The Foundation has recently completed four ary films on Korean culture under its Support for Multimedia Production Program, which seeks to broaden understanding of Korea among viewers abroad through the production and distribution of visual media. 1.“The Beat, Beat, Beat of Korea” o Run Time: 45 minutes o Format: HD o Language: English/Spanish/French/Chinese In Korean, heung refers to a state of excitement that is beyond description in words. This sensation, which is said to flow in the blood of Koreans since ancient times, is now being unleashed through new forms of performing arts, such as the non-verbal performance, “Cookin’” and “Jump,” as well as the unbelievable productions that star Korea’s world-leading B-boys, like “Spin Odyssey.” Of note, the film shows how the pulsating rhythms of these contemporary performances are rooted in Korea’s traveling troupes of entertainers of long ago, Namsadangpae, and the traditional percussion music of Samulnori. It also highlights the untapped market potential of Korean-produced musicals, such as “The Last Empress,” which has been successfully staged on Broadway, and “Dae Jang Geum,” an adaptation of one of Korea’s most popular TV dramas that has been shown worldwide. 2. “Korea’s Traditional Tastes - Traditions beyond 500 Years” o Run Time: 45 minutes o Format: HD o Language: English/Spanish/French/Chinese The dynamic lifestyle that today’s Koreans are known for, can be attributed to the accumulated traditions of their long-ago ancestors. In Andong, where the longstanding cultural traditions of Korea continue to be observed, this film captures the detailed procedures of Korea’s ceremonial rituals that have been preserved through the diligent efforts of Ms. Choi So-hui, the eldest daughter-in-law of the 14th generation of a local family clan, as she goes about preparing a variety of foods for ancestral rites. It also shows a well-maintained traditional Korean house, where aspects of Korea’s ancient culture are kept alive. In particular, there is description of “Suunjapbang,” Korea’s oldest known cookbook, which was written about 1530, that includes some 121 detailed recipes for various food and beverage used for ritual ceremonies. 3. “Hangeul, the Dream Alphabet of the World” o Run Time: 52 minutes o Format: HD o Language: English/Spanish/French/Chinese In line with Korea’s elevated status among the global community, international interest in Hangeul has been on the increase as well. Moreover, the number of foreign learners of the Korean language has been noticeably boosted by the fast-growing popularity of Korea’s modern culture, including movies, TV dramas, and pop music. This video features scenes of foreigners with a passion for learning and using Hangeul, including a group of Japanese women who visit Korea to personally experience Hangeul; Professor Werner Sasse, a former Korean Studies professor of the University of Hamburg, who now resides in Damyang, where he conducts research on Korean literature; Panta Navarage of Nepal who teaches Hangeul as part of his efforts to reduce the illiteracy of Nepalese people, like the Chepang tribe’s people that have no written language of their own. In addition, it describes research conducted in Japan that demonstrates the potential of Hangeul to serve as a universal writing system. 4. “Jeju Onggi, Crafted from Stone and Fire with the Spirit of Jeju” o Run Time: 45 minutes o Format: HD o Language: English/Spanish/Chinese Jeju Island is said to have an abundance of wind, stone, and women. Due to the island’s rather bleak environment, the residents there must make do with what they have, like finding uses for the stones that are everywhere and making thatch-straw roofs which can withstand the persistent wind. Related to their local tradition of making Onggi earthenware, the Jeju people used stones to build a unique form of kiln. Based on three months of filming, the ary vividly captures the entire process of creating Onggi wares from nothing more than natural clay and fire, in addition to an infusion of the deep-rooted spirit of the island artisans.