Puppet fest opens next week

Puppeteers from around the world will gather in Korea this month to entertain children and adults, the event`s organizers said Wednesday.

The 21st annual Chuncheon Puppet Festival, held in a city of the same name 85km northeast of Seoul, will draw more than 70 puppeteer troupes. Official invitations include "All Aboard" by Australian troupe Oscar, "Four Seasons" by Japanese group Triangle and "Diaphnie" by French group Barbara Melois.

"We have, this year, also prepared various events for children to participate in," said Kang Joon-hyun, chief of the festival. "We hope to see more attendants this year."

Local troupe Moon and Child will tell the story of Seoulites in the city subway, while Roginarae and Siso will stage traditional Korean puppet shows, the organizers said.

The festival has grown into the largest of its kind in Korea over the past two decades, attended by an increased number of veteran and amateur troupes. The curtain will go up at major theaters in Chuncheon on Aug. 11 for six days.