Rhythm of Korea: Real Touch Korea Sesaon 1. Seoul Tour

It’s another awesome tour. “The Real Touch Korea Season 1. Seoul Tour” was organized by Buzz Korea in order to give a chance for I buzz members to experience Korea. Buzz Korea is an online community site where bloggers share vivid stories of first-hand experience in Korea. “The Real Touch Korea Season 1. Seoul Tour” is basically divided into 3 parts – experiencing Samulnori, tasting Ssam and visiting Bukchon Hanok Village.

All of us in front of KTO

Samulnori – the world’s most dynamic music

After meeting up and got some instructions for the tour in the conference hall at KTO building, we were first driven to KwangHwaMun cultural center to learn and experience Samulnori. Everyone seemed to be new to Samulnori including me. Actually, I have been seen Samulnori a few times when I am in Korea but I haven’t had a chance to practice playing Samulnori by my own hands until that day. First we were taught how to hold the instruments and how to use those instruments. Then, we were taught the basic rhythm of Korea and started to follow our Samulnori teacher. It’s very interesting to experience Samulnori. I really enjoyed so much. After that we were taught to perform the mask dance. First we were asked to see our teacher’s dance and follow. It looked quite funny. Anyway, I was really satisfied with this part.

Samulnori

What’s Samulnori?

Samulnori is the world’s most dynamic music created by the kkwaenggwari (small flat gong), the janggu (traditional drum with hourglass-shaped body), the buk(barrel drm) and the jing(large gong). Korea overflows with samulnori, with its ever-changing and cheerful beat, exciting performances, and nori(play) culture.

Mask Dance

Ssam- a taste of Korean cuisine

After having an exciting experience with Samulnori, we were driven to Koean restaurant serving the famous food called Ssam. It was my first time to try Ssam. I did like it so much. While eating, we also played some games. Fortunately enough, my team got some gifts from the program since we were winner for the competition. I did have a lot of fun there.

In local Korean restaurant

What’s Ssam?

Ssam is rice and condiments wrapped in leaves of lettuce, cabbage, sesame, or other greens. The harmonious taste of several layers of fresh, delicious ingredients is the best.

Ssam

- How to eat Ssam

1. Spread a leaf of your choice wide on your palm.

2. Put a small scoop of rice on top with Ssamjang sauce.

3. Choose condiments you would like and them on the leaf as well.

4. Wrap the Ssam and indulge in the beautiful taste of Korea.

Wow ! So delicious ! :)

Bukchon Hanok Village - recommended Seoul dating course

After having a great lunch with Ssam, everyone looked so energetic. And now it’s time to explore Bukchon Hanok Village. Unfortunately, it’s raining and everyone used umbrellas and raincoats to walk outside. Anyway, we still could manage to have a good trip there and take a lot of great pictures. It’s also my first time to be there. First we followed the guide to one high school which one of the senses shot in the very famous drama “Winter Sonata”. And then we walked around in the village to see Korean traditional house and nice view of the village.

In Hanok Village

What’s Bukchon Hanok Village?

Bukchon Hanok Village is a unique historical part of Seoul, where traditional houses from Joseon dynasty and modern art galleries and cafes are clustered around the winding alleyways. The name “Bukchon,” which means “northern village,” comes from the village’s location north to Cheonggyecheon and jongno. Surrounding Bukchon are the palaces Gyeongbokgung and Changdoekgung and the royal shrine of Jongmyo.

What’s Hanok?

Hanok is the Korean traditional house, characterized by beautifully curving tiled roofs and “ondol.” Ondol is the Korean traditional heating system, where heated aire from the stove flows through an empty space beneath the floors before heading out through the chimney. Because both the continental and oceanic climates exist in Kroea, Hanok was constructed to accommodate both the cold and heat that alternately visit the land.

Hanok, where the scene of "Personal Taste" was shot !

Korean Style

After walking around the Hanok village about 2 hours, we were driven to the KTO Building where we met up from the beginning of the tour. Now the tour finished but everyone still keep in touch via their own blogs. I met a lot of nice people there. We did have a lot of fun time during this tour and really enjoyed so much. I hope to be part of the tour again, maybe Season 2. :)