Mulloskeys Adventures Abroad

This one goes out to Erin:

If you are in Korea and you want to experience traditional life in a fun and interactive way, check out the Suwon Folk Village. If you have the option, go in fall. It was a spectacular day and the colours as provided Erin and I with another magnificent day in our quest to rediscover Korea.

Essentially, it is like Pioneer Village (Judes, I know you remember the PV) except the history goes back much further. Moreover many traditions, techniques and and building designs are still practiced today. The following post will be mostly pictures and brief captions (somewhat by popular request as most of my friends have complained of late of my loquaciousness).

Fall is the ideal time to explore Korea. Fall and its colourful leaves, seem to last much longer than at home with consistent mild temperatures. We couldn’t have picked a better day to go.

Old style huts, crafts, tools and gardens made up the majority of the exhibitions. Captions explained what some things were used for like the “container for urine” and “dog” (It was ridiculous to have dogs on display like this).

A river runs through it and walking over the bridge we saw a man in a boat fishing. Obviously imitating the old ways. The light wind turned the boat revealing a decrepit, extremely haunting, mannequin. How any kid seeing this could not have nightmares is impossible. (Sorry I couldn’t zoom any further)

In one of the inlets was a sign indicating this was where some famous Korean movies had been filmed. We were even lucky enough to get a picture with its biggest star, Jang Geum, who happened to be there that day. I was star struck!

Actually, for any of you who know, I was just really jealous to see this woman had her own life-sized cardboard cutout (you all know how much I want one of these).

Wandering through more of the village we got to see what you would expect. Tool makers, farmers, weavers and souvenir vendors in action. Just as they would have been hundreds of years ago.

The most impressive shots from this very amateur photographer came in capturing the dried maze and herbs that hung from the sides of the houses. 8″ x 11″ printouts are available for purchase. Please contact us.

Continuing around the place we found totem-like carvings and straw crafts. In the trees hung coloured fabrics and a large stone pile was adorned with tiny paper prayer offerings.

While were there, there was a wonderful horse show (traditional war riding) as well as some great traditional dancing and drumming (for which Korea is famous). The dance was totally hypnotic because the men wear these funny-looking hats with what can only be described as a rhythmic gymnast’s ribbon that they move with unique precision using only the movement of their heads. Check out some pics and video.

it cannot be overstated how perfect the day was. The leaves were just starting to fall. The striking colours reminding us of home. In addition, small fires around the village brought smoke through the trees and allowing the beams of sunlight to take shape.

So if you are in Korea – check it out.