Buzz Korea Trip1: Seoul Tour



Intro to Samulnuri: Korean Percussion

Finally, I joined the BUZZ KOREA’s Seasons 1 event of Seoul Tour. Have to do a detailed post on it later but here is a quick look of the day’s events.

Rain refused to stop and even though we had heavy thunder showers the previous night that continued by the time I left for the Seoul Tour for Bloggers…things started to get better - a positive indication. BUZZ KOREA team made every effort to make this trip a memorable one. It takes two to tango and hence, bloggers also made an effort to join in to explore Seoul - some of us took a day off from our classes (summer programs) while others from their work. Seoul Tour started with great vibes.

Best (L) and worst (R) janggu players of the day

Handouts, orientation, dividing bloggers into manageable teams, bloggers' self intro and refreshment were the first few steps before we head for a Samulnori experience- which took place at Gwanghwamun Art Center. Our teacher Mr. Seo did his best to make it one of the best among all three main categories - Janggu (traditional drum) was the main focus as it is the most unique among all the muscial instruments of Samulnuri. We became one by touching, feeling and experiencing the rythem of Janggu - I guess it touched everbodys' soul among Seoul Trip memebrs.. We all loved it, personally, Samulnuri has never ceased to fascinate and energize me in all these years. Teacher selected the best and the worst janggu players among us...we also learned the mask dance - it was very difficult yet interesting!

Afterwards, we moved for lunch to Insadong where we experienced "Ssam"...wrapping meat, rice, bean paste and sidedishes in different leaves, roll them and eat! A wonderful time that we spent  in experiencing the food culture of Korea and having a small contest of 'eating the biggest ssam bite' which was won by a Cambodian student - a funny yet interesting contest.

Last but not the least, we wento visit Bukchon Hanok - it was beautiful to see the traditional architecture fused with contemporay styles - a beautiful melange of east and went...this area was a Yangban neighborhood where the Korea nobles (yangban) used to live.

At the end of the trip we got memorablia from KTO...it was a wonderful trip organized by KTO - Buzz Korea and I guess, others must also join them through twitter, facebook and blogs!

I'm really thankful to KTO and Buzz Korea for making a unique effort to bring bloggers from around the world under one forum and provide opportunities to actually feel, touch and experience Korea.