Korean Folk Village and Cat Cafe

Last Sunday, my good friend took me to see the Korean Folk Village, outside of Seoul. The relatively large village is a replica of what Korean life would have looked like a couple hundred years ago.
The authenticity of the houses, the thatched roofs, the layout, and the art is amazing!
We even were able to experiment with a traditional bow and arrow!
I had a lot of fun, and was once more struck by how beautiful Korean Culture is. Having only one and a half weeks left in Korea, I am both sad and happy. Happy to have experienced an amazing semester, and happy to return to my family for Christmas; and sad to leave this beautiful country and amazing people. However I will take lots of inspiration for more paintings with me!

Here are some photos of Sunday

Not sure what the writing says, since it's not the modern Hangul Alphabet, but I think these statues were
set up to ward off evil spirits.

Mill stone that was used by harnessing an Ox, and having him walk in circles.

Farm house

There were several workers in the process of thatching the roof.

This house would have belonged to a wealthy middle class family.

Storage room 

A glimpse into the courtyard of the nobleman's house. 

Instead of handcuffs, they used these. I wasn't sure whether to smile or be serious, as it is pretty dire to be locked into a cell...

Shooting bow and arrow!^^ I've always wanted to be an archer...in an Elvish army...hehe...can't wait for the Hobbit's release this Friday!!

Making brass spoons.

Storage pots for fermented food. 

Afternoon sun, it was glorious!

As it is my final few days in Korea, I'm planning to go to a few more sites, and revisit some of my favorite places. This past Monday a couple friends and I visited a Cat Cafe just off of campus. There are serval of these cafes in Seoul, and entrance is free, although you are required to buy an extremely overpriced drink. However it was worth it! The cafe was extremely quite, as there were animals present, and more than 15 cats lounged on pillows and chairs. They were friendly, and somewhat lazy. And it was one of the most relaxing things I've done all semester to simply sit and be in the presence of animals. I'm not sure what it is about them, but they have a way of making time slow, and helping you appreciate the simple things in life.

Here are some photos taken with my iPod, so excuse the poor quality...

Although cats are generally clean animals anyway, I had expected the cafe to be a lot messier! I was surprised to find it non-smelling, and very pleasant!

Not sure if these cats have the most exciting or boring life. Depends on your perspective.

I didn't realize cats sleep sooooo much!^^ We stayed there 2 hours, and most cats were pretty sleepy!

Except for this one! He like me!^^ <3

I plan on visiting a dog cafe tomorrow!

Insadong

A side street in Insadong

My friend and I set out this morning to find Bukchon Hanok village, where you can see traditional Korean architecture. After getting off at the correct subway stop, we decided to walk around Insadong first, which is a souvenir shopping area. Well...we never did make it to Bukchon! Maybe next time!

Street artists

The film shoot 

Along the way, we ran into a film crew. I'm not sure whether this was for a drama, commercial, or what not, but it was fascinating to watch the director talk to the actors, etc. After stopping in numerous shops, and after spending more money than I had meant to... (hehe..yeah...) we stumbled upon the Insadong-cultural center. Here you pay 3000 won (equivalent to 3 dollars) and get to play dress up in traditional Korean clothing! (Hanbok)

Below: The pictures

Traditional umbrella hat?

Beautiful!! ^^

Deoksugung (Palace)

Thursday, two friends and I went to Deoksugung (gung means palace). It is the smallest one of several palaces in Seoul, and simply stunning!

We ate dinner at a delicious Korean 식당 (restaurant), where an kindly Korean grandfather served us and talked to us in Korean, whilst we nodded our heads and smiled politely, pretending we understood more than we actually did. We then entered the palace. Entry fee is only 1000 Won, equivalent to less than a dollar.

Entrance to the courtyard leading to throne room

Although it was dark by now, the palace was well lit, we walked around the grounds, and entered the throne room. I say throne room, but Korean palaces are very different from any of the numerous castles and palaces in Europe. Instead of one building, with many different rooms and hall, Korean palaces are a construction of several buildings, each serving its own purpose. The buildings are intricately decorated in colors symbolizing various things.

Courtyard infront of the throne room

It was a wonderful feeling to walk where centuries ago people lived and served their king. Because it was dark, and rather cold, we were almost alone on the grounds. It was a little island of calm amidst the rising skyscrapers and traffic choir of Seoul. It was peaceful.

The throne room 

Later in the evening we joined a small audience to watch a Korean traditional performance. It was unlike anything I've ever seen. The dancing and music was more rhythmic than melodic, and several of the older spectators joined the dancing, enjoying the performance very much.

Dancing and drumming

My favorite part of the performance was seeing the expressions of the musicians. They breathed the music. When artists believe in what they are doing, it makes the audience believe. Through the vivid expressions of the musicians, I began to understand a little bit of the great history and love these people have for their country. 

 A short clip of part of the performance. Sorry for the bad quality, my camera does not do well at night! But hopefully you get the idea of what it was like!

Finally, drumroll please....

After an hour flight, a 10 hour flight, and a 3 hour layover in between, I have arrived in Seoul!!

The flight was uneventful, except for the flight attendants being extremely cordial, which in this day and age is quite an event in it's own right! :P
Incheon airport vaguely reminded me of DC, because of it's carpeted hallways. If you, dear reader, can't tell yet, then let me inform you that I haven't slept for 31 hours, and so my thoughts (and writing) are rather non coherent! :)
So instead of boring the world with my writing, I will let these first pictures of Seoul speak for themselves.

My first glimpse of a Korean skyline, coming from Incheon Airport

Night life in front of the University's main gate. The stores, the stores!! I can't wait to spend money!! hihihi

Ewha or 이화여자대학고, my home for the next 4 months.

Sketching Marburg

Me sketching the castle. Behind a view of Marburg.

I sketched the entry gate to the castle in Marburg, during our time there two weeks ago. Today the castle belongs to the University of Marburg, but until approx. 150 years ago, it was home of the Count.

My favorite part about sketching is that it really makes me look at what I'm drawing, and I think about it.

The thoughts coursing through my mind, while drawing this sketch, were about the people who must have lived here; the Lord's who called this Schloß home.

Did they know how beautiful the surrounding hills are? Did they live in fear of attacks from neighboring Lords? Were they happy?

Too the left you can spy part of the doorway to the entrance of the inner court.

Drawing doesn't give me answers to my questions. Nor does asking the questions make my drawing better, but it does help me appreciate the beauty and richness of history.