Erin, my Korean instructor, and I went to Seoul where we visited the Namsangol Traditional Folk Village and celebrated the New Year there. I was taken to a room in one of the traditional homes and given a hanbok to put on. Here I am lounging on one of the displays. (Ignore that little "Do Not Enter" sign, I really did have staff escort me into the room!)
While we were waiting for the rice cake cutting competition to begin, we had a little time to wander around. The Migook Sarams (Americans) walking around in hanboks were a bit of a spectacle, but I was having too much fun to care. I had seen men pounding rice before, and today I tried my hand at it. I do not believe it is traditionally the woman's role, but I rolled up my hanbok sleeves and took a whack at it. The soldiers there assured me I made a good showing with the mallet, so hopefully, I came away without being a national embarrassment.
While we were waiting for the rice cake cutting competition to begin, we had a little time to wander around. The Migook Sarams (Americans) walking around in hanboks were a bit of a spectacle, but I was having too much fun to care. I had seen men pounding rice before, and today I tried my hand at it. I do not believe it is traditionally the woman's role, but I rolled up my hanbok sleeves and took a whack at it. The soldiers there assured me I made a good showing with the mallet, so hopefully, I came away without being a national embarrassment.
When the Mayor showed up, we headed on out to where we would participate in a rice cake cutting contest. 
I believe I was the first one finished, but it took me about the first third of the rice cake rope to get the hang of it. Here is my picture of triumph!
I believe I was the first one finished, but it took me about the first third of the rice cake rope to get the hang of it. Here is my picture of triumph!After cutting the rice cakes, it was time to eat the traditional rice cake soup. Eating this soup on New Years ages you one year, so I am now 41 according to Korean tradition! Of course, when I fly back to the US of A,
I will lose those two years when I cross the International Date Line. ;) The gentleman you see eating his way to old age with me is the Mayor of Seoul. I am not exactly who was there for who's benefit, but it did not matter - I just enjoyed every minute of it.
After the main activities, we changed back into our regular clothes and I had the chance to do a little bit of looking around with being so looked at. I have already made plans to come back when it is not so crowded.
Happy New Years, everyone! I am right where I should be during this Year of the Golden Pig!
1 comment:
Betty Wynn, you are so cute in your traditional garb....only you could make Korea look like so much fun.
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