Enjoy a spring afternoon with popular animated characters at the ``EBS Character Festival'' at Olympic Park, southern Seoul, April 28. / Courtesy of EBS

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and it is planning to hold exciting events and programs for its viewers.

The main event will take place at the Peace Square at Olympic Park, southern Seoul, April 28, where anyone can attend and enjoy the fun.

Visitors will get to watch the characters, children and hosts perform in the show ``EBS Character Festival,'' and also see the 500th episode of ``Let's Get Together Ding Dong Deng.''

Children will be able to take photos with their favorite characters, including Bbungbbungi and the little penguin Pororo, among others from various shows on EBS. There will also be an autograph booth and a drawing contest.

Parents can learn more about the shows, characters and the programs' objectives to help their children learn and fully utilize the programs to their advantages.

At 1 p.m., there will be a musical called ``Find the Best Character,'' where the cast will set off on an adventure and compete with each other to become the best EBS character. Pop group SHINee will also perform.

The 500th episode of the well-known show ``Let's Get Together Ding Dong Deng,'' which closely resembles the United States' "Sesame Street," airs at 4 p.m., and will feature special guests that should surprise viewers.

Being the only education channel among the major broadcasters, EBS has successfully combined learning and entertainment through its broadcasts, which have become steady sellers in the international market as well.

The show ``Bbungbbungi'' started in 2000 and has been a favorite among both kids and parents searching for a program fit for youngsters. The main character Bbungbbungi has secret powers and whenever he passes gas, something magical happens. The show has branched out into video games and also as a musical. It has won various awards, including the Grand Prize at the Korea Character Awards in 2002 and 2003.

``The Little Penguin Pororo'' is another of the network's most famous shows here, winning numerous awards both here and abroad over the past seven years. Thanks to its fun and distinctive characters, it has also spawned video games, toys, DVDs and other performances. The program has been sold to more than 100 countries.

The festival, character booths and filming of the special shows will all take place at Olympic Park, southern Seoul, April 28, from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.ebs.co.kr.