Editor's Note

At the end of July, Sinorama editor Elaine Chen and photographer Vincent Chang visited South Korea, bringing back with them a wealth of photos and text from their stay of nearly three weeks.

China and Korea go back together a long way in history, and their recent development has been similar. A survey of college students on Taiwan 16 years ago found that South Korea was the country they had the best impression of. But the Chinese view of Koreans is different now. "A Chinese Look at Korea" discusses some of the changes that have occurred.

In an interview at his office, Hsueh Yu-ch'i, the R.O.C. ambassador to South Korea, pointed out that friendship in the past doesn't count in international relations; what matters is substantive interests. He also related some anecdotes about receiving freedom seekers from Mainland China.

"The Costs of a Korean Olympics" looks at the country's efforts to prepare for the long-awaited 1988 Games in Seoul. Our report on South Korea will continue next issue with the focus on the country's economic and environmental aspects.

Ten years ago, folk songs moved off the campus and into the pop music World. A group of young singers has recently brought a new vitality to the genre. Music fans won't want to miss "Folk Music's New Sound" and "The New Singers Say. . . "

October is the month when overseas Chinese return to their homeland. This issue's "Communication Channels" offers information for those planning the trip.