|
"National Museum of Korea Tour"
(Spouse Activity)
 
The National Museum of Korea has recorded the largest attendance numbers in Asia and ranked 10th in the world for 2009 with 2.7 million visitors. The National Museum holds a collection of approximately 150,000 pieces, including permanent collections of ancient artifacts, historical artifacts, works of art, donated pieces and Asia-related cultural artifacts.
The director of the National Museum will greet the IISRP spouses and a curator will lead them to the Nation Museum's special features,such as Kim Hong-do's album of scenes from daily life and Bangasayusan(Gilt-Bronze Half-siting Tinking Statue) with an expert's in depth guidance.
Top
of Page
"City Tour"
(Joint Activity)
One cannot visit Seoul without experiencing the culture the city has to offer. Highligh ts of the tour will take us past the "Blue House", the Presidential Home, and two other famous palaces, Deoksugung and Chandeokgung.
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (Deoksugung)
Deoksugung Palace has held guard-changing ceremonies since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.
Changdeokgung
Changdeokgung was the second palace after Gyeongbokgung which had been established in 1395 as a primary palace. In the midst of strife for the throne between princes and vassals, authority of Gyeongbokgung was deteriorated. King Jeongjong enthroned by Prince Yi Bang-won moved the capital to Gaegyeong, the one of Goryeo dynasty, again in 1400 on the pretext of superior geographical features of it, in fact, in order to avert the power struggle. Taejong(Yi bang-won) soon taking over the throne returned to Hanseong(present-day Seoul) had a new palace named Changdeokgung instead of Gyeongbokgung because he had killed his half brothers in Gyeongbokgung whose construction was led by Jeong Do-jeon, the king's rival before. Construction of Changdeok Palace began in 1405, and was completed in 1412. King Seonjo expanded the palace grounds by about 500,000 square meters, including Huwon.
 The Palace was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and reconstructed in 1609 by King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun. The next arson was in 1623 because of King Injo Political Revolt against Gwanghaegun. The palace was also attacked by the Manchu Qing but throughout its history of reconstruction and repair has remained faithful to its original design. Changdeokgung was the site of the royal court and the seat of government until 1872, when the neighboring Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt. Korea's last Emperor, Emperor Sunjong lived here until his death in 1926.
Top
of Page
Korea House - Cultural Experience & Dinner
The Korea House is a place where international visitors to Korea can taste tradional Korean food, get hands-on cultural experience and attend engaging Korea folk performances. The facility is housed in an old hanok that was previously owned by a scholar of the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It was later remodeled in court architectural style to fully reflect a traditional atmosphere.
Original Hanok
Current Korea House
Kimchi Making Demonstration
One of the most representative foods of Korea is Kimchi which is a nutritional 'well-being' food. While observing this demonstration, you can see not only what kind of ingredients are included but also learn how Kimchi is made.
Korean Knot Tying Demonstration
Tying a knot is a traditional handcraft activiity in Korea. When Korean ancestors made their shoes by tying straw or constructed accessories such as bracelets, they used to tie various things by hand and also created a knotwork. Although it looks like a simple job, it needs strong concentration and a good sense of order to make a beautiful design.
Hanbok Wearing Demonstration
 Hanbok is the traditiona Korean dress. It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Although the term literally means "Korean clothing", hanbok today often refers specifically to hanbok of Joseon Dynasty and is worn as semi-formal or formal wear during traditional festivals and celebrations.
Tal (Mask)Making Demonstration
The 'Bongsan Mask Dance' is a Korean traditional dance whic h is operated by wearing a human or animal shaped mask.
It is a masque which satirizes or criticizes social leadership.
Following the dem onstrations we will have a traditional Korean buffet dinner...
And then the entertainment begins....
   
Top
of Page
|