I just came back from this wonderful trip which was sponsored by the Korean government (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). It was a field trip where international youths from various universities in Korea were invited to immerse in the Korean traditional culture.
I was initially clueless as to what we are actually doing during the trip except the idea of a free hanbok (traditional Korean costume) enticed me so much that I arranged to take my exam earlier than scheduled so that I could attend this trip.
We took a long bus ride out of Seoul before arriving at a folk village called Oeammaul.
We felt very much like them. Young and excited.
We alighted from the bus and there were people from Arirang who were filming us like we were some bigfuck superstar. Apparently, this was some high-profile event and this was the first time that the Korean government is organising a cultural trip for international exchange students. There were 10 students representatives each from various universities: Chungang, Sungkyunkwan, Seoul's Woman, Hanyang, Dankook, Kyunghee and Yonsei University.
We got a taste of how life was like in the rural areas.
The folk village was much bigger than the small one in Seoul since its in the rural area. This one we could view the mountains spanning across the borders of the village..unfortunately, its difficult to capture that on camera.
I just love the scenery and the architecture of their traditional huts.
Our residence.
The folk village was much more modern than I expected and had facilities which resembled Pasir-ris chalet. Their floor heating was extremely comfortable and kept us warm in spite of the freezing temperatures outside. My only gripe is that they didn't had heater for shower but then again, its supposed to be a 'traditional farm stay'. Ha.
Bibimbab. I love free food. I didn't spend a single cent during two days. WOhoo!! Not to mention the freebies that I received. And for the experience that money can't buy.
Gong. Me in my oversized hanbok, which resembled more of a baggy hiphop suit.
Our first activity after our lunch was to learn how to play traditional Korean instruments. We were assigned instruments and they taught us the basics. DO NOT underestimate the simple gong (that I was assigned) its the leader of the entire orchestra. and much harder to play than I thought.
Ariyo with his face mask. The other four Yonsei girls with the unpainted masks.
I will not display my mask picture because I think its such a flop that even elementary schoolkids can probably do a better paintjob than me.
Random pictures
Pounding ricecakes from a huge lump of rice which was probably enough to make 200 pounds of Tteokpokki (Ricecake).
I think I sprained my hip from swinging that freaking heavy mallet. These ajeossis are way fitter than me, heaving and pounding the dough with the mallet as if it were some play dough.
Ariyo having a competition with Michael from Germany. Tough battle. They were equally matched, both refusing to budge.
Mixing out dough and enjoying our ricecakes. With Shihkye (a refreshing and naturally sweet tasting drink made from rice) which tastes like barley.
I know what it resembles but its not. The man is merely putting a contraception to prevent the rice from exploding out from the machine. I don't know specifically how this works and I won't pretend to know. The rice is supposedly done when the machine explodes.
Organic explosion. Pop-rice.
The German guy commented on how amazing the Koreans can make so many things from rice, ricecakes, drinks, crackers. I totally agree.
Ariyo helping out with the ajumma to squeeze her sacks. Its always good to have young men to help them out once in a while.
Giving the games a try. Some stick throwing contest.
Ariyo attempting the tightrope walking.
Ancient torture. S&M. The ajumma's whack was more wicked than the korean girl's on my right.
At night, we had fun making panjeons Korean pancakes and drinking Makgoli, korean rice wine. Korean rice wine is dangerous for me because it tastes like beer minus the unpleasant aftertaste that beer has, so one can get drunk pretty fast on Makgoli. Notice that I have no pictures. Haha.
The males.
The Yonsei group! The privileged few.
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