GOING PLACES: BEEN THERE...DONE THAT...: KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE

Monday, May 23, 2011

KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE

Every morning I will be awakened by the calm sunrise which I can clearly see from my window. It is a sight to behold and my day is incomplete without seeing or even having a glimpse of that nature’s wonder. Now I know why Korea is called the Land of the Morning Calm.

Korean Heritage and Culture is being shown on Korean dramas like Jumong, Jewel in the Palace and now on Queen Seondeok, which discusses the life of a queen during the three proto-kingdoms. The Korean wave or Hallyu even invaded Philippine Primetime that is why it is not unusual for Filipinos to deeply appreciate Korean culture.

The Folk Village is located in the city of Yongin. It is very accessible from Seoul, which is why most tourists frequent this area if they wanted to experience the Korean life during the Joseon period. Upon entering the area, I immediately recalled its similarity with the Nayong Pilipino of the Philippines; just like the said village it showcases various terrain, folk culture and arts of the Filipinos. Unfortunately, it was demolished to give way to the Terminal Three of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A new “Regional Village” was opened in Clark Field Pampanga but it was poorly done, thus creating the notion that Filipinos do not value their ancestry and folk heritage.

Familism

Going back to the Korean Folk Village (KFG), the 240 acre community also includes bazaars which sells souvenirs and mementos. An amusement park is also present to fascinate youngsters and even children at heart. Going to this place is a family experience because everyone will truly enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and soothing ambiance. Together they can enjoy watching equestrian shows, farm dancers, traditional wedding ceremonies and even acrobatic feats. They can as well try the old games and dine out in the old style markets. For the Parents and Grandparents it is a good place to reminisce the past and to narrate the good ol’days with their children and grandchildren. Therefore, Family orientedness or Familism of the Korean society is greatly exhibited at KFG.

Confucianism and Joseon Dynasty

Undoubtedly, Joseon Dynasty left a great mark even today. Confucianism is an indelible part of Korean Culture and is very much manifested in KFG. Houses ranging from farmer’s hut up to the Royal Courts of the affluent and the Yangbans are positioned as if you are in that era. If not for the tourists who are wearing T-shirts and jeans, it is as if you are trapped in an ancient city. Yangbans are scholarly Officials who held vast land areas (Choi, 2007). They live on tiled roof houses and receive adulation from all the people in the community especially to the commoners. Nowadays, Yangbans, I think, are personified by those who are in politics, business or other influential people. They still live on well fenced houses and more luxurious edifices. Thus, legacy of patronage based on common educational experiences, teachers, family backgrounds and hometowns, continues in some forms, both officially and unofficially.

Korean Cultural Tourism

Cultural Tourism in the past two decades became an international phenomenon. The busy metropolis creates a restless atmosphere to most people (du Cross, 2002). Others wanted to trace out their ancestry or historical background. In brief, Cultural Tourism is concerned with a country or region's culture, specifically the lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas, the history of those peoples, their art, architecture, religion(s), and other elements that helped shape their way of life.

In the case of KFG, it exhibits the life of the old Korea. It primary aims to educate and entertain not only the international visitors but the locales as well, through shows and exhibition halls that will instill a sense of nationalism and patriotism to all Koreans.

It clearly depicts the life of a unified Korea. It shows all the elements of livelihood present from North to Central and down to the Southern portion of the Peninsula. Yes, Korea up to this moment is in a war with her northern brethren but this KFG stresses the fact that these two states are just one and should not be divided. It is like saying there should be no boundaries between this two since they are just one nation for thousands of years.

However, the place is full of tourists that make the area commercialized. Some souvenir items for example are actually “Made in China” and not folk looking. Others take for granted history and they tend to focus on spots being shown on Korean dramas. There are posters saying “A Scene in Jang Geum was shot here.” In that particular situation, some tourists are going there not to analyze the past but simply to relax and have fun. The amusement park is also a good attraction, but on my own opinion, it should be situated on a place nearby so that it could not destroy the ambiance of the area. I really appreciate the traditional games and shows because it compliments the objective which is an old village. I am very thankful because, we have a professor who explains everything we see, I pity other tourists because they just took pictures with the totems and the buildings without knowing even a brief background about the things they see. To fully appreciate culture one should patiently analyze its symbolisms and origins. Everything placed there has a meaning and function. It plays an indispensable part in the formation of Korean history. For one to truly and fully appreciate culture, we should learn how to value even minute details...

KFG is well worth a visit. Anyone who visits it will be glad they made the effort. Colorful music fills the air and the delectable taste and wide array of delicacies and dishes will make you crave for more. It is a feast for the senses and a soothing way to enjoy walking amidst the rivers, bridges and old houses.

As I walk along the exit gate, I carry with me a new cultural experience that really left me spellbound…and so every time I see the calm mornings, I will also remember how peaceful it was to live in an old Korean village with simple pleasures but grand experiences.

References: Choi, Joon Sik, Understanding Koreans and their Culture (Heo Won Media, Seoul, 2007)

Mc Kercher, Bob, du Cross, Hillary, Cultural Tourism: The Partnership between Tourism and Cultural Heritage Management (Haworth Hospitality Press, New York, 2002)

Me doing the Koreanized pose.

Entrance ticket

The Korean Folk Village is located near Everland in Yongin, a suburb of Seoul in the Gyeonggi province, South Korea. The Korean Folk Village is a living museum and it occupies an area of about 243 acres in a natural environment. In the Korean Folk Village there are more than 260 houses reproducing traditional Korean homes from the late Joseon Dinasty. Many types of buildings are included, representing all the social classes and different regions of South Korea.

A traditional print which I brought home as a souvenir.

While Listening to Prof. Lim's discussion.

We went to the Folk Village together with our Korean Society and Culture Prof. Eun Mie Lim.From our School, we took the subway and the bus to get there. There are also other alternative means of transportation that you can choose from:

From Exit No. 2 of Moran Subway Station (Bundang Line), take City Express Bus N. 1116 and get off at Korean Folk Village (70 minute ride).
From Exit No. 6 of Gangnam Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 2) or Exit No. 7 of Yangjae Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line N. 7), take City Express Bus N. 1560 or 5000-1 and get off at Korean Folk Village (30-40 minute ride).
At Jamsil Subway Station (Subway Line No. 2) take City Express Bus N. 1116. (1 hour and 20 minute ride)
Shuttle Bus (Folk Village Office in front of Suweon Station)
Runs five times a day (10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 30 minute ride).

The Folk Village is known for its authentic reconstruction of the old Korea. Most Tourists frequent this place as it is very accessible from the metropolis. To fully enjoy the tour, I suggest that you allot a whole day so that you will have time to sit and unwind and try all the Korean delicacies being offered here. A small amusement park is also located within the complex to fascinate the young and the old as well. One can see the primitive houses and their daily living, the yangban community which will make you feel that you are time travelling across the ancient Korea.

A wooden bridge

Looks like this house is set on a festive mood.

An old man weaving the traditional shoes

The reflection on the water is so soothing...

A farmers house

In the Korean Folk Village there are also traditional restaurants, a traditional market and various workshops showcasing all the traditional Korean crafts, including metalwork, woodwork, fans, musical instruments and a lot more. At the center of the park is a dining place where you can taste fascinating cuisines at reasonable prices. Try the Korean cookies and tea while watching the farmer’s dances performance and the old man crossing the rope. There is also a hunting show featuring men donning the traditional garb while performing a hunting game.

You can also try to play traditional children’s games at a leisure area located near the old Police district. At the Guard house, you can try wearing a soldiers costume while doing some wacky poses on penitentiary tools and implements.