SEOUL, 11 July 2018: Magicians from around the world are visiting Korea this week to compete in the World Championship of Magic, or FISM Korea 2018.
Around 3,000 magicians are competing in the event hosted in Busan, the largest port city in Korea.
The International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM), is the world’s largest magic society with over 70,000 members in 49 countries. It hosts its global championship every three years.
This is just the third time the event has been hosted in Asia since the federation was formed in 1948.
The week-long event showcases various magic performances from around the world including veteran Vik & Fabarini, Hector Mancha, and Korean magicians Charming Choi, Han Seol Hee, and Lee Eun Gyeol.
Attendees learn new techniques, ideas, and products about magic through lectures, workshops and an exhibition running in parallel to the contest.
Korea Tourism Organisation’s MICE Bureau supported the event with a fast-track welcome at Incheon International Airport’s two terminals and sponsored various cultural experiences such as participating in a Korean traditional tea ceremony, making a Korean fan, and wearing the traditional Korean costume (hanbok) at the on-site tourism information booth.
Participants could also join several tour programmes that would give them the chance to explore destinations such as Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gyeongju.
“We are delighted to host this spectacular event in Korea. We look forward to the magic – the opportunities and legacies – it will bring to the destination.” KTO convention team director Kyungsoo-Yang said.
