After recovering from the jet lag induced by a 15 hour 30 minute plane ride with 11 hours of sleep, Plus3 South Korea jolted into full swing on the very first day. As we begin to learn about the fast-paced nature of Korean society and how it influences the country’s technological advancements, it is vital that we attain the best possible understanding of the customs and traditions that pre-date the United States by centuries. During our first day, we visited a variety of cultural landmarks including Cheonggyecheon Square, Gyeongbuk Palace, The Blue House, Jogyesa Temple, and Namdaemun Market. Visiting each of these breathtaking and bustling locations offered me a unique perspective on the different eras of Korean innovation and the guiding principles of their technological and societal advancement.
Cheonggyecheon Square
Cheonggye Plaza is a large public square centered around the Cheonggyecheon Stream. The stream is a great point of national pride for South Koreans that has been protected and maintained by kings for centuries. During times of major military conflict and Japanese occupation, the stream was filled in and was very recently covered by a major Seoul highway. As part of a massive urban restoration project, the stream was recreated along with a river walk and sculptures, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals to frequent in the nicer weather. Our Korean Plus3 Program Director, Kay, shared with us the story of this amazing river and gave us time to capture pictures to commemorate our visit. This story of national Korean empowerment and urban restoration showed me how driven the people are to preserve, protect, and even modernize significant pieces of Korean history for the current population to benefit from. (1)
Gyeongbuk Palace
At Gyeonbuk Palace, the group had the opportunity to witness a changing of the guard ceremony dating back to the early 15th century. In the ceremony, the lead palace guard is changed under the watch of substitute guard battalions as all of the gates to the palace are checked. The lead guards and their battalions wear traditional clothing and begin their movements in accordance with ancient drumming techniques and military signaling. According to historical Korean texts, this ceremony was practiced twice daily to ensure that the king and his palace were protected for multiple dynasties. Although the palace was successfully protected from most military conflicts, it was eventually destroyed under Japanese occupation. Eventually restored by the Korean government, the palace serves as yet another landmark of national pride and historical might. Walking around the palace and witnessing the architectural beauty and ancient innovation of the sight was absolutely breathtaking. It is easy to see why these Korean building practices continue to persist in places of great national importance today, including the president’s residence at the Blue House. (2)
The Blue House
When South Korea became a republic nearly 80 years ago, the people of Korea built “The Blue House”, or more accurately translated, “The Blue Tile House”. This structure of exquisite architecture once served as the official residency of the president of South Korea. The house gets its name from the over 25,000 hand-crafted blue tiles that comprise the roof using a similar structural method as the ancient palaces like the Gyeongbuk. This residence is one of many buildings on South Korea’s main executive branch campus, including a banquet hall that has played host to many foreign leaders, including our president Joe Biden. While it is the societal forefront of one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world, The Blue House furthers the theme of advancement with respect for ancient practices and customs. (2)
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple serves as one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in South Korea. At this particular time of year, the group had the chance to witness preparations for Buddha’s Birthday on May 10th. As part of this holiday, it is customary to hang lanterns adorned with cards of both living and deceased family members and friends. These lanterns were arranged into beautiful mosaics that stretched on for hundreds of feet in every direction. At the temple, Buddhist monks filled a solemn congregation with ritual chants in preparation for the religious figure’s birthday. Watching people from all walks of life come together and offer their prayers was an incredibly uplifting experience that I will never forget. (2)
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional Korean market with countless vendors lining the sides and middle of the closely intertwined sheets. Our Program Director Kay referred to the market as a place “where you can find everything and you can find nothing.” This perfectly sums up the vast variety of goods being sold throughout the market, but also the elaborate maze that made it difficult to find any specific item. These traditional markets are incredible landmarks of commerce where it is common to see bartering and people negotiating prices. The quality of all the items for sale, especially the food, was top class. Throughout the market, it was common to see traditional Korean foods and clothing, as well as more modern, trendy items. This intersection of Korean and westernized culture proved to show yet again the adaptability and unity of Korea’s age-old societal customs. (2)
References:
(2) Korean Program Director Kay