Pope Benedict XVI looks at a wooden cross during the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) torchlight procession on Good Friday in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Friday, April 14, 2006. The pontiff reflected on the suffering of Jesus Christ and that of humanity throughout the ages as he led thousands of pilgrims and tourists in a torch-lit, Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum in Rome to mark Good Friday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)



Local Distributors Offer Cultural Events

In the situation where major local distributors are required to purchase over 50% of local products, they have also been trying to attract the local community by opening cultural events.

Hyundai Busan Department Store takes the most aggressive approach to play a leading role in offering cultural events. They annually contribute 132,000,000 won for numerous cultural performances held in Busan and opening a performance room on its first floor for Saturday Class performances.

Hyundai opened Green Life performed by Brothers on April 5 and 15. It also purchased performance tickets for the “2006 Spring Music Recital” held on March 26 and 27 for its VIP customers. Plus it is participating in raising funds for the 60th Anniversary of Busan National University.

Other department stores also provide their customers with hands-on cultural opportunities through co-markings under the auspices of promoting companies. Busan Lotte Department Store will give complimentary tickets for the 2006 Busan International Motor Show. Another local major discount market, Shinsegae E-mart, will also give its customers 20% off tickets for “The Wizard of Oz” to be held from April 29 until May 7. Discount store Mega Mart offers its stage for children's performances every Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for free.

In addition, local distributors try to increase their ties with local communities through a range of volunteer activities. Hyundai Department Store held a blood campaign in March, and Samsung Homeplus will contribute over 2,700 soccer balls and volleyballs to elementary schools in Busan and the Kyongnam district through raising funds.
/ 입력시간: 2006. 04.18. 08:17