Showers of rain did not prevent the celebration from being a joyful occasion. The day started off with a flag-raising ceremony attended amongst others by the Crown Prince, Minister Trond Giske, Ambassador Torbjørn Holthe, and Vice Minister for Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Kristine Gramstad. The ceremony was followed by a cultural performance by Norwegian artists Lido Lido and Haddy N’jie, together with Korean singer BMK and a Korean choir. The cultural performance was open to the public, which was appreciated by the many Korean and international guests attending. The Crown Prince said he had been “looking forward to this day with excitement”, and that he was “confident that it will represent South Korean and Norwegian cooperation at its best”.
HRH Crown Prince Haakon during his opening speech at Norway Day. Photo: NHD
Lido Lido performing at the opening ceremony. Photo: Anne Cecilie Lund/NHDHis Royal Highness and the official delegation were also given an extensive tour of the Expo site, visiting the pavilions of South Korea, Indonesia, and Denmark before ending up at Norway’s pavilion. At the Norwegian pavilion young Korean guides fluent in English acted as “captains” of ship in the Norwegian Pavilion, bringing the delegation on a journey on Norway’s over 25 000 kilometres long coastline.
The tour of the pavilion included a film introducing the visitors to the Norwegian way of coastal life and nature. In the final part of the tour, the visitors were able to both see and touch Norwegian products used at sea, including a fishing reel, life vest, and a drill crown. Norway Day was concluded with a Gala dinner for specially invited guests, with a menu comprising delicious salmon and mackerel dishes.
HRH Crown Prince Haakon and Minister Trond Giske at the Norwegian pavilion. Photo: Anne Cecilie Lund/NHDThe Expo and the Norwegian pavilion are open until 12 August. Information about the Expo, transportation, and lodging can be found on the Expo website: http://eng.expo2012.kr/