Namsan Traditional Village
The day after the Chinese/lunar new years day, Songsu and I went to Namsan traditional village. Villages such as this are typically mock-ups, used for educating tourists about Korean traditions. This site used to be a famous summer resort during the Chosun period (1392-1910). It was originally called Cheonghak-dong, and was named 'the land of the faeries' because of the beautiful scenery that could be seen at the time. Five traditional Korean houses have been moved here, including the residences of government officials.
See-saw
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Upon entering the 'village' the first thing we saw was a big crowd of people and a woman in a pink dress flying in the air.
This woman, with the help of a willing participant, was demonstrating the traditional see-saw. A long plank of wood is balanced by a sack of eg rice, and one person STANDS (NOT SITS) on each end. Taking in turns to jump, the result is each person being elevated up to 1.5M, and then having to land perfectly on the plank. Looked like good fun, but I did not trust myself to land how I should nor where I should.
Flying 할머니
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Quite possibly the only woman of 'grandmother' age to fly without the aid of modern technology.
Making Ddok
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.A demonstration of the traditional method of making Ddok. Ddock is rice that has been pummelled and flattened. Ddok is used to make 'rice cakes' and can be found in popular soups. This man was using a heavy wooden mallet. It must have taken hours to even get this far. These days ddok is produced in factories.
Having a go
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Member of the audience trying his hand at pumpelling the rice into ddok.
New Year's Wishes
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Since it is the (lunar) new year, people where writing their wishes for the new year on coloured paper, and tying them to a rope. Wishes are also tied to trees and can be seen outside Buddhist temples.
Traditional Home
Originally uploaded by Eleruen.This is a mock-up of a traditional home. I have no idea what period this is representing, but my guess that this kind of furniture would belong to a rich family.
Originally uploaded by Eleruen.
Originally uploaded by Eleruen.
Kitchen
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Traditional cooking area...
Calligraphy
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.This man is using a traditional horse-hair brush and 'ink' to write Chinese characters. I have never tried this myself, but I have heard that it is extremely difficult. The characters are typically written in as little sweeping movements as possible.
All Dressed up
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.In the village was a platfom where children were playing. Stood in the middle of the platform was this little girl, clothed in traditional korean dress. How cute!
Psyche
Psyche
Originally uploaded by Eleruen.This, as you may have gathered, is my wonderful boyfriend Songsu. He is a man of many silly faces, including this one. This was taken outside the Co-ex shopping centre in Seoul.
In the middle of the street...
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.(On Planet Songsu)it is common practice to open one's mouth to mimic screaming when greeting someone for the first time.
The Sensible Face
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Come on Songsu, we know that this seriousness is fake.
Smiling nicely
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Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Songsu at an italian resturant we went to at the Co-ex shopping centre.
Songsu tying his wish
Songsu tying his wish
Originally uploaded by Eleruen.Songsu at Hansan village. According to the Songsu Philosophy, tying one's wish to the rope involves yelling at the same time.
I saw a link on Toby's website (see sidebar) which allows you to create South Park characters of yourself. Thinking that it's really cool, I thought I would try my hand at it. It turned out a bit small...
