Japan-South Korea cultural event underway in Tokyo

People in Tokyo have been able to sample South Korean food and culture at an annual festival.

The event is held in Tokyo and Seoul to deepen exchanges between the two countries.

This year's Tokyo fair began on Saturday at the Korean Cultural Center in Shinjuku Ward. In the cooking section, participants got to taste a popular South Korean dish called "Hangang Ramen." Dried noodles and the ingredients are put in cups and boiled with a special device to be eaten outdoors.

Some of the participants chatted with college students and other young South Koreans. They exchanged opinions about their favorite dramas and compared Japanese and Korean words that have similar pronunciation.

A classical music performance by a Japanese pianist and a South Korean violinist was also staged.

A 59-year-old Tokyo woman said she watches South Korean dramas, but has few opportunities to talk with young people from the country. She said the festival was a valuable experience for her and that she hopes Japan and South Korea will continue to enjoy good relations through such exchanges.

South Korea's Ambassador to Japan, Lee Hyuk, attended the event and said the large number of Japanese visitors symbolized the good relations between the two countries.

He said he wants to continue holding such events and maintain good ties.

The festival will run through Sunday with the South Korean version to be held in Seoul next month.