights gleam after the sun goes down and the night comes. As the name implies, this Expo is all about light. There is an exhibition inside and outside as well. I have been waiting for the darkness to come. When it gets dark, the lights turn on and the festival begins. Not only the trees but also the buildings and Gwangju River are lit by various-colored lasers and LED lights. Many people like the head-shaped statue which rapidly changes its color. Gwangju River becomes covered with lotus flowers in a yellowish lantern.

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Photo by SeungHan Choi

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Photo by SeungHan Choi

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Photo by SeungHan Choi


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Everywhere I go I see the emblem of the Expo, (). These characters look totally different. However, when combined together by a small red dot it makes a new and refreshing emblem to represent the 2010 Photonics Expo. The emblem conveys many meanings and I am sure that it represents Gwangju very well. The name Gwangju originates from many hundreds of years ago. It dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (고려시대) in 940. At that time, Gwangju also meant “City of Light.’ No one knows who named it or what the real origin is. Some assume that this name comes from the sun rise over Mt. Mudeung.

Other than the Geumnamro Light Show, Sangmu Citizen’s Park (
상무시민공원) and the Kim Daejung Convention Center (김대중 컨벤션 센터) have light shows and other exhibitions. At night, couples are selected to propose marriage in front of a fountain equipped with projectors and music. I hope I can walk along the area with a loved one and my family before the Expo ends.

Photos by SeungHan Choi (Department of English Education, Chonnam Univ.)
Written by Namil


2010/04/15 08:26 2010/04/15 08:26