Aug 1, 2011

Korea Pavilion Debuts at 2011 New York International Gift Fair

New York, NY — The Korea Local Promotion Foundation (KLPF) and The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) announce, KOREA PAVILION, Korea’s official appearance at the 2011 New York International Gift Fair co-hosted by both organizations. The event assembles a robust representation of Korean culture and commerce with 24 manufacturers from seven different provinces presenting never before showcased products. At the Korea Pavilion, attendees will find a wide range of beautiful traditional art and crafts, handmade decorations, and health and wellness products. An overall theme emerges: what’s ancient is what’s new, with many traditional (yet updated) natural products in tune with today’s times that help preserve the environment & support personal health.

Under the benefits of the US and South Korea Free Trade Agreement, buying directly from these companies offers the opportunity for retailers, distributors, and middlemen to maintain recession-friendlier margins. These Korean manufacturers offer reduced sourcing and production costs while maintaining the highest levels of quality, excellence in design, and innovation.

“The Korea Pavilion is a win-win for US and Korean companies” says Mr. HyoChae Nam, President of KLPF. “Buyers will be exposed to a broad range of innovative Korean products as well as exquisite traditional crafts that have never been showcased before.”

“When most people think of Korean products, the first thing that comes to mind is technology,” says Mr. Wayne Yi, Managing director of KITA.” “But there is another side to Korean innovation that will become obvious once one steps foot in the Korea Pavilion: the beauty of Korean classic design, the excellence of craftsmanship, and the abundance of environment-friendly natural products – some traditional, yet they will seem new because they are not well-known in the US.”

The companies will showcase gorgeous traditional products such as Hanji (Korean handmade paper) decorations, traditional Celadon ceramics, volcanic magma accessories, natural-dye clothing, and other still-relevant cultural treasures. The other product category represented in a big way will be health/well being including Korean Tangerines, bamboo salts, Jukro green tea, Omija drink and more.

Korea Local Promotion Foundation (KLPF)
The Korea Local Promotion Foundation was established by a joint contribution of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security of Korea and 246 local authorities. It assists local authorities in carrying out the community development project; improves the effectiveness of the promotion of local affairs by means of a collective and professional approach; and implementing realistic policies to support local communities through the recognition of the actual needs and difficulties. KLPF major Function: Operating The Korea Local Information Center. Consultation on the Promotion of local communities. Developing and exchanging local human resources. Providing various information on local tourism, culture, regional specialties and other. For more information, please visit www.korealocal.or.kr.

Korea International Trade Association. (KITA)
KITA is Korea’s largest business association with 65,000 member firms, and supports Korea’s business community through research, consultation, training, business matchmaking and networking of Korean enterprises with the global trade community. KITA has been the powerhouse behind Korea’s international trade by assembling the essential communications through the preparation of trade experts, establishing cyber trade infrastructure, hosting international special exhibitions, recommending trade policy and implementing new trade strategies. For more information, please visit www.KITA.org.