The Korean traditional performing arts showcasing the ordinary people’s life through the history is a synthetic art composed with songs, dances, music and comedy. It started from long ago before the art form is divided into several different genres of music, dance and more, becoming the model of the future art.
Jeongdong Theater represents Korea’s traditional performance production, revealing a brand new performance wherein the story of real people from Korean history is rewritten, also providing a special opportunity to experience Korea’s gisaeng culture, folk dance and royal theatricals on a single performance stage. Let’s explore the beauty of Korean culture through the movements of the traditional dance and choose one of the courses based on your preference.
In the theater, participants can learn all about Gugak, Korean national music, from pansori, traditional dance to janggu from professional performers. For pansori, a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer, which also proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.The Janggu experience in Jeongdong Theater is a unique cultural experience to learn exciting Samul (Korean traditional percussion) rhythm from the professional players.
Here, participants get the chance to perform the music of Korea and share the lessons learnt with the team members to create a harmony, as well as experience the amusing rhythm created through the ensembles of diverse instruments, an ancient music genre in Korea using percussion instruments.
Participants will first learn how to play the instruments they are given. Then gather into small groups to play together and then lastly, everyone will gather together to play in ensemble. The harmonious sound made together with your teammates per session reflects the success of the team building each time.
While coronavirus cases continue climbing globally, the performing arts scene in Korea is also turning to a different stage, online platforms. To cope the crisis, some performing arts production has been streaming shows through YouTube Live or other streaming platforms, performing in front of cameras, rather than patronising in seats in person. The performances range from classical music and Korean music to dance, offering audiences a chance to enjoy stage art from home and have a better understanding of Korean culture before next visit to Seoul.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy online Gugak concert from home through National Gugak Centre YouTube channel. This might create an interest of audiences to watch live in the theatre and have real hands-on experience with Korean traditional music and dance while waiting the right time to travel again near future.
When first venturing into the world of Korean martial arts, you may be surprised at the number of different types that exist. Between Taekyyeon, Taekwondo and others, the options and styles to fit your preferences can seem overwhelming. Martial art is more than just kicking and punching! Let’s join one of the Korean traditional martial arts classes, learning basic self-defence moves while making your mind peaceful and synchronise your mind with your movements.
Taekkyeon, a representative traditional martial art of Korea which taekwondo started from and is characterised by its fluid, dynamic foot and knee movements. The goal of Taekkyeon is to knock over the opponent with the foot and knee movements called “Stepping-on-Triangles”.
Kyulyun Taekkyeon Association, located in a popular tourist destination in Insadong, Seoul, where you get to experience both taekkyeon and other places of attractions in one go! After putting on the uniform, the professional master will teach participants about the history of Taekkyeon, how to greet and basic to advance moves!
If you attend the class with your friends, you can practice the martial art together, then have a Taekkyeon battle and find out who mastered the art first! It is very special and unique that your group will have stories to tell for a long time. While wrapping up the class you may take photos together with the masters and friends, as well as getting a Taekkyeon experience certificate (optional) as a fun memory!
Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind and emphasises on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks and fast kicking techniques!
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the word “Tae-Kwon-Do”. “Tae” means foot, leg or to step on; “Kwon” means fist or fight and “Do” means way or discipline. Thus, Taekwondo means “the right way of using all parts of your body to stop fights and help to create a better and more peaceful world”. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.
Cosmojin tour can arrange any bleisure trip with a Taekwando class in Seoul. In this activity class, participants can try on the Taekwon Dobok (Taekwondo uniform), learn the history of Taekwondo, the basic to advanced moves of Taekwondo and how to break a pine board in a second from black belt holders.
In addition, holding the team matches for team building programme and trying out new moves are for more advanced participants. It is easy and fun for anyone who is interested in the traditional martial arts rooted from the early Korean bare-hand combat, Taekwondo.
The main difference between Taekkyeon and Taekwondo is that Taekwondo is much more efficient. Taekkyeon is older and incorporates kicking, punching and arm strikes similar to Taekwondo, however Taekyyeon also adds a variety of throws, take downs and grappling techniques.
More information about PLUS SEOUL and Seoul Convention Bureau is available at www.miceseoul.com.