Seoul, Korea

Cultural Rhythms

Monica Poling

With one of the oldest histories on the planet, Korea has had more than 5,000 years to develop a strong cultural identity, one that is wholly unique from the rest of the world. While the country is justifiably proud of its ancient traditions, it is also unquestionably a springboard for much of Asia’s pop culture, and the “Hallyu” wave of popular culture is the very foundation of the country’s tourism marketing campaign. To verse themselves in Korea’s traditional or pop culture, visitors need look no further than Seoul, a glittering, urban playground. Like the proverbial phoenix, Seoul has grown from its own ashes, a remarkable feat considering that the city was all but flattened a half-decade ago, during the Korean War.

Cookin' With Nanta

Seoul’s must-see Nanta performance provides “Chefs Gone Wild” action for the whole family. This high-octane, non-verbal performance is both rhythmic and funny. The premise: four chefs frantically prepare for a wedding feast, but keep getting sidetracked as they realize their equipment can create toe-tapping sounds. The music they create are the rhythms of Samulnori, a traditional Korean percussion performance, but here pots, pans, brooms, mops, knives and cutting boards replace drums and gongs as the instruments of choice.

Korea House

Korea House presents rousing traditional performances, including the popular farmers’ dance, fan dance and mask dance drama. Built to introduce the traditional culture of Korea, this venue is popular with visitors as well as locals. Dining comes in two flavors, and one restaurant features an all-you-can eat buffet, while the other provides classic table d’hôte service, with floor seating and a pre-set menu. Korea House is located next to the Namsan-gol Hanok Village, where visitors can step back in time to enjoy the old-style architecture.

Sanchon Restaurant

For vegetarian cuisine even a carnivore can love, a trip Sanchon Restaurant, located in the famous Insa-dong Alley is a must while in Seoul. Operated by a former practicing monk the restaurant serves a delicious multi-course vegetarian meal, which can include nearly 20 or 30 vegetarian dishes. Although the meals are generally nutritious, some deep friend, tempura-like veggies do make their way onto the menu. Not just a dining establishment, the restaurant also stages traditional-style performances regularly.

King Gojong and Queen Min Wedding Re-enactment

In an effort to promote the majesty of Korean royal culture, the Seoul Metropolitan Government hosts a reenactment of the royal wedding ceremony of King Gojong and Queen Min in the spring and fall every year. Taking place on the grounds of Unhyeongung Palace, the ceremony has been recreated thorough painstaking historical research. The re-enactment provides English interpretation, and visitors can get in the act by photographing themselves with the King and Queen.

Hi Seoul Festival

For a concentrated look at Korea’s cultural heritage, the best time to visit Seoul is during late spring, when the Seoul Metropolitan Government rolls out its hugely popular Hi Seoul Festival. From a fireworks spectacular, marking the festival’s opening night, to original world competitions like the World High Wire Championship and the World DJ Festival, nothing can beat the energy of this ten-day event. Two festival favorites include the hot air balloon event, as colorful balloons soar over the Han River, and the “Walking on Water” event where visitors line-up to walk barefoot on the Miracle Underwater Bridge, a 600-foot long bridge submerged at about 6 inches. Performances range from cutting edge dance moves to ancient court performances.