The 16th International Handbell Symposium was held at ICC JEJU for five days from Aug. 5 to 9. The theme was “Ring for a Beautiful World” and around 600 performers from 10 countries participated.

Handbells are traditional instruments usually played in churches, and they began as bell towers in 16th-century English churches. Initially, each bell had a different tone so people could produce music by ringing them alternately in the bell tower.

This international symposium is held biannually, and it is 12 years since Korea last hosted it in Busan. This year, events included a youth choir, symposium choir, and solo concerts as well as cultural events for each participating country.

On Aug. 7, a half-day Jeju tour was organized which visited some of Jeju Island’s beautiful sites. Following this, on Aug. 9, a concert was held at Hamna Hall, ICC JEJU, as handbell ringers from around the world produced a beautiful melody for Jeju residents.