An-nyeong!
I know I promised that I was going to blog like crazy while in Korea, but my first month has been super busy and a bit overwhelming at times, so blogging has been the least of my concerns. But I am finally adapting to my surroundings and no longer getting lost every five seconds. At one point, I seriously considered strapping a GPS to my forehead anytime I left my apartment, which I am now going to start referring to as my "flat" because it makes me feel European and exotic. Yes, I know I am not in Europe, but I have yet to learn the Korean word for apartment. Hello...I'm still working on the alphabet!
Anyway, this weekend I am going on a bit of an adventure with three of my new friends. We are taking the KTX, which is a high-speed train, to Mokpo (I think). Then we are heading to Yeongam for the annual cultural festival. Mr. Kim, who reminds me of my grandad, and I had a long conversation at school today about Yeongam and it's history and influence on Japan. Here is a brief synopsis, which I am yet again plagiarizing...
Every April South Korea hosts the Wangin Culture Festival which is a celebration of the culture shared between Japan and South Korea.
Dr Wangin, an inspiration in creating cultural links between the two countries, is remembered during the event which takes place at Yeongam.
At Yeongam where he was born, people meet for a procession that remembers him leaving for Japan. He was originally sent to Japan to help the Paekche Kingdom improve their border relations in time of war, and the festival is one of the oldest celebrations in Korea. He taught the Japanese all about the culture of the Paekche Kingdom and is also well known in Japan where he is considered an important cultural figure.
Travellers visiting Korea will also find that the festival coincides with the blossoming of the cherry trees and is often named the "cherry blossom festival".
