(Yeonsu Trip) where people, tradition and culture are harmonized
Gaetbeol Culture Center
Writer Jo lee-jin (Honorary reporter)
At Michuhol Park in Songdo, a special place exists where you can experience traditional Korean culture. The gentle sound of the gayageum (12-string Korean zither) and the pleasant scent of tea leaves give visitors to the Gaetbeol Culture Center the sensation of becoming one with nature. The center is an urban rest area of Korean tradition and culture.
Have you ever listened to the clean and soft sound of the gayageum? At Gaetbeol, you can learn how to play the traditional musical instruments of Korea, such as the gayageum, daegeum (bamboo flute) and danso (short bamboo flute). These instruments are not easily seen in everyday life. You can also learn about pottery, Korean painting, calligraphy and sagunja (painting of four gracious plants). Since the center recruits students every three months, those interested in Korean culture may apply for the classes.
At Daryewon, foreigners dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) to learn about the darye (tea ceremony) in a calm atmosphere. Students focus on every word spoken by the teacher, who is also neatly dressed in hanbok. Although the hands of students holding the earthen teapot and pouring tea are unskilled, their faces are earnest. The center is the only place where foreigners can visit and stay to learn about traditional Korean culture.
For people who cannot spare time during the day, the center runs an evening cultural college with various programs such as classes on the gayageum, Chinese character certification, English, promotion of Songdo culture and tour guides, fostering ukulele teachers, intermediate photography and pungmul (Korean traditional percussion). All classes and courses are also free.
When there is nowhere to go with children on the weekend, the whole family can visit the center and experience traditional culture such as the tea ceremony, bowing etiquette, wearing hanbok, and playing traditional games. This should be a very pleasant memory for children.
For vacation season, the center is preparing a program for young students that combines traditional experience and abacus calculation, something which can improve mental arithmetic. This rare program has had many applicants.
After visiting the center and collecting materials for this article, I met an elderly person who was taking photographs. He said he was taking a photography class at the center, adding he was happy about the class as it got him to get out of the house, build friendships with other students, and learn specific skills in photography. He called his twilight years “wonderful.”
Located within a forest of buildings, the Gaetbeol Culture Center pursues the value of Korean tradition. The center shows what kind of synergy effect that arts and culture can have on daily life if they come through a channel called education.
Location : Inside Michuhol Park, 59, Haesong-ro,
Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (9-1, Songdo-dong)
Phone : 032-833-2605
(For more information on the programs of the Gaetbeol Culture Center, visit http://www.hallyuhan.or.kr/)
