I’ve been in Seoul for nearly three weeks now. I’m not going to try and describe everything – that’d take far too long. Instead, here are some pictures. This past week has been Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival) when families get together and traditional ceremonies take place. There were many free events going on around the city: concerts and theatrical performances; workshops in traditional crafts; historical re-enactments etc.
This sums up Korea so far; kimchi pots, traditional architecture, new construction and people with cameras and umbrellas.
Little Dolls
Joseon era school at Namsangol Hanok Village
Acrobatics at Deoksugung Palace
There was also less traditional entertainment at City Hall.
I like the way the guy pulling the seating mat slips at the end in time to the musical crescendo.
I really liked the music at this concert. I think it was based on traditional music, but jazzed up a bit.
Maybe it was because of the holiday season, or maybe because I stood out on my own as an obvious foreigner, but everyone was so friendly to me. Some wanted to practice their english, whilst others just wanted to make me feel included. One old man gave some of his food and drink while we sat watching the concert. He didn’t speak a word of english. I tried to imagine this happening in London, but we would never be so hospitable to an outsider.
