Busan is good

2020 Olympic fever heating up in Busan

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Citizens have high hopes as beacons were lit at Mt. Hwangnyeong

“May Busan rise as a city for global harmony and as a hub city of the world through the 2020 Olympic Games!"

The beacons along with votive prayers for the 2020 Busan Olympic Games were lit up in Busan as the fever for the Olympics is sweeping the entire city.

The 2020 Summer Olympic Games Citizens Organization lit beacon fires and offered votive prayers with Busan citizens from various walks of life in attendance. Held at Mt. Hwangnyeong Bongsudae Beacon Mound, the event coincided with the celebration of Busan Citizen's Day on Oct. 5.

The ceremony began with jisinbalgi, a ground-stepping ritual believed to bring good luck, and drum performances by a group of folk musicians and a prayer dance by the Busan Metropolitan Dance Company, followed by a votive ceremony in which Busan Mayor Hur Nam-sik, the president of Busan City Council Jo Kil-woo, and Olympic gold medalist Ha Hyoung-zoo participated on behalf of Busan citizens.

At the ceremony, some 200 people, including Busan-based lawmakers and figures in political, governmental and economic circles, press and civil organizations, also offered votive prayers for the 2020 Olympics in Busan.

They beat a big drum 32 times, conveying their hope for the 32nd Olympic Games in Busan in 2020, and lit five beacons one after another on top of Mt. Hwangnyeong, making it official across the nation that the city is geared up for the 2020 Olympics in Busan.