새해 복 많이 받으세요
복 Bok means “luck”
많이 Mani means “many”
받으세요 Badeuseyo means “please receive”
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines opened limited slots to anyone who wishes to join the Seollal Korean Lunar New Year Party on the 30th of January. I have a fascination with Korea ever since my husband made a business trip to Seoul a few years back.
I was lucky to secure a slot for the KCC Seollal Celebration. I was also able to bring my sister (solid Lee Min Ho fan) and my friend (who has watched every koreanovela available) with me.
We approached the registration desk, submitted our tickets, penned our information then proceeded to the venue.
Director Hwang Seong-un delivered the opening remarks
These lovely ladies performed a traditional Korean dance
We watched a short video about Seollal and I've learned a lot about their celebration. Seollal is a significant Korean holiday that lasts for three days. The Koreans regard this occasion as a family holiday. They usually go to their hometowns to visit their families and perform the a tea rite called charye. They also prepare a traditional Korean food Tteokguk. This is a kind of rice cake served sliced and with soup.
Traditional Korean games are also played during Seollal. We were able to try some of the games.
Jegichagi is similar to the Filipino game Sipa.
It was my first time to try Jegichagi and the I was able to kick the jegi -- ONCE. :D Moving on to the next...
Then I thought, I'll do better with Tuho. How hard will it be -- all I need to do is shoot the rubber tipped arrows into the vase. My score -- ZERO. Moving on...
Yunnori is a board game. Finally! Something I'm good (I think) at!
Participants playing Yunnori
There's a special class for the Korean Traditional Pattern Painting. I'm very much interested to try this activity.
I really had fun with the games but I'm not the active type of person. The Pattern Painting activity will suit me better.
One of the highlights of the event is the chance to be photographed wearing the Hanbok. The Hanbok is a traditional Korean dress usually worn during national holidays, festivities and weddings.
There's a long queue at the photobooth station but everybody patiently waited for their turn. And it was so worth the wait.
감사합니다
I had a fun and wonderful day. I'm so grateful to the Korean Cultural Center for making me a part of the Seollal celebration.