Those with fortunate schedules that enabled them to enter Korea a few days before the IASP (International Association of Science Parks) conference were treated to the SEM (Scientists and Engineers Members) International festival on Saturday the 22nd May. The festival featured organized local talent as well as informal, but international and very professional local talent. The talent was such that MBC broadcasted the event on radio. The first part of the festival enabled attendees to watch a variety of performances from all over the world, including China, Russia and Korea. The performance was opened by the Vice mayor of Daejeon, Kim, Hong-gab , whom expressed "heartfelt gratitude to SEM for hosting the event." Kang, Gye-doo, President of Daedeok Innopolis whom expressed the intention of the festival as a tribute to diversity and foreign exchange. Mr Kang reminded the crowd that over 10,000 foreigners live in and around Daejeon and that such a number underscored the importance of the festival.
The second portion of the festival was a food experience and the annual bazaar. The light rain did not persuade attendees to stay away from the food tents as representatives from over 10 different countries cooked a select dish from their home. Visitors to the DCC (Daejeon Convention Center) that afternoon could participate in the food festival for a small fee per dish. The festival also engaged local organizations, many of whom exhibited with associations and information relevant to foreigners residing in Daejeon. All of the event was well attended and the food, the food was great!
