INTRODUCING SOUTH KOREA
How to capture the essence of this fascinating,complex nation? Social relation may be grounded in ancient Confucianism, but South Korea is most decidely a forward-thinking country thanks to its hurry-hurry approach to everything, an insatiable for technological advancemenet and indomitable can-do attitude.
Experience Chuseok
In this year (2011) Chuseok Day Falls on Monday, September 12,but the holiday is observed for a total of three days (Sept 11 - Sep 13).For internationals,Chuseok is a prime oportunity to go sightseeing in the major cities since many Korereans return to their hometowns to celebrate this even, leaving the city attractions relativey crowd-free.When Chuseok Day or when people in Korea celebrates thus event many shops or restaurant will be closed for Chuseok Day or the entire Chuseok holiday.
Before we go to the Chuseok's event,let's take a look at how important is Chuseok event to avarage of Koreans.
Chuseok is one of Korea's three major holidays,along with Seollal (New Year's Day)and Dano (the 5th day of the 5th mont of the lunar year) and is also referred to as Hangawi, meaning "the ides of August" (according to lunar calendar)
These are what koreans will do during the celebration of Chuseok Day.
On Chuseok morning, family members gather at theor homes to hold memrial service in honer to their ancestors.Formal Charye services held twice a year :during Seollnal and Chuseok. The difference beetween two services is that durng Seollal the major representative food is white Tteokguk, a rice cake soup while during the major representative food is freshly harvested rice.And after the service,all of the members of thefamily gather to sit down and enjoy delicious food that symbolizes their blessings.
Chuseokbim (Chuseok Dress)
In the past, in preparation for Chuseok, the head of each household would buy new clothes for everyone in their house,including the servants.This custom is known as Chuseokbim and is still practices untill todya.These days, however,most of the famillies purchase clothing from department stores or some boutiques instead of exhanging Hanbok.
Ganggangsullae (korean circle dance)
In this dance,women all dressed Hanbok.Hanbok is a traditional korean clothing.They will hoin hands in a big circle and sing together.The dance dates back to the Joseon Dynasty when the Korean army used to dress the young women of the village millitary uniforms and had them circle the mountains to make enemy troops think the Korean millitary was greater in number than it actually was.The Korean army enjoyed many victories thanks in part to this scare tactic.
Ssireum (Korean Wrestling)
Traditionally,curing the Chuseok holidays the strongest people in each village gather together to hold wrestling competitions.During the match, two competitiors face each other in the middle of a circular sandpit surrounded on all sides by cheering spectators.The last wrestler left standing after a series of competitions is considered the winner and is named the village's strongest man.the winner deserve to take their present after winning the competition such like home cotton,rice,or a calf of his prize.
Songpyeon is one of the representative food of Chuseok.This rice cake is prepared with rice or non-glutinous rice powder that is kneaded into the perfect size (a little smaller than a golf ball) then filled with sesame seeds,beans,red beens,chestnuts,and host of other nutritious ingredients.When steaming the seonpyeon, the r
ice cakes are layered with pine needles,addig the delightful fragrance of pine.On the ev of Chuseok, the entire family gathers all together to make songpyeon under the bright moon.According to the tradition, the person who makes the most beautiful songpyeon will meet a good-looking spouse (if they are single) or give a birt to a beautiful daughter )if they are married or pregnant), so all the members of the family try their best to make songpyeon as beautifull as they could.
Visit Jeju island
Located just south of the Korean peninsula, Jeju is a volcanic island that was formed by five millions of years ago. It is beloved by scientists and tourists alike for its stunning natural features.
Over the past decade, Jeju Island has received three different UNESCO certifications; it was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, and a Global Geopark in 2010. The island is also one of the official finalists of the worldwide ‘New7Wonders of Nature’ campaign.
The Official ‘New7Wonders of Nature’ is the second global campaign run by the New7Wonders Foundation in Switzerland, following its first campaign to elect the ‘New Man-made Wonders of the World’ (a campaign which drew over 100 million votes). After two rounds of voting and input from a Panel of Experts, the list of 28 Official Finalists has been announced and Jeju Island is proud and privileged to find itself among the chosen few.
What's interesting in Jeju island ?
TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM
Teddy Bear Jeju island opened in April 24 2001.
Here,the place where you can see many teddy bears wearing different interesting clothing and here where you can find everything you want to know about Teddy Bears !It also contains two galleries, a museum gift shop and a museum cafe.Also, on site is a museum bar/restaurant, a wonderful place to go with friends,families and lovers.From the outside garden there is a great view of Chungmoon Beach.
Millions of people around the world collect Teddy Bears and they seek old,unique and valuable teddy bears for their personal collections.The Jeju Teddy Bear Museum also opened especially for the European collectors and is more exciting than ever with "Teddy Bear" entertainment.Be inspired in S.E.O.U.L
People from all over Korea travel to Seoul to party,shop and play sport and visitors from all walks of life will find plenty to do here.Seoul also offers you to having a great time during your visit in Seoul.Wheter you want to shopping,city tour in Seoul has something for everyone that can make them wanna stay in Seoul even longer.
Most of Seoul's bars and clubs can be found in Itaewon Street, and this is a good place to drink and dance the night away.Live music is popular here and many of the most poupular bars and clubs will stay open 24 hours a day.
Shopping is also a popular evening activity as many of the markets and malls stay open untill midnight.Those in search of vibrant activity can also explore one of Seoul's theme parks or watch a show at the theater.
Magic Island
Located in Songpa,Magic Island is popular with visitors of all ages.This large and vinrant theme park is best visited during one of the special festivals,which are held during holiday periods such as Halloween and Christmas and there are special parades each day.Lotus Lantern Festival
Seoul Ballet Theater
Seoul also offers visitors to Seoul a dose of culture, the ballet Seoul Ballet Theatrer is located in Gwacheon Citizen's Hall.Regular perfomances include favourites such as the Nutrcracker Suite and Swan Lake
Nightlife
Often referred to as Little America, tourists and students head to Itaewon after the sun sets. The roads here are lined with numerous restaurants, bars, clubs and music venues and this is a great place to listen to live jazz.Come as an explorer,seek out adventure, challenge your self to visit Beautiful South Korea , emboril yourself with the culture
and may it develop an appreciation for South's Korea rich cultural tapestry
and also find a newfound sense of personal freedom
the hallmarks of any trully great journey with
Korea
No comments:
Post a Comment