Korean Festivals: An Excellent Way of Experiencing the Many Faces of Korea

To understand the culture of a particular country, one must see and experience its festivals. Festivals mirror the rich culture of a country. Through these events, one can appreciate the uniqueness of its people, culture and heritage. Festivals are also conducted to promote almost everything, not only culture and arts but they are celebrated to promote agricultural products, food, crafts, and a lot more. And Korea is no different from the rest, for festivals are aplenty in Korea. To maximize your visit to the country, it would be a good idea to plan your visit to coincide with some of the festivals. With this kind of arrangement, you will not only enjoy the sights and sounds of the country, as any regular tourist does in any trip, but you will experience and be mesmerized in the unique festivities which will take place.

Since the last quarter of the year is just around the bend, I’ll be featuring some of the festivals of Korea starting with those to be held in the month of October. Aside from the festivals, they say that Korea during this time of year is lovely with the sparkling scenery created by the vivid colors of autumn.

Andong Intenational Mask Dance Festival
This festival not only showcases the different mask dance of Korea but also the mask dance of invited international mask dance troupes. Aside from the performances, visitors will have a great time taking part in the various mask dance lessons offered during the festival which will be held from September 25 till October 4.

Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival
A festival which will be held from October 1 till the 12th commemorates the anniversary of the Jinjuseong battles. The significance of the lanterns during that time in Korean history takes center stage, as activities all zero in on lanterns, from wishing lanterns being floated in the water after sunset, which creates a spectacular night scenery; to the exhibition of traditional lanterns and hanging of wishing lanterns. The lanterns hold a special place in Korean history since it was used by General Kim Si-min to delay the crossing of Japanese soldiers at the Namgang River during the Japanese Invasion. The lanterns were also used as a means of communication by the soldiers with their families during those dark days in Korean history.

Pusan International Film Festival
The foremost film festival in Korea will be held from October 8 till the 16th. This is Korea’s largest film festival and is considered as the “film festival” of Asia. Numerous movies from all over the world will be screened during the festival giving visitors a chance to enjoy various movie genres.

Baekje Cultural Festival
The Baekje Cultural Festival will be held from October 9 till the 18th. Among the many events during the celebration is the re-enactment of various royal court ceremonies as well as a memorial ceremony for the 4 kings that reigned over the Baekje Dynasty and also other cultural events that will surely captivate all visitors.

Youngju Punggi Ginseng Festival
Ginseng is known as a natural medicine and ginseng from Korea is considered to be the best in the world. Yeongju is a major ginseng producing area in the country and it will hold its Ginseng Festival from October 13 – 18th to showcase the local food made from ginseng. Visitors will be treated to a variety of activities focusing on ginseng.

Jarasum International Jazz Festival
This international jazz festival will be graced by 30 jazz groups from 12 different countries and will be held on October 15 – 18. Every year, this festival is visited by more than 100,000 people.

Busan Jagalchi Festival
Jagalchi Market is one of Busan’s most famous tourist attraction as well as the largest seafood market in Korea. During the festival, unusual types of fish as well as excellent sashimi at bargain prices are in store for visitors. The festival will run from October 21 -25.


Icheon Rice Cultural Festival
Icheon is said to be the producer of the best rice in Korea, thus, to celebrate not only their famous rice produce but also their various agricultural practices, the Icheon Rice Cultural Festival is held annually, and this year it will be conducted from October 22 – 25.

Gwangju Kimchi Festival
What will Korea be without kimchi? The Gwangju Kimchi Festival which will be held from October 23 – November 1, celebrates the most popular dish associated with Korea. Visitors will be able to learn how to make kimchi and will also be given the chance to sample the different types of kimchi as well as other dishes. For people who are interested in Korea’s traditional food, this is a must festival for you to attend.

Ceramics Festival of Gimhae
To be held in Korea’s most famous ceramic village, Gimhae, the festival will be held from October 23 – November 1. For ceramic lovers, not only will you have the chance to join programs that will allow you to make your own ceramics or execute your own artistic designs but you can also buy special ceramic wares which will be on sale at discounted prices.

October seems to be a jam-packed month of activities in Korea and it is a perfect time to explore, experience and enjoy the many facets of the country, from its natural wonders to its colorful festivals as well as its delicious delicacies. Indeed, limitless possibilities awaits everyone in Korea.

Kimchi

Talk of Korean food and I’m pretty sure that the first thing that will come to your mind is kimchi. Kimchi is the most popular food associated with Korea. Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish which comes in different varieties, more than 160 varieties to be exact, and is prepared differently depending on the ingredients used, the time of year it was made, and, what region it came from. It is a regular mainstay in every Korean meal and is the most common pancham or side dish. However, kimchi is more than a side dish as it is combined with other ingredients to make other popular Korean dishes, such as kimchi jjigae, kimchi pancakes and kimchi fried rice.

Accordingly, the name kimchi is believed to have evolved from the word ji, which then became chimchae, literally meaning soaked vegetables, then dimchae, timchae, jimchi, and finally kimchi.

During the ancient times, kimchi was made of only cabbage and beef stock, a far cry from what it has evolved into these days, it was only during the 12th century that people begun adding several spices and seasoning. And in the 18th century, the red chili pepper finally became a major ingredient in kimchi.

A lot of vegetable can be made into kimchi, but the most popular variety is that made of cabbage or what they call baechu. Standard seasoning for kimchi include brine, scallions and seasonings. Other seasonings such as ginger, onions, fish sauce and fresh seafood are the most commonly used.

Although kimchi can be found in the entire Korean peninsula, its taste and appearance differs from region to region. Kimchi from the northern part tends to have less salt, less red chilli and usually no brined seafood for seasoning, and its consistency is more watery as compared to that of the other regions. While kimchi from the southern part is usually the opposite of how they prepare it in the north, it uses more salt, chili peppers and brined seafood (it may be brined anchovy or brined shrimp which is allowed to ferment).

Chungcheong is said to have the greatest varieties of kimchi while the saltiest and spiciest kimchi comes from Gyeongsan.

During the early parts of winter, Koreans celebrate what they call Gimjang, an age-old tradition of making kimchi for the coldest winter months. Usually done during the latter part of October or early November, it is considered a big event that close relatives, several neighbor housewives, and men help in this activity.

A Kimchi Festival is also held annually in Gwangju. Started in 1994, the festival highlights Korea’s kimchi culture and is usually conducted every October or November. During the festival, which lasts for several days, visitors are given the opportunity to make, taste, and buy kimchi products. Cultural presentations are also part of this festival.

Due to its health benefits, the popularity of kimchi has been steadily growing worldwide. Since it is made of various vegetables, kimchi is low in calorie yet rich in dietary fiber. It is also rich in Vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), C, calcium and iron, and also contains lactic acid.

Kimchi, definitely a Korean dish.