“ Be sure to stray off the beaten path
into the tiny, twisting alleys, where the
charm is greatest.
”
Bukchon Hanok Village
Credit: Agustin Rafael Reyes/Flickr Commons
of the neighborhood’s residents, who complain about noise, littering,
and graffiti. Efforts are ongoing to find a healthy balance, but it begins
with respectful visitors.
NANTA
Since its first performance in 1997, this combo cooking, comedy,
music, magic, and acrobatics show has seen massive growth in
popularity worldwide, even appearing off Broadway in New York. The
mostly non-verbal “story” follows the tale of three cooks racing to
prepare a wedding banquet, all while trying to teach and dodge their
manager’s bumbling nephew. Of particular note is the use of rhythmic
traditional Korean Samul nori music, played here with cutting boards,
kitchen knives, pots, pans, and drums. Audience participation is part
of the show, be it dodging the flying chopped vegetables, or going on
stage to take part in the shenanigans.
KIMCHI FIELD MUSEUM
There is no more iconic condiment in Korea than spicy kimchi. Served
with nearly every meal, the fermented cabbage and radish dish comes
in dozens of varieties, with recipes that include garlic, salt, vinegar,
c hili peppers, and other spices. It’s also considered one of the
healthiest foods in the world, thanks to the high doses of vitamins A,
B, and C, and “healthy bacteria” for your gut. Dive deep into the story
of this superfood at The Kimchi Field Museum, which not only depicts
its history and production, but teaches you how to make it yourself in
hands-on weekly classes. The fruits of your labor are then packed up
to take home.
SEOULLO 7017
Inspired by New York City’s famous High Line Park, the mayor of
Seoul sought a similar make-over for a crumbling highway overpass
going through the center of the city. Unveiled in 2017, the 3,000-ft.-
long “Skygarden” not only bursts with 24,000 native trees shrubs and
flowers, arranged according to the letters of the Korean alphabet,
but also features playgrounds for kids (trampolines included), event
spaces for art exhibitions and concerts, puppet theaters, fountains,
shops, and eateries. The number 7 is anything but random, referring
to its original construction in the 1970s, its height of 17 meters (56
feet) above the ground, and 17 distinct sections.
NORYANGJIN FISH MARKET
This mega fish market, selling 250 to 300 tons of marine products
every day is staggering in size, sound, variety and aroma. The bonanza
of weird and wonderful sea creatures at the 700 stalls make for great
photos, so feel free to snap away. If in the mood to purchase, expect
to haggle, as it’s part of the fun. Restaurant reps are at hand to
sweep you and your catch into their kitchen, where they’ll cook it for
you. The bravest may want to try san-nakji or octopus sashimi, which
is served while the tentacles are still wriggling. Although busy during
the day, the main event begins early, 3 am, to be exact, with the daily
live auction. This may be one of the only places in Korea to leave your
fanciest clothes behind, particularly shoes, unless you don’t mind
slipping around in puddles of fishy water.
SUYEONSANBANG
As in much of Asia, tea in Korea is a traditional way to foster
harmony in nature, strengthen the mind, improve health, and attain
enlightenment. Steep yourself in them all at this teahouse established
in the former home of 20th-century Korean author Lee Tae-Jun by his
descendants, hence the name that translates as “a small home in the
forest where literary people used to meet.” Amid a collection of folk
artifacts inside the hanok or out in the courtyard garden, sip soothing
cups of medicinal and wild green teas, enhanced further with bamboo
rice cakes, and patbingsu, a traditional dessert of shaved ice, sweet
red beans and fruit.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
WINTER 2017/18 51 FLYWASHINGTON.COM