April 10, 2008

Not That Long Ago

The Korean Folk Village, located just outside of Seoul, consists of over 200 acres of traditional housing and culture found in the later Joseon Dynasty. We're not talking that long ago -- the Joseon Dynasty ended in 1910 when the Japanese began to rule Korea (1910-1945). If you're on the lookout, similar articles and methods used during this era can still be found through regions of Korea today.



It's an understatement to say that kimchi is a 'staple' in the Korean culture. The earliest form of kimchi was made of only fermented cabbage some 2600 years ago, and it was in the 12th century when people began to include other spices to create different flavors, such as sweet and sour flavors, and colors of kimchi, such as white and orange. No surprise then, that the Korean village replica was strewn with kimchi pots. These pots are visible only for a time -- when they are filled with cabbage they are buried underground for a few months to help the fermentation process. I'm not a huge kimchi fan but I must admit that I like when they make stew out of it, called kimchi chiggae.



Today Korean kimchi is mass-produced to meet the demand of a growing population. The average Korean home will store it in refrigerators with specially designed compartments for easy access -- kimchi for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Trust me, I haven't seen a table set for a meal in Korea without kimchi and many other side dishes, like pickled radish and garlic.

The village has attractions for those not so historically inclined. Adults and kids alike have access to amusement and horse rides along with other outdoor entertainment. Unfortunately our time was cut short so don't be surprised when I suggest we go to the Korean Folk Village when you come to South Korea for a visit =)




April 09, 2008

Fit For a King

I love when friends and family come to visit! Not only is it great to connect with them on a personal level but it gives me opportunity to play tourist and see the local sites. I had the pleasure of getting together with Jody Williams from Denver this month as she came with other volunteers to spend time at the Eastern Social Welfare Society in Seoul.

I was fortunate to join their group on a tour around Seoul and visit one of the five grand palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. In my book, the palaces are the most amazing historical sites still standing today! Even though the palace we visited, the Changdeokgung Palace, was built in 1405 and destroyed during Japanes invasion (1592-1598), it was rebuilt in 1608 and occupied by kings and queens until the last emperor Sunjong died in 1926.


The Changdeokgung Palace complex stretches over 110 acres and is strewn with 13 buildings and 28 pavilions for various purposes -- from separate residences for the king and queen, to national treasury, to secret gardens and monuments to former dynasty.




Common to most architecture during the Joseon Dynasty, the roof swoops upward at the corners and often have small figurines lined along the ridge to (what they believed would) ward off evil spirits. However you look at it, these buildings are impressive architecture -- from overall design to construction. For instance, I was told they didn't use any nails during construction and that all elements of the building 'fit together' much like tongue-and-groove hardwood floors found today!



Visitors to the palaces will often see traditional ceremonies, as they've been performed for hundreds of years. In fact, you don't even have to go to the palace grounds to observe one of the ceremonies. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a procession with full historic garb, flags and drums as the clock struck 12 on a busy street corner in the financial district in Seoul. Too bad I didn't have my camera with me!



Behind the palace lies the 78 acre Secret Garden which was originally constructed for the use of the royal family and palace women. The garden incorporates a lotus pond, pavilions, and landscaped lawns, trees, and flowers. There are over 26,000 specimens of a hundred different species of trees in the garden and some of the trees behind the palace are now over 300 years old. Now that's what I call a backyard =)