Get a taste of traditional Korea
KOREA HERALD
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| A tea ceremony set |
Tea and kimchi: The two seem worlds apart at first. But not to tourists seeking to discover Korea. A taste of kimchi will help their understanding of Korea’s food culture, while drinking tea is a great introduction to Korean courtesy and manners.
Two women from Singapore spent the past three months preparing for their journey to Korea this winter. They decided to visit Yoo’s Family for an unforgettable experience of Korean culture. “Dado,” the art of drinking tea, and kimchi making were eye-openers for the two travelers. They never lost their cheery smiles throughout the experience.
This is the 69th in a series of articles highlighting tourism spots in Seoul. The guide for planning weekend trips in the capital city will help readers rediscover Seoul. - Ed.
Written by Yoon Kyoo-Sik
Korean winters inspire a special feeling of anticipation to people living in Southeast Asia, where it is warm year-round.
The on-going Korean Wave is ushering more foreign tourists to Korea. Cindy Phua (30) and Ong Lai Chun (27), both researchers in Singapore, were just two such people.
Three years ago, Phua and Ong were co-workers. Although they now work in different places, they got decided to experience the Korean winter together and took a week-long trip here at the end of February. Starting from Jeju Island, they planned to experience Korean culture and visit ancient palaces. They also wanted to spend a day shopping for cosmetics in Myeong-dong. The two excited travelers had searched the internet for places to visit and food to try, setting up a perfect schedule before they departed. They had found out about Yoo’s Family on the internet. Here, they would be able to experience dado and learn how to make kimchi. So, one drizzling February morning, Phua and Ong entered through the hanok gates of Yoo’s Family.
Dado, beauty in moderation
Located next to Changdeok Palace, Yoo’s Family is situated in a neat hanok building. The raindrops falling from the eaves added a special aura to the picturesque house. The building itself is more than a century old, but its interior has been renovated to create a cozy, comfortable living space. The temperature had come down with the rain, but the floors of the building were nice and warm thanks to the traditional ondol under-floor heating.
It was Phua and Ong’s first time visiting a Korean home and experiencing dado. Their dado teacher for today is Huh Im, who runs the house. As she collects the necessary things for their dado experience, her gentle smile and modest, modernized hanbok create an ethereal harmony.
With a calm voice, she explains how to pour tea, hold a tea cup and drink it. Phua and Ong follow her instructions and hold the tea cups to their lips. The dado lecture proceeded smoothly but the solemn atmosphere kept them alert. They had to sit kneeling down, an important part of the custom.
Mistress Huh Im then taught them that when offering tea, it is a common courtesy to offer the guest another cup of tea after the first cup. While preparing the second cup, she continued, refreshments must be brought in. The refreshments of the day were hangwa, Korean traditional sweets and cookies. The two eager faces brightened as they bit into the sweet, crispy hangwa. They looked at each other and nodded in appreciation.
While they enjoyed their tea, Huh spoke about Korean culture and hanok buildings. The dado experience in the solemn but unoppressive atmosphere has left a deep impression on Phua and Ong.
Making Korean kimchi
In addition to dado, Phua and Ong wanted to learn how to make kimchi. In contrast to their dado lecture, where manners and formalities were emphasized, the kimchi-making was a merry process. While they sliced radishes and chopped scallions to make kimchi seasoning, they talked about everything from serious issues to funny stories.
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Phua had first tasted kimchi three years ago through a Korean friend while studying in New Zealand. She had been captivated by the crispy, spicy taste of kimchi, and had wanted to learn how to make Korea’s favorite food.
Finally, the seasoning was ready. They each picked a pickled cabbage leaf, added some seasoning, rolled it up and popped it into their mouths. The spicy, savory taste of kimchi filled their mouths as they readied another leaf. Phua and Ong taste each other’s kimchi and smile.
Their kimchi was neatly packed, ready for them to take home. They turned down the offer for the packaging to be made tighter for them to take back to Singapore — they could not wait. They just asked for simple packaging so that they could enjoy their kimchi as soon as they returned to their hotel.
Interview:
Cindy Phua (30) Research Officer
Ong Lai Chun (27) Research Associate
▲ How was your experience today?
It was both fun and interesting. I didn’t know kimchi was made of pickled cabbage and chili powder seasoning.
▲ How was your dado experience?
Sitting on my knees was extremely difficult. My legs hurt throughout the lecture. It was my first time, but I would like to experience it again. I love dado. I want to buy the dado set and take it home with me.
▲ Do you drink a lot of tea in Singapore?
We usually just drink tea made from a tea bag. Not many young people drink tea the traditional way. Only those who are interested enjoy it.
▲ How do you like kimchi?
Aged kimchi and less fermented kimchi taste different. I like the spicy taste, but more than that, I love the crispiness when you bite into it.
▲What is your impression of Korea?
Korean people seem very busy. They are always walking very fast. We want to walk through the streets of Myeong-dong and buy a lot of cosmetics. Korea has a lot of high quality, affordable beauty products.
Yoo’s Family
Yoo’s Family, run by the Yoos as the name suggests, operates various programs that give people the chance to experience Korean culture in a hanok. The programs are directed by the family’s daughter-in-law, Huh Im. If needed, an interpreter assists communication between the lecturer and students.
Participants can experience Korean domestic culture, which is unusual for a tourist program. The main programs include the traditional tea drinking ceremony, “dado,” wearing traditional dress, learning Korean courtesy and manners, making kimchi, and lessons in Korean cooking.
The program has continued for more than a decade, and thousands of foreign tourists have participated. People who join the program come from diverse backgrounds — from ordinary tourists through foreign students and even businessmen. Reservations can be made online or by telephone.
Inquiries: 82-2-3673-0323, www.korea-family.co.kr