AKC to release 'ASEAN Architecture Tour'

Unveiling the Beauty of ASEAN Architecture through "ASEAN Architecture Tour"

- ASEAN-Korea Centre to release Tourism Promotional Videos for Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, and Myanmar on January 31 -

The ASEAN-Korea Centre (Secretary General Kim Hae-yong) will release its latest ASEAN Tourism Promotional Videos, showcasing the cultures of Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, and Myanmar on January 31. These videos are the final series of the ASEAN Tourism Promotional Videos, which delves into the rich cultural and tourism resources of each country under the theme of ASEAN architecture, following the videos produced in 2022 (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand) and 2023 (Cambodia, Indonesia, Viet Nam). Each video consists of a 5-minute introduction to the architecture of two cities from each country, selected by the Centre and the respective National Tourism Organizations, and a 1-minute commentary by architectural designer and writer Oh Young Wook.

For Brunei Darussalam, the video showcases the architecture and culture of Brunei Muara and Belait, regions known for their golden skylines and opulent treasures. Brunei Muara displays the pinnacle of harmonious coexistence between traditional culture and urban sophistication through its urban design, seamlessly blending Islamic architecture and the natural geography with sites such as the reopened Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja, Kampong Ayer, Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Royal Regalia Museum, and other heritages. In the Belait region, visitors are greeted by its giant teacup and iconic nodding donkeys, both of which work together to symbolize Brunei Darussalam's prosperous oil and gas economy.

The Lao PDR (Laos) video features the architecture and culture of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Luang Prabang, the cosmopolitan capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its outstanding cultural and historical values. Located on a curve of the Mekong River, Vientiane is home to the most significant national monument in Laos, That Luang Stupa, a symbol of Laos and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. The video also covers other significant pieces of architecture in Vientiane, such as Patuxay (Victory Monument), Ho Phra Keo, and Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park). Luang Prabang boasts excellently preserved architecture that demonstrates a harmonious relationship in its style and surroundings, such as Wat Xieng Thong, Royal Palace Museum, and Phou Si.

The Myanmar video explores the architecture and way of life in Yangon, the commercial hub of the country, and Bagan, one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Yangon is home to the nation's most beloved landmark, the Shwedagon Pagoda. It also has a large number of colonial-era buildings that have been preserved over the years, such as the Secretariat and the Strand Hotel. In Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can be captivated by a sacred landscape that features an exceptional array of Buddhist art and architecture, such as the Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, and Htilominlo Temples.

The program, initially titled "ASEAN Familiarization Tour", was launched in 2019 and adopted a virtual format since the onset of COVID-19. Through the Centre's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@akcsns), videos showcase the architecture and cultural heritage of the ASEAN region. A survey event with prizes will be held following the release of the new videos in late January 2024, completing the 10-country "Architecture and Culture Tour" video series.