Traditional night market to open at hanok village
People shop at a traditional night market at Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul, during last year's session. / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
By Kim Jae-heun
Seoulites will have a chance to experience the traditional culture of the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom as various events including a night market will be offered at Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul during the fall.
Especially during the Chuseok holiday, which falls between Sept. 12 to 14 this year, a variety of traditional performances, experiences and cuisine will be offered under the name of “Standard of Chuseok.”
The poster of traditional events to be held at Namsangok Hanok Village in central Seoul during the Chuseok holiday from Sept. 12 to 14 / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
On the first day, there will be a program where visitors can try making traditional delicacies such as “songpyeon,” a half-moon-shaped rice cake usually eaten on Chuseok, and “yugwa,” a deep-fried sweet rice cake. Traditional food masters will provide guidance and participants can take their tasty treats home.
On the second day, performers will present a traditional seasonal performance with a cow theme, which used to be held during the harvest season around Chuseok. After the performance, visitors will be invited to participate in a traditional dance using long ribbons.
On Saturday, the last day of the event, visitors will be able to see 15 types of “jeon,” or pan-fried delicacies which are typically served during Chuseok.
Also from Sept. 14, the “1890 Namsangol Night Market” will reopen there following a renovation of the village. It will operate every Saturday through Oct. 26, except for Oct. 12.
The market's overarching theme is a night fair of the late Joseon era. Leaflets and signs will be written in calligraphy, and the currency unit will be not won but “nyang,” which was used during Joseon Kingdom. Merchants will wear traditional hanbok and use Joseon-era accents.
The market will open at 4 p.m. and close at 9:30 p.m.
This year, the night market will adopt different themes every week, where one week sellers will offer colorful handicrafts and the next week stalls will be filled with healthy agricultural products.
On Sept. 14 and Oct. 5, the market will invite local governments to sell their specialties at prices discounted by 10 percent to 30 percent.
On Sept. 21 and Oct. 19, Seoul Global Center will host a flea market under the name of the “Global Night Market,” where foreign residents will sell items from their homelands.
Visitors to the hanok village can enjoy various traditional games including ring toss, “yunnori” (a traditional board game using four sticks) and “jegi chagi” (tassel kicking) free of charge. There will also be other programs where foreign visitors can learn about Korean culture and Chuseok.
Visit hanokmaeul.or.kr for more information.