Seoul Drum Beats

 When I found a seat and took in the performance happening I started to see that not all citizens of Korea were on the road visiting family. Perhaps they got that over with already or their relatives live close to home. Whatever the reason, the Namsangol Folk Village was the place to be and despite the crowds people were cheerful and in good spirits. I enjoyed a story telling performance while getting some rest under the shade.

 Later on I started heading towards the little village areas of the park where on my way I was greeted by a parade.

 As the performers floated by dancing, drumming and playing instruments I was reminded of what rich culture Korea has, and how it comes out in full force during Chuseok. Yet when I went up to one of the hanok villages courtyard and saw a stunning drum performance I was more than blown away.

First four men gave us a lively performance on their drums, which got the crowd warmed up for the women's show.

 I've been to the International Drum Festival (which is going on now) a few times in the past and can say the Korean versions are always incredibly colorful and lively. Here was no exception as everything was spot on and well coordinated. The ladies twirled in sync with each other and were very energetic.

 Another fun point about the show was that they move their drums around to make different positions, something that adds more depth to the performance. Later on they put their drums aside and started doing a circular dance together.

 Eventually they came up to the crowd and invited children and adults to dance with them, which was a fun way to end the show. I hope to get up a video I took of the event so you can truly hear and see how spectacular Korean drumming really is. Till then I hope you enjoyed your Chuseok holiday with not just rest and relaxation but also a taste of Korean culture.

Chuseok Spectacular at the Namsangol Hanok Village

 Ok, as you know by now my birthday was on Chuseok this year, which gave me five days off and a chance to explore more of this great city. I chose to visit the festivities at the Namsangol Folk Village in Chungmuro, Seoul. For one I really enjoy this time of year when people come out to engage in their cultural traditions and two I haven't been to this site yet.

 I arrived out of Chungmuro station and made my way up a street towards the village gate. Along this path were street carts selling traditional snacks, cotton candy and typical street food. The wafting smells of burnt squid along with sweet sugary cotton candy wafted in the air as I passed through the gate.

The above is hobakyeot, or traditional pumpkin candy that is broken up into small pieces. Now you would think this is some kind of hard crunchy thing to eat, however once in your mouth it starts to melt and releases a tangy sweet taste.

 I arrived before the major crowds came pouring in, allowing me to explore and move about the area easily. Upon entering you see a courtyard with traditional games set up, TBS eFM broadcasting from their truck and a stage nearby with performances going on. Definitely this was the place to be to explore traditional happenings in Korea and to mingle with Korean people.

 The highlight of this trip was seeing the youngsters dressed out in their colorful hanboks. Boys and girls looked as cute as dolls with their brightly colored vests and flowing skirts. Above you see children trying their hand at the game of Tuho where you throw long sticks that look like arrows into a standing pot with three holes. If you have ever tried your hand at this then you would know how tricky it really is to get those sticks in one of the holes.

 Another traditional game is called Yut, where you have four sticks and give them a toss in the air. These sticks are flat on one side which determines the play of the game. You count the number of sticks that landed flat and rounded to determine how many spaces you move your piece on the board. I think kids get the most kick out of throwing these sticks, which have been used in the classroom for school activities.

I'm not sure if the above game is strictly a Korean traditional one, as "hoop rolling" or "hoop trundling" is found in other nations. But the basics are there consisting of a metal hoop and a hook like metal stick to push this thing along. However, this one's a tricky game where it takes a few practices to get the idea of how it works.

 Alongside the traditional games was a overhang set up with traditionally made woven materials such as shoes, baskets and brooms. Inside this area were too older gentlemen working away at making these items.

 For the most part I enjoyed this lovely day in Korea where people came out to celebrate their culture and create memories with their family. I took a path leading up towards the tower that winded it's way around the venues and admired the scenery.

 Expect another post including a drum dance and parade, as there was plenty more to share from this special occasion. Chuseok festivities should still be going on around these parts of Seoul, so if you want to still catch some of the fun then head on out there!

Chuseok Luck

So it is the time of year again in Korea where the town empties out and stores close for the Chuseok holiday. But you know what? It's also my birthday and so I am a happy camper this Chuseok as I get to celebrate my birthday and also get a 5 day weekend!

Even though most places will be closed I will be out hunting for one that is open with friends in hopes of celebrating the occasion. If on Sunday this doesn't work out then I'll have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to celebrate. Plus there are festivities going on at the palaces (which will be free to enter) and with weekdays off next week I could do more exploring.

I'm one happy gal this Chuseok :) Thank you Korea!

Festivities at the Seoul Museum of History

The Seoul Museum of History is located in the Jongno area which is quite a hub of many attractions. Not only does this area have the Seoul Plaza that leads up to the grand palace, but also the site of many artistic attractions. For example, the Hammering Man sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky.

It's been a while since I passed this sculpture and it always reminds of how funny it is to be in Seoul. When I was in college I did an essay on Jonathan Borofsky's sculptures, but I never imagined I would be walking past one in Korea.

Chuseok festivities were happening around town and you had your pick of places to go. I chose the activities at the Seoul Museum of History, since it is one spot I haven't been to before.

In front of the museum were set up tents with traditional games to play and on the courtyard area more activities to participate in.

There were some children dressed in hanbok, but for the most part people came as themselves. There was a line forming for a free handout of tteok or rice cakes. I stood in line for a while, but since I have had tteok before I knew it wasn't anything really worth waiting for. (sorry)

Inside the museum things were cooler and a bit more quiet. I stayed on the first floor and I hope to get up to the other spaces in the future. Here there were two special exhibits, one of "Utdae" people who were poets. The other exhibit was a feature on the Rock Musical 'Line 1', which was meant to show people the history of this theater production.

The exhibit about the poets was set up in an interesting way with walls and panels that were like a maze. The highlight was some paintings and books that were meant to show the life back then.

The exhibition about the Rock Musical was very informative and also creatively interesting. I learned a bit more about the theater district of Seoul.

I went through the lobby and headed outside to a large grassy courtyard. Here people were with their families sharing songpyeon and other snacks.

Going up the stairs one is taken to the footsteps of the Gyeonghuigung palace.  Although beautiful and full of history the site itself seemed a little sad. However, I think if I came back when there were performances it would have been more delightful.

I heard some music playing in the distance so I headed back to the outdoor courtyard in front of the museum. Indeed, a musical ensemble was set up and were playing traditional Korean music. I loved seeing the variety of instruments.

I hope to come back and explore the museum more plus see what else is in the neighborhood, as I feel I haven't quite reached out enough. All together it was good to get out and enjoy the day off.