Gyeongju, the capital city of the ancient Silla Kingdom, is often called the “museum without walls,” boasting a rich culture that goes back more than a thousand years.

The ancient city will take on a new life as the host of a festival showcasing landmark cultural items from around the world.

Held under the theme of “Dreams of the Flying Horse” with the sub theme “Harmony in Diversity,” the 2003 Gyeongju World Culture Expo will open on Wednesday (Aug. 13) with the aim of finding common ground in the diverse histories of various world civilizations.

The festival site, including a wide range of exhibition pavilions, theaters, outdoor monuments and other satellite structures, occupies some 150,000 pyong (495,000 square meters) of land on the Bomun Lake Resort Complex in Gyeongju, located in the southeastern part of the country.

More than 60 countries are expected to participate in the expo, which will continue through Oct. 23. The expo consists of about 50 different exhibitions as well as a number of complementary shows that have progressed in terms of content and format since the exhibition’s debut in 1998.

“Gyeongju has already held the Culture Expo twice in 1998 and 2000. As a result, the expo has become recognized as a major international festival, with artists and spectators from around the world wanting to take part in it to share their cultures,” an official of the expo committee said.

“This year’s event is geared more towards information and multimedia technology, and will offer visitors a unique experience and chance to actively take part in a wide range of programs,” the official added.

A variety of exhibitions, performances and various cultural events will take place during the expo, not only at the main venue but also in downtown areas. The expo is expected to attract some 3 million local and foreign visitors, according to the organizers.

The organizers said that this year’s event is different from the last one in several ways. Besides extending the duration from 62 days to 72 days, they have made an extra effort in upgrading tourist accommodations and recreation facilities in anticipation of an increasing number of foreign visitors.