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A traditional mask dancer in Andong takes a rest after a day of performing.
/ Korea Times photos by Shim Hyun-chul |
Mask Dances, Mushrooms, Pampas Grass, Shads...
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Summer is coming to an end and the time has come to watch the trees change color to red and brown. To enjoy the cool season to the utmost, provinces and organizations have prepared fall festivals.
From catching shad and searching for pine mushrooms to dancing behind Korean traditional masks, there are numerous ways to celebrate the harvest season.
 Gwangyang Jeoneo Festival
Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, is holding its annual ``jeoneo'' festival Oct. 3-5, transforming itself into a haven for fresh fish.
The festival was started in 1998 to share the rich culture of Gwangyang and Mangdeok Port. Jeoneo, a type of shad, is mostly eaten baked, broiled or fried but is also perfect for sashimi and other delicacies during this season. Gwangyang, where jeoneo are plentiful this time of year, is the perfect place to go for the fish. Although relatively small in size, jeoneo is known for its juicy and almond-like taste. There is even a Korean proverb ``The daughter-in-law who ran away from home will come back when she smells the aroma of broiled jeoneo.'' More than 50 restaurants will offer their own distinctive recipes using the fresh ingredient. At the port visitors can get a glimpse of traditional ``jeoneo fishing'' complete with costumes and ancient chanting. Guests can also listen to the jeoneo fishing song, which is still sung by the fishermen during the season, and also participate in other folk games and events including a traditional tug-of-war, dance and rituals. Visitors can get to Gwangyang by bus through Gwangju, Suncheon and Jinju. For more information, call (061) 797-2721 (Korean).
Andong Mask Dance Festival
Visit Andong, North Gyeongsang Province to experience colorful traditional masks and dance. The city is holding the 12th Andong Mask Dance Festival from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5. Andong is a famous cultural venue in Korea that British Queen Elizabeth II visited during her trip in 1999. With downtown and Hahoe Village as the main venues, the whole city will transform into a colorful location for friends and families to enjoy.
Some 20 traditional dance troupes and others from China, Thailand and Russia will offer their special culture through dance moves and masks.
For those who want to learn Korean culture beyond masks and dance, there is the Andong Folk Festival in Hahoe Village with events and numerous exhibitions. At the folk festival, visitors can watch shamanist rituals, chajeonnori (a kind of tug-of-war) and other traditional events.
The Hahoe Village is a cultural spot with hanok, or Korean traditional houses, creating the illusion of having traveled back to the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). There will also be an exhibition on jangseung, which is a traditional totem that stood in front of every village to protect it from evil spirits and produce good luck. Other exhibitions will display masks, ``hanji'' or Korean paper crafts, traditional embroidery and even stamps. Tickets for the festival cost from 2,000 won to 5,000 won. Visitors can get to Andong by bus and train. For more information, visit www.maskdance.com (English and Korean) or call (054) 841-6398.
Bonghwa Pine Mushroom Festival 2008
Visit Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province, and join the 12th Bonghwa Pine Mushroom Festival from Sept. 27 to 30.
The festival will not only offer the chance to pick pine mushrooms, but also enable visitors to look into the food and traditions of Bonghwa. Starting with a symposium about the festival and the Bonghwa pine mushrooms as a brand, Bonghwa County has prepared fun events like a pine mushroom bowling competition and even a golf course where the golfers use wooden golf clubs and a pine cone as a ball.
For those who are looking for a more educational experience, cooking classes will be offered at the venue, where participants can learn various recipes featuring mushrooms. Brush out the stress by walking through a forest of pine trees or even learn to meditate at a temple hidden inside Mt. Cheongryang, surrounded by pine trees.
A good pine mushroom has to have a silvery white-colored stem, while the cap must be thick. The thicker and longer the stem, the better in quality, experts say.
Visitors can get to Bonghwa by train and bus. For more information, call (054) 679-6282 (Korean) or visit www.bonghwa.go.kr/potal/songi/index.html.
 Pampas Grass and Reeds
Pampas grass and a field of reeds represent the romantic fall season, and people can experience these backdrops at various locations.
Mt. Mindung, located in Gangwon Province, is covered with pampas grass this time of year, providing a treat for visitors and climbers. The Jeongseon County holds a Pampas Grass Festival every year from late September to November. This year, the festival committee is preparing other events including performances, rituals and markets. Simply watching the tall grass blowing in the wind will make a great autumn moment. For more information, visit http://nm.jeongseon.go.kr or call (033) 591-9141.
For a quick getaway, visit Sky Park located near the Seoul World Cup Stadium. It's a park, but you have to climb to get there. Once visitors climb up the 1.4- kilometer hill, they can find the whole area covered with pampas grass waving in the wind. The perfect spot to enjoy the season in the quickest and perhaps the most convenient way for those living in Seoul, Sky Park will help restore your strength from the sultry summer and prepare for the cool autumn and chilly winter.
For more information visit http://worldcuppark.seoul.go.kr
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
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