The 1st Korean Culture Festival in City of Millbrae celebrated with commemoration, traditional and modern performances, and activities for attendees to experience. Both the Korean National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner opened the festivities for a few hundred people on a beautiful fall day in this diverse San Francisco Bay community.
Hosted by the Korean Culture Festival Committee, this inaugural event was created to learn about Korean culture through experience rather than study. It was their hope that people would walk away with more than just an understanding of the culture and that it would galvanize people from all walks of life regardless of their heritage. Opening remarks by community leaders and guests kicked off the festivities. All were invited to check out the addition of a Korean section at the city library.
Links to these groups are throughout the article. Visit them to learn more.
Hosted by the Korean Culture Festival Committee, this inaugural event was created to learn about Korean culture through experience rather than study. It was their hope that people would walk away with more than just an understanding of the culture and that it would galvanize people from all walks of life regardless of their heritage. Opening remarks by community leaders and guests kicked off the festivities. All were invited to check out the addition of a Korean section at the city library.
Links to these groups are throughout the article. Visit them to learn more.
Junghyun Lee - MC, Eun Kyung Jung - Director of Millbrae Korean Culture Festival Committee, Dong Man Han - Consul General of Republic of Korea in SF, Wayne J. Lee - Major of Millbrae City, Jakie H. Kim - VP of KACCSF.
A Samulnori performance by UC Berkeley EGO began Part 2 of the festivities. This percussion art has evolved over the years and basically means "four instruments" refering to the instruments kwaengwari, jung, janggu, and buk. P’ungmul performances can include dances with a headpiece with a long attached ribbon that twirls around the musician.
Members from the Millbrae Youth Chamber performed Arirang, New Arirang on strings.
Members from the Millbrae Youth Chamber performed Arirang, New Arirang on strings.
| |
The Tae Kwon Do Black Belt School gave an awe inducing demonstration of this martial art. Boards, bricks and bottles were demolished as they showed their strength and focus skills. After this performance there was no way you could walk away without wanting to be able to do this yourself.
The Fan Dance was performed by a member of the the Ongdance Company & Ongdance School. Wearing a colorful hanbok and with the graceful use of the fans, the dancer delighted the crowd with this traditional dance that was introduced in Korea during the 1800's.
SF Korean Symphony members performed Canon/ B. Rosette.
The performances ended with a bang...literally. Many drums were brought on stage and the group, Urisawe pounded out Sam-Go-Mu. So Awesome!
Bay Area station, 24hrKPOP filmed the performances. The following is a sampling they aired on their news. For full performances, visit them on YouTube here.
SF Korean Symphony members performed Canon/ B. Rosette.
The performances ended with a bang...literally. Many drums were brought on stage and the group, Urisawe pounded out Sam-Go-Mu. So Awesome!
Bay Area station, 24hrKPOP filmed the performances. The following is a sampling they aired on their news. For full performances, visit them on YouTube here.
Following the performances, guests visited several stations where they could experience Korean activities. Food, crafts, and activities meant to be enjoyed hands on shared some of the many things from South Korea, both old and new.
The line formed immediately to pick up a delicious Bibimbap freshly made by the Bibimbap Backpackers who are on a mission to share this healthy dish with the world. Another station let us complete the final steps to making rice cakes - pounding, cutting and dipping in a flavored coating. What Korean event is complete without gifts of appreciation for the attendees? Popular Korean snacks were shared as we parted - roasted seaweed snacks, Pepero and Choco Pies! (The Choco Pie was devoured before the photo op!)
Crafts included paper folding to make a Bokjumeoni Luck Pouch. We had the opportunity to write our names in Hangeul Calligraphy using brush and ink. The bookmark involved careful tight stitching. Clay and yarn were the foundation for making a Binyo (hair pin).
Elise learned the layering and tying of the Han Bok dress. This traditional attire can still be seen on the streets of Korean as it is still worn on special occations and holidays. Often they are very colorful with ornate embroidery. For some occations, a more subdued look and style is appropriate. Once dressed, she was instructed in a formal Jeol, a bow to show respect.
Time slipped away before we personally experienced all of the activities. Other guests enjoyed a facepainting station and learned the kicking game, Ttakji.
Over all, the event was filled with a variety of ways to learn about and experience many different aspects of the Korean culture. We both walked away with a greater familiarity with Korean life. The event was a success in achieving the goal of experiencing the traditions, talents, and warmth of the Korean culture regardless of one's heritage.
Thank you City of Millbrae, the committee, and volunteers. Well done!
By Melodie Everson
Blossom Petal Productions
Founder of To: Hallyu, with Love
[email protected]
Photo credits to Melodie Everson & Elise Everson of Blossom Petal Productions
Time slipped away before we personally experienced all of the activities. Other guests enjoyed a facepainting station and learned the kicking game, Ttakji.
Over all, the event was filled with a variety of ways to learn about and experience many different aspects of the Korean culture. We both walked away with a greater familiarity with Korean life. The event was a success in achieving the goal of experiencing the traditions, talents, and warmth of the Korean culture regardless of one's heritage.
Thank you City of Millbrae, the committee, and volunteers. Well done!
By Melodie Everson
Blossom Petal Productions
Founder of To: Hallyu, with Love
[email protected]
Photo credits to Melodie Everson & Elise Everson of Blossom Petal Productions
RSS Feed